Today’s card at Gulfstream Park features a balanced mix of maiden, claiming, and stakes races covering both turf and synthetic/dirt surfaces. The Hallandale Beach S. stakes highlights the afternoon, while competitive claiming and maiden special weight events add opportunities for both chalk and value plays. The card is expected to see a variety of running styles and pace scenarios, especially with several races drawing healthy-sized fields.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day, with highs approaching the upper 80s. Humidity will be noticeable, which could impact both horse and track performance. Winds out of the northeast at 5–10 mph are expected. The chance of rain is 50%, suggesting that the turf course could be less than firm depending on any midday precipitation, and synthetic or dirt surfaces could become more tiring or “good” if showers do materialize. As of the latest reporting, Gulfstream’s dirt track is listed as fast and the turf as firm, but bettors should monitor for updated track conditions due to the weather risk.
Race-by-Race Analysis and Picks
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight, 5 Furlongs Turf
This opener features three-year-olds and up, many with limited turf sprint experience. Pace figures to be lively, with several fresh faces and runners trying to capitalize from inside draws. Son of Honor (6), with strong connections in Emisael Jaramillo and Jose M. Castro, projects to be well-suited for a prominent or off-the-pace trip and may benefit if any rain moves the race off the turf. Key rivals include Broken Sound (3), who fits on recent synthetic speed, and Souper Document (1), a Mark Casse-trainee with tactical speed. If off-turf, favor horses with proven synthetic form. Secondary consideration goes to Sher Han (5), who could improve on the stretch out. Potential upsetter: Night (4), who tries to pounce late if the speed folds.
Selections: 6-3-1.
Race 2: Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic
Try to Make Cents (2) stands out in this lower-level claiming event with back figures and a reliable dirt/synthetic profile for the D’Angelo barn. Coercive (1) and Orb Alpha (10) add depth as logical secondary threats—both bring a steady claimers’ resume and good inside speed. The filly Always True (5) is a wild card with potential for a minor award if she responds to rider change. Wagering angles: Focus on logicals near the front; the synthetic surface often favors those who press or stalk.
Selections: 2-1-10.
Race 3: Maiden Claiming, 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt
Valued Cajun (2) has the speed figures and trainer intent to seize this spot as a solid favorite. Three Little Birds (1) is dangerous on the stretch out and adds value to exotics. Senor Money (8) projects to rally from off the pace with a sharp work pattern for Jaramillo. Max N Fifo (5) is a possible longshot, with enough early speed to surprise if the race falls apart up front.
Selections: 2-1-8.
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight, 7 Furlongs Dirt
Race 4 at Gulfstream Park on September 26, 2025, is a Maiden Special Weight for two-year-old colts and geldings at 7 furlongs on dirt, offering a $70,000 purse. This contest features several well-bred debutants and a handful of runners with race experience, promising an intriguing blend of talent, potential, and tactical uncertainty.
Key Contenders
Candy Addiction (6) is the leading contender, boasting the best last-out speed figures and finishing second in a similar spot previously. Trained by Antonio Sano and ridden by Edwin Gonzalez, this runner has shown consistent progression and is likely to press or stalk the pace. Candy Addiction registered high figure marks (peaking at 94) and maintains 100% in-the-money finishes across two outings, both at comparable distances over the Gulfstream dirt.
Pax Mundi (5) debuts with high expectations for the D’Angelo/Zayas combo. As a first-time starter, this colt is well-bred for extended sprints, and morning workouts suggest readiness to fire. Though lacking data from races, trainer/jockey win percentages and placement in this spot indicate intent and solid connections.
Secondary Choices
Hamdoun (7) owns two starts and a minor placing, with tactical versatility. He should appreciate the stretch to seven furlongs and retains the services of Yolber Torres, who is adept at coaxing early run from inexperienced juveniles. Watch for improvement with added distance and continued seasoning.
Chimuelo (1), while lightly regarded on figures, hails from a strong barn (Jose D’Angelo) and draws the rail, which can be advantageous for two-year-olds with early speed. If able to break clean, could set an honest pace and try to cling to a piece late.
Bull by the Horns (4) is a wildcard for the Saffie Joseph, Jr. barn and may attract support as a debutant with solid works. If ready, could hit the board.
Pace Analysis
The projected pace is likely to be honest, but not excessively fast. With several inexperienced horses stretching out, expect one or more to gun for the early lead. Candy Addiction and Hamdoun are the most obvious pace threats, with Chimuelo potentially adding to the early flow from the inside draw. The ability to break alertly and adapt to pace pressure will be key.
Key Angles and Wagering Strategies
Key angles include siding with experience, especially those who have proven tractable in the early going, and favoring connections with high juvenile win rates. Consider exacta and trifecta keys with Candy Addiction over both debutants and lightly raced runners, focusing on trainers D’Angelo and Joseph, Jr.. Given the field makeup, vertical exotics offer more value than straight win bets unless a last-minute overlay emerges.
Selections
The top selection is Candy Addiction (6), based on speed, experience, and trainer intent. Pax Mundi (5) makes for a formidable debut threat, while Hamdoun (7) offers value for secondary positions. For trifectas and superfectas, use Chimuelo (1) and Bull by the Horns (4) underneath.
Predicted order: 6-5-7-1
Trainer and Jockey Notes
Antonio Sano continues to send out live runners in maiden special weights at Gulfstream, and Edwin Gonzalez is an underrated pilot on juveniles. Jose D’Angelo relies on hot starter Zayas, who is especially sharp with lightly raced and unraced stock. Saffie Joseph, Jr. is always dangerous with firsters, and his horses typically attract betting support.
Value and Betting Recommendations
Candy Addiction projects as a must-use in all horizontal wagers and a strong candidate for win bets at odds above 5-2. Exactas and trifectas using Candy Addiction with Pax Mundi and Hamdoun offer balance between reliability and price, with consideration for lightly raced or debuting runners from top barns for superfecta tickets.
Race 5: Claiming, 5 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic
Leprechauna (4) is the pick, coming in with consistent late figures suited for this trip and class. Speightfulelection (1) and Pop Rox (2) are logical backups; the former is dangerous on the cutback, while Pop Rox could get the jump from a midpack trip. Slew Diva (3) deserves a look for those playing wider in vertical exotics. Pace should be honest but not too pressured—expect the best filly to finish.
Selections: 4-1-2.
Race 6: Maiden Claiming, 5 Furlongs Turf
Race 6 at Gulfstream Park on September 26, 2025, features a field of two-year-old fillies racing five furlongs on turf under Maiden Claiming conditions for a $35,000 purse. With a big field and lightly raced or debut runners, expect surprises and pace pressure.
Key Contenders
Estrella (12), breaking from the far outside post, is rated a strong contender. She has a competitive morning-line price and is favored by some analysts to upset with tactical speed and a sharp work tab. She comes from a barn with a solid 2-year-old first-start record and might overcome her wide draw if able to break sharply and clear early traffic.
Mucho Macho Lady (9) is an interesting prospect with figures that fit in this group, well placed for a top-three finish if she holds her debut promise. Her outside draw is less concerning with the short turf run-up, and she is shown as a logical vertical exotic choice.
Looks to Kill (3) is another to watch: she’s featured as a value play, shows some quickness on paper, and could sit just behind the leaders for a strong late run. She’s considered a viable alternative if Estrella falters or gets caught wide.
Frosty Belle (8) is drawn well and has the experience edge compared to many in the group. She could improve with a slight cutback, and the conditioner has been profitable in these maiden claiming circles at Gulfstream.
Secondary and Longshot Considerations
Little Gussie (4), the morning-line favorite on some early boards, is expected to take money but profiles as vulnerable at low odds due to questionable finish punch. Wickedthiswaycomes (10) and Zealot (11) offer longshot interest—if the pace gets hot or the race changes surfaces, both are deeper exotic prospects who could rally late.
Pace Analysis
The early pace should be genuine, if not sizzling, with several quick fillies looking to establish position before the turn. With large fields, traffic is always an issue, and outside horses could either clear easily or get hung wide. Rail-drawn fillies like Lulu McJet (1) risk being shuffled if they don’t break well, while those mid-pack have more flexibility but may need luck in running.
Key Angles and Wagering Strategy
Experience—even with only one prior start—is an asset in Gulfstream baby races. Monitor tote action for first-timers from live stables, and watch post parade for physical condition. Given the field size and conditions, this is a good race for vertical exotics rather than win-only wagers. Focus on exacta and trifecta keys with Estrella, Looks to Kill, and Mucho Macho Lady as main win threats, using Frosty Belle and several deeper prices underneath for value.
Selections
Top pick: Estrella (12) for outside speed and recent work pattern. Key underneath and for exotics: Looks to Kill (3), Mucho Macho Lady (9), and Frosty Belle (8). For deeper horizontals and superfectas, include Wickedthiswaycomes (10) and Zealot (11) at big odds.
Predicted order: 12-3-9-8
Trainer and Jockey Notes
The trainers of Estrella and Looks to Kill show positive stats with 2-year-old filly maidens, and are routinely dangerous in maiden claiming company. Jockeys breaking from wide posts will need to make smart decisions early; tactical speed is a benefit, but patience and trip-saving rides often determine results in large Gulfstream baby fields.
Value Bets and Strategy
Wagering value will likely come from combining Estrella and Looks to Kill in exactas and trifectas, along with Frosty Belle and one or two mid- to high-priced horses underneath for superfectas. Watch the tote for last-minute value on horses like Mucho Macho Lady if she drifts above morning line odds.
This race projects as wide open, so flexibility and price shopping are advised. If Estrella or any of the top selections become underlays, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere for top value.
For exotics, Little Gussie (4) and Wickedthiswaycomes (10) can spice up the verticals if they run to their upside, especially if the race gets chaotic or is affected by a surface change.
Race 7: Claiming, 6 Furlongs Dirt
Paddy’s Gift (1) appears best with both class and tactical speed in a race lacking confirmed front runners. Lady O’Brien (2) makes sense as a stalking option and brings local back class. Square Baby (6) may bring some late kick if a pace duel develops, while Shiloh (4) is a curious longshot angle.
Selections: 1-2-6.
Race 8: Hallandale Beach Stakes, 1 Mile Dirt
Race 8 at Gulfstream Park on September 26, 2025, is the Hallandale Beach Stakes: a one-mile dirt contest for two-year-old fillies with a purse of $75,000. This stakes race has drawn a compact field featuring several talented and lightly raced prospects.
Key Contenders
Tessellate (3) emerges as the likely favorite, boasting the top speed figures and the benefit of experience in stakes company. She represents the Saffie Joseph, Jr. barn and will be piloted by Edgard Zayas, a jockey with a sharp record in these spots. Tessellate’s prior efforts include strong late splits and the ability to stay a mile, positioning her well to stalk and pounce on the leaders in the final furlong.
Willow Case (5) draws significant support as the main alternative. She is versatile, showing both early speed and staying power. If the pace slackens, Willow Case is well-positioned to control the race or sit just off Tessellate for a late duel. Her recent workout pattern supports readiness for the stretchout.
Dakota’s Lil Auror (2) is the value play—she has competitive numbers and has run well in maiden and allowance company, with Morelos Jose E. retaining the mount. Dakota’s Lil Auror projects improvement at the distance and brings enough tactical speed to stay involved throughout.
Secondary and Longshot Considerations
Vita Mia (6) is a risk-reward type, as her connections (Vasquez/De La Cerda) have had success with lightly tried fillies in these kinds of spots. While her figures trail the top picks, she could surprise, particularly if pace dynamics favor a closer.
Triple Threat (1) and That Police (4) have shown modest ability but, on figures, appear more consistent with lower exotics rather than the win slot. Both could pick up pieces if a duel materializes upfront.
Pace Analysis
This event projects a moderate to honest early pace, with several fillies capable of showing initiative but none likely to go all-out for a scorcher. Tessellate and Willow Case may vie for the lead or sit side-by-side, with Dakota’s Lil Auror tracking in just behind. Expect one or two outsiders to flash speed but fall away late, making stamina and finish essential.
Key Angles and Strategy
The combination of class, tactical speed, and distance ability favors Tessellate, but Willow Case and Dakota’s Lil Auror offer value if the favorite faces any adversity. Exactas and trifectas using these three in the top two slots make sense, with attention to late tote moves and pre-race paddock fitness. Barns with proven stakes records—Joseph, Jr., Minguet, Miller—deserve respect, and any last-minute odds shifts could indicate a live outsider.
Selections
Primary pick: Tessellate (3) for top speed, class, and proven distance. Next up: Willow Case (5) and Dakota’s Lil Auror (2) for value and underneath slots. Vita Mia (6) is useable underneath in deeper exotics.
Predicted order: 3-5-2-6
Trainer and Jockey Notes
Saffie Joseph, Jr. continues a high-profile streak at Gulfstream, especially with developing fillies. Zayas is excellent at managing tactical races and positioning for late runs. Minguet and Miller are reliable options with lightly raced young fillies, often delivering strong performances in stakes-type competition.
Betting Strategy
Win bets on Tessellate are likely to be short, so pairing her with Willow Case and Dakota’s Lil Auror in exactas and trifectas offers better value. Consider boxing these three for vertical exotics, and include Vita Mia for potential payouts. If the favorite drifts up near post, a straight win bet may be justified. The most profitable angle comes in multi-race wagers: Tessellate is a reliable anchor for Pick 3 and Pick 4 tickets, with the main rivals offering insurance for late chaos.
Race 9: Maiden Claiming, 1 Mile Turf
Cadenced (7), trained by Casse, stands out in this maiden heat, especially if the turf remains firm, and Edgar Perez gets the call. Gold Rules (1) and Law of One (3) will factor prominently in horizontals as well, and Star Prince (5) is not without a chance, particularly if a fast early pace unfolds. Turf trip should favor late runners.
Selections: 7-1-3.
Jockey Notes
Edgard Zayas and Emisael Jaramillo are prime names to watch—Zayas brings tactical brilliance, while Jaramillo specializes in aggressiveness out of the gate, particularly on the synthetic and turf sprints. Miguel Angel Vasquez and Edwin Gonzalez are also well-versed in local conditions and provide consistency for exotics. Watch for strong rides by Leonel Reyes and Rajiv Maragh, especially in tight fields.
Trainer Notes
Jose Francisco D’Angelo and Saffie Joseph, Jr. remain leading conditioners at Gulfstream, frequently delivering in maiden, allowance, and stakes company. Mark Casse is well-represented across maiden and turf events, while Jose M. Castro and Jena Antonucci have been sharp at placing up-and-coming runners in the right spots. Bobby S. Dibona and Bobby Barboza, Jr. are strong in claiming events, with Barboza making live moves in sprint distances.
Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Multirace strategies such as Pick 4 and Pick 5 offer potential, especially where reliable favorites like Candy Addiction and Tessellate anchor sequences. Races 1 and 6 present chaos potential, favoring deeper coverage in horizontals. Look for value in Race 3 if the favorite falters and note that wide spreads or “all” buttons could pay off if the weather changes surfaces. In the stakes, consider leveraging exactas and trifectas, using logical favorites with one or two price horses underneath for better value.
