Jeff Siegel’s National Best Plays for Saturday, December 24, 2022
Gulfstream Park 1st race – Post time: 12:10 ET
8-Fort Wilderness (8-1)
Here’s an intriguing first timer with credentials to be a live item in this wide open turf router for maiden juveniles. Bred for grass on both sides of his pedigree, the homebred son of War Front from a multiple group stakes placed European mare has displayed plenty of promise in his morning workouts that includes a bullet gate work (4f, :47bg, fastest of 110) at Belmont Park in early November. With top grass rider Tyler Gaffalione taking the call and at 8-1 on the morning line, he’s worth a play in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.
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Gulfstream Park 7th Race – Post time: 3:09 ET
1-Hihellohowareyou (5/2)
Half-sister to the multiple stakes winning sprinting mare Hear My Prayer brought $220,000 at the OBS April sale, where she displayed good speed and efficient action in an impressive 10 1/5 seconds breeze. She has performed quite well in recent workouts as well and appears cranked and ready for this Florida-bred maiden sprint. The daughter of Awesome Slew must overcome the rail, but if she leaves cleanly she could easily daylight this field. Listed at 5/2 on the morning line, the Jose D’Angelo-trained filly should offer excellent value at or near that price.
