Gulfstream Park continues to thrill with high-stakes racing, featuring a mix of graded stakes and competitive claiming races that keep bettors, trainers, and owners engaged. As the Championship Meet heats up, all eyes are on the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) on March 29, 2025, boasting a $1,000,000 purse and serving as a key Kentucky Derby prep.
However, the March 29 card offers plenty of betting opportunities beyond the marquee event. In addition to the Florida Derby, races like the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2), Pan American Stakes (G2), and Orchid Stakes (G3) will draw top talent. But sharp bettors know that value often lies in the undercard, where well-matched claiming races provide hidden gems and potential longshots.
One such race features a wide-open field with Hey Cue (9/5) leading the charge, but with several challengers capable of an upset. Let’s break down the best bets, value plays, and longshots to watch for this competitive race.
Hey Cue (9/5) – The Likely Favorite
Hey Cue enters Gulfstream Park picks as the morning-line favorite at 9/5, and for good reason. With Tyler Gaffalione aboard, one of Gulfstream Park’s most successful jockeys, this horse is in capable hands. Trainer Martin Drexler has a solid win percentage, especially in claiming and maiden races, which suggests that Hey Cue is primed for a strong performance.
From post position #4, Hey Cue has the perfect setup to stalk the pace or even take early control if needed. Given his solid connections and potential race setup, he’s the horse to beat and a strong win bet contender. However, at short odds, value seekers may want to look for a better price elsewhere.
Paschal Moon (5/2) – A Strong Challenger
Paschal Moon is another top contender in this field, going off at 5/2 odds. With Miguel Angel Vasquez in the irons, this horse has a reliable pilot who excels in tactical races. Trainer Jennifer P. Young has sent out some live runners in claiming company, making this entry particularly interesting.
Paschal Moon’s style suggests that he could sit just off the leaders before making his move in the stretch. If Hey Cue faces pace pressure or doesn’t fire, Paschal Moon could be the one to capitalize. This makes him an excellent win/place bet, offering a bit more value than the short-priced favorite.
Lunar Rocket (15/1) – The Live Longshot
Lunar Rocket is one of the biggest price plays in this field at 15/1, but he shouldn’t be overlooked. Trainer Daniel S. Harvey may not be as high-profile as Drexler or Young, but big upsets happen often in claiming races, especially with improving horses. With David Boraco aboard, this horse could take advantage of a fast early pace and come running late.
This gelding is a good candidate for hitting the board in a show bet or sneaking into exactas and trifectas at big odds. If you’re looking for value outside the favorites, Lunar Rocket is a solid underdog play.
High Strike (5/1) – A Potential Sleeper
At 5/1 odds, High Strike is another horse to consider for exotic bets. Trained by Frederick B. Labo and ridden by Jose E. Morelos, this horse could be a factor if he gets the right trip. He has a middle post position (#1), which could work to his advantage if he breaks well and secures a good stalking trip.
If the favorites falter or the pace collapses, High Strike could surprise and land in the trifecta or superfecta payouts. He isn’t the most reliable bet to win outright, but he deserves respect in multi-race wagers.
Apollo Code (3/1) – A Wild Card Contender
Apollo Code enters the race at 3/1 odds, making him the third betting choice. Jockey Rajiv Maragh has experience at Gulfstream and could put this horse in a good position early. Trained by Javier Negrete, Apollo Code has room to improve and may be sitting on a big effort.
The key factor for Apollo Code will be whether he can sustain his speed over the distance. If he gets a clear trip and avoids traffic, he has a legitimate shot to challenge the top two. However, at 3/1, his value isn’t as strong as Paschal Moon’s (5/2), so bettors may want to watch the tote board before committing.
Final Betting Strategy
For bettors looking to maximize their chances at Gulfstream Park, Hey Cue (9/5) stands out as the best win bet, boasting the strongest form in the field but at shorter odds. For those seeking better value, Paschal Moon (5/2) offers a solid alternative with a great race setup and competitive connections. If you’re chasing a potential big payday, Lunar Rocket (15/1) is the best longshot play, with a strong chance to close late and boost exotic payouts. In multi-horse wagers, a Hey Cue/Paschal Moon exacta box provides a safer exotic play, while a trifecta including Lunar Rocket can increase returns. For high-risk, high-reward players, a superfecta with Hey Cue, Paschal Moon, Lunar Rocket, and High Strike could result in a lucrative payout if the race unfolds as expected.
