Horse Betting World

Big Drama in Gulfstream Sprint Action

By Aaron Huber

The Grade 3 Mr. Prospector Stakes at six-furlongs will feature Breeders’ Cup Sprint victor Big Drama. With a 9 for 16 lifetime win record and earnings in excess of $2.6 million dollars, Big Drama is undoubtedly the best sprinter in the country right now. Usually I don’t say this – but excluding any freak circumstances a win by Big Drama in the Mr. Prospector is all but a foregone conclusion. With a short field of only six entrants – the value wagering will be in the trifecta pool. To determine who’ll be behind Big Drama when he crosses the wire let’s take a closer look at the rest of the field.

1 Custom For Carlos (2/1)

Though he certainly has a respectable resume, Custom For Carlos will have to overcome several obstacles to be competitive in this race. The most serious difficulty is that he’s coming off a nine month layoff due to a hoof injury sustained during training in June. Additionally, horses breaking from the rail post have had serous trouble winning races during the first week of racing at Gulfstream Park. On the bright side – his workouts have been spectacular, his last three being 5-furlong bullets at Palm Meadows. Even so, betting him in the 2nd spot on exacta or trifecta tickets will offer very little value – and there are other more interesting options in the field.

2 Our Edge (8/1)

Our Edge isn’t quite as speedy as some of the other horses in this race – but is cutting back from his usual distance range which is anywhere from 1 mile to 1 1/8 mile. Considering the fact that he has been fading after the half mile mark in most of his races the six furlong distance should give him his best chance yet to show his stuff.

3 Taqarub (10/1)

Last met Big Drama in his previous start in the Smile Sprint Handicap at Calder and was trounced by seven lengths. The fact that Taqarub likes to grab the lead right out of the gate should help him in a six furlong race that presents few traffic problems – however he hasn’t raced for six months due to a health issue. Perhaps this spot is a bit too tough for a return to the races – may finish off the board.

4 Peace At Dawn (8/1)

This gelded son of Peace Rules ended his 3-year-old campaign with two authoritative wins at Calder facing optional claimers. His speed figures are improving with each start – and he looks ready to step up into allowance or grade 3 companies. Calder form has been holding up well at Gulfstream so keep Peace At Dawn on your tickets.

5 Catalan (15/1)

Filling out the field is Catalan, who hit the board in an overnight stakes at Monmouth in August – but hasn’t raced since. He’s only faced winners once in his career and looks to be seriously outmatched here.

6 Big Drama (4/5)

This is Big Drama’s race to loose. He’ll be a short price come post time and every bit deserving of it. His workout pattern shows that he has plenty left to show in his 5-year-old debut after the win in the Breeders’ Cup.

SELECTIONS – #6 Big Drama… #4 Peace At Dawn…#2 Our Edge