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The second day of Gulfstream Park’s 2025-2026 Championship Meet features a competitive nine-race card highlighted by the $100,000 Pulpit Stakes, a 7.5-furlong turf test for two-year-olds. The card offers a diverse mix of maiden claimers, optional claimers, and a stakes race that will showcase some promising juvenile talent. Today’s racing spans all three surfaces at Gulfstream, including the main dirt track, the Tapeta synthetic surface, and the turf course.
The Championship Meet opened Thanksgiving Day with an abbreviated eight-race program, and today marks the first full card of the winter season. With 84 racing days scheduled through March 29, culminating in the 10th anniversary of the Pegasus World Cup on January 24 and the 75th running of the Florida Derby on March 28, the stakes are high as connections jockey for position early in this prestigious meet.
Weather and Track Conditions
Today’s weather conditions are favorable for racing at Gulfstream Park. Forecasts call for mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching the lower 70s. North winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph may influence pace scenarios, particularly in the turf races. Tonight will be partly cloudy with lows in the mid 60s and northeast winds continuing at 10 to 15 mph.
The track surface conditions are as follows: the main dirt track is rated Fast, the turf course is Good with the rail set at 17 feet for turf races (Races 1, 6, and 9), and the Tapeta synthetic surface is in good condition. No significant scratches had been reported for Gulfstream as of early morning, though several horses remain on the scratch watch list that bettors should monitor before post time.
Track superintendents have maintained the surfaces well coming out of the Sunshine Meet, where trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. claimed his 14th consecutive title and jockey Edgard Zayas earned his 10th overall riding title at Gulfstream.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Understanding Gulfstream’s inherent track biases is crucial for today’s wagering. Based on recent statistical data from the Sunshine Meet (September 5 through November 23, 2025), clear patterns have emerged across all three surfaces.
For dirt sprints under 7.5 furlongs, posts 1 (16.16%), 3 (18.18%), and 7 (18.75%) have produced the highest win percentages. The inside bias stems from the short run to the first turn, giving fast starters from inside posts a significant advantage. Wire-to-wire winners have accounted for 33-38% of dirt sprint victories, with early speed types (E runners) dominating.
On the Tapeta synthetic surface, the bias shifts considerably. For sprints under 7.5 furlongs, posts 4 (18.60%), 5 (15.29%), and 8 (20.93%) have been most productive, while the rail (post 1) shows only an 8.14% win rate. For Tapeta routes of 7.5 furlongs and over, post 3 stands out with a 21.51% win rate, followed by posts 5 and 7. Middle posts have dominated Tapeta sprints at roughly 51% of wins, making draw analysis essential for Races 2, 4, 5, and 7 today.
The turf course presents another distinct profile. Five-furlong turf sprints at Gulfstream are extremely speed-favoring, with gate-to-wire winners accounting for approximately 52% of victories. However, two-turn turf routes (7.5 furlongs and over) favor closers significantly, as pacesetters struggle to maintain their advantage through the final turn. Posts 1, 3, and 7 have produced strong results in turf routes.
Race 1 – Maiden Claiming – 1 1/16 Miles Turf – $17,500
Post Time: 12:20 PM EST
This maiden claiming event for three-year-old and upward fillies and mares features a field of eight going two turns on the turf. The distance and surface combination historically favors closers at Gulfstream, making pace analysis and running style evaluation critical.
Pace Analysis
The projected pace scenario suggests a moderate early tempo with American Popstar and Pass Failed likely to contest the early lead. Colorful Lady and D’argento Bolt have shown mid-pack tendencies and could stalk from tactical positions. The closers in this field, including Giddy Up Baby and Lilys Back, should benefit if the leaders duel through honest fractions. Two-turn turf races at Gulfstream have consistently rewarded horses who can rally from off the pace.
Key Contenders
American Popstar enters as the 2-1 morning line favorite making her turf debut. The three-year-old filly finished sixth in a one-mile dirt maiden at Saratoga in her only prior start. She draws leading rider Edgard Zayas, who boasts a 20% win rate and 56% in-the-money percentage at the meet. Trainer Philip Antonacci has shown a 22% win rate with recent starters, and the connection with Zayas adds firepower. However, betting a first-time turf starter as the heavy favorite in a route race carries inherent risk.
Pass Failed ships in from trainer Claude McGaughey III’s barn showing an intriguing form cycle. The filly ran second in a 5.5-furlong turf sprint at Monmouth Park last out, demonstrating an ability to handle the grass. Her fourth and seventh-place finishes in two-turn turf events at Monmouth suggest she may need further development at route distances, but the class drop and rider Emisael Jaramillo (25% win rate at the meet) provide upside.
D’argento Bolt has been knocking on the door consistently, finishing second in a one-mile turf race at Gulfstream last out. The Jose Garoffalo trainee has placed in 7 of 13 career starts (0-3-4), showing the consistency to fill out exotic tickets. Hall of Famer Javier Castellano takes the mount, and her mid-pack running style suits the closer-friendly turf course configuration.
Secondary Choices
Lilys Back presents an interesting profile at 6-1 morning line odds. The four-year-old mare has hit the board in 6 of 7 lifetime starts (0-2-4) with a 57% in-the-money rate. Her closing style aligns well with Gulfstream turf route bias, and she finished third in a 1 1/16-mile turf race at this track two starts back. Trainer Ronald Spatz has shown improvement with his barn recently.
Giddy Up Baby brings the most experience in the field with 18 career starts (0-8-10). The consistent placer has finished second or third in 56% of her races, including a fourth-place effort in a one-mile turf race at Gulfstream last time. Her fast closer style could prevail if the pace unfolds contentiously.
Colorful Lady, trained by J. Kent Sweezey and ridden by Joe Bravo (24% win rate), adds tactical versatility. She finished seventh in her most recent one-mile turf attempt but has shown flashes in prior dirt races.
Selections
Win: D’argento Bolt
Place: Lilys Back
Show: Pass Failed
Race 2 – Maiden Claiming – 5 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic – $17,500
Post Time: 12:49 PM EST
A large field of twelve juvenile fillies will contest this maiden claiming sprint on the Tapeta surface. The extensive field size increases volatility, but statistical biases favor middle-to-outside posts on this surface.
Pace Analysis
Multiple horses show early speed tendencies, setting up for a potentially contentious pace. Velvet Rage and Tully Road both display forward running styles that could create pressure through the early fractions. With several first-time starters and shippers in the field, the pace dynamics remain somewhat unpredictable. Horses drawn in posts 4-8 hold a statistical advantage on the Tapeta sprints.
Key Contenders
Velvet Rage is established as the 3-1 morning line favorite for trainer Jose D’Angelo, one of Gulfstream’s top conditioners who recently captured two Breeders’ Cup victories. The filly has finished second in two of her last three starts, including a runner-up effort in a 5.5-furlong dirt sprint at this track. Zayas takes the mount, continuing the powerful D’Angelo-Zayas combination that has produced consistent results. Her fastest deep running style and synthetic experience make her the one to beat.
Tully Road ships in from the Patrick Biancone barn at 6-1 odds. The filly carries only 113 pounds with apprentice Christian Maragh (22% win rate) aboard, providing a weight advantage over rivals. She showed a fast stalking style in two prior starts, and Biancone’s reputation with young horses adds intrigue. Her ability to navigate the Tapeta surface remains a question mark.
Bring Bail Money represents Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse, who ranks fourth nationally with 216 wins and over $21.9 million in earnings for 2025. The filly finished ninth in her debut going 5.5 furlongs on the dirt at Gulfstream, but the barn switch to synthetic and the class drop could spark improvement. Miguel Vasquez (20% win rate at the meet) rides.
Secondary Choices
Frosty Belle at 5-1 morning line draws Edgar Perez and finished third in her last start at this distance on dirt. Trainer Henry Collazo seeks the filly’s first win after five attempts, and the cutback in class helps her chances.
Marlas Dream ships from the Gregory Sacco barn with veteran jockey Nik Juarez. Despite a rough start to her career (0-0-0 in two starts), the Sacco operation has shown a 33% win rate with recent starters.
Longshots
Goldie Glory at 12-1 has hit the board in three of five starts (0-0-3), showing consistency as a fast closer. Her 60% in-the-money rate at a distance suggests she could round out exotic tickets with apprentice Luis Fuenmayor aboard.
Selections
Win: Velvet Rage
Place: Bring Bail Money
Show: Tully Road
Race 3 – Starter Optional Claiming – 7 Furlongs Dirt – $20,000
Post Time: 1:18 PM EST
This starter optional claiming race for horses that have started for $12,500 or less since November 2023 features a small but competitive field of seven on the main track.
Pace Analysis
Santos to Wilson has consistently shown the ability to dictate pace or stalk close to the lead, and he projects to control the tempo from an inside post. Blast Radius may press from the outside, while Dune Road and Lou the Body will stalk from midpack positions. The short seven-furlong distance should allow the speed horses to maintain their advantage, particularly given Gulfstream’s dirt sprint bias favoring early pace.
Key Contenders
Santos to Wilson towers over this field as the 8-5 morning line favorite, representing a significant class drop. The seven-year-old gelding has won four of his last seven starts, including dominant victories in $35,000 optional claimers at Gulfstream. His June 2025 seven-furlong win at this track was particularly impressive, defeating Uranium and Dune Road, both of whom return today. Trainer Jose Gallegos has his veteran in sharp form, and with Jose Morelos aboard, this appears to be a race where the class horse simply needs to run his race to win.
Blast Radius at 5-2 represents trainers Diley Dakin with apprentice Carlos Martinez (110 lbs). The four-year-old won at this level last time and has shown consistent form in claiming company. The significant weight break could help him stay close to the pace and finish strongly if Santos to Wilson encounters any trouble.
Uranium has been a model of consistency at this class level, finishing first or second in multiple starts at comparable conditions. Trainer Amador Merei Sanchez keeps the gelding competitive, and jockey Edwin Gonzalez knows him well. At 4-1, he represents solid place and show value.
Secondary Choices
Dune Road at 5-1 returns from a layoff and has previously finished third behind Santos to Wilson. Trainer Gary Jackson and jockey Jose Leon seek a forward move, but the class difference with the top choice may be too significant to overcome.
Lou the Body has been stakes-placed on the turf but tries the dirt today after recent struggles. At 6-1, the Daniel Hurtak trainee adds depth to exotics.
Selections
Win: Santos to Wilson
Place: Blast Radius
Show: Uranium
Race 4 – Maiden Claiming – 5 Furlongs Synthetic – $17,500
Post Time: 1:47 PM EST
Seven two-year-old males contest this five-furlong dash on the Tapeta surface. The compact field and short distance make post position particularly important, with middle posts showing the highest win percentages on Tapeta sprints.
Pace Analysis
Esoooo and Smartkenzie both possess early speed and project to contest the lead through quick early fractions. Value Inthe Clouds has shown some tactical speed and could stalk the leaders. The pace should be honest given the presence of multiple speed types, which could set up well for horses with closing ability if fractions get too quick.
Key Contenders
Esoooo is the 9-5 morning line favorite from the powerful Jose D’Angelo barn. D’Angelo has demonstrated remarkable success with synthetic surface runners, posting 35-for-149 the last two years with entrants transitioning from turf to the Tapeta. The combination with apprentice Yolber Torres provides a weight advantage, and the inside-middle draw (post 3) lands in the optimal zone for Tapeta sprints. D’Angelo’s recent Breeders’ Cup success underscores his ability to prepare horses for major moments.
Smartkenzie at 7-2 also represents D’Angelo, giving the barn a powerful one-two punch. Zayas picks up the mount on this first-time starter, and D’Angelo has shown an excellent record with debut runners. The trainer’s willingness to run two against each other suggests confidence in both, but the presence of his top jockey on this one speaks volumes.
Weitzman at 5-2 morning line showed promise when finishing second in a recent maiden claiming sprint at Gulfstream. Trainer Rohan Crichton and jockey Edwin Gonzalez have the gelding heading in the right direction. His prior Tapeta experience provides an edge over debut runners.
Secondary Choices
Holy Cow at 4-1 enters for trainer Brendan Walsh with jockey Micah Husbands (28% win rate at the meet). The first-time starter from a reputable barn deserves respect, though the outside post (7) is less favorable on Tapeta sprints.
Value Inthe Clouds at 8-1 rounds out the contenders for trainer Henry Collazo. His prior dirt experience may not translate directly, but the class level suggests he belongs.
Selections
Win: Esoooo
Place: Smartkenzie
Show: Weitzman
Race 5 – Claiming – 5 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic – $8,000
Post Time: 2:16 PM EST
This claiming sprint for horses that have never won two races features a field of nine, with several horses on the veterinarian scratch watch. Bettors should monitor scratches closely before finalizing wagers.
Pace Analysis
The pace should be contested with Pancho Slips Away, Sergeant Sinatra, and Adios Mate all showing tactical speed. The presence of multiple horses capable of pressing the early fractions suggests a pace scenario that could benefit stalkers and closers if the speed horses burn each other out. Middle post positions again hold an advantage on this Tapeta sprint.
Key Contenders
Adios Mate is the heavy 2-1 morning line favorite with an impressive 25% career win rate and 75% in-the-money percentage. The three-year-old gelding has won once and placed three times in four starts, demonstrating remarkable consistency. His fast stalker running style suits Gulfstream’s Tapeta configuration, and Miguel Vasquez (20% win rate) takes the mount. Trainer Oscar Gonzalez has the horse peaking at the right time.
Pancho Slips Away at 7-2 draws the services of leading rider Edgard Zayas, always a significant positive at Gulfstream. Trainer Kevin Rice has the three-year-old colt in sharp form after a competitive campaign that includes a win and multiple placings. His fast leads style may allow him to control the tempo, and Zayas’s ability to rate pace could be decisive.
G Speedy at 9-2 showed improvement when finishing second in a 5.5-furlong dirt sprint at Gulfstream two starts back, then followed with a victory in his next attempt. Trainer Kathy Mongeon and jockey Katie Davis (apprentice) provide a weight break. The fastest stalker designation suggests the gelding will be right with the pace throughout.
Secondary Choices
Insanity It Seems at 4-1 has been placed on the veterinarian scratch watch, so bettors should verify his status before wagering. If he runs, the Sebastian Pulgarin trainee shows consistent mid-pack running style that could factor. Apprentice Mia Nicholls rides.
Kuwait Towers at 15-1 could provide longshot value if the pace collapses. Trainer Michael Mullings and jockey Luca Panici (40% win rate with limited mounts) present an intriguing connection at big odds.
Selections
Win: Adios Mate
Place: Pancho Slips Away
Show: G Speedy
Race 6 – Maiden Claiming – 1 Mile Turf – $35,000
Post Time: 2:46 PM EST
Ten juvenile fillies will contest this one-mile turf event at a higher claiming price of $35,000. The increased class level should produce better quality racing, though the route distance on turf historically favors closers.
Pace Analysis
Little Gussie and Miami Style both display fastest stalker running styles and project to be forwardly placed through honest early fractions. Adsila shows fast leads tendencies and could set the pace. The one-mile distance around two turns provides ample opportunity for closers to rally, making this a race where tactical positioning will be crucial.
Key Contenders
Little Gussie is the 5-2 morning line favorite for trainer David Fawkes and jockey Joe Bravo. The filly has hit the board in all three career starts (0-2-2) for an impressive 67% in-the-money rate. Her fastest stalker style positions her ideally for Gulfstream’s turf course, where she can track the pace and pounce in the stretch. Bravo’s 24% win rate at the meet adds confidence, and Fawkes has shown good form with two-year-olds.
Miami Style at 7-2 represents the Zayas-Orseno combination that has produced consistent results at Gulfstream. Trainer Joseph Orseno maintains solid numbers at the track, and Zayas’s meet-leading statistics speak for themselves. The filly finished fourth in a one-mile turf race at Gulfstream last out, suggesting she handles this surface and distance. Her fastest stalker designation aligns with the projected pace scenario.
Adsila at 7-2 has been remarkably consistent, hitting the board in four of five starts (0-3-4) for an 80% in-the-money rate. The Daniel Hurtak trainee displays a fast leads running style and could benefit from a soft early pace if she gets loose on the lead. Jockey Horacio Karamanos (10% win rate) needs to judge the early fractions carefully.
Secondary Choices
Mystery Date at 6-1 makes her second career start for trainer Riley Mott with Hall of Famer Javier Castellano aboard. The filly finished ninth in her debut at Churchill Downs going one mile on turf, but the experience and switch to Gulfstream could spark improvement. Castellano’s presence on a maiden suggests the barn sees potential.
New Life at 6-1 debuts for trainer Victor Barboza Jr. with Edgar Perez. First-time starters in two-turn turf races at this level carry risk, but the barn has shown competence with juveniles.
Longshots
Wickedthiswaycomes at 15-1 finished second in a one-mile dirt race at Gulfstream last out, demonstrating improvement. The Ronald Spatz trainee switches to turf for the first time, which adds uncertainty, but her mid-pack leads style could benefit from the configuration.
Selections
Win: Little Gussie
Place: Miami Style
Show: Adsila
Race 7 – Claiming – 1 Mile 70Y Synthetic – $12,500
Post Time: 3:16 PM EST
Seven horses contest this one-mile-and-70-yard claiming event on the Tapeta surface for horses that have not won since May 28, 2025. The route distance on synthetic adds another dimension to handicapping.
Pace Analysis
Ninja Star projects to track the pace from a stalking position, while Full Nelson may attempt to set the early tempo after showing front-running tactics in recent starts. Leo Monte has shown tactical versatility and could press the pace. Sunshine Frolic typically rallies from off the pace and should benefit if the early fractions are contested. For Tapeta routes, post 3 (21.51% win rate) stands out statistically.
Key Contenders
Ninja Star dominates the morning line at 1.40 (2-5) with exceptional credentials on the Tapeta surface. The four-year-old gelding has finished first or second in 8 of 12 career synthetic starts, including a stakes win against state-bred rivals in January. He drops significantly in class today, having raced for double this claiming price in September. Trainer Jose D’Angelo has demonstrated remarkable success with synthetic surface runners (35-for-149 over two years with turf-to-synthetic transitions), and Zayas picks up the mount. The only concern is whether he might be overbet at these short odds.
Leo Monte at 6-1 enters for trainer Kelly Breen as an eight-time winner on synthetic surfaces. The seven-year-old gelding ran second against New Jersey-breds at the Meadowlands in his most recent start after racing on turf. His tactical versatility and experience on this surface make him a logical contender, though he was a beaten favorite last time when setting the pace.
Full Nelson at 4-1 represents D’Angelo’s second entrant, giving the barn a powerful presence. The four-year-old gelding was multiple stakes-placed on turf last year as a three-year-old and hasn’t raced on this surface since winning a $35,000 optional claimer by 6.5 lengths two years ago. The class drop is significant, and while he’s only beaten two rivals in his last three starts combined, he did so in better company.
Secondary Choices
Sunshine Frolic at 7-2 offers value as a horse who has rallied for third in two recent starts, finishing behind Light Fury both times. The Edgar Perez mount for trainer Daniel Hurtak could benefit if the pace develops contentiously. His closing style suits the Tapeta route configuration where off-the-pace horses have performed well.
Selections
Win: Ninja Star
Place: Leo Monte
Show: Sunshine Frolic
Race 8 – Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt – $6,250
Post Time: 3:46 PM EST
Nine horses contest this claiming sprint on the main track at the bottom of today’s class scale. The dirt surface returns after several Tapeta races, and the inside bias on dirt sprints becomes relevant.
Pace Analysis
Etendre has shown the ability to press the pace from tactical positions, while Holy Stick and Ace Ventura both display early speed tendencies. Major King can stalk or close depending on how the race develops. With multiple speed types engaged, fractions could be honest, setting up for closers if the pace collapses.
Key Contenders
Etendre is the 2-1 morning line favorite for Hall of Fame trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who claimed him for $8,000 two starts ago. The four-year-old gelding won two straight races before his three-peat bid was foiled in a fast-paced duel where he pressed repeat winner Raging Fury. Joseph, who just captured his 14th consecutive Gulfstream meet title, has this horse ready to bounce back. Jockey Micah Husbands (28% win rate) provides excellent pilot service, and the class drop from his recent $8,000 race adds significant advantage.
Major King at 9-2 enters with excellent form in $6,250 claimers this year, posting a 9-start record of 2-2-1 at this exact level. The six-year-old gelding has finished on both sides of photo finishes three times since September, demonstrating he belongs at this class. He gets in light with 115 pounds through apprentice Luis Fuenmayor, and the cutback from one mile to 6.5 furlongs should suit his running style.
Bold Advance at 7-2 returns for trainer Victor Barboza Jr. after consistent efforts at this level. The five-year-old gelding has shown tactical versatility and should be forwardly placed throughout. Jockey Ivan Pimentel Jr. knows the horse well from prior partnerships.
Secondary Choices
Holy Stick and Ace Ventura both at 6-1 are Chilean imports trained by Amador Merei Sanchez. The barn has shown competence with South American imports, and both horses bring competitive form to this spot. They could offer value in exotic wagers.
Longshots
Speightspercomete at 12-1 has shown flashes at longer distances but cuts back today. The price may provide value in exactas and trifectas if he can handle the shorter trip.
Selections
Win: Etendre
Place: Major King
Show: Bold Advance
Race 9 – $100,000 Pulpit Stakes – 7 1/2 Furlongs Turf – 2YO
Post Time: 4:16 PM EST
The card’s feature race honors Claiborne Farm homebred Pulpit, who launched his career with three consecutive victories at Gulfstream before finishing second in the 1997 Florida Derby. This turf sprint for juveniles drew a competitive field of nine and serves as part of the $10,000 Turkey Bowl promotion.
Pace Analysis
The 7.5-furlong distance creates interesting tactical considerations. Bronze Bullet and Sunrise both have shown pace-pressing tendencies, while Behold the King and Skipping Stars can stalk close to the lead. Glorious Boy has demonstrated late-running ability and could benefit if the pace develops quickly. Notably, the turf course rail is set at 17 feet, and while turf sprints typically favor speed at Gulfstream, this longer distance of 7.5 furlongs provides more time for closers to develop momentum.
Key Contenders
Behold the King is the 7-2 morning line favorite and the only stakes winner in the field. Trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse, who ranks fourth nationally with 216 wins and $21.9 million in earnings this year, this colt out-gamed Skipping Stars in the one-mile Armed Forces Stakes on November 1 at Gulfstream. He has never finished worse than second in five career starts, demonstrating remarkable consistency. Jockey Edwin Gonzalez returns from their Armed Forces victory, and the move from inside post (1) in that race to post 8 today should not significantly impact this horse’s tactical approach.
Skipping Stars at 4-1 returns for trainer Jose D’Angelo, who has three horses entered in this stakes. The son of Mitole was leading the Armed Forces Stakes throughout until getting caught late by Behold the King, losing by a neck. D’Angelo stated that his colt “was the winner the whole race except at the finish line” and hopes the 7.5-furlong distance provides the right rhythm. Zayas takes the mount, but the widest draw (post 9) presents a significant challenge. Post 9 on the turf has shown only a 10% win rate in recent meets.
Sunrise at 6-1 represents Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and draws Javier Castellano. The colt pressed the pace on the backstretch, dueled through the turn, and was resilient holding off closers in a 1 1/16-mile maiden win at Saratoga that produced two next-out winners. He was no factor in the Laurel Futurity most recently, but blinkers are added today and he worked a bullet last Friday. His sire Leinster won three graded stakes at 5.5 furlongs on turf with triple-digit Beyers.
Secondary Choices
Bronze Bullet at 6-1 completes D’Angelo’s trio. The son of Leinster won sharply on debut before finishing second in an optional claiming allowance earlier this month. Blinkers come off in a calculated move to ease the youngster into a more relaxed early rhythm as he tackles two turns for the first time. Emisael Jaramillo takes the reins from post 2.
Glorious Boy at 6-1 continues to develop with each run and comes off a second-place finish in the Awad Stakes at Aqueduct. He trailed into the stretch against three rivals but rallied determinedly on the rail and galloped out past the even-money winner. The faster the pace, the better his chances. Rajiv Maragh, nearing 2,000 career victories, takes the mount for trainer Carlos Martin.
Uncle Aldo at 10-1 rounds out D’Angelo’s three-headed attack. The More Than Ready colt arrives with growing form after a six-furlong turf win at Aqueduct on October 16 and has never been out of the money in his Gulfstream starts. The stretch-out to 7.5 furlongs appears to suit him. Joe Bravo rides from post 1.
Longshots
Shipmate at 9-2 won his 5.5-furlong maiden impressively and looks poised to take advantage if the pace becomes heated. Trainer Nolan Ramsey and Miguel Vasquez pilot from post 3.
A Million Dreams at 8-1 brings graded-placed credentials and useful experience for trainer Kevin Rice and jockey Jose Morelos.
Selections
Win: Behold the King
Place: Skipping Stars
Show: Glorious Boy
Jockey Notes and Insights
Edgard Zayas continues his dominant form at Gulfstream, having just earned his 10th career riding title at the track and third Sunshine Meet crown in five years. With 44 wins and a 20% strike rate at the recent meet, Zayas holds a commanding position entering the Championship season. He stated that “it feels great” and credits support from trainers, owners, and his agent. Today, Zayas has strong mounts in Races 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9, making him the featured rider to follow.
Miguel Angel Vasquez finished just two wins behind Zayas for the Sunshine Meet title, posting a 20% win rate from 214 mounts. His consistency and tactical intelligence make him valuable in today’s Races 1, 6, and 9.
Emisael Jaramillo ranks third among Gulfstream jockeys with a 25% win rate and 49% in-the-money percentage. His mounts in Races 1 and 9 deserve attention, particularly Bronze Bullet in the Pulpit Stakes.
Joe Bravo brings veteran savvy with a 24% win rate at the meet. His assignment on Little Gussie in Race 6 and Uncle Aldo in Race 9 reflects trainer confidence in key spots.
Javier Castellano, a Hall of Famer, adds class wherever he rides. His mounts today include D’argento Bolt (Race 1), Mystery Date (Race 6), and Sunrise in the Pulpit Stakes. Castellano’s presence often signals that a barn believes a horse is live.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jose D’Angelo has emerged as one of Gulfstream’s most formidable trainers following an extraordinary 2025 that included two Breeders’ Cup victories in November. He finished second in the Sunshine Meet standings with 26 wins and has demonstrated particular strength with synthetic surface runners, posting 35-for-149 over the past two years with horses transitioning from turf to Tapeta. D’Angelo has significant representation today with entries in Races 2, 4, 7, and three horses in the Pulpit Stakes. His Pulpit trio of Skipping Stars, Bronze Bullet, and Uncle Aldo gives him multiple chances in the feature, employing strength in numbers strategy that has served him well.
Saffie Joseph Jr. captured his 14th consecutive Gulfstream meet title, cementing his status as the dominant force at the track. His claiming operation remains razor-sharp, as evidenced by Etendre’s inclusion in Race 8 after the claim two starts ago. Joseph continues preparing stable star White Abarrio for a potential Pegasus World Cup repeat in January.
Mark Casse brings Hall of Fame credentials to today’s card with entries in Races 2 and 9. Casse ranks fourth nationally among trainers with 216 wins and over $21.9 million in earnings for 2025. His experience preparing juveniles for major moments makes Behold the King a formidable presence in the Pulpit Stakes, and Bring Bail Money shows promise in Race 2.
David Fawkes has developed a strong reputation with young horses and saddles the likely favorite Little Gussie in Race 6. The filly’s consistency (67% ITM in three starts) reflects Fawkes’s patient development approach.
Todd Pletcher’s presence with Sunrise in the Pulpit Stakes commands respect. The Hall of Famer’s decision to add blinkers following a disappointing effort in the Laurel Futurity suggests a calculated adjustment to sharpen the colt’s focus.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The day’s most attractive betting opportunities center on a few key races where value and probability align favorably.
Race 3 presents the card’s most playable single-race wager. Santos to Wilson appears vastly superior to this field, having dominated $35,000 optional claimers while today’s rivals struggle at the $20,000 level. A strong win bet is warranted, though the likely short price (8-5 morning line may drift lower) suggests incorporating him in exacta and trifecta plays with Blast Radius and Uranium to capture additional value.
Race 8 offers a compelling scenario with Etendre dropping in class for leading trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. The gelding should bounce back from a taxing duel, and Joseph’s claiming expertise suggests he identified this spot specifically. At 2-1, the price may be fair rather than value, but the reliability makes him an excellent anchor for multi-race wagers.
The Pulpit Stakes (Race 9) presents intriguing exotic wagering opportunities. With D’Angelo running three horses and multiple contenders showing legitimate credentials, this race should produce volatile exacta and trifecta payouts. Keying Behold the King in the win position while spreading underneath to Skipping Stars, Glorious Boy, Sunrise, and Bronze Bullet creates a defensive structure that captures multiple outcomes.
For multi-race wagers, consider a Pick 4 sequence covering Races 6-9. Little Gussie in Race 6 and Ninja Star in Race 7 appear vulnerable at short prices, so singling them while spreading Race 8 (Etendre with Major King and Bold Advance) and going wide in Race 9 creates a ticket structure that balances cost against potential payout.
The Late Pick 3 (Races 7-9) deserves attention as the anchor of today’s wagering. Using Ninja Star as a single in Race 7, then spreading Etendre with Major King in Race 8, and going four-deep in the Pulpit Stakes (Behold the King, Skipping Stars, Glorious Boy, Sunrise) creates an $8 ticket with significant upside.
Best longshot value on the card appears to be Uncle Aldo (10-1) in the Pulpit Stakes. The D’Angelo trainee has never been out of the money at Gulfstream, and his form cycle suggests he’s ready to step forward. At double-digit odds with Joe Bravo aboard, he represents excellent value for exacta and trifecta placements.
