2022 Mr. Prospector Stakes
The Grade 3 Mr. Prospector at Gulfstream Park on Saturday drew a field of 12 going 7 furlongs over the main track. 12 horse fields often make for good betting opportunities and The Mr. Prospector is no exception.
Surly Furious will break from the rail. That is not what I would call an ideal spot for this gelding who looks to be in deeper waters than he would prefer regardless of where he drew.
Speaking has some speed. He will likely be part of the early shuffle, but I doubt he has much to offer when the real race to the wire begins.
Sibelius may go favored and enters this in good form and has a nice stalking style for Junior Alvarado to work with. He fits with these. I think he will give a good account of himself, but I will try and beat him on the win end.
Pappacap is fresh, classy, and dangerous. He can sprint just fine and has run against some nice three-year old’s while holding his own. He doesn’t seem to have the killer instinct so I will take a stand against him to see if he has grown up some and learned how to win more races. He would be no surprise however and Rosario is a perfect fit for him.
Steal Sunshine looks a cut below these to me. He cuts back to 7 from a mile and a mile and an eighth in his last two starts but I don’t think that is enough.
Wind of Change would be a surprise. I don’t think he is good enough or gets the right set up to help him.
Prevalence is a tough one to figure but I will take a shot with him here. He has flashed talent and is fast enough when he runs one of his A races. While not consistent he has a good stalking style for this pace scenario, and he likes Gulfstream. He has disappointed and thrown some real duds, but I like that Walsh goes here off two bad races. Maybe he has him right and the price will be fair off the last two.
Uncle Ernie comes in off two nice wins at Parx. He will be another pace factor but not much more in my opinion.
Dean Delivers is a tryer. He is game and brings it every time. He would have to improve to win and I don’t see a forward move but he can give a decent showing off his gameness alone.
No Que No is improving for a sharp barn. He will have to improve again to win here. I doubt he can go forward enough to win this.
County Final is off the Saffie Joseph claim, and we know how dangerous he is with claims especially at Gulfstream. He gets Jose to ride and has a good running style for this race set up. I think he contends at a price.
Seal Beach should be running late under Saez. That is never a bad thing. He’ll need some help up front, but he may get it. Maker is another always dangerous trainer at Gulfstream.
Enjoy the races and have a Happy, Safe, and Wonderful New Year!