Gulfstream Racetrack: Mucho Macho Man Will Win the Grade 2 Handicap

Today's feature race at Gulfstream is the $300,000 Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap at one mile and the morning line favorite is 8-5 Mucho Macho Man. Can Kathy Ritvo's talented four-year-old lose? I don't think so, even though Jackson Bend appears poised to regain his past dominant form.

This race sets up perfectly for both Mucho Macho Man and Jackson Bend.

Tackleberry is a very good horse and should be the pace setter in this eight furlong race. Despite being inactive for  nearly 10 months, this five-year-old gelding had a sharp four furlong work last week and appears ready.

Unfortunately for Tackleberry, Soaring Stocks is also a front-runner and will push the pace even more. Joe Bravo picks up the mount for Todd Pletcher, who is winning just about every big race right now. Soaring Stocks had three wins in five career starts, but his worst race came at this distance, so I don't see him as a factor late.

Jackson Bend was good, but not great last time out. After nearly three months off, Jackson Bend returned to win the Grade Three Hope at Gulfstream on January 14. Despite bobbling at the break, John Velazquez guided Nick Zito's horse to the victory circle.

My long shot is Cajun Breeze, who might not be ready to beat Mucho Macho Man but should make the stretch run more exciting. This lightly raced four-year-old should benefit from the fast pace and has never finished worse than second over the track. I absolutely love the six furlong work of 1:14.3 on March 1.

In the end, Mucho Macho Man is the best horse in the race and is in great form. Ramon Dominguez ships in for the mount and this horse has been dominant in his last two starts. The cutback in distance should be no problem.

I think Jackson Bend and Cajun Breeze will also run well, but fall short.

Mucho Macho Man in by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:34.