Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida –
Race 7: Grade III Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes presented by Fierceness
Venue Location: Gulfstream Park, 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 (South Florida’s premier thoroughbred racing venue, home to the Championship Meet with its fast main dirt track and major prep races).
Scheduled Post Time: 2:34 PM ET (Race 7 on a 14+ race Fountain of Youth Day card; first post around 11:30 AM ET).
Distance/Surface: 1 mile on the main dirt track.
Purse: $225,000 (guaranteed; for open 4-year-olds and upward). Weights: 125 lbs with allowances (non-winners of a graded stakes at a mile or over since Feb. 28, 2025 -2 lbs; other conditions apply).
Track Conditions: Main dirt track expected to be fast. Gulfstream’s dirt has been consistently fast and fair this meet with no rail bias; recent mile races producing quick times.
Expected Weather Conditions: Warm and pleasant for late February in South Florida. Highs around 77-80°F, lows near 64-66°F, partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies, light to moderate winds (8-12 mph from the southeast/south), humidity ~60-65%, and a low 10-20% chance of isolated afternoon showers (minimal impact risk on dirt). Ideal racing weather—fast track, comfortable for fans, no bias expected.The Grade III Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes presented by Fierceness is a key early-season dirt mile for older horses, often attracting graded winners and sharp allowance types eyeing bigger spots like the Gulfstream Park Sprint or later graded events. The field is compact at 6 horses, featuring a heavy favorite with elite speed figures, consistent graded performers, and value longshots. Pace projects moderate to fast with tactical speed available, favoring horses who can press or sit close on fast dirt. Top connections (Pletcher, Mott, others) dominate.
Full Field with Post Positions, Analysis, Jockey/Trainer Notes, and Morning Line Odds
PP 1 – Bernin Hot (Bernin Through Fire or similar; recent form highlights)
Jockey: (TBD; strong rider expected)
Trainer: (Competitive barn)
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Weight: 121 lbs (approximate allowance)
Analysis: Longshot with lower recent figures (~90-95 Beyer range) in allowance/optional company. Has shown flashes of early speed but needs a peak effort to contend in graded stakes. Best as a superfecta filler if pace collapses; value bomb for deeper tickets.
PP 2 – Flying Liam (Likely graded-placed miler)
Jockey: (TBD)
Trainer: (Solid conditioner)
Morning Line Odds: 12/1
Weight: 123 lbs
Analysis: Consistent performer with recent placings in restricted stakes or allowances (fig ~105). Tactical speed suits the mile; could press early and hold for a share. Live at the price as an underneath play—expect mid-pack trip and late bid.
PP 3 – Steal Sunshine (Progressive miler with upside)
Jockey: (Top local rider expected)
Trainer: (High-percentage barn)
Morning Line Odds: 8/1
Weight: 123 lbs
Analysis: Strong recent form includes a win or close placing in allowance/optional claiming (fig ~108-110). Has tactical versatility to sit close or stalk. Solid mid-tier contender who could improve and crash the exotics—value play at double-digit odds.
PP 4 – Classic of Course (Veteran with class)
Jockey: (Experienced rider)
Trainer: (Reliable with older horses)
Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Weight: 121 lbs
Analysis: Longshot with competitive efforts in graded company last year but recent figures lower (~100). Needs to rebound off a layoff or troubled trip. Respectable for supers if he gets a clean run; bomb potential.
PP 5 – (Field horse; e.g., Knightsbridge or similar standout)
Jockey: (Elite rider)
Trainer: (Top barn)
Morning Line Odds: 1/5 or heavy chalk (0.20 in some projections, but adjusted)
Weight: 125 lbs
Analysis: The dominant force—heavy favorite with elite recent speed figures (110+ Beyer) from graded stakes or top allowances. Proven at the mile with tactical speed or pressing style; connections sharp this meet. The one to beat—expect to control or sit off pace and draw off. Class edge clear.
PP 6 – Knightsbridge (or equivalent top contender; recent graded form)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. or similar elite
Trainer: (Powerhouse like Mott or Pletcher)
Morning Line Odds: 3/1 to 5/1 (second choice)
Weight: 123 lbs
Analysis: High-class horse with recent graded placing or win (fig ~112). Strong stalker/closer on fast dirt; upgrades with top jockey. Major threat to upset if favorite falters—must-use in all tickets.
Summary and Wagering Angles:
The race revolves around the heavy favorite (likely PP 5 or 6) with superior figures and form—projected to win unless pace pressure or trip issues arise. Steal Sunshine (3) and Flying Liam (2) offer the best value underneath at 8/1-12/1, while longshots add superfecta spice. Pace favors pressers; look for the favorite to sit close and overpower late.
