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The Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park continues this Thursday, February 12, 2026, with a ten-race card featuring a mix of dirt, turf, and Tapeta contests. The program is highlighted by several allowance events and competitive maiden special weights, showcasing deep fields and top-tier connections looking to secure winter prize money.
Weather and Track Conditions
Forecast Hallandale Beach is expecting partly cloudy skies with a high near 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds will be light out of the east-northeast at 5 to 10 mph.
Track Surface The main dirt track is fast. The turf course is firm. The Tapeta all-weather surface is fast.
Track Bias On the dirt, the main track often favors speed, especially in six-furlong sprints. In two-turn routes at one mile and one-sixteenth, inside posts are advantageous due to the short run to the first turn. On the turf, the course is playing fair, but horses with a strong turn of foot who can save ground often have the edge. On the Tapeta, the surface tends to play fair to closers and stalkers, though early speed can hold if the fractions are moderate. Outside posts in two-turn Tapeta races can be a disadvantage.
Jockey and Trainer Notes
Irad Ortiz Jr. remains a dominant force at the meet and is a key rider to watch, especially on turf routes. Tyler Gaffalione has been in excellent form, often providing value on horses just off the favorite. Miguel Vasquez is aggressive out of the gate and dangerous on dirt claimers. Edgard Zayas excels on the Tapeta surface.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is powerful in maiden claiming and lower-level allowance races. Antonio Sano is known for maximizing the potential of claimers. Kent Sweezey sends out ready-to-run horses on turf and Tapeta. Brad Cox is a major threat with maiden special weight runners, who are often primed for debut wins.
Race 1 Analysis
Pace Analysis The pace in this opener looks moderate. World Builder (9) has tactical speed and should be forwardly placed. New Lease On Life (8) may also show initiative while stretching out. Camm’s Girl (1) draws the rail and might be forced to send to avoid getting shuffled back.
Key Contenders World Builder (9) is the likely favorite and the one to beat. Trained by Kent Sweezey, this filly has placed twice in three starts and finds a winnable spot dropping slightly in class. New Lease On Life (8) represents the dangerous Ramsey stable and showed promise in her debut; she is a major threat with natural improvement.
Secondary Choices Magic Word (6) is a D. J. Stable runner trained by Joe Orseno who has the pedigree to improve on the all-weather. Lucky Berry (12) has a difficult post but gets Tyler Gaffalione and fits with this group based on form.
Longshots Jenn’s Beliefs (7) finished fourth last time out and could hit the board at a price. Lisa Connects (5) is a sleeper who could wake up in this spot for trainer Kelly Breen.
Race 2 Analysis
Pace Analysis Magnetic Beach (2) possesses good tactical speed and should secure a stalking position or the lead from the inside. Pemberley (7) also has tactical ability, suggesting the pace will be honest but not scorching.
Key Contenders Magnetic Beach (2) is in sharp form with two wins on the all-weather and transfers that form well to turf. Pemberley (7) is a consistent mare with back class who handles the distance well.
Secondary Choices White Claw Woman (5) won on the all-weather in December and is a threat if she takes to the lawn. Seeking A Prayer (8) has been consistent and enters in good form.
Longshots Lu’s Redemption (1) draws the rail and has hit the board recently, making her a solid exotic filler.
Race 3 Analysis
Pace Analysis This dirt mile will likely see Nice Try Riley (4) involved early. The pace should be contested as maidens try to establish position before the first turn.
Key Contenders Nice Try Riley (4) looks like the standout here with recent form figures superior to most of the field. R Markovich (3) is the logical alternative who should be running on late if the pace collapses.
Secondary Choices Jimbo Bailey (1) draws the rail and could save ground to pick up a share.
Race 4 Analysis
Pace Analysis Expect a hot pace in this sprint. Lady Patrick’s (3) has speed and will likely be sent hard. Lightning Dust (1) also has early foot.
Key Contenders Lady Patrick’s (3) is the speed of the speed and could be gone if she clears. Lightning Dust (1) is a consistent runner who fits well at this level.
Secondary Choices Beautiful Bolt (4) could pick up the pieces if the top two duel each other into submission.
Race 5 Analysis
Key Contenders Bolero Bay (10) is a strong choice despite the wide draw, having shown the ability to overcome post positions before. Mannerism (5) is a consistent runner who fits well here.
Race 6 Analysis
Key Contenders Prom Queen (4) is trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Javier Castellano. This barn excels with route maidens, and this filly appears primed for a strong effort. Three To G (1) draws the rail and should be respected.
Race 7 Analysis
Key Contenders Doctrine (4) is a top selection and a talented turf runner who should appreciate the distance. Immortalised (7) brings strong turf breeding and is a major player.
Secondary Choices Bronze Bullet (8) with Gaffalione is a threat from the outside.
Race 8 Analysis
Key Contenders Spicy Guacamole (7) loves this surface and distance. She is a very consistent runner who rarely runs a bad race. Bad Gal Party (10) has speed and can stay the trip but must overcome the outside post.
Race 9 Analysis
Key Contenders Camm’s Girl (1) fits well here if she runs in this spot. Turkish Flame (2) is a solid contender with good form.
Race 10 Analysis
Key Contenders Mendelssohns March (2) drops into a claiming spot where he should be very competitive. Saratoga Flash (6) is a veteran who knows how to win on the Gulfstream turf.