Bortstein's Play Of The Day -- Saturday, December 22

GULFSTREAM PARK
Race Ten

(6) HEARTWOOD is looking to end a 4-race losing streak, having chased some pretty quality sorts along the way including multiple graded stakes winners Promises Fulfilled and Whitmore. The son of Tapit was a close second last time out in the Fall Highweight Handicap at Aqueduct. Trained by James Chapman, Heartwood makes his Gulfstream debut today and should work his way into a perfect, pace-pressing trip under one of the nation's leading riders. Multiple stakes placed runner doesn't appear to be in over his head with these at all.
(11) COAL FRONT could wind up being the post time favorite in this spot, despite his off the board performance last time out in the Grade 3 Bold Ruler Handicap. The son of Stay Thirsty comes from impeccable connections, should have enough early speed to stay with the quick types from his outside post and appears to be training lights out since the comeback effort last month.  
(8) UNO MAS MODELO has won five of his last six starts, including his most recent score in the Claiming Crown Rapid Transit Stakes. An eight-time winner, he also shows an upset win at Churchill Downs last month in an overnight stakes race. Trained by Anthony Quartarolo, the son of Macho Uno should get plenty of pace at which to rally into. The class cloud question may not be as unattainable as the race suggests on paper.
(2) KROY will likely have to be hustled away from the gate under Paco Lopez. A winner in two of his last three starts, the Armando De La Cerda trainee switched back to the main track and turned back in distance for his most recent triumph. He's never been worse than third in three starts over the course and could get lost in the wagering in a wide open event.


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