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Gulfstream Park presents a competitive nine-race card on Thursday, December 11, 2025, featuring action across all three racing surfaces. The Championship Meet continues with strong competition across turf, dirt, and Tapeta courses. First post is 12:20 PM ET.
The card features a mix of claiming races, allowance optional claiming events, and a maiden optional claiming race, with purses ranging from $24,500 to $43,000. The meet has seen strong jockey performances from returning riders Irad Ortiz Jr., Tyler Gaffalione, and David Egan, who have rejoined the colony alongside standout Emisael Jaramillo, who leads the early standings with multiple stakes victories already this meet.
Trainer Jose Francisco D’Angelo has multiple live runners throughout the card and has established himself as a major player at the meet with 144 wins from 731 starts in 2025. D’Angelo ranks 14th nationally in earnings and has been particularly effective with his two-year-olds and turf horses.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather conditions for Thursday, December 11 show partly to mostly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 75°F) and humidity around 55%. Light winds from the north around 9 mph are expected with minimal precipitation threat. These are typical South Florida winter racing conditions.
The turf course is racing with the rail at 45 feet, which tends to level the playing field for post position advantages and creates a fair racing surface. The dirt main track is expected to be fast, and the Tapeta all-weather surface should provide its characteristic consistent footing.
Track conditions favor inside posts on dirt routes and tactical speed on the main track. The turf courses with the rail out typically favor stalkers, who have been winning approximately 50% of turf routes at the current meet distance.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Current meet statistics reveal several important biases across Gulfstream’s three surfaces:
On dirt, early runners are dominating sprint races, winning approximately 50% of dirt sprints through the first two weeks. Posts 1-3 have been particularly effective in mile races, going 5-for-6 early in the meet. Two-turn dirt routes show a pronounced inside post bias, with posts 1-5 strongly preferred. Anything outside post 5 faces a disadvantage due to the short run to the first turn.
Turf racing continues to demonstrate Gulfstream’s traditional bias against wire-to-wire winners, especially with the rail positioned away from the hedge. Front-runners have won less than 30% of turf routes, while stalkers racing 1-4 lengths off the pace account for approximately 50% of winners. Closers have struggled at just 21% winners. In turf sprints at five furlongs, speed completely dominates with inside speed from posts 1-3 winning 58% of races.
The Tapeta synthetic surface has played relatively fair in route races with posts mostly inconsequential. Stalkers hold a slight edge at 45% winners. In Tapeta sprints, posts 4-6 have been winning 53% of races, with early runners also showing strong performance.
Race 1 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Claiming fillies and mares turf route, 1 1/16 miles, $17,500 claiming, 12:20 PM ET
Pace Analysis
This turf route should set up with a moderate pace. Several horses have shown ability to attend the early tempo including What a Knockout, who can be forwardly placed, and Plagne Champagne, who typically stalks the pace. The rail position at 45 feet should allow horses with tactical speed and stalking positions to be effective. Given the distance and claiming level, expect honest fractions that will allow closers to be involved late.
Key Contenders
Normanjito (FR) draws inside in post 3 for Brendan Walsh and Tyler Gaffalione. This French-bred filly has shown turf ability and gets the services of one of the meet’s top riders. Walsh has been red-hot with seven victories through the first half of recent meets and brings strong turf credentials. Gaffalione returned to Gulfstream earlier this month and brings championship-caliber riding.
Pemberley arrives from post 10 with Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been dominant since his return to Gulfstream with four wins in his first day back. The combination of the nation’s leading money rider with experience at this level makes this mare dangerous. D’Angelo-trained, this filly benefits from a barn firing on all cylinders.
Highway Harmony from the Jorge Abreu barn exits recent competitive efforts and draws a favorable middle post. Edgard Zayas takes the mount and has shown solid form throughout the meet. At 5-1 morning line odds, this mare represents value if she can secure a stalking position.
Secondary Choices
What a Knockout could factor from the rail with Emisael Jaramillo, who leads the meet standings. Her early speed could prove useful on a turf course that doesn’t favor closers. However, the rail post at 45 feet takes away some traditional inside advantages.
Magical Trick with Javier Castellano brings veteran rider savvy and has experience over the course. The Tharrenos trainee could improve in this spot.
Longshots
Seekingbythestorm at 30-1 morning line presents interesting value for those looking at bomber prices. The Lizardi-trained mare has been working steadily and gets a rider change that could spark improvement.
Selections
Win: Normanjito (FR)
Place: Pemberley
Show: Highway Harmony
Race 2 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Claiming fillies and mares dirt sprint, 6 furlongs, $8,000 claiming, 12:51 PM ET
Pace Analysis
This dirt sprint should feature contested early fractions given the tendency for speed to hold at Gulfstream. Early runners have been winning 50% of dirt sprints at the meet. Multiple horses will show speed including Girvin Star, who typically breaks alertly, and Slender Slipper, who has tactical speed. The pace should set up favorably for horses with tactical speed or the ability to stalk and pounce.
Key Contenders
Girvin Star represents the Jennifer Young stable and was recently claimed for $25,000, indicating connections see improvement ahead. The daughter of Girvin gets Edgar Perez and is the morning line favorite at 8-5. Her recent claim suggests she may be training well for her new connections. Young has been patient developing this filly.
Slender Slipper for Michael Morrison and Rajiv Maragh offers strong credentials. Maragh recently reached the 2,000-win milestone and brings consistency to this claiming level. His Gulfstream experience is invaluable at this claiming price.
Mean to Me enters for Fernando Abreu with Jonathan Ocasio. This three-year-old filly has competed at this level and could move forward in this spot at 6-1 morning line odds.
Secondary Choices
Fontina represents a value proposition at 20-1 for Ronald Spatz. The trainer has been competitive at lower claiming levels and Horacio Karamanos provides capable piloting.
Lance’s Smile has shown glimpses of ability and Diane Morici runners can surprise at a price. Jose Batista’s veteran presence helps.
Selections
Win: Girvin Star
Place: Slender Slipper
Show: Mean to Me
Race 3 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Claiming three-year-olds and up, 5 1/2 furlongs Tapeta, $17,500 claiming, 1:22 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Tapeta sprints at Gulfstream have shown bias toward posts 4-6 and favor horses with early speed. At 5 1/2 furlongs, expect a quick tempo with horses looking to establish position early. The synthetic surface should provide consistent footing and favor horses with tactical speed who can maintain their position.
Key Contenders
Maitre D represents the powerful Jose D’Angelo barn and gets Irad Ortiz Jr.. This combination has been exceptionally effective at the meet. D’Angelo ranks 14th nationally in trainer earnings with 144 wins from 731 starts in 2025, and Ortiz Jr. has won four races in single cards since returning to Gulfstream. The favorite status at 8-5 appears justified.
Adversary for Edward Plesa Jr. and Edgard Zayas merits respect from post 3. Zayas has been solid throughout the meet and knows how to rate a horse on the Tapeta surface. At 5-2 morning line, this gelding offers betting value if he can overcome the slight post disadvantage for Tapeta sprints.
Relator brings John Velazquez to the irons for Antonio Sano. Velazquez is North America’s all-time earnings leader with over $513 million in purses and his presence alone warrants respect. From post 6, he’ll have the preferred outside post for Tapeta sprints.
Secondary Choices
Coffee At K J’s from post 4 sits in the ideal Tapeta sprint position. Victor Barboza Jr. trains and Miguel Vasquez rides. This combination from a favorable post makes this gelding dangerous.
Smokin Jack Flash represents longshot value for Heather Smullen with Luca Panici aboard. The gelding has shown flashes and could surprise at a price.
Selections
Win: Maitre D
Place: Adversary
Show: Relator
Race 4 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Allowance Optional Claiming state-bred fillies and mares, 6 1/2 furlongs dirt, $43,000 purse, 1:53 PM ET
Pace Analysis
This allowance optional claimer for Florida-breds should produce competitive fractions over 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt. Several fillies will show speed including Wiggle An’ Wine and Volatiled, both of whom have tactical speed. The pace should be honest without being suicidal, which should favor horses with good positioning and a strong late kick.
Key Contenders
Volatiled represents Fernando Abreu and Tyler Gaffalione. This gray filly graduated in a maiden victory at Gulfstream in late October 2024 and has been training forwardly. Gaffalione’s return to the meet adds significant jockey strength, and at 8-5 morning line, she’s the favorite for good reason. Her breeding suggests she’ll handle the distance.
Wiggle An’ Wine for Jose Pinchin gets the services of Irad Ortiz Jr. The combination of the nation’s leading rider with competitive recent form makes this filly extremely dangerous. Ortiz Jr. has shown he can win on any horse when in form, and his presence elevates any mount.
Cooey represents Saffie Joseph Jr. and Micah Husbands. Joseph ranks high in wins at the Championship Meet and his runners always come prepared. Husbands brings veteran savvy and will have this filly in the right position throughout.
Secondary Choices
Breezey Bella for Carlos David with Samy Camacho offers experience and consistency. The four-year-old filly has tactical speed and should be forwardly placed.
Boombox Betty brings Ronald Spatz training and Jonathan Ocasio piloting. This combination has shown competitiveness at this level.
Selections
Win: Volatiled
Place: Wiggle An’ Wine
Show: Cooey
Race 5 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Claiming three-year-olds and up, 1 1/16 miles turf, $25,000 claiming, 2:24 PM ET
Pace Analysis
This turf route at 1 1/16 miles should unfold with moderate pace pressure. The rail at 45 feet levels post position advantages and favors stalkers who can position 1-4 lengths off the lead. With ten horses entered, expect the field to spread out with multiple groups forming. Closers will face challenges as they typically struggle in Gulfstream turf routes unless the pace collapses.
Key Contenders
Brigade Commander represents Jose D’Angelo and Irad Ortiz Jr., the winning combination from Race 3. This five-year-old gelding was recently claimed by D’Angelo for $40,000 out of a Saratoga race, indicating the trainer sees significant upside. Ortiz Jr.’s presence from a middle post gives this horse every chance. The drop in class from recent efforts suggests improvement.
Irwin (IRE) brings Philip Antonacci training and Tyler Gaffalione riding. This Irish-bred seven-year-old has competed in graded stakes company and drops significantly in class. The gelding has shown strong turf form including a second-place finish in Kentucky Derby prep races. His class advantage could prove decisive.
Quizler for Kelly Breen and Junior Alvarado merits respect. This three-year-old colt has upside and the connections suggest confidence. Alvarado’s tactical riding will be important in finding the right position.
Secondary Choices
Alasdair brings experience and Nolan Ramsey training. Miguel Vasquez takes the mount and will look to secure a forward stalking position.
Flat Top Box represents Ronald Spatz with Javier Castellano. The combination brings experience and Castellano’s Hall of Fame credentials make any mount dangerous.
Longshots
Noble Tiger at 20-1 morning line offers value for those seeking bombers. Emisael Jaramillo rides for Joseph Catanese and could surprise if the pace collapses.
Selections
Win: Brigade Commander
Place: Irwin (IRE)
Show: Quizler
Race 6 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Maiden Optional Claiming two-year-old fillies, 6 1/2 furlongs dirt, Florida-bred, 2:54 PM ET
Pace Analysis
This maiden race for Florida-bred juveniles should produce honest fractions with several fillies showing early speed. Winplaceandshow and Max both represent Joseph Orseno and will likely show early foot. The pace should set up for horses with tactical speed or good closing kicks. At 6 1/2 furlongs, positioning will be critical.
Key Contenders
Sonnynpeaches draws post 2 for Jose D’Angelo and Irad Ortiz Jr.. This combination has been dominant throughout the meet, and D’Angelo’s prowess with two-year-olds is well-documented. As the 2-1 morning line favorite, this filly benefits from the inside post and the nation’s leading rider. D’Angelo’s recent four-win day demonstrates his stable’s current form.
Empath represents Mark Casse and Edgard Zayas. Casse is a Hall of Fame trainer with exceptional credentials developing juveniles. His runners always come ready for their debut or early career starts. Zayas has shown strong form throughout the meet and will have this filly positioned properly.
Sun Kiss for William Mott with Taylor Kingsley presents interesting value at 5-1. Mott ranks among racing’s elite trainers and his juveniles typically show professional debuts. The filly carries blinkers on, suggesting connections are addressing a training issue.
Secondary Choices
Winplaceandshow and Max both represent Joseph Orseno with Tyler Gaffalione and Javier Castellano respectively. The tandem trainee entry brings strong rider power and could split the vote if both run well.
La Rodada for Ramon Minguet with Jesus Rios offers value at 6-1. Florida-bred specialists often find success in restricted company.
Selections
Win: Sonnynpeaches
Place: Empath
Show: Sun Kiss
Race 7 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Claiming fillies and mares, 6 furlongs dirt, $12,500 claiming, 3:24 PM ET
Pace Analysis
This lower-level claiming sprint should feature contested early fractions with multiple speed types. Early speed has been dominating dirt sprints at the meet, winning approximately 50% of races. Julee’s Legacy and Tinki Abarrio will likely show early, creating honest fractions. Horses with tactical speed positioning second or third should have opportunities late.
Key Contenders
Julee’s Legacy for Pedro Garcia Jr. and Emisael Jaramillo brings the leading rider at the meet. Jaramillo has been exceptional with seven stakes wins already, including three of the meet’s first six stakes races. His hot hand combined with early speed makes this filly formidable at 2-1 morning line odds.
Tinki Abarrio represents Carlos Luis Perez with Edgar Perez. This four-year-old filly has shown consistency at this level and should be forwardly placed throughout. The trainer-jockey combination has produced results at claiming levels.
Both Sides for Jose Castro and Jose Morelos brings experience and tactical speed. The five-year-old mare has competed successfully at this level and could benefit if the pace gets quick early.
Secondary Choices
Brenna for Herbert Miller and Micah Husbands offers value at 5-1. The three-year-old filly drops in claiming price and the class relief could spark improvement.
It’s Only Words brings Heather Smullen training with Heriberto Figueroa. At 10-1 morning line, this mare offers value for those seeking higher payoffs.
Selections
Win: Julee’s Legacy
Place: Tinki Abarrio
Show: Both Sides
Race 8 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Allowance Optional Claiming state-bred three-year-olds and up, 5 furlongs turf, $43,000 purse, 3:54 PM ET
Pace Analysis
This five-furlong turf sprint for Florida-breds should produce blazing fractions. Gulfstream turf sprints heavily favor speed, with front-runners winning 58% of races at five furlongs. Inside speed from posts 1-3 has been deadly, winning 25 of 95 turf sprints in recent statistics. This race should feature a quick pace with horses trying to secure position early before the short run home.
Key Contenders
My Voodoo Doll for Mark Casse and Irad Ortiz Jr. combines a Hall of Fame trainer with the nation’s leading rider. Casse has won multiple stakes with turf sprinters and knows how to place his horses. The combination with Ortiz Jr. from post 6 gives this five-year-old gelding tactical options. As the 2-1 favorite, he represents the horse to beat.
Gabaldon draws post 2 for Jose D’Angelo and Yolber Torres. This three-year-old gelding has competed at the highest levels including Grade 3 stakes and has speed to match. D’Angelo targeted Royal Ascot with this colt earlier in the year, demonstrating the regard in which he’s held. The inside post suits his running style perfectly.
Corso’s Pick brings John Velazquez for Victoria Oliver. Velazquez’s Hall of Fame credentials and tactical brilliance make him dangerous from any post. The seven-furlong distance suits front-running types, but Velazquez can adapt to any pace scenario.
Secondary Choices
Sticky McShnickens for Joseph Orseno and Edgard Zayas offers value at 9-2. The four-year-old gelding has shown ability on turf and benefits from strong connections.
Beijing Boss for Carlos Luis Perez with Miguel Vasquez represents value. The three-year-old colt has room for improvement and could surprise.
Selections
Win: My Voodoo Doll
Place: Gabaldon
Show: Corso’s Pick
Race 9 – Gulfstream Park – Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Claiming fillies and mares, 5 1/2 furlongs Tapeta, $10,000 claiming, 4:24 PM ET
Pace Analysis
This Tapeta sprint for older claiming fillies and mares should feature quick early fractions. Posts 4-6 have shown advantages in Tapeta sprints, and early runners have been effective. At 5 1/2 furlongs, positioning out of the gate will be critical with limited time to recover from poor starts. The consistent Tapeta surface should produce honest times.
Key Contenders
Happy Ride for Laura Cazares and Irad Ortiz Jr. brings the nation’s leading money rider to a claiming sprint. Ortiz Jr. has demonstrated ability to win on any horse and his presence elevates this six-year-old mare significantly. From post 5, she sits in the ideal Tapeta sprint position. At 5-2 morning line, she offers reasonable value given the rider advantage.
Omo Ten Girl represents Jose Castro with Carlos Martinez as apprentice rider. This five-year-old mare by Girvin has shown consistency at lower claiming levels and gets a significant weight break with the apprentice allowance. From post 8, she’ll need to overcome the outside post but has tactical speed to overcome that deficit. The favorite at 9-5.
Misprint for Steve Klesaris and Rajiv Maragh offers value at 3-1. Maragh recently notched his 2,000th career win and brings vast experience to this claiming level. The four-year-old filly has competed successfully at Gulfstream and knows the Tapeta surface well.
Secondary Choices
Paleo’s Princess with David Egan riding brings international flavor. Egan has shown strong form since joining the Gulfstream meet and could provide an upset from post 3.
Fulminate was recently claimed and represents Armando De La Cerda with Miguel Vasquez. The claim suggests connections see improvement ahead.
Selections
Win: Happy Ride
Place: Omo Ten Girl
Show: Misprint
Jockey Notes and Insights
Irad Ortiz Jr. continues his dominant 2025 campaign, setting the all-time single-season earnings record with over $39.2 million. Since returning to Gulfstream on December 4, Ortiz has been unstoppable with four wins on opening day. He has 332 wins from 1,541 mounts in 2025 for a 22% strike rate and 54% in-the-money percentage. His eight mounts today represent significant betting opportunities, particularly when paired with strong trainers like D’Angelo.
Tyler Gaffalione returned to the Championship Meet on December 4 after competing at other circuits. The Eclipse Award winner and South Florida native has strong Gulfstream credentials with 74 wins at last year’s meet. His partnership with quality trainers like Brendan Walsh and Fernando Abreu positions him well throughout the card.
Emisael Jaramillo leads the early Championship Meet standings with multiple stakes victories. The Venezuelan jockey has won three of the meet’s first six stakes races and shows exceptional timing in his finishes. His 18 graded stakes wins in the U.S. demonstrate ability at the highest levels. He warrants attention in every mount, particularly in claiming sprints where his tactical speed riding excels.
Rajiv Maragh recently reached the 2,000-win milestone and brings vast Gulfstream experience. His 25 Grade 1 stakes wins include back-to-back Breeders’ Cup victories aboard Groupie Doll. At claiming levels, his experience proves invaluable in navigating traffic and finding the right trip.
John Velazquez, North America’s all-time earnings leader with over $513 million in purses, adds Hall of Fame credentials to any mount. His tactical brilliance and ability to rate horses in any pace scenario makes him dangerous even at longer odds.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jose Francisco D’Angelo dominates the card with multiple entries and represents the leading stable at the meet. With 144 wins from 731 starts in 2025, D’Angelo ranks 14th nationally in earnings. His recent four-win day demonstrates the stable’s current form. D’Angelo has shown exceptional skill with two-year-olds and turf horses, having previously campaigned stakes winners internationally including trips to Royal Ascot, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. His runners warrant automatic respect, particularly when paired with top jockeys like Irad Ortiz Jr.
Mark Casse brings Hall of Fame credentials and exceptional juvenile development. His stable has produced multiple Breeders’ Cup winners and Eclipse Award champions. Casse runners typically come professionally prepared for their assignments, and his turf sprinters have shown consistent form. Any Casse trainee deserves serious consideration regardless of odds.
Saffie Joseph Jr. ranks among the top trainers at the Gulfstream Championship Meet. His stable produces consistent results and his horses show steady improvement through their campaigns. Joseph excels with claiming horses that move up through the ranks.
Brendan Walsh enters the meet red-hot with strong turf credentials. His runners typically show professional form and tactical savvy, particularly on the grass. Walsh’s attention to detail in placing horses shows in consistent results.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The card presents several strong single opportunities in horizontal wagers. In Race 3, Maitre D with Irad Ortiz Jr. for D’Angelo represents the strongest single on the card given the dominant jockey-trainer combination and favorable Tapeta sprint profile. Similarly, Race 6 with Sonnynpeaches offers another D’Angelo-Ortiz Jr. combination in a spot where the trainer excels with juveniles.
For Pick 3 sequences, consider the early Pick 3 covering Races 1-3, using Normanjito and Pemberley in Race 1, spreading slightly in Race 2 with Girvin Star and Slender Slipper, then singling Maitre D in Race 3. This provides leverage with the strong single while maintaining some coverage in the competitive filly sprint.
The middle Pick 4 covering Races 4-7 offers value opportunities. Use Volatiled and Wiggle An’ Wine in Race 4, spread wide in the maiden Race 6 with Sonnynpeaches, Empath, and Sun Kiss, then key strong horses in Races 5 and 7 including Brigade Commander and Julee’s Legacy respectively.
For vertical wagers, focus on races featuring strong jockey-trainer combinations. Exactas in Races 3, 6, and 8 keying D’Angelo-Ortiz Jr. horses on top offer value. In Race 8, consider boxing My Voodoo Doll and Gabaldon in exactas and trifectas given their class advantages and strong connections.
Daily Double opportunities exist connecting Race 1 to Race 2 using Normanjito and Pemberley with Girvin Star and Slender Slipper. The late double from Race 8 to Race 9 keying My Voodoo Doll with Happy Ride and Omo Ten Girl offers value heading into the finale.
For those seeking longshot opportunities, consider Seekingbythestorm in Race 1 at 30-1, Smokin Jack Flash in Race 3 at 8-1, and Noble Tiger in Race 5 at 20-1 in trifecta and superfecta combinations underneath stronger horses.
The meet’s current biases favor early speed on dirt, stalkers on turf routes, and posts 4-6 in Tapeta sprints. Incorporate these tendencies into wagering strategies while respecting the quality of jockey-trainer combinations that can overcome track biases through superior horsemanship.
Given the strong form of Irad Ortiz Jr. and the dominant D’Angelo stable, consider focusing wagers on races where this combination appears. Their eight partnership opportunities today represent the card’s strongest betting angles. Similarly, races featuring Hall of Fame trainers like Mark Casse and top returning riders like Tyler Gaffalione warrant extra attention and wagering support.
