Gulfstream Horse Racing Picks for Friday 2/17/23

The Gulfstream Championship Meet continues on Friday with nine races starting at 12:10 p.m. ET.

As always, check the program for scratches and changes, monitor the weather and keep an eye on the track conditions with a slight chance of rain.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races after adjusting for track, distances, and conditions).

Gulfstream Betting Picks

According to numberFire horse racing projections, these are the best bets to make at FanDuel Racing today.

1. Ensign Skip and Victoria's Chief, Race 2

FanDuel Racing Odds: 6/1 and 8/5
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Race 2 is a Maiden Special Weight for state-bred 3-year-olds at 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf. The numberFire data projects Ensign Skip (6/1) to upset Vanishing Interest (7/2) and the favorite Victoria's Chief (8/5).

The meet's top jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides Vanishing Interest, while just behind him leading jockey Luis Saez is aboard the favorite Victoria's Chief.

Pablo Lopez rides Ensign Skip, who has been off since October and has three third-place finishes in four starts and a strong recent morning work. Victoria's Chief has a pair of third-place finishes in three starts, including last month as the favorite rallying from off the pace.

2. Adios Baby and To a T, Race 7

FanDuel Racing Odds: 3/1 and 5/2
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 7 is an Allowance race for older state-bred fillies and mares at 6 1/2 furlongs. The numberFire algorithm projects this race to be decided by the three favorites Gitana (4/1), Adios Baby (3/1) with Luis Saez riding and To a T (5/2) -- the favorite with leading jockey Jose Ortiz up.

To a T should settle nicely from the outside No. 8 post and make a late run. She's finished runner-up in four of her last seven starts. Adios Baby will be running near the front and she's hit the board in her last five starts, all at Gulfstream with a win, three runner-up finishes and consistent mid-80s speed figures.

3. West Bank and Erin's Moment, Race 9

FanDuel Racing Odds: 7/5 and 7/2
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 9 is a Maiden Optional Claimer for 3-year-old fillies at 7 furlongs. The heavy favorite West Bank (7/5) is the top pick according to the numberFire data with Erin's Moment (7/2) a main challenger.

Leading trainer Bill Mott has his go-to jockey Junior Alvarado riding again after a runner-up finish in her debut last month. She'll close from off the pace but move up closer this time on the backstretch. Erin's Moment was runner-up here a month ago but with a much slower speed figure. Karen's Honor (8/1) finished 4 lengths behind Erin's Moment last race.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.