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Gulfstream Park Picks & Predictions — June 26, 2026

June 26, 20268 racesAll Gulfstream Park picks

This card ran on June 26, 2026.

Best bets at Gulfstream Park, June 26, 2026

Race 16AwegodML 2/112:20 PM EDT

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It's a sunny Friday at Gulfstream Park with clear skies and temperatures pushing 87°F — prime South Florida summer racing. The fast, dry conditions should keep the main track playing true all afternoon, and with eight races on the dirt, pace and position are going to matter every single trip down the stretch.

We've got a solid mix of maiden claimers, straight claimers, and a pair of Starter Optional Claiming bouts to close the card — the kind of varied conditions menu that rewards sharp handicapping. Three of today's eight races are free for all TrackWiz readers, and our ratings flagged some genuinely interesting prices scattered across the full card.

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Race 1

12:20 PM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

A wide-open maiden claimer going a flat mile on dirt, but one horse's TrackWiz rating towers over the field — making this look like a potential single in your exotics.

win6AwegodML 2/1

Awegod draws the 6-hole and opens at 2/1 on the morning line, but the TrackWiz rating of 88.54 is laps ahead of anything else in this field — the next-closest is Cadenced at 61.83. Trainer Douglas Nunn saddles a horse with an average speed figure of 53, which is competitive in this maiden claiming company, and Diego A. Herrera gets the call in the irons. In a race full of first-time starters and winless horses, that rating gap is hard to ignore — this is our top single of the opener.

place2CadencedML 9/5

Cadenced is the morning-line favorite at 9/5 under trainer Mark E. Casse, one of the sharpest conditioners in the game, and a TrackWiz rating of 61.83 makes her a clear second choice in our model. Her average speed figure of 52 is modest, but Casse's operation consistently produces live maiden horses that run to their figures on debut or return. If Awegod stumbles at all, Cadenced figures to be right there to pick up the pieces.

show4To JoeyML 3/1

To Joey breaks from the 4-post under Miguel Angel Vasquez and shows a 3/1 morning line that suggests trainer David Fawkes has this horse spot-placed well. The TrackWiz rating of 56.67 ranks third in the field, and with an average speed figure of 51, the pace setup over a flat mile could allow him to save ground and close into the exotics. A solid show-ticket inclusion in what could be a competitive mid-pack battle for the minor placings.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 2: Free with an Account

Race 2

12:52 PM EDT

Maiden Special Weight · 5 fur · Dirt

Five-furlong debut sprint for maidens, and with no published speed figures in the field, this one comes down to trainer intent, morning-line confidence, and TrackWiz ratings separating a very bunched group.

win7VermontML 2/1

Vermont opens at 2/1 — the shortest price on the board — and carries the field's top TrackWiz rating of 58.33 out of the Mark E. Casse barn, which speaks volumes about the connections' confidence. Casse is one of the most reliable trainers in the game when he points a horse at a short sprint on debut, and Diego A. Herrera aboard gives this horse a capable pilot. With no published speed figures to lean on, the combination of sharp trainer, live jockey, and model edge makes Vermont the clear top choice.

place2Renegade JoML 5/2

Renegade Jo is listed at 5/2 and posts a TrackWiz rating of 57.5 — just a hair behind Vermont — out of the Bernardo G. Lopez barn. Lopez also saddles King Cousin B in this race, which is always worth noting; trainers who double up in a sprint often have one horse they prefer to see win and one they're willing to use as a pace factor. Renegade Jo figures to be competitive and is a natural place-ticket inclusion in a race with tight margins at the top.

show5Boyhood DreamML 9/2

Boyhood Dream draws the 5-post under Samy Camacho and rates third in our model at 54.17, which in a bunched field like this is meaningful separation. Trainer Nolan Ramsey sends this one out at 9/2, suggesting a horse that's ready to run without being the barn's first option. In a five-furlong dash where fractions matter, Camacho's experience at Gulfstream could help Boyhood Dream find a clean trip and hit the board.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Our three free races cover the first half of the card, and there's a clear common thread: early speed figures that hold up on a fast surface. Awegod opens the day in Race 1 at 2/1 morning line with an 88.54 TrackWiz rating — that's the highest score of any free pick today and one of the stronger numbers on the entire card. In Race 3, Big Timer draws our attention at a juicy 4/1 morning line; an 85.62 rating at that price represents real value in a six-furlong claiming sprint where pace should be honest. Vermont in Race 2 is a shorter-priced maiden sprinter — the 58.33 rating reflects the uncertainty of a first-out field, so manage expectations and bet accordingly.

The hot, dry weather means no moisture in the track and no excuses for front-runners who can't hold their form. Keep an eye on how the first couple of races play out — if speed is converting early, lean into pace-pressing angles throughout the afternoon.

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Full Card Analysis

Race 3

1:24 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

A six-furlong dirt claimer with legitimate class questions at the top — the two highest-rated horses are both priced above the morning-line favorite, setting up potential value on both ends.

win3Big TimerML 4/1

Big Timer sits at 4/1 on the morning line but carries the field's top TrackWiz rating at 85.62 — that's a significant model edge over a fairly competitive field. Trainer Happy Alter puts Anthony Thomas in the saddle, and Big Timer's average speed figure of 55 ties for the field's best. A 20% career win rate provides a solid baseline, and the fact that the model sees him as the top horse while the public is likely to gravitate elsewhere makes this a terrific value play in the win column.

place7Valiant HonorML 5/1

Valiant Honor is the longshot angle here at 5/1, but a TrackWiz rating of 83 and a career win percentage of 66% make this horse anything but a throwaway. That win rate — the highest in the field — suggests a horse that knows how to close out a race when conditions are right. Trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo has Yolber Torres in the irons, and with an average speed figure of 55, Valiant Honor has the raw ability to run with the leaders in this six-furlong sprint.

show1Brick CityML 3/1

Brick City breaks from the rail at 3/1 with a solid TrackWiz rating of 70.14 and a career win percentage of 25% — respectable in open claiming company. Trainer Ronald B. Spatz sends Pedro Pena out aboard a horse posting an average speed figure of 54, which is right in the mix for this field. The inside post in a six-furlong sprint can be a double-edged sword, but if Brick City gets a clean break and finds a good stalking position early, the rail could be an asset on a track where the inside often plays.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 4

1:56 PM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 1 1/16 mi · Dirt

The morning-line order and the TrackWiz ratings diverge sharply here — the 9/5 chalk leads our model by a wide margin, but a pair of longshots in the 15/1 range are priced as if they don't belong.

win2Coach KainML 9/5

Coach Kain is the standout in this maiden claimer, carrying a field-topping TrackWiz rating of 88.83 while opening at a reasonable 9/5. The Mark E. Casse–Diego A. Herrera combination is one of the most potent at Gulfstream Park, and with an average speed figure of 54, Coach Kain has shown enough in the morning to merit that morning-line favoritism. Going 1 1/16 miles on dirt suits a horse expected to settle and finish, and with nearly a 27-point model edge over the third-ranked horse, this looks like a confident top selection.

place5I Wish You LoveML 5/2

I Wish You Love opens at 5/2 out of the Victor Barboza Jr. barn and checks in with a strong TrackWiz rating of 75.6 — second in the field and well clear of the remaining entrants. J.G. Torrealba takes the mount, and an average speed figure of 53 indicates a horse that has been working consistently. Barboza's operation is active at Gulfstream, and placing a horse at 5/2 signals genuine confidence — this one belongs on your place tickets.

show4Apache One SixML 9/2

Apache One Six opens at 9/2 and rates third in our model at 61.75, which in a six-horse maiden claimer represents a meaningful gap over the bottom of the field. Trainer Ronald Coy puts Jose E. Morelos up on a horse averaging a speed figure of 53 across past efforts. At nearly double the morning-line price of the top two choices, Apache One Six offers some overlay potential in the show slot and is a reasonable exotic anchor for trifecta coverage.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

Race 5

2:28 PM EDT

Claiming · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

A nine-horse claiming sprint at 5 1/2 furlongs with a pair of overlooked horses hiding in the morning line — our model sees real value far outside the top of the board.

win6Ball Up TopML 8/1

Ball Up Top draws the 6-post at 8/1 and leads our model with a TrackWiz rating of 79.79 — the highest in the field by more than 10 points over the second-ranked horse. Trainer J. Kent Sweezey sends Diego A. Herrera out on a horse carrying an average speed figure of 55, which is solid for this level of 5 1/2-furlong dirt action. At 8/1 with a model edge this clear, Ball Up Top represents genuine overlay value and is our best bet in this race.

place8Tie It With a BowML 15/1

Here's where it gets interesting — Tie It With a Bow opens at 15/1 but posts a TrackWiz rating of 68.77, second in the field. Trainer Luis M. Ramirez puts Wladimir Rengifo aboard a horse with an average speed figure of 57, which is one of the highest in this field. A 33% career win rate suggests this horse has earned in the past, and the morning-line price feels like a significant underestimation of ability. This is the kind of overlaid runner that can really blow up an exacta payout.

show1Mo Light NowML 4/1

Mo Light Now breaks from the rail at 4/1 under Jena M. Antonucci with a career win percentage of 50% — by far the most impressive strike rate in the field. Jose E. Morelos has the call on a horse averaging 56 in speed figures, and while the TrackWiz rating of 55 places this horse in the middle of the pack, that 50% win rate suggests a horse who may be capable of performing above its current model projection. The inside post in a sprint is manageable, and this one is worth including in show and exotic coverage.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 9 runners

Race 6

3:00 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

Starter optional claiming at 5 1/2 furlongs with a razor-thin margin between three horses at the top of the TrackWiz ratings — expect a competitive pace battle and a photo finish for the win.

win7Vuela PalomaML 4/1

Vuela Paloma comes in at 4/1 on the morning line but leads the field with a TrackWiz rating of 85.62 and a career win percentage of 38% — both field bests. Trainer Victor Barboza Jr. double-dips in this race with Heir to the Roar, but Vuela Paloma's higher rating makes her the stable's top shot in our eyes. Samy Camacho takes the mount on a horse averaging a speed figure of 57, and at 4/1 in a field where the model edge is clear, this is a strong win play.

place1Heir to the RoarML 5/2

Heir to the Roar opens at 5/2 alongside stablemate Vuela Paloma, and while her TrackWiz rating of 79.13 slots second, a career win percentage of 30% and an average speed figure of 58 — the highest in the field — give her legitimate upside. Diego A. Herrera rides for trainer Victor Barboza Jr., who has been active and sharp at the meet. If the pace scenario sets up differently than expected and front speed is rewarded, Heir to the Roar has the figures to capitalize.

show4Happy RideML 2/1

Happy Ride sits at 2/1 as the morning-line favorite and carries a TrackWiz rating of 79.07 — just a tick behind Heir to the Roar in the model. Trainer Joseph F. Orseno puts Miguel Angel Vasquez aboard a horse with a career win percentage of 26% and an average speed figure of 57, which is right in the competitive range for this level. The favorite figures to finish in the money and provides a safety net in show position if our top two picks face any trip trouble.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 7

3:31 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

Plenty of talent packed into this six-furlong starter optional claimer, with the morning-line favorite and our model's top pick at odds — this race sets up as a genuine pace duel that should produce a strong closer.

win2WistuckyML 9/5

Wistucky opens at 9/5 on the morning line but checks in with the field's highest TrackWiz rating at 88.83, which aligns this horse as the clear top selection on multiple fronts. Trainer Bobby S. Dibona sends Jonathan Ocasio out on a horse averaging a speed figure of 55, and while a 10% career win rate might give some bettors pause, it's worth noting the model sees something that the win percentage alone doesn't capture — likely a horse that finds the board consistently without always closing it out. A six-furlong distance on dirt sets up well, and this looks like a confident play.

place1GoldentownML 5/1

Goldentown opens at 5/1 and rates second in our model at 77.53, which is a strong number in this field. Trainer Jeffery Scott Jones puts Samy Camacho aboard a horse posting an average speed figure of 56, and a 14% career win rate suggests this one has competed at a solid level. The 5/1 morning line looks generous for a horse rated this highly in our system, and Goldentown is worth including as a place play and in exacta combinations beneath Wistucky.

show3Raging FuryML 8/1

Raging Fury draws the 3-hole at 8/1 and slots third in the TrackWiz model at 69.46 — a meaningful 19 points below Wistucky but well ahead of the bottom half of the field. Trainer Nolan Ramsey saddles two horses in this race, and Diego A. Herrera gets the call on Raging Fury, whose career win percentage of 23% and average speed figure of 55 are competitive for this class. At 8/1, this is a value-added show selection and a live trifecta leg.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

Race 8

4:02 PM EDT

Allowance Optional Claiming · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

An allowance optional claiming sprint at 5 1/2 furlongs with a legitimate overlay hiding beneath a competitive morning line — our model and the public are clearly not reading this race the same way.

win7LosmastixML 9/2

Losmastix opens at 9/2 but leads the field convincingly with a TrackWiz rating of 84.9 and a career win percentage of 40% — the highest in the race. Trainer Antonio Sano is one of the sharpest conditioners in South Florida, and Samy Camacho in the irons is a win-ready combination. An average speed figure of 56 fits the level perfectly, and at a price that suggests the public underestimates this horse, Losmastix is our best-bet single in Race 8.

place6Itza LockML 2/1

Itza Lock opens as the morning-line co-favorite at 2/1 and posts a TrackWiz rating of 72.69 — second in the field. Trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo puts Leonel Reyes up on a horse averaging a field-best 57 in speed figures, which is the highest raw number in this sprint. A 22% career win rate is modest, but at 2/1 and with the pace figures to be on or near the lead throughout the 5 1/2 furlongs, Itza Lock should be competitive for the place spot even if Losmastix proves best.

show4Win N JuiceML 5/2

Win N Juice draws the 4-post at 5/2 and slots third in the model at 71.96 — essentially in a cluster with Itza Lock at the top of the board. Trainer Nicholas J. Tomlinson has Micah J. Husbands aboard a horse with a 22% career win percentage and an average speed figure of 56. The public will likely make Win N Juice a heavy player, but the slight morning-line discount relative to Itza Lock creates a spot to include this horse in the show slot or as a deeper exacta option.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

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Bottom line: Awegod in Race 1 is the day's marquee free play, Big Timer at 4/1 in Race 3 is our best value among the free picks, and Vermont rounds out a solid opening trio. If you want the full story — including Ball Up Top's pace angle, Wistucky's case as the card's co-top-rated horse, and our exotic ticket breakdowns — the complete analysis is waiting for subscribers. Check out TrackWiz premium and get in on the full card before post time.

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