Venue and Race Overview
The Grade III William L. McKnight Stakes presented by Woodford Reserve Bourbon is scheduled at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA. This top-tier facility features a one-mile dirt oval, a 1 1/8-mile turf course, and a Tapeta synthetic track, with this event on the turf course. Gulfstream is famous for its Championship Meet and marquee events like the Pegasus World Cup card, where this race serves as a key undercard highlight. The race is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, with a post time of 3:13 PM ET. This G3 stakes is for horses aged 4 years and up, run over 1 1/2 miles on the turf. The purse is $225,000 (including $25,000 from the Florida Bred Incentive Fund), with weights of 118-124 lbs. based on allowances. It’s a stamina-testing marathon that rewards patient runners and strong finishers, especially on firm turf, though the course can favor tactical speed in longer routes.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Hallandale Beach indicates mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with a high of 81°F and a low around 68°F. Winds will be from the east at 10-12 mph, with humidity around 60% and a 10-20% chance of isolated showers. No substantial precipitation is anticipated, ensuring the turf remains firm and fast—standard for Gulfstream’s winter turf, which drains excellently and typically plays fair but can advantage mid-pack stalkers in extended distances. If any brief rain occurs, the course might soften slightly to good, potentially suiting horses with European form or proven yielding-ground ability.
Field Analysis
A full field of 12 veteran turf routers assembles for this G3, featuring graded performers, stretch-out specialists, and international types. Key elements include turf marathon experience, closing ability (speed figures via Beyer equivalents where noted), and trainer/jockey combos like Maker/Ortiz Jr. Speed figures and form emphasize stamina; the race often sets up for a steady pace with a late kick deciding. Below is a detailed breakdown by post position (PP), including horse details, jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last 5 with approximate dates, tracks, positions, distances, surfaces, and figures based on available data), and analysis.
PP 1: Zverev (5yo gelding, Oscar Performance – Balance)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. (leading rider, 28% win rate on turf). Trainer: Michael J. Maker (turf marathon expert, 20% win rate). Weight: 124 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (115) at GP SOC (12/13/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (112) at BEL Alwoc (10/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 1st (110) at SAR Allow (8/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (108) at GP Allow (3/10/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 5th (102) at KEE Allow (10/5/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: This stretch-out specialist has won three straight at increasing distances, posting career-high figures. Maker excels in turf routes; Ortiz Jr.’s ground-saving ride from the rail could set up a perfect trip. Proven at Gulfstream; firm turf suits his late kick. A top contender if he handles the class rise.
PP 2: Act a Fool (6yo gelding, Oscar Performance – Post Script)
Jockey: Joe Bravo (veteran, 15% win rate). Trainer: Laura Cazares (consistent with claimers, 14% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (105) at GP Allow (12/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 2nd (103) at TAM LS (11/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 5th (98) at GP Allow (10/10/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 8th (95) at BEL Allow (9/5/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 1st (100) at GP Claim (3/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Allowance grinder stepping up, he’s hit the board in recent locals but lower figures (105 peak) suggest a class test. Cazares targets value; Bravo can stalk early. Light Gulfstream success; yielding turf okay per pedigree. Longshot for exotics if pace melts.
PP 3: Ohana Honor (6yo ridgling, Honor Code – Spacy Tracy)
Jockey: Flavien Prat (elite closer, 23% win rate). Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III (Hall of Famer, 22% in stakes). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (109) at GP SOC (12/13/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 2nd (107) at AQU Long Island G3T (11/28/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (105) at BEL Alwoc (10/15/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 1st (108) at SAR Glens Falls G2T (8/5/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 4th (102) at GP Orchid G3T (3/1/2025, 1 3/8m turf).
Analysis: Graded winner with strong NY form, his recent Gulfstream score shows sharpness. McGaughey preps for big spots; Prat’s patient style fits his rally. High figures (109 peak); firm turf ideal. Morning-line favorite with class edge.
PP 4: Layabout (4yo gelding, Laoban – Batalla Sindical)
Jockey: David Egan (international, 16% win rate). Trainer: Patrick L. Biancone (turf specialist, 18% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (106) at GP Allow (12/26/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (102) at BEL Allow (10/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 2nd (104) at SAR Allow (8/25/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 4th (100) at GP Allow (3/15/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (103) at TAM Allow (11/10/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Improving 4yo with local wins, he’s versatile but unproven in graded. Biancone knows the course; Egan adds finesse. Solid figures; soft turf untested. Value if he controls pace from mid-draw.
PP 5: Il Siciliano (5yo horse, Yoshida – Heatherdoesntbluff)
Jockey: Javier Castellano (Hall of Famer, 21% win rate). Trainer: Antonio Sano (volume trainer, 13% win rate). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 3rd (99) at GP Allow (12/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 5th (96) at BEL Allow (10/10/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (101) at GP Claim (9/5/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 4th (98) at TAM Allow (8/15/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 2nd (97) at GP Allow (3/10/2025, 1 3/8m turf).
Analysis: Claimer-turned-allowance type, he’s consistent but stakes jump is big. Sano upgrades sporadically; Castellano can rally. Lower figures; firm preferred. Extreme longshot.
PP 6: Missed the Cut (7yo gelding, Quality Road – Beauly)
Jockey: Edgard J. Zayas (local expert, 19% win rate). Trainer: Bobby S. Dibona (veteran handler, 17% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (107) at GP AOC (12/13/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (110) at BEL LS (10/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (105) at SAR G3 (8/10/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 4th (102) at GP Stakes (3/1/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (108) at CD Allow (11/20/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Classy router with stakes placings, his recent near-miss at Gulfstream signals form. Dibona’s local edge; Zayas presses well. Strong figures; handles soft. Contender for win.
PP 7: Padiddle (6yo gelding, Empire Maker – Belle Chaussee)
Jockey: Manuel Franco (aggressive, 16% win rate). Trainer: Elizabeth L. Dobles (underrated, 14% win rate). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 4th (98) at GP Allow (12/26/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (100) at TAM AOC (11/22/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 3rd (97) at GP Allow (10/10/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 5th (94) at BEL Allow (9/5/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (96) at TAM LS (8/15/2025, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Steady but unflashy, he’s a board-hitter in allowances. Dobles targets locals; Franco can front-run. Modest figures; firm turf best. Exotics filler.
PP 8: Offlee Naughty (8yo horse, Flashback – Acting Naughty)
Jockey: Luis Saez (strong finisher, 24% win rate). Trainer: Nolan Ramsey (emerging, 15% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (106) at SA Allow (12/26/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 3rd (103) at DMR LS (11/15/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 2nd (104) at SA AOC (10/10/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 4th (100) at DMR G3 (8/5/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (105) at SA Allow (7/20/2025, 1 3/8m turf).
Analysis: West Coast shipper with consistent form, he’s stretching out but pedigree fits. Ramsey confident; Saez rallies late. Good figures; soft okay from Euro blood. Live at price.
PP 9: Balnikhov (7yo gelding, Adaay – Leeward)
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli (finisher, 18% win rate). Trainer: Philip D’Amato (turf guru, 21% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (108) at SA G3 (12/26/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (110) at DMR Stakes (11/22/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (106) at SA LS (10/18/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 4th (103) at DMR G2 (8/10/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (107) at SA Allow (7/5/2025, 1 3/8m turf).
Analysis: Graded winner shipping east, his recent scores show peak form. D’Amato excels in marathons; Rispoli suits closer. Top figures (110 high); firm preferred. Major threat.
PP 10: Summer Cause (6yo gelding, Summer Front – Our Cause)
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (local ace, 22% win rate). Trainer: Miguel Clement (sharp, 20% win rate). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (109) at GP Allow (12/13/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 2nd (107) at BEL Alwoc (10/25/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (105) at SAR Allow (8/15/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 4th (102) at GP Stakes (3/5/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (106) at CD Allow (11/15/2024, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: In-form with Gulfstream win, he’s versatile. Clement targets; Gaffalione knows course. Solid figures; handles yielding. Value in exotics.
PP 11: Divin Propos (6yo gelding, George Vancouver – Psyche)
Jockey: Oisin Murphy (international star, 20% win rate). Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr. (hot barn, 21% locally). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (111) at GP AOC (12/20/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 3rd (107) at BEL LS (10/15/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 2nd (108) at SAR G3 (8/5/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 4th (104) at GP Allow (3/20/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 1st (109) at CD Stakes (11/10/2024, 1 1/2m turf).
Analysis: French import with U.S. success, recent local win sharp. Joseph Jr. strong; Murphy adds class. High figures; soft turf suits. Co-favorite potential.
PP 12: Hammerhead (4yo colt, War Front – Figarella’s Queen)
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (aggressive, 20% win rate). Trainer: Kevin Attard (Canadian-based, 19% win rate). Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (106) at WO Allow (12/5/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 1st (108) at WO LS (10/25/2025, 1 1/4m turf); 3rd (104) at SAR Allow (8/20/2025, 1 3/8m turf); 4th (101) at WO Stakes (7/15/2025, 1 1/2m turf); 1st (105) at BEL Allow (6/10/2025, 1 1/4m turf).
Analysis: Young improver shipping south, consistent in Canada. Attard confident; Ortiz presses. Good figures; firm okay. Upset chance from wide.
