Gulfstream Horse Racing Picks for Thursday 3/9/23

The Gulfstream Championship Meet continues Thursday with 9 races and post time at 12:40 p.m. ET.

As always, check the program for scratches and changes, monitor the weather and keep an eye on the track conditions.

(I may 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 and Top Race Reports, these are some of the best bets to make at FanDuel Racing today.

1. Extrasexybigdaddee and Major Wager, Race 5

FanDuel Racing Odds: 20/1 and 8/1
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Race 5 is an Optional Claimer for older horses at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. The East Coast Handicapping Report and lead analyst Top Race Reports has value picks to win with Extrasexybigdaddee (20/1) and Major Wager (8/1) both capable coming from off the pace. Extrasexybigdaddee has won once and hit the board in last 4-of-5 starts including both this year while posting triple-digit speed figures twice.

The numberFire data picks Fly the W (3/1) to win with leading jockey Luis Saez riding. Our Country (12/1) and Parkland (9/2) are challengers with top jockey at the meet Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding Parkland, who is 2-for-2 since joining EPO leading trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr.

2. Cupid's Dart and Stealththirtyfour, Race 6

FanDuel Racing Odds: 8/1 and 2/1
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Race 6 is a Claiming race for 3-year-olds and up sprinting 6 furlongs. The favorite on the rail Stealththirtyfour (2/1) will be tough to beat after breaking his Maiden last time out. He strings races together and can challenge against this weaker group.

Cupid's Dart (8/1) offers some value and is a pick to challenge and hit the board by both ECHR and numberFire. He's racing for the third straight time off a layoff and in better health. The numberFire data also picks Quincy Cafe (5/2) on top with Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding.

3. Claudette Heir and Speed Salsa, Race 9

FanDuel Racing Odds: 12/1 and 8/1
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 9 is an Allowance race for older state-bred fillies and mares sprinting 5 furlongs on the turf. Top Race Reports looks for value again, and Claudette Heir (8/1) is freshened and should break sharply towards the lead with regular jockey Edgard Zayas riding for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., who also has Veloce Bella (6/1) in the race with numberFire data expecting an in-the-money finish with top jock Jose Ortiz riding.

Speed Salsa (8/1) will be running well late and offers a contrary running style to the top pick. St. Pat's Day (20/1) is another longshot who can outrun her odds with a good break from the gate and leading jockey Tyler Gaffalione riding. Princess Blakely (20/1) can also show better than expected in this spot. If you prefer shorter odds, then Fulminate (5/2) is a win pick of numberFire.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.