The Ft. Lauderdale Stakes at Gulfstream Park is set to be a thrilling Grade II race for three-year-olds and upward, covering a distance of one and one-eighth miles on turf. Scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024, this race features a generous purse of $215,000, which includes $15,000 from the FTBOA – FL TB Owner Breeder Association Fund.
Key Details:
- Purse: $215,000 (Includes $15,000 – FTBOA – FL TB Owner Breeder Association Fund)
- Distance: One and One Eighth Miles (Turf)
- Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds and Upward
- Weight: Three-Year-Olds: 123 lbs; Older: 126 lbs
- Entry Fee: $2,000 to enter; $200 supplemental nomination fee may be made prior to closing time of entries
- Distribution: 62% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth; 1% to all owners of horses finishing sixth through last
- FTBOA Fund: Offers $15,000 divided among owners of registered Florida-bred horses: $8,000 to the winner, $5,000 to second, $2,000 to third
- Weight Allowances: Non-winners of a graded stakes at a mile or over on turf since May 1 allowed 3 lbs; a graded stakes at a mile or over in 2024 or a non-restricted stakes race at a mile or over on turf since June 1, 5 lbs
- Preference: Given to graded stakes winners in 2023-24, graded stakes placed in 2023-24, non-restricted stakes winners in 2024, then by highest earnings in 2024
- Note: If deemed inadvisable to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the Tapeta Course at One Mile and One Eighth
Field Overview:
- Cash Equity (FR) – Toronado (IRE) – Funny Crazy (FR)
- Grand Sonata (KY) – Medaglia d’Oro – A. P. Sonata
- Saratoga Flash (NY) – Laoban – Flash Act
- Major Dude (KY) – Bolt d’Oro – Mary Rita
- Win for the Money (KY) – Mohaymen – Mayakoba
- Lorenz (BRZ) – Forestry – Baez (BRZ)
- Siege of Boston (KY) – War Front – Peinture Rare (IRE)
- Fort Washington (KY) – War Front – Azaelia (FR)
- Emmanuel (KY) – More Than Ready – Hard Cloth
Race Analysis:
Win for the Money is the morning line favorite with odds of 5/2, having demonstrated stellar performances in recent races. Grand Sonata is another strong contender with odds of 3/1, known for his consistent form and speed. Major Dude and Cash Equity are also expected to be competitive, having shown potential in their previous outings.
Win for the Money boasts a higher Brisnet Speed figure and a strong pedigree, making him the top contender. However, Grand Sonata and Major Dude cannot be discounted given their solid performances and competitive edges.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Cash Equity: Edgard J. Zayas, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Grand Sonata: Tyler Gaffalione, Todd A. Pletcher
- Saratoga Flash: Patrick Husbands, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Major Dude: Irad Ortiz, Jr., Todd A. Pletcher
- Win for the Money: Dylan Davis, Mark E. Casse
- Lorenz: Drayden Van Dyke, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Siege of Boston: Jorge Ruiz, Jonathan J. Toner
- Fort Washington: John R. Velazquez, Claude R. McGaughey III
- Emmanuel: Javier Castellano, Michael J. Maker
Conclusion:
The Ft. Lauderdale Stakes promises to deliver an exciting race with a blend of seasoned and promising three-year-olds and older horses. Win for the Money is the favorite, but the unpredictable nature of horse racing means any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.
