US Thursday Night Picks - The Winners Enclosure

Thursday Night Picks

Gulfstream 18:26 - Ghostliner

Ghostliner pulled clear when second at Woodbine last time out and this represents a stiff drop in grade so it would be disappointing if he couldn’t manage to get his head in-front.

That switch to the dirt surface evidently suited the grey, and with Mark Casse is typically strong form, he looks likely to go one better here.

Gulfstream 19:58 - Holding Court

Of those with form, Holding Court rates the one to side with in this maiden for Brian Lynch and Romero Maragh.

This 2-y-o filly is a half-sister to a three-time winner at this trip and her debut at Churchill Downs smacked of a horse sure to go on and win races.

She was only narrowly denied, finishing 2l clear of third, and is entitled to improve for that here.

Stall 2.

Gulfstream 22:05 - Radiant Gem

In the final race at Gulfstream we are taking a chance on 2-y-o filly Radiant Gem improving for the switch to Kathleen O’Connell.

She takes a marked drop in class so a reproduction of what she has done previously would suffice, and there is every chance her new stable can bring out some improvement.

Should stay 1m.

Tampa Bay - 20:48 - Provocateur

Our sole selection on the Tampa card is Provocateur for Todd Pletcher and Antonio Gallardo.

Well backed over 1m on debut, this colt shaped as though he’d appreciate a drop in trip, and he did just that when fourth over 6f the next time.

He paid the price for duelling with his rival early that day, which resulted in both of the front-runners dropping out late, and a more tactically-astute ride here from the track’s no1 ride will help.

The one to beat.

James Mackie | @JMackieRacing