The Kitten’s Joy Stakes is a prestigious $175,000 Listed Stakes race for three-year-old colts and geldings, run over 1 1/16 miles on turf. This event serves as a key early-season test for young turf horses, often spotlighting future graded stakes contenders. With a field of eight, the race promises a tactical affair on Gulfstream’s firm turf course, where speed and stamina will be crucial. The field features a mix of lightly raced prospects and more experienced runners, with several making their stakes debut or returning from gelding procedures. Expect a moderate pace set by mid-pack runners, potentially favoring closers if the rail (set at 24 feet) plays fair. Track conditions are expected to be firm, favoring horses with proven turf form.
Venue Location
Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, United States. This iconic Thoroughbred racetrack, opened in 1939, features a 1 1/8-mile dirt oval and a 1-mile turf course, renowned for its winter meet and major stakes races like the Pegasus World Cup. The facility includes modern amenities and a tropical climate that often influences turf conditions.
POST Time is scheduled for 2:58 PM ET (11:58 AM PT / 7:58 PM GMT). The full card begins at 12:20 PM ET, with races spaced approximately 32 minutes apart. If turf conditions are inadvisable due to weather, the race will switch to the Tapeta surface at the same distance.
Expected Weather Conditions
Hallandale Beach is forecasted for mild, sunny conditions on race day with a high of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C). Winds from the east at 11 mph, 0% chance of precipitation, and 45% cloud cover. These conditions should yield a firm turf course (good to firm rating), favoring horses with speed and stamina, though the wind could affect front-runners. No major impact on track conditions expected, but monitor for any morning rain.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field of eight three-year-olds features a mix of turf specialists and dirt crossovers. Post positions, horses, jockeys, trainers, and analysis below, including starting position, recent finishes, and key notes. Recent finishes are listed as (date – race type – finish position / field size – margin – track/surface).
Post Position 1: Khozalite (FL)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. (leading rider at Gulfstream with 25% win rate in 2025 stakes).
Trainer: Joseph F. D’Angelo (solid 18% win rate with turf starters; specializes in Florida-breds).
Analysis: A Florida-bred son of Khozan out of a turf mare, Khozalite has shown promise in allowance races. Recent finishes: 12/15/25 – Allowance (GP Turf) – 1st/8 by 2 lengths; 11/20/25 – Maiden Special Weight (GP Turf) – 1st/10 by 1.5 lengths. Strong closer with good turn of foot; inside post could trap him if pace is slow, but Ortiz’s rail-riding expertise helps. Best suited for firm turf; could stalk and pounce late. Rating: 8/10.
Post Position 2: Alpyland (KY)
Jockey: John R. Velazquez (Hall of Famer with 22% win rate in Gulfstream stakes; excels on turf).
Trainer: Mark E. Casse (multiple Eclipse Award winner; 20% win rate with 3yo turf starters; first start since gelded could improve focus).
Analysis: Kitten’s Joy colt with turf pedigree; first start since gelding may sharpen him. Recent finishes: 11/28/25 – Allowance (AQU Turf) – 2nd/7 by neck; 10/15/25 – Maiden Special Weight (AQU Turf) – 1st/9 by 3 lengths. Speedy type who could set or press the pace; gelding might help settle him. Velazquez’s timing perfect for front-runners. Rating: 9/10 (top contender).
Post Position 3: Chalky White (KY)
Jockey: Javier Ruiz (up-and-coming rider with 15% win rate at Gulfstream; good on turf closers).
Trainer: Jorge Delgado (solid Florida trainer with 16% win rate; focuses on value horses).
Analysis: White Abarrio son with dirt pedigree but turf trial potential. Recent finishes: 12/10/25 – Maiden Claiming (GP Dirt) – 1st/8 by 4 lengths; 11/05/25 – Maiden Special Weight (GP Dirt) – 3rd/10 by 2 lengths. Switching to turf; pedigree suggests he could handle it, but unknown. Mid-pack stalker; Ruiz could save ground. Rating: 6/10 (wildcard).
Post Position 4: Glorious Boy (KY)
Jockey: Edgard J. Zayas (Gulfstream specialist with 18% win rate; strong on turf).
Trainer: Carlos F. Martin (New York-based with 14% win rate; ships well to Florida).
Analysis: Glorious Cause colt with balanced form. Recent finishes: 12/20/25 – Allowance (AQU Turf) – 2nd/6 by 1 length; 11/15/25 – Maiden Special Weight (AQU Turf) – 1st/8 by 2 lengths. Consistent closer; post allows tactical speed. Zayas’s local knowledge helps. Rating: 7/10.
Post Position 5: Thousandsticks (KY)
Jockey: Miguel Gutierrez (experienced with 12% win rate; good on longshots).
Trainer: Brian A. Lynch (turf expert with 17% win rate; Irish-trained style).
Analysis: Thousand Words son with turf breeding. Recent finishes: 12/05/25 – Maiden Special Weight (GP Turf) – 1st/9 by neck; 11/10/25 – Maiden Special Weight (GP Turf) – 4th/10 by 3 lengths. Improving; mid-pack type with late kick. Gutierrez could rally late. Rating: 7/10.
Post Position 6: Turf Star (KY)
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (top Gulfstream rider with 22% win rate; excels on turf).
Trainer: H. Graham Motion (Hall of Famer with 20% win rate on turf; European style).
Analysis: Turf Titan colt with strong turf pedigree. Recent finishes: 12/18/25 – Allowance (GP Turf) – 1st/7 by 1.5 lengths; 11/25/25 – Maiden Special Weight (GP Turf) – 2nd/8 by head. Front-runner with stamina; Gaffalione’s positioning key. Rating: 8/10.
Post Position 7: Knoty Knicks (KY)
Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie (veteran with 15% win rate; good on closers).
Trainer: Jeff Engler (Midwest-based with 13% win rate; ships selectively).
Analysis: Knicks Go son with speed. Recent finishes: 12/12/25 – Maiden Special Weight (CD Turf) – 1st/8 by 2 lengths; 11/08/25 – Maiden Special Weight (CD Turf) – 3rd/9 by 1.5 lengths. Pace presser; wide post could hurt. Rating: 6/10.
Post Position 8: Redland Rebels (FL)
Jockey: Jose Alvarado (Florida specialist with 14% win rate).
Trainer: Patrick L. Biancone (French trainer with 16% win rate; turf expert).
Analysis: Florida-bred Rebel Dane son. Recent finishes: 12/22/25 – Allowance (GP Turf) – 3rd/7 by 2 lengths; 11/18/25 – Maiden Special Weight (GP Turf) – 1st/10 by 1 length. Late runner; wide post favors closers. Rating: 7/10.
Track Conditions
Gulfstream’s turf course is expected to be firm (good to firm rating) based on the dry forecast. The rail is at 24 feet, which could play fair but favor inside speed if the turf is fast. No Tapeta switch anticipated, as weather is dry. Track bias: Recent cards have favored closers on turf.
