Options Aplenty in Contentious $110,000 Rapid Transit

14 horses are scheduled to contest the seven furlong sprint on the main track, with 5/2 favoritism assigned to Stallwalkin’ Dude who has won two of his last three starts since being claimed by trainer David Jacobson in September.  Stallwalkin’ Dude is stabled at Gulfstream, giving him an advantage over several main rivals who will have to ship and handle a new surface.  Stallwalkin’ Dude has three wins in nine career starts at Gulfstream and has found his best form of late posting Beyer Speed Figures of 92, 90, and 100 in his last three starts, although none of the numbers were earned over a fast track. 

Parx shipper Monty Haul (10/1), could prove to be the value play in the Rapid Transit.  The Phillip Aristone trainee possesses sharp early speed and has won both career starts at the seven furlong distance.  The five year-old gelded son of With Distinction has won five of his last eight races and makes his second start off the layoff for Aristone.

Palatine Hill (8/1) will break from the rail for trainer Peter Walder, and might be overlooked by bettors despite eleven in-the-money finishes at Gulfstream Park in fourteen career tries.  Palatine Hill returns to action for the first time since September and could fire fresh for Walder who connects with 25% of his starters returning from similar layoffs.