Gulfstream

I cover Gulfstream when their main meet begins in late December through Florida Derby Day in early April. It is the time when quality racing and the top riders return on a steady basis, especially on the weekends. All the big stables and horses you have watched up north and those who have been freshened at training centers like Payson Park and Palm Meadows will invade Gulfstream at various times throughout the meet. The turf course is protected when even insignificant amounts of rain hit because those in charge will easily switch these races to Tapeta. This is one surface that gives all handicappers problems. Many of us have been trained for years handicapping dirt and turf only. I tend to bet the least amount of money on races run over this synthetic surface.