Handicapper's Corner: 2022 Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (G2)

 Colonel Liam Kicks Off Gulfstream's Winter Meet in Ft. Lauderdale Stakes

By: John Caro, ThoroFan Handicapper

Folks the weather has just turned the corner in South Florida. From socks back to flip flops, almost. Might have a slight chance of rain in the forecast but the race should go as planned. If they do take it off the lawn it will be posted on the Tapeta at the same distance. In either case the mid-pack closers rule on either surface.

 

 

I'm not going to spend a lot of time and explanation given the large field in this one but I'll point to the contenders as I see them and a few longshots to play along.

Top Contenders

#12 – Colonel Liam – Pletcher/Ortiz, I – You may remember him from the last two Pegasus World Cups here. Certainly the class of the field. Steady speed figures and consistent. Must use in and wager.

#7 – City Man – Clement/Rosario – In the exacta winning 3 of his last 4 with a second place finish three back. Likes to be a close tracker off the lead. Will likely be in the top two. The connections do very well together.

Likely Longshots

#8 Winfromwithin- Delgado/Sutherland – Has good form and is the likely pace for the race. He's  coming off a break with good works along the way. Look only drawback is the colt has never gone the distance. I expect he will set the pace and get rundown but has a chance to show up in the exotics.

#4 Shadow Sphinx – Maker/Lopez – Older gelding who likes to close from off the pace. Could be interesting given the ‘Paco Factor’

#1 Street Ready – Wilkes/Saez – not a lot of stake experience but Luis has had him up to 101 on the grass and his form is very good. Also a front runner. Will have to include on my tickets.

#10 King Cause – Maker/Ortiz, J – He is coming off a front running win in the Knickerbocker in late October. A glance at the speed figures says he's not fast but if you look back at some of his work it's impressive. And I like José up for this ride. José has been pretty lights out at Gulfstream.

One more shout out for two true longshot #11 Good Governance and #5 Tango Tango Tango. Both of these guys are great closers and may add value to any wager you're making.

Last note, there is an Also Eligible #13 – Decorated Invader with Gaffalione as the pilot in the race from the Clement barn. He looks like a good replacement for any of the players above if one is scratched.

 

HANDIGAMBLING

This is a Trifecta only bet for this race and my intent is not to spend the rent money playing it.

$.50 Trifecta  -  7 & 10 with 7, 10, 12, 5 with 7, 10, 12, 5, 1, 4, 8, 11  Cost $18

I figure that will leave me enough to make a bet on TCU…..