Let ‘em Run Weekend Action Around the Horn
While the deep freeze remains in place here in the Northeast for the foreseeable future, we can be certain of dry, and warm conditions in the South. So Let ’em Run will wait to hear about the decision to race at Aqueduct on Saturday, which includes a Kentucky Derby Prep race, The Withers. We will be able to see The Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park: the Southwest Stakes was rescheduled for Friday Feb 6th. As the saying goes, “Don’t mess with mother nature”.
Late Pick 5 Preview – Gulfstream Park (Saturday 1/31/26)
Let’s look at the Late P5 at Gulfstream Park for Saturday 1/31/26.
Race 8 – The Swale
3:45 EST | 7 Furlongs | Dirt | $175K
A small field of six entered for this 7 furlong elongated sprint distance. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has 3 entered, and the likely favorite #6 Solitude Dude 6-5 has all kinds of checkmarks to like. The post position is ideal, has the highest Timeform Early Pace at 112, and won his 1st two races by a combined 16 ½ lengths. A likely free square in the sequence on my ticket. If your looking for a horse to use under, I am landing on the #2 Langvad 20-1, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, and also trained by SJ Jr. The only runner in the field to have won at 7 furlongs, and needs to step up, but not impossible in this field.
Race 9
4:15 EST | 1 Mile | Turf | OC25K/N1X
Always like a horse trying a surface for the 1st time, and #2 Talbingo 5-1 fits the bill. Has had four improving w/o’s on Turf, with 2 very strong looking ones on 1/16 and 1/23. Trainer Brian Lynch at 33% and jockey Luis Saez in the saddle add to the appeal. Looking at #8, Themanupfront 8-1 with jockey Irad Ortiz aboard, to line up the field from this outside post. Runner has lots of experience at Gulfstream and the distance, which will serve him well here. I am going to “fade” (as my partner John Kostin would say), on the favorite #5 Multiverse 3-1, also trying turf for the 1st time, but trainer Riley Mott is 0 for 16 going dirt to turf.
Race 10 – The Forward Gal (Gr3)
4:45 EST | 7 Furlongs | Dirt | $175K
Interesting which jockeys landed on which horses in this race. The #4 Mythical 5-2 is the most accomplished horse in the field. Only bad race was in The Spinaway Gr1 at Saratoga, where she was in the deep end. Jockey Edgar Zayas lands here for trainer Jorge Delgado, although trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has 2 horses in the race. The favorite #6 On Time Girl 9-5 will take a lot of the money, but I am looking at #8 Impeartrice 5-1 as my 2nd choice here. Love the post position for HOF jockey John Velazquez, where he will be able to watch the race unfold and use this improving fillies speed to decide where to place her.
Race 11 – The Sweetest Chant
5:15 EST | 1 1/16 | Turf | $175K
This could be another “free square” here in the sequence, as the #8 Sister Troienne 2-1, will be hard to look past. Trained by Brian Lynch, she is 4 for 5 lifetime, and has not missed a beat with jockey Mario Guttierrez in the saddle. Number 1 Prime Power at +7 adds to the appeal. We are also liking the #11 Spirit Doll 7-2, who drew a tough post, but with jockey Edgar Zayas aboard, you can be sure she will get a good ride. Last out was the 1st time on turf, and she sure liked it.
Race 12 – The Holy Bull (Gr3)
5:45 EST | 1 1/16 | Dirt | $275K
Many potential players here looking to land in the Derby, and the most likely for us is #7 Nearly 9-5. This runner out of top sire, Not This Time, continues to get better as the distance increases (has best Tomlinson in field of 401), and should relish 1 1/16 here. HOF jockey John Velazquez may be feeling a little “Derby Fever” when this one crosses the finish line in 1st for trainer Todd Pletcher. Pace will likely come from front running #5 Cannoneer 2-1, who has also been on the improve in his 2 starts. Trainer Brad Cox has this runner ready to roll, and has the highest last race speed figure in the field.
Weekend Shows and Coverage
Friday at 3 PM for the Let ’em Run Happy Hour, myself and John Kostin will break down The Holy Bull, a key Kentucky Derby prep race. Then join us live on Saturday at 12:30 PM where we will be live from Monmouth Park. John and I will be participating in a NHC contest to win a seat at the NHC in Las Vegas.
So catch us on multiple streaming apps and social channels. Be sure to check out all the handicapping information available from our new sponsor, BRISnet. You can dive in to BRISnet.com for resources to help you fine tune handicapping angles. Also keep your eye out for Bro’s BRISnet Play of the Day and JK’s Play of the Day, which will be popping up several times a week.
And as we always say, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, and until next time… Let ‘em Run !!
