Venue and Race Overview
The Christophe Clement Stakes presented by Don Julio Tequila is scheduled at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA. This premier racing venue features a 1 1/8-mile dirt oval, a one-mile turf course, and a state-of-the-art Tapeta all-weather track, but this event will utilize the turf course. Known for its winter racing season and high-profile stakes like the Pegasus World Cup card (on which this race falls), Gulfstream offers a fair turf surface that often favors speed but can reward closers in longer routes. The race is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, with a post time of 1:02 PM ET. This Grade III stakes is for fillies and mares aged 4 years and up, run over 1 1/2 miles on the turf. The purse is $175,000 (including $25,000 from the Florida Bred Incentive Fund), with weights ranging from 118-123 lbs. based on allowances. It’s a demanding test of stamina, especially on a potentially firm course, and honors the late trainer Christophe Clement, who amassed over 2,500 wins.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Hallandale Beach indicates mostly sunny skies with a high of around 80°F and lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Winds will be from the east at 10-15 mph, with humidity around 60% and a low 20% chance of isolated showers in the afternoon. No significant precipitation is expected, keeping the turf firm and fast—ideal for horses with proven firm-ground form. If any light rain occurs, the course could yield slightly, but Gulfstream’s turf drains well and rarely turns soft in winter. Expect a quick pace setup with the extended distance, potentially benefiting strong finishers.
Field Analysis
A field of 9 talented fillies and mares lines up, blending graded stakes winners, improving types, and international flavors. Key considerations include stamina over the 1 1/2-mile trip, turf affinity, and recent form (speed figures where noted, based on Beyer equivalents from past performances). Trainers like Brad Cox and Saffie Joseph Jr. have multiple angles, while jockeys such as John Velazquez and Irad Ortiz Jr. bring top-shelf experience. Below is a detailed breakdown by post position (PP), including horse details, jockey, trainer, recent finishes, and analysis.
PP 1: Speed Shopper (5yo mare, by Quality Road – Fast Retailing)
Jockey: John R. Velazquez (Hall of Famer, 25% win rate at Gulfstream, excels in routes). Trainer: William Walden (emerging talent, 18% win rate with turf routers). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (102) at AQU AOC (12/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (98) at BEL Alwoc (10/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 4th (95) at SAR Allow (8/10/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (100) at GP Allow (3/15/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 3rd (97) at KEE Allow (10/5/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: This consistent stalker has hit the board in 8 of her last 10 starts, with a win at a similar distance last out. Her inside post suits her ground-saving style, and Velazquez’s tactical riding could position her perfectly. Proven at Gulfstream (prior placing); firm turf is ideal, but she handles yielding. A contender if the pace is honest.
PP 2: Alluring Angel (GB) (6yo mare, by Fastnet Rock – All of Me)
Jockey: Junior Alvarado (versatile, 15% win rate on turf). Trainer: William I. Mott (Hall of Famer, 22% win rate in graded stakes). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (105) at AQU Long Island S. G3T (11/28/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (108) at BEL Alwoc (10/15/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 2nd (103) at SAR Glens Falls S. G2T (8/5/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 4th (100) at GP Orchid S. G3T (3/1/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (106) at KEE Allow (10/10/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: A classy import with stakes experience, she’s removing blinkers, which could sharpen her focus. Mott’s barn is strong in turf marathons, and her closing kick suits the distance. Recent third in G3 shows form; handles firm turf well. Value if she gets a clear run from mid-pack.
PP 3: Gallant Greta (5yo mare, by Twirling Candy – Tulipmania)
Jockey: Manuel Franco (aggressive, 16% win rate at Gulfstream). Trainer: Michael J. Maker (volume trainer, 20% win rate with claimers-turned-stakes). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (99) at CD Allow (11/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 1st (101) at BEL Claim (10/5/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (97) at SAR Allow (8/25/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 5th (95) at GP Allow (2/20/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (100) at AQU Claim (11/10/2024, 1 3/8m turf).
Analysis: An improving type with two wins in her last five, she thrives stretching out and gets weight relief here. Maker excels upgrading horses; Franco can press the pace. NY-bred edge, but class rise is a test. Best on firm turf; exotics player if she controls early fractions.
PP 4: No Show Sammy Jo (GB) (6yo mare, by Lope de Vega – Shomaria)
Jockey: Jorge Ruiz (underrated, 14% win rate in stakes). Trainer: H. Graham Motion (turf specialist, 19% win rate at Gulfstream). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (110) at AQU Long Island S. G3T (11/28/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (107) at KEE Dowager S. G3T (10/25/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 3rd (105) at BEL Flower Bowl S. G2T (9/5/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (108) at SAR Glens Falls S. G2T (8/5/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 4th (102) at GP Mac Diarmida S. G2T (3/1/2025, 1 3/8m turf).
Analysis: The class of the field with back-to-back graded wins, including a dominant Long Island score. Motion’s emotional connection (race honors his friend Clement) adds intrigue. Her speed figures (110+ range) tower; tactical speed suits any pace. Firm turf favorite; the one to beat.
PP 5: Fionn (4yo filly, by Twirling Candy – Gaelic Gold)
Jockey: Flavien Prat (elite, 23% win rate on turf routes). Trainer: Brad H. Cox (champion, 25% win rate in graded stakes). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (112) at BEL Jockey Club Oaks Inv. G3T (9/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (110) at KD Dueling Grounds Oaks (8/10/2025, 1 5/16m turf); 1st (115) at BEL Belmont Oaks Inv. G1T (7/5/2025, 1 1/4m turf, track record); 3rd (108) at KEE Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup G1T (10/10/2025, 1 1/8m turf); 2nd (106) at SAR Lake Placid S. G2T (8/15/2024, 1 1/16m turf).
Analysis: A rising star with three straight graded wins, including a G1 track record at Belmont. Stretching to 1 1/2m suits her pedigree; Cox preps her sharply. Prat’s patient style fits her closing punch. Top figures (115 high); firm turf ideal. Major threat if she relaxes early.
PP 6: Ramsey Pond (4yo filly, by Divisidero – Surfs Edge)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. (leading rider, 28% win rate at Gulfstream). Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr. (hot barn, 21% win rate locally). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 4th (98) at GP Allow (12/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 1st (102) at BEL Allow (10/10/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (100) at SAR Allow (8/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 3rd (97) at GP Allow (3/10/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (101) at CD Allow (11/15/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Homebred for Ramsey, she’s consistent but steps up in class. Joseph Jr. has her in form; Ortiz can maximize her speed. Light weight helps; prefers firm turf. Underneath in exotics if pace collapses.
PP 7: Ayra Stark (ARG) (6yo mare, by Cosmic Trigger – Delfia)
Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. (strong finisher, 17% win rate). Trainer: Horacio De Paz (solid with imports, 15% win rate). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (99) at AQU Allow (11/10/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (103) at BEL Allow (10/1/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 5th (96) at SAR Allow (8/1/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (100) at GP Allow (2/15/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 4th (98) at CD Allow (11/1/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Argentine import with stamina, but U.S. form is allowance-level. De Paz targets spots well; Santana can rally late. Outside post allows tracking; handles firm. Longshot for minors.
PP 8: Venencia (FR) (6yo mare, by Recoletos – Sign of Life)
Jockey: Oisin Murphy (international star, 20% win rate in U.S. starts). Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr. (see above). Weight: 123 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (107) at KEE Dowager S. G3T (10/25/2025, 1 1/2m turf, yielding); 3rd (104) at BEL Alwoc (9/20/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (105) at SAR Glens Falls S. G2T (8/5/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 4th (100) at GP Allow (3/20/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (106) at CD Allow (10/15/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Joseph’s second entrant, fresh off a G3 win on soft; firm might suit better per pedigree. Murphy adds class. Strong figures (107+); could press or close. Live if turf stays dry.
PP 9: Weighted Average (5yo mare, by English Channel – Charreada)
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (local ace, 22% win rate). Trainer: Chad C. Brown (turf master, 24% win rate in stakes). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (103) at AQU Allow (12/5/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (105) at BEL Allow (10/25/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 3rd (101) at SAR Allow (8/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 4th (99) at GP Allow (3/5/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (104) at KEE Allow (10/20/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Brown’s charge is sharp, with consistent placings. Light weight and outside draw aid her stalking trip. Gaffalione knows the course; firm turf fits. Upset potential in a spread-out field.
