US racing tips: Templegate’s best bets for the meeting at Gulfstream on Sky Sports Racing on Thursday
GULFSTREAM PARK
6.00
MYFIRSTEXWIFE has been off for two months but that is her only negative and it’s not the biggest.
She comes down in class on the back of a good second over course and distance when she met trouble in running. Her trainer has a fantastic record when dropping his horses in grade and can land another winner with that tactic.
6.35
Wesley Ward is known as the juvenile king in the States and he will have both of his runners fit and ready to go on debut.
GEM THIEF could just have the edge over Tharos with top rider Irad Ortiz on board. The tip’s dam has a high strike-rate and she has been working well ahead of this first run.
Lyrical is another who has put in some decent trackwork and won’t lack for fitness. Her trainer is not known for first-time-out winners but keep an eye out for a market move.
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7.09
CHIC AND SEXY clocked a personal best on her first run for trainer Benny Cadahia when a close-up second here last time. She clocked a good time and is at home over today’s distance.
Take Charge Again has the perfect inside draw and can be forgiven a modest run last time when forced wide. She’s a threat, while Stormy Boss will be much happier back in a sprint after running out of petrol over a mile here latest.
7.41
GARNER STATE PARK comes from the top jockey and trainer team at the track and has shown lots of promise on her two runs so far. She has been just over a length off the winner each time and has already shown a liking for this turf track.
8.13
INDIAN COUNSELOR takes a fair drop in class and goes back on his favoured turf track. He won a much hotter race than this on grass three runs ago and his trainer has a high strike-rate at this level.
Digital Footprint is back from a break but was keeping better company than this at Aqueduct. He may need this unless the market speaks.
Bourbon Currency has a tricky draw but the booking of red-hot jockey Ortiz catches the eye.
8.45
CELTIC BROTHERHOOD has the plum inside draw and can make the most of it. He showed real promise when second on debut over course and distance last time. He has worked really well since then and is sure to take a step forward today.
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9.17
FIBER OPTIC was backed off the boards before finishing third on her hat-trick bid here last time. It was still a good effort and she worked very sharply the other day.
Heir Ball was a place ahead of the tip latest and there won’t be much between them again, while Royally Cool will be happy dropping in trip on this comeback and is a threat.
9.48
NOWITNA RIVER came home with a rattle over a slightly shorter distance here last month. The line came too soon so this longer trip looks a wise move and her trainer does well with horses having their second run under his care as she does today.
10.19
AUGUSTA MOON has been knocking on the door and went mighty close again here last time. This slightly shorter distance should suit well and the booking of Luis Saez is a plus.
Sammie Sunshine has her sights lowered after a modest effort over six furlongs last time. She was better over this mile before than and is interesting going back on turf.
Bean Counter has been beaten as favourite on his past two runs including by just half a length here last time. Another bold bid is expected, while Avenida Manana was impressive in lesser company last time.
10.49
BOW TOWN CAT is coming back from a short break after a convincing victory at Parx in March. She has the ideal inside draw and is proven in today’s class. She has clocked some of the best times in the field and looks a fair price.
Flora Fantasy will be popular after a game victory here latest. She has moved to a trainer who boasts a 35% win record with horses having their first run for him.
Gioielli comes from the same stable and is making her debut so has that stat in her favour too. She looks the type to do better for this drop back in distance.
11.19
KITTEN’S CLOWN is bred to relish the turf track and has been showing plenty in his trackwork ahead of this debut. The yard has a good record in this lowly class and Tyler Gaffalione is a good jockey booking for an inexperienced horse.