A Gulfstream Park card led by five stakes for newly turned 3-year-olds will be capped Saturday with the $100,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes, important both because it marks the return of highly regarded Code of Honor and because it precedes Florida's top 2019 Kentucky Derby preps.
With the Holy Bull (G2), Fountain of Youth (G2) and Florida Derby (G1) to follow, here's how I've handicapped the Mucho Macho Man, a one-turn mile. Carded as Race 10 of 11, post time is 4:41 p.m. ET.
The Favorite
#4 Code of Honor (7-5) followed up a sharp front-running debut win at Saratoga with a very good second after stumbling badly at the start in the Champagne (G1). He got sick and missed the Breeder’s Cup and was briefly considered for the Remsen (G2) before shipping to Florida for his sophomore campaign. This is a great spot for Shug McGaughey’s promising colt, who reconnects with winning rider John Velazquez. He drilled a Payson Park bullet for this on Dec. 29.
Value Win Contender
#6 Mihos (7-2) drew well and gets pace to chase in the paper race. He looked good graduating in a six-furlong event at Aqueduct Nov. 24 and should be able to handle a one-turn mile. He figures to offer a hint of wagering value under Jose Ortiz.
Live Longshot
#1 Garter and Tie (6-1) got past Souper Jackpot late in the Smooth Air on Dec. 8, but that runner returned to finish off the board in the Jerome Stakes earlier this week at Aqueduct. He gets pace to chase and might be able to land a share of the purse.
Remaining Entrants
#2 Well Defined (5-1) stretched out and looked great in the Florida Sire In Reality Sept. 29 but crashed back to earth when overmatched in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) on Nov. 2. He reconnects with winning rider Carlos Montalvo and should be part of the pace.
#3 Trophy Chaser (4-1) was no match for subsequent Los Al Futurity (G1) hero Improbable in the Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs last time. He ran well in both local outings and will almost certainly impact the pace.
#5 Gladiator King (12-1) is another runner with speed. He was overmatched in the Remsen (G2) and skipped over a wet track in the Inaugural at Tampa Bay Dec. 15.
Wagering Strategies
#6 to win
Exacta box 4-6
Trifecta 4-6/ALL/1
