The Forego Stakes is a listed stakes event ($125,000 purse) that serves as a key sprint showcase during Turfway Park’s winter meet, drawing older males with proven speed on synthetic surfaces. Run over 6 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather Tapeta track, this race often rewards tactical speed or strong closers, depending on pace setup. With a field of nine competitive routers, expect a brisk early tempo that could benefit mid-pack stalkers if the frontrunners duel. High Beyer figures from recent allowance wins suggest a fast time is possible, making this a potential prep for bigger synthetic stakes later in the season.
Venue: Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, Kentucky
Post Time is scheduled for 9:55 PM ET (approximate post time for Race 9; confirm via track updates or Equibase)
Race Details: 6 1/2 furlongs on all-weather Tapeta, open to colts, horses, and geldings 4 years old and up
Expected Weather Conditions
Forecasts indicate cold winter conditions typical for northern Kentucky. High temperature around 36°F (2°C), low near 26°F (-3°C), with partly cloudy skies and a low 10-20% chance of flurries or light precipitation. Winds light from the northwest at 5-10 mph. No significant accumulation expected, but chilly air could make for brisk conditions at the track
Track Conditions
Turfway’s all-weather Tapeta surface is designed for consistency in cold weather and expected to be rated as fast. It handles light moisture well without biases, though recent meets show a slight edge to inside paths in sprints. No notable rail or pace bias reported; closers have succeeded in similar distances when the early pace is contested. Monitor for any last-minute changes via the track’s updates
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
The field of nine features a mix of allowance graduates and stakes-tested veterans, with several posting triple-digit Beyer speed figures in recent outings. Below is a detailed breakdown by post position, including horse, age/sex (all 4+ males), sire, trainer, jockey, recent finishes (last 1-3 races where available, with date, track, position, and notes), and analysis. Recent forms emphasize synthetic performances, as Tapeta favors adaptable runners.
PP 1: Runnin’ Rocket (4+ Horse, Sire: War Front)
Trainer: Joe Sharp (versatile Midwestern conditioner, 18% win rate on synthetics)
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Jockey: Gabriel Saez (experienced synthetic rider, 20% at Turfway)
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Recent Finishes: 1st, TP AOC (12/18/2025-R8, 6f synthetic, wire-to-wire with 120 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: War Front son with blistering gate speed; Sharp’s horses often fire fresh on Tapeta. Rail draw suits his front-running style, but he risks burnout if challenged early. Strong contender if he controls the pace uncontested.
PP 2: G T Five Hundred (4+ Horse, Sire: Astern (AUS))
Trainer: Michael J. Maker (prolific with claimers and synthetics, 22% local win rate)
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Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz (Turfway standout, 25% wins here)
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Recent Finishes: 1st, TP AOC (01/07/2026-R7, 6f synthetic, dominant with 123 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Australian-bred with stamina from Astern; Maker excels in spotting for upsets. Post 2 allows ground-saving trip, and De La Cruz’s timing could exploit a hot pace. High recent figure makes him a win threat if repeating.
PP 3: Green Light (4+ Horse, Sire: Hard Spun)
Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset (consistent with routers, 17% on all-weather)
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Jockey: Irving Moncada (emerging talent, solid on closers)
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Recent Finishes: 7th, KEE ALW (10/18/2025-R8, 7f dirt, even effort with 117 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Hard Spun progeny handle distance well; Brisset’s training sharpens late kick. Mid-field post suits stalking, but recent fade suggests he needs softer competition. Value for exotics if rebounding on synthetic.
PP 4: Script (4+ Horse, Sire: Algorithms)
Trainer: George R. Arnold II (stakes specialist, 19% with veterans)
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Jockey: Danny Sheehy (aggressive, 16% synthetics)
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Recent Finishes: 3rd, Holiday Cheer S. (date/track not specified, stakes level with 115 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Algorithms breeding adds tactical speed; Arnold targets these spots effectively. Post 4 ideal for pressing, and Sheehy can force the issue. Classy recent placing; live if pace favors mid-pack.
PP 5: Banjo Chris (4+ Horse, Sire: Constitution)
Trainer: Troy S. Wismer (up-and-coming, strong with sprinters)
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Jockey: Edgar Morales (Turfway regular, 21% wins)
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Recent Finishes: 2nd, Commodore Overnight S. (date/track not specified, overnight stakes with 125 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Constitution son with grit; Wismer’s barn peaking. Central post allows options, and Morales knows the surface. Top figure from last out; favorite material if handling class rise.
PP 6: Okiro (4+ Horse, Sire: Yoshida (JPN))
Trainer: Jose Garoffalo (Florida-based shipper, 15% on synthetics)
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Jockey: Julien R. Leparoux (elite closer, 23% at Turfway)
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Recent Finishes: 4th, GP AOC (01/04/2026-R8, 6f dirt, with 84 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Japanese influence from Yoshida adds stamina; Garoffalo ships winners. Post 6 suits rally, and Leparoux’s patience shines. Lower figure concerns, but synthetic switch could improve; upset play.
PP 7: Playmea Tune (4+ Horse, Sire: Maclean’s Music)
Trainer: Josie Carroll (Canadian powerhouse, 20% shippers)
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Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez (hot apprentice, 22% recent)
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Recent Finishes: 5th, 2025 Mr. Prospector G3 (date/track not specified, graded stakes with 118 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Maclean’s Music speedster; Carroll’s 2025 winner returns. Wide post ok for stalker, and Rodriguez adds value. Graded experience edges him; contender if pace melts.
PP 8: Prince of Power (4+ Horse, Sire: Runhappy)
Trainer: Jesus Esquivel (local expert, 18% sprints)
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Jockey: Martin Garcia (veteran, 19% synthetics)
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Recent Finishes: 1st, TP AOC (12/26/2025-R6, 6f synthetic, with 112 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Runhappy progeny explode early; Esquivel knows Turfway. Outer post may force wide, but Garcia’s experience helps. Solid figure; board hitter if fit.
PP 9: Its Bourbon Thirty (4+ Horse, Sire: Outwork)
Trainer: Jeremiah O’Dwyer (East Coast shipper, 16% routes)
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Jockey: Luan Machado (Turfway leader, 19% wins)
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Recent Finishes: 1st, TP AOC (12/06/2025-R8, 6f synthetic, with 125 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Outwork son with power; O’Dwyer targets value. Widest post challenges, but Machado rallies well. Elite figure; top pick if overcoming draw.
