Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida
Race 4: Grade III Canadian Turf Stakes
Venue Location: Gulfstream Park, 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 (South Florida’s premier thoroughbred venue, hosting the Championship Meet with its world-class turf course).
Scheduled Post Time: 1:03 PM ET (Race 4 on a blockbuster 14-race card headlined by the G2 Fountain of Youth; first post 11:30 AM ET).
Distance/Surface: 1 1/16 miles on the turf course (rail at approximately 66 feet).
Purse: $175,000 (guaranteed; includes stakes and Florida-bred incentives where applicable). For 4-year-olds and upward. Weights: 125 lbs for winners of a Grade I or II in 2025-26 or $100,000+ on turf since Feb. 28, 2025; other allowances apply.
Track Conditions: Turf course firm. Recent Gulfstream turf races have been fast and fair with no pronounced bias; expect quick times on a true surface.
Expected Weather Conditions: Mild and pleasant late-February South Florida weather. High near 80°F, low around 69°F, broken clouds with a low (20-30%) chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms or showers (unlikely to affect post time), light southeast winds 8-12 mph, humidity ~65%. Ideal for turf racing—firm ground, no weather bias, perfect for a strong pace and clean trips.
The 60th running of the Grade III Canadian Turf Stakes highlights accomplished older turf routers at a classic middle distance. The eight-horse field is headlined by a dominant front-running millionaire making his seasonal debut, challenged by proven graded performers and improving types. With lone early speed likely, the race sets up for a potential wire job or stalk-and-pounce scenario on firm turf. Top barns (McGaughey, Lynch, Mott, Casse) are well-represented.
Full Field with Post Positions, Analysis, Jockey/Trainer Notes, and Morning Line Odds
PP 1 – Battle of Normandy (City of Light – out of a Tapit mare)
Jockey: Flavien Prat (elite turf closer)
Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III (“Shug” – master of patient development and turf routes)
Morning Line Odds: 6/1
Weight: 121 lbs
Analysis: 6YO horse with tactical versatility. Most recent: solid 3rd (106 HRN speed figure) in a Gulfstream allowance/optional claimer on Jan. 24, 2026, showing improved late kick. Consistent placer in restricted stakes company; City of Light speed with stamina bottom suits the trip perfectly. Inside post is a major plus for a ground-saving trip under Prat. McGaughey excels with these types—live underneath play and a threat if the favorite overextends.
PP 2 – Westside Tide (Omaha Beach – Westside Tapstress)
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Martin Drexler (solid claiming/allowance barn)
Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Weight: 119 lbs
Analysis: 5YO horse coming off a sharp score in a Gulfstream starter-optional claimer (116 speed figure) on Jan. 10, 2026. Has early zip but will need to step up significantly in graded company. Omaha Beach progeny handle firm turf well; Saez can steal a share if the pace melts. Deep bomb for supers and multi-race wagers only.
PP 3 – Beach Gold (Omaha Beach)
Jockey: David Egan (new import rider)
Trainer: Patrick L. Biancone (sharp with European-style grass runners)
Morning Line Odds: 5/1
Weight: 123 lbs
Analysis: 5YO with class but recent form questions. Last out: 10th (100 figure) in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) after a troubled trip. Has prior wins/placings at this level; tactical speed to sit mid-pack. Biancone gets horses ready off layoffs—could rebound sharply on firm ground. Respectable price for exotics.
PP 4 – Tiz Dashing (Tiz the Law)
Jockey: Javier Castellano (Hall of Famer in peak form at GP)
Trainer: Barclay Tagg (classic conditioner, patient with routers)
Morning Line Odds: 10/1
Weight: 125 lbs
Analysis: Lightly raced 4YO colt with upside. Recent: game 2nd (114 figure) in the 2025 Tropical Park Derby (listed stakes). Tiz the Law stamina is ideal for 1 1/16 miles on turf; has shown closing ability. Castellano upgrade is significant. Tagg barn always dangerous in stakes—sneaky contender who could improve with added experience.
PP 5 – Stars and Strides (American Pharoah)
Jockey: John R. Velazquez (Gulfstream turf specialist)
Trainer: William I. Mott (legendary with turf older horses)
Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Weight: 123 lbs
Analysis: 4YO with pedigree to excel routing on grass. Most recent: 8th (101 figure) in the 2025 Hill Prince (G3) after a wide trip. American Pharoah progeny love firm turf; Mott knows how to peak them. Velazquez will look for a mid-pack trip and late rally. Value longshot who could crash the exotics at a square price.
PP 6 – Win for the Money (Mohaymen)
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (top local rider)
Trainer: Mark E. Casse (perennial Gulfstream stakes powerhouse)
Morning Line Odds: 10/1
Weight: 121 lbs
Analysis: 7YO gelding in good current form. Last out: 3rd (110 figure) in the 2026 Tampa Bay Stakes (G3). Consistent earner with tactical speed; Mohaymen bottom adds durability. Casse/Gaffalione combo wins these races regularly—expect him forwardly placed or pressing. Solid mid-tier play for exactas/trifectas.
PP 7 – Wolfie’s Dynaghost (Ghostzapper)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. (the man to have on the favorite)
Trainer: Brian A. Lynch (excellent with older turf runners)
Morning Line Odds: 1/1 (heavy favorite)
Weight: 125 lbs
Analysis: 8YO millionaire gelding (14 wins, $1.35M+ earnings) making his 2026 debut off ribcage surgery that scratched him from the Pegasus Turf. Most recent: dominant front-running victory in the Fort Lauderdale (G3) on Dec. 20, 2025 (high 138 speed figure). Ghostzapper speed blended with proven route stamina; lone early speed in this field makes him extremely dangerous. Lynch has him razor-sharp—expect him to wire or fend off challengers under Ortiz. The one to beat by a wide margin on current form.
PP 8 – Fort Washington (War Front)
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III
Morning Line Odds: 4/1
Weight: 125 lbs
Analysis: 7YO with elite class—winner of last year’s Arlington Million (G1T) equivalent form. Recent: 6th (107 figure) in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) after a wide trip. War Front pedigree is pure turf; does best with a target and late run. McGaughey/Alvarado team dangerous from the outside—will likely sit last and unleash a powerful stretch rally. Best chance to upset the favorite if Wolfie’s tires late.
Summary and Wagering Angles:
Wolfie’s Dynaghost (7) is the standout and deserving heavy favorite with his front-running style, recent G3 win, and top connections. Fort Washington (8) and Beach Gold (3) offer the strongest challenges as proven graded horses. Value lies with Battle of Normandy (1) (rail, Prat) and Tiz Dashing (4) (Castellano upgrade). The pace scenario heavily favors Wolfie’s—look for him to control from the front while closers like Fort Washington and Stars and Strides (5) try to run him down.
