Gulfstream Park: The GII, $150,000 Hutcheson at 7 Furlongs
#1 Tarpy’s Goal: Improving runner exits a sharp track and distance win over much lesser and steps up for the acid test today from a tough draw. Versatile enough to run from on or off the pace and with the speed to his outside he’ll likely get a stalking trip, but this is a steep rise in class and likely too much too soon; minor award at best.
#2 Wildcat Creek: Sharp second in the Pasco at Tampa and the winner that day, Perspective, is a nice talent who returned to run a fine second in the GIII Davis there last weekend, so at least you know there’s some class in this corner. With that being said, he’s never run remotely fast enough to threaten a group like this and he’s going to have to step up open lengths to factor; longshot.
#3 Thunder Moccasin: Of all the hotshot Pletcher debut winners at GP this winter, this colt might very well be the most electric off that fast win in December over a trio of next-out winners. Well-bred son of A.P. Warrior seems to have all the tools for success today and his speed will allow Velazquez to go to the front and seemingly widen from there, though it will be interesting to see if he can rate a tad if the 2 decides on a suicide mission. Not sure how he’ll stack up as the distances get longer, but there’s little doubt he’s every bit of 1/5 today; imposing, to say the least.
#4 Quick Wit: Finally put it all together in his last after showing improvement in each of his two prior starts, and if he builds on that MSW win, he can be an exotics player here. Owns some nice tactical speed and that will ensure a good trip from close range, though filling out the exacta would be a big accomplishment; worth remembering for next time.
#5 Il Villano: Impressed in the two-turn Count Fleet, when he set the pace and then relented late behind Alpha, NY’s best Derby prospect, so it’s a bit odd to see him in South Florida for this one-turn stakes. Owns a ton of speed and could probably make the front if they want, though this draw will likely have him pressing Thunder Moccasin the entire way. Yet to win when he hasn’t made the lead, so he’ll have to show a new dimension today, and while he’s extremely talented, we’re not quite sure he’s a GII Hutcheson winner kind of talented; second best.
Selections:
#3 Thunder Moccasin
#5 Il Villano
#1 Tarpy’s Goal
Brooklyn Backstretch 
Thunder Moccasin certainly looked good but the star of the day on Saturday at GP was Get Stormy. Miss Teresa needs to be beating the drum about this NY Grade 1 colt who was somewhat overlooked by most reporting media.
I don’t think that Get Stormy (who’s a horse, by the way) is much of a secret, Bob — he’s got quite a fan base and has made an appearance here several times. Tom Bush has welcomed me to his barns in Florida, NY, and Kentucky, and it’s been a pleasure writing about Get Stormy for the Saratogian (here and here) and for Thoroughbred Times.
I’d have loved to have written about his win last weekend; unfortunately, family matters occupied me. Glad you enjoyed him, though — he really is terrific.