Gulfstream Park Stakes Picks & Analysis: Janus, Sugar Swirl, Suwannee & Ft. Lauderdale Stakes – 12/20/25

Gulfstream Park Race 5 Janus Stakes

8 Reef Runner was last seen finishing a good 4th in the Grade 1 Breeders Cup Turf Sprint. Gelding is closer on speed favoring turf surface here, but I still believe this ones class will overcome this speed favoring track. Win Contender

5 Coppola is the clear controlling speed in here but the 4- month layoff is a concern for me. Trainer Dale Roman’s hits a mere 7% winners with this type of layoff. This 6-year-old will play catch me if you can. Win Contender

7 Litigation has won 4 of his last 5 races versus a bit softer competition and he takes on older horses today. I’ll use this one underneath. Don’t Ignore

Selections 8-5-7-3

Gulfstream Park Race 6 Sugar Swirl Stakes

5 Nic’s Style is a perfect 3-3 over this Gulfstream Park main track and sports a recent 1/18 bullet at Payson Park. Top Pick

6 Mystic Lake enters here on a 4 race win streak, all victories coming on the front end. If no one goes with this speedball early, it just might be lights out for the rest of the field. Filly has won 2 of 3 races here at GP which includes a Grade 2. Win Contender

3 Ms Bucchero rarely runs a bad race and has been proven at multiple venues for trainer Diane Morici. Mare faces tougher rivals today but could surprise in here at a price. Major Player

Selections 5-6-3-1

Gulfstream Park Race 9 Suwannee Stakes

8 Public Defender is a sweet 12-1 on the morning line. Filly makes her first start in the Saffie Joesoph Jr barn today. Joesoph Jr hits at 30% winners with newbies in his stable. Add the very good Jockey Flavien Prat and we have a recipe  for a upset today. Live Longshot

2 Movin’ On Up showed little last out when finishing a disappointing 9th in the Ladies Turf Stakes at Kentucky Downs. I’m going to forgive that effort as this Filly was facing much tougher animals and a difficult Kentucky Downs layout. Gal is now back here at GP where she’s a perfect 2-2. Win Contender

4 Crevalle d’ Oro is another in here who has been facing better Don’t Ignore

Selections 8-2-4-5

Gulfstream Park Race 11 Ft. Lauderdale Stakes Grade 3

6 Cugino was last seen stalking a pedestrian pace in the Grade 2 Red Smith Stakes and was still able to fight on gamely for a nose victory. Colt has won his last 4 of 5 races for trainer Shug McGaughey Win Contender 

2 Wolfie’s Dynaghost was gate to wire winner last out in the G3 River City Stakes at this distance. Gelding will once again try to wire this field which could be the likely outcome. Win Contender 

5 Beach Gold was no match in the Grade 1 Turf Mile back in October at Keeneland finishing 10th. Colt faces much easier competition today and is a player here with the drop in class. Major Threat

Selections 6-2-5-1-8