The Suwannee River Stakes at Gulfstream Park is poised to be an exciting Grade III race for fillies and mares, three years old and upward, covering a distance of one mile on turf. Scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024, this race features a generous purse of $165,000, which includes $15,000 from the FTBOA – FL TB Owner Breeder Association Fund.
Key Details:
- Purse: $165,000 (Includes $15,000 – FTBOA – FL TB Owner Breeder Association Fund)
- Distance: One Mile (Turf)
- Eligibility: Fillies and Mares, Three Years Old and Upward
- Weight: Three-Year-Olds: 122 lbs; Older: 125 lbs
- Entry Fee: $1,500 to enter; $150 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 on turf since May 1 allowed 2 lbs; a graded stakes in 2024 or a non-restricted stakes race on turf since June 1, 4 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 Seventy Yards
Field Overview:
- Ocean Club (KY) – Curlin – Theatre Star
- Hollywood Walk (MD) – Animal Kingdom – Walk of Stars
- Ribaltagaia (KY) – Blame – Silk Assassin
- Papilio (IRE) – Starspangledbanner (AUS) – Glafyra (FR)
- Swoonatra (LA) – Paynter – Ol’ Blue Eyes
- Charlie’s Wish (FL) – First Dude – Superior Sarah
- Be Your Best (IRE) – Muhaarar (GB) – Kamakura
- Saffron Moon (KY) – Malibu Moon – Crocus Hill
- Golden Hostess (SAF) – Gold Standard (SAF) – Hosta
- Be My Sunshine (KY) – Frosted – Sisterhood
- Breath Away (GB) – Bated Breath (GB) – Darling Grace (GB)
- Bless My Stars (SAF) – Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – Star Express (SAF)
Race Analysis:
Ocean Club is one of the top contenders with odds of 4/1, having shown strong performances in recent races. Bless My Stars is another strong competitor with odds of 9/2, known for her consistent form and speed. Be Your Best and Saffron Moon are also expected to be competitive, given their promising previous performances.
Ocean Club has a higher Brisnet Speed figure and a strong pedigree, making her a prime contender. However, Bless My Stars and Breath Away cannot be discounted given their solid performances and competitive edge.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Ocean Club: Edwin Gonzalez, Jack Sisterson
- Hollywood Walk: Jorge Ruiz, Michael J. Trombetta
- Ribaltagaia: Junior Alvarado, Gianluca Bietolini
- Papilio: Javier Castellano, Mark E. Casse
- Swoonatra: Edgard Perez, Fernando Abreu
- Charlie’s Wish: Miguel A. Vasquez, David Fawkes
- Be Your Best: Edgard J. Zayas, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Saffron Moon: Tyler Gaffalione, Chad C. Brown
- Golden Hostess: John R. Velazquez, H. Graham Motion
- Be My Sunshine: Leonel Reyes, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Breath Away: Dylan Davis, Christophe Clement
- Bless My Stars: Irad Ortiz, Jr., Todd A. Pletcher
Conclusion:
The Suwannee River Stakes promises to deliver an exciting race with a blend of seasoned and promising fillies and mares. Ocean Club is one of the favorites, but the unpredictable nature of horse racing means any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.
