Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida
Race 3: Colonel Liam Stakes
Venue Location: Gulfstream Park, 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 (iconic South Florida thoroughbred track hosting the 2025-2026 Championship Meet, known for its championship turf course and major Road to the Kentucky Derby preps).
Scheduled Post Time: 12:32 PM ET (Race 3 on a stakes-heavy card featuring the G2 Coolmore Fountain of Youth later; first post approximately 12:01 PM ET or earlier for the full program).
Distance/Surface: 1 mile on the turf course (rail position typically at 20-30 feet depending on condition; firm expected).
Purse: $200,000 (includes $25,000 Florida Bred Incentive Fund supplement); for open 3-year-olds. Weight: 120 lbs (non-winners of a graded stakes at a mile or over -2 lbs; allowances apply).
Track Conditions: Turf course expected to be firm. Recent Gulfstream turf races have played fair with no major bias; fast times likely under ideal conditions.
Expected Weather Conditions: Partly sunny and warm for late February in South Florida. Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s°F (around 78-80°F), lows near 67°F, light southeast winds (5-10 mph), humidity around 55-60%, and a 0-10% chance of isolated afternoon showers/thunderstorms (low risk of impact). Classic Gulfstream racing weather—firm turf, fast pace possible, no significant bias anticipated.
The Colonel Liam Stakes, named after the two-time Pegasus World Cup Turf winner, is a key early-season turf route for 3-year-olds. This $200,000 test draws a competitive field of eight colts with upside, blending recent stakes winners, improving maidens/allowance types, and imports. Pace should be moderate with tactical speed available, favoring horses who can sit close and finish strongly on firm turf. The early favorite seeks a fourth straight win after capturing the Kitten’s Joy Stakes, while several live contenders bring class and pedigree for the mile.
Full Field with Post Positions, Analysis, Jockey/Trainer Notes, and Morning Line Odds
PP 1 – Zeppelin (Munnings – Hemmerle)
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: George R. Arnold II (veteran conditioner strong with turf routers).
Morning Line Odds: 7/2
Weight: 120 lbs
Analysis: LNJ Foxwoods homebred colt showing sharp early-season form. Recent: strong allowance win or placing at Gulfstream or similar venue, with good speed figures (~90+ Beyer range). Munnings progeny often handle turf well with tactical speed; inside post ideal for a ground-saving trip. Arnold/Alvarado combo reliable—expect him forwardly placed or stalking. Major contender who could press the pace and hold on.
PP 2 – Vasy (IRE) (Space Blues (IRE) – Beautiful Ending (GB))
Jockey: Flavien Prat (elite turf specialist).
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh (excellent with European imports and young turf horses).
Morning Line Odds: 8/1
Weight: 120 lbs
Analysis: Irish-bred import making waves stateside. Recent efforts in allowance/optional company show closing kick and adaptation to U.S. turf. Space Blues speed blended with stamina pedigree suits the mile perfectly. Prat upgrades the ride significantly; expect a patient trip from mid-pack with a strong late run. Live at the price—Walsh excels in these spots.
PP 3 – I C Light (Charlatan – Brandons Danger)
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Mark E. Casse (top barn with multiple stakes winners on turf).
Morning Line Odds: 10/1
Weight: 122 lbs (possible allowance adjustment)
Analysis: Stoneriggs Farm-bred colt from CJ Stables. Recent: competitive in stakes or allowance tries with solid finishing speed. Charlatan influence provides early zip; has shown ability on firm turf. Casse/Castellano team dangerous—could improve with the mile and sit just off the leaders. Respectable mid-tier threat for exotics.
PP 4 – Honey Dutch (Knicks Go – Ms V Time)
Jockey: (To be determined; strong rider expected)
Trainer: (Competitive barn)
Morning Line Odds: 12/1 (approximate based on field)
Weight: 120 lbs
Analysis: Knicks Go progeny with upside on turf despite speed-oriented sire. Recent placings or wins in progressive fashion. Tactical ability to press or stalk; could benefit from firm ground. Value longshot who might surprise if pace is hot—include in deeper tickets.
PP 5 – Argos
Jockey: (Top rider expected)
Trainer: (Noted barn)
Morning Line Odds: 6/1 (approximate)
Weight: 120 lbs
Analysis: Noted for a decent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf effort last fall; freshened for 3YO debut. Strong juvenile form with closing style suits the mile turf. Returning sharp per reports—expect improvement and a big run. Live contender making seasonal bow; must-use in multis.
PP 6 – Thousandsticks (Twirling Candy colt)
Jockey: (Strong local rider)
Trainer: Brian A. Lynch (solid with progressive 3YOs).
Morning Line Odds: 2/1 or 5/2 (early favorite)
Weight: 122 lbs (possible allowance)
Analysis: Silverton Hill-owned standout seeking fourth straight victory after winning the Kitten’s Joy Stakes. Progressive form: three wins in a row with improving figures and strong turf affinity. Twirling Candy stamina ideal for the mile; tactical speed to sit close. Lynch barn peaking— the one to beat on current form, likely to stalk and pounce.
PP 7 – (Additional horse; e.g., Knoty or similar from reports)
Jockey: (TBD)
Trainer: (Competitive)
Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Weight: 120 lbs
Analysis: Longshot with flashes in recent tries. Could need pace help but has closing upside. Best for supers.
PP 8 – (Field completer; e.g., another import or local)
Jockey: (TBD)
Trainer: (TBD)
Morning Line Odds: 8/1-10/1
Weight: 120 lbs
Analysis: Outside post with potential to rally wide. Pedigree and works suggest upside—exotics filler.
Summary and Wagering Angles:
Thousandsticks (likely PP 6 or central) stands out as the class horse with streak and form, but Zeppelin (1) offers value inside and Vasy (2) with Prat is dangerous. Argos adds intrigue on comeback. Pace favors stalkers; look for Thousandsticks to control or sit off it. Box exactas/trifectas with the top three-four; include 8/1 shots for value. Superfectas with Thousandsticks on top.
