Race Details
- Venue Location: Gulfstream Park, 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009.
- Post Time is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. ET.
- Race Conditions: $175,000 purse (Grade III), 1 1/16 miles on dirt, for fillies and mares 4 years old and upward. Weights: 123 lbs, with allowances for non-winners of graded stakes since August 1 (3 lbs) or stakes since May 1 (5 lbs).
- Expected Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny with a high of 79°F and low of 66°F. Winds SE at 9 mph, humidity 50%, no precipitation expected. Mild winter day with low wind chill, favorable for racing.
Info
- Track Conditions: Dirt expected to be Fast, given the dry forecast. Gulfstream’s dirt surface favors early speed (60% wire-to-wire winners in similar stakes), but contested paces can benefit stalkers in routes.
The Grade III Royal Delta Stakes honors the Hall of Fame mare Royal Delta, a two-time Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic winner and multiple Eclipse Award champion. This $175,000 dirt route serves as a key prep for older fillies and mares targeting graded spring events like the Apple Blossom (G1) or similar. With a projected moderate pace led by speed types like Shred the Gnar and Dazzling Move, closers such as Drexel Hill could capitalize if duels develop up front.
Field Analysis
Below is a detailed breakdown of each horse, including starting position (post), jockey, trainer, recent finishes (last three starts with positions, dates, and Beyer speed figures where available), pedigree notes, and performance analysis. Morning line odds are from official entries.
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | ML Odds | Recent Finishes (Position/Date/Beyer Fig) | Analysis |
| 1 | Alpine Princess (KY) | Corey J. Lanerie | Brad H. Cox | 5-1 | 1st (Nov 27, 2025, CD Falls City H. G3/112), 2nd (Oct 25, 2025, KEE Allowance/108), 1st (Sep 20, 2025, CD Optional Claiming/105) | Versatile stalker with class; Lanerie (local success) for Cox (stakes expert). Pedigree (Classic Empire – Le Moine by Curlin) suits routes; rail post aids pressing. High figs recently; value play. Owners: Full of Run Racing II et al. Breeder: Betz/DJ Stables. |
| 2 | Senza Parole (KY) | Miguel Angel Vasquez | Chad C. Brown | 4-1 | 2nd (Dec 20, 2025, AQU Allowance/110), 1st (Nov 15, 2025, BEL Stakes/107), 3rd (Oct 18, 2025, KEE Optional Claiming/104) | Tactical mid-pack type; Vasquez (aggressive) for Brown (turf/dirt master). Pedigree (Gun Runner – Senza Te by Street Cry) adds endurance; consistent board hitter. Owners: Don Alberto Stable. Breeder: Don Alberto Corp. |
| 3 | Eunomia (KY) | Edwin Gonzalez | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | 10-1 | 4th (Jan 17, 2026, GP Allowance/98), 1st (Dec 27, 2025, GP Optional Claiming/102), 2nd (Nov 22, 2025, AQU Stakes/100) | Upset potential; Gonzalez (underrated) for Joseph Jr. (hot barn). Pedigree (Tiz the Law – Speedy Vanessa by American Pharoah) hints at late kick; needs pace help. Owners: St. Elias Stable et al. Breeder: Breed First LLC. |
| 4 | Shred the Gnar (KY) | Mario Gutierrez | Brian A. Lynch | 6-5 | 1st (Nov 15, 2025, CD Chilukki G3/110), 1st (Oct 18, 2025, BEL Allowance/108), 1st (Sep 20, 2025, SAR MSW/105) | Morning-line favorite seeking four straight; Gutierrez (stakes experience) for Lynch (rising trainer). Pedigree (Into Mischief – Aspen Light by Bernardini) favors speed; $610k yearling with upside. Owners: Flying Dutchmen Breeding. Breeder: Camas Park Stud. |
| 5 | Dazzling Move (ON) | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | 5-1 | 1st (Feb 15, 2025, GP Royal Delta G3/112), 2nd (Jan 17, 2026, GP Allowance/108), 1st (Dec 20, 2025, AQU Stakes/105) | Defending champion; Gaffalione (hot form) for Joseph Jr. Pedigree (Not This Time – Lady Liam by Saint Liam) provides class; repeat winner potential. Owners: Miller Racing LLC. Breeder: Jesse Korona. |
| 6 | Nothing Like You (KY) | Jorge Ruiz | Brendan P. Walsh | 12-1 | 3rd (Jan 17, 2026, GP Optional Claiming/100), 1st (Dec 27, 2025, GP Allowance/98), 4th (Nov 22, 2025, CD Stakes/95) | Mid-pack performer; Ruiz (aggressive) for Walsh (stakes hits). Pedigree (Malibu Moon – Miss Derek by Brother Derek) offers versatility; exotic filler. Owners: Twin Oaks Bloodstock. Breeder: Notch Hill Farm. |
| 7 | Drexel Hill (KY) | Javier Castellano | D. Whitworth Beckman | 3-1 | 2nd (May 2, 2025, CD Kentucky Oaks G1/110), 1st (Apr 5, 2025, KEE Ashland G1/108), 1st (Mar 1, 2025, GP Allowance/105) | Kentucky Oaks runner-up headliner; Castellano (Hall of Famer) for Beckman. Pedigree (Bolt d’Oro – Ascot Walk by Daaher) adds stamina; class edge. Owners: Legion Racing. Breeder: Tuscany Bloodstock. |
| 8 | Claret Beret (KY) | Micah J. Husbands | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | 15-1 | 4th (Jan 17, 2026, GP Stakes/98), 2nd (Dec 20, 2025, GP Allowance/102), 1st (Nov 15, 2025, AQU Optional Claiming/100) | Longshot closer; Husbands (underrated) for Joseph Jr. Pedigree (Not This Time – Bessie M by Medallist) hints at rally; needs hot pace. Owners: Miller Racing LLC. Breeder: Mitch Haynes. |
Series History
- All-Time: The Royal Delta Stakes, in its 14th running as a graded event, honors Hall of Fame mare Royal Delta (2011-13 Eclipse champion). Inaugurated in 2014, it has featured winners like 2025 Dazzling Move and 2024 Honor D Lady.
- Recent Trends: Favorites have won 6 of the last 10 editions, with speed holding in 65% of 1 1/16-mile dirt renewals at Gulfstream. Closers board in 70% of contested paces; average exacta payout $50.
