Horse racing betting is on the board Saturday with a full card at the Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park for May 9. Analyst Monique Vag breaks down the racing odds and gives her top free horse racing picks for today’s action at these two Florida tracks. **video
Tampa Bay Downs Free Picks
Race No. 8, $25,000 Allowance, Post: 4:06 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 4 PROJECTED (4/1)
Is at his best working out a stalking trip, and there does appear to be more than enough early speed that could help this gelding work out his ideal race scenario. Although it took him a win versus easier in the claiming ranks last time out, career wise he has been racing against much tougher and he wouldn't need an effort any different than he did in early May to find the winners circle once again
Race No. 10, $32,000 Maiden Claiming, Post: 5:10 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 5 DREAMING OF PARIS (2/1)
Lots to like with this runner especially the big drop in class out of the maiden ranks to face off against maiden claimers. Today, blinkers are added as this filly gets to try her luck versus easier. Although she has disappointed as a shorter price in her two most recent efforts, trainer Michael Stidham is clicking at a 32 percent rate from horses moving from maiden to maiden claiming, and if this filly can avoid traffic trouble or a wide trip, she will be very difficult to beat here.
Gulfstream Park Free Picks
Race No. 9, $75,000 Sunshine Forever Stakes, Post: 4:59 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 6 HALLADAY (4/1)
Comes in off a career best speed figure of 102 last time out at Gulfstream Park versus similar. Look for this colt to take advantage of the lack of early speed and be the one on the front end. Historically, he's proven very difficult to pass when able to get to the lead.
Although it is a small sample size, this colt is 2-for-2 at Gulfstream Park and has been racing very well as of late. Although this is a deep field, the price should be fair to take a shot.
Race No. 10, $25,000 Optional Claiming, Post: 5:30 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 1 COUNTER OFFER (8/1)
The favorite in here will almost surely be overbet, but he hasn't been up against any tough competition within the claiming ranks. I'm willing to take a shot on a horse that should offer up a good price and gets an opportunity to race against easier.
This gelding only has one career win on the turf and that was versus maidens, but he's been knocking on the door as of late. If he can work out a ground saving rail trip and make one late stretch rally, he could definitely get up in time for a piece at a nice price.
Race No. 11, $16,000 Optional Claiming, Post: 6:01 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 4 I'LL FIGHT DEMPSEY (3/1)
Has gotten out to quick starts in both pari-mutuel efforts and that could certainly come in handy at the short six furlong distance. Last time out he was pressured on the lead and unfortunately didn't have anything left late after faster early fractions. If he's able to rate on the front end and settle in nicely, this colt will be very difficult to pass late.
