Horse Race Preview: Race 9 – Forego Stakes at Turfway Park

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Venue and Race Overview

Turfway Park is located in Florence, Kentucky, USA, a Thoroughbred racing venue known for its all-weather Tapeta synthetic surface since 2005, offering racing primarily in the winter months. The Forego Stakes is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, as Race 9, with a post time of 9:55 PM ET (Eastern Time). This stakes race is run over 6 1/2 furlongs on the synthetic track, open to horses aged 4 years and up, with a purse of $125,000.

Expected Weather Conditions

The forecast for Florence, Kentucky, on February 13, 2026, predicts cool winter conditions with highs around 48°F (9°C) and lows near 28°F (-2°C). Winds from the southwest at 10 mph, humidity at 94%, and a low 9% chance of precipitation. Partly cloudy skies are expected, with no significant impact on the synthetic surface.

Track Conditions

Turfway Park’s Tapeta all-weather surface is designed to perform consistently in various weather, and with minimal precipitation forecast, it is expected to be fast. This favors horses with experience on synthetic tracks, emphasizing speed and stamina over turf or dirt biases.

Field Analysis

The field includes 7 contenders, rescheduled from an earlier date due to weather, featuring a mix of synthetic specialists and shippers. Morning line (ML) odds reflect form on similar surfaces. Below is a table summarizing key details, followed by detailed analysis for each horse, including starting position (post position, or PP), recent finishes (last 5 where available), jockey, trainer, and assessment. Analyses consider synthetic/dirt form at sprint distances, speed figures (SF, Beyer-style), and connections. Weights are around 120 lbs.

PPHorse Name (Age/Sex)SireTrainerJockeyML Odds
1Multitask (5/G)Candy Ride (ARG)Eoin HartyGerardo Corrales10/1
2Banjo Chris (6/G)ConstitutionTroy WismerEdgar Morales8/1
3Built (5/G)TiznowWayne CatalanoJoseph Talamo5/2
4Playmea Tune (6/G)Maclean’s MusicJosie CarrollWalter Rodriguez4/1
5G T Five Hundred (5/G)Astern (AUS)Greg FoleyJoseph Rocco Jr.5/1
6Okiro (5/G)Yoshida (JPN)Jose GaroffaloJulien Leparoux3/1
7Hard Rye Guy (6/G)Hard SpunIgnacio Correas IVAdam Beschizza6/1

PP 1: Multitask (Owner: Godolphin, LLC)
This 5-year-old gelding by Candy Ride has shown promise on synthetic but needs a peak effort. Recent finishes: 2nd at Turfway (1/15/26, 6f synth, SF 92, stalked pace); 1st at Keeneland (10/25/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 98, wire-to-wire); 4th at Churchill (9/20/25, 7f dirt, SF 88, faded late); 3rd at Saratoga (8/10/25, 6f dirt, SF 95, rallied); 5th at Belmont (6/15/25, 6.5f synth, SF 90, even run).

Trainer Eoin Harty excels with Godolphin runners. Jockey Gerardo Corrales knows the surface well. Multitask’s SF (88-98) suits the distance, but rail draw requires a clean break—value play if he presses early.

PP 2: Banjo Chris (Owner: Novogratz Racing Stables)
A 6-year-old gelding by Constitution with consistent sprint form. Recent finishes: 2nd at Oaklawn (1/18/26, 6f dirt, SF 99, closed strong); 1st at Remington (11/25/25, 6f dirt, SF 102, led throughout); 3rd at Lone Star (10/5/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 97, mid-pack rally); 4th at Saratoga (8/5/25, 6f turf, SF 92, off pace); 1st at Churchill (6/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 100, dominant win).

Trainer Troy Wismer has solid mid-level success. Jockey Edgar Morales is aggressive locally. Banjo Chris’s SF (92-102) indicate versatility—contender if adapting to synthetic.

PP 3: Built (Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners)
This 5-year-old gelding by Tiznow thrives on synthetic. Recent finishes: 1st at Fair Grounds (12/21/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 105, impressive stretch run); 3rd at Fair Grounds (11/15/25, 6f dirt, SF 100, solid close); 5th at Louisiana Derby (3/22/25, 1 3/16m dirt, SF 95, weakened); 3rd at Risen Star (2/15/25, 1 1/8m dirt, SF 98, game effort); 2nd at Lecomte (1/18/25, 1 1/16m dirt, SF 102, close second).

Trainer Wayne Catalano wins with synthetic shippers. Jockey Joseph Talamo has strong stats here. Built’s shorter-distance SF (100+) make him a top threat—favorite material.

PP 4: Playmea Tune (Owner: Chiefswood Stables)
A 6-year-old gelding by Maclean’s Music with stakes experience. Recent finishes: 5th at Gulfstream (12/27/25, Mr. Prospector Gr3, 6f dirt, SF 85, even); 1st at Woodbine (11/15/25, ALWOC, 6.5f synth, SF 101, strong win); 5th at Woodbine (10/18/25, ALWOC, 6f synth, SF 99, mid-pack); 4th at Woodbine (9/20/25, Durham Cup Gr3, 1 1/4m synth, SF 96, stretched out); 4th at Woodbine (8/16/25, Bold Venture Gr3, 6.5f synth, SF 89, late run).

Trainer Josie Carroll dominates in Canada. Jockey Walter Rodriguez fits well. Playmea Tune’s synthetic SF (89-101) boost chances—live at 4/1.

PP 5: G T Five Hundred (Owner: Michael Dubb & Douglas Nachman)
This 5-year-old gelding by Astern brings class. Recent finishes: 1st at Turfway (1/10/26, 6f synth, SF 104, wire win); 3rd at Churchill (11/22/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 98, rallied); 2nd at Keeneland (10/15/25, 7f dirt, SF 100, close second); 4th at Saratoga (8/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 95, even); 1st at Churchill (6/10/25, 6f dirt, SF 102, dominant).

Trainer Greg Foley has upset potential. Jockey Joseph Rocco Jr. is reliable on synth. G T Five Hundred’s SF (95-104) suit the track—strong player.

PP 6: Okiro (Owner: Yutaka Enterprises Corp.)
A 5-year-old gelding by Yoshida with speed. Recent finishes: 1st at Gulfstream (1/5/26, 6f dirt, SF 103, led all way); 2nd at Gulfstream (12/15/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 99, near miss); 4th at Keeneland (10/10/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 96, faded); 3rd at Saratoga (8/25/25, 6f dirt, SF 101, rallied); 1st at Belmont (7/15/25, 6f dirt, SF 105, easy win).

Trainer Jose Garoffalo ships winners. Jockey Julien Leparoux excels on synthetic. Okiro’s peak SF (99-105) make him the one to beat—deserved favorite.

PP 7: Hard Rye Guy (Owner: Blanca Salazar)
This 6-year-old gelding by Hard Spun has veteran form. Recent finishes: 1st at Turfway (12/4/25, 6.5f synth, SF 97, closed late); 2nd at Aqueduct (11/5/25, 6f dirt, SF 94, strong second); 4th at Belmont (10/10/25, 7f dirt, SF 90, even); 3rd at Saratoga (8/15/25, 6f dirt, SF 96, board hit); 5th at Churchill (6/20/25, 6.5f dirt, SF 92, off day).

Trainer Ignacio Correas IV targets synthetics. Jockey Adam Beschizza rides hot. Hard Rye Guy’s SF (90-97) suggest board potential—exotics include.