Horse Race Preview: Race 8 – Sharp Susan Stakes at Gulfstream Park

Top Contenders

Tessellate (Post 3)

Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.

Jockey: Wilfred Vasquez

Odds: 2/1

Rating: 91

Notes: Dominant maiden winner at Gulfstream over 5f. Sharp early speed and top connections.

Late Night Text (Post 8)

Trainer: Nolan Ramsey

Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo

Odds: 5/2

Rating: 94

Notes: Strong third at Lone Star Park in debut. Into Mischief filly with upside.

Victory Music (Post 5)

Trainer: Michael Maker

Jockey: Edwin Gonzalez

Odds: 8/1

Rating: 96

Notes: Churchill Downs maiden winner. Tactical speed and solid pedigree.

Full Field Breakdown

Post	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Rating	Notes
1	Dakota’s Lil Auror	Herbert Miller	Jose Morelos	15/1	86	Won 4f maiden in June, needs step up
2	Mo Hijinx	Bobby Dibona	Miguel Vasquez	8/1	89	Beat Haute Diva last out
3	Tessellate	Saffie Joseph Jr.	Wilfred Vasquez	2/1	91	Speedy debut winner, top barn
4	Willow Case	Ramon Minguet	Leonel Reyes	20/1	72	May maiden winner, longshot
5	Victory Music	Michael Maker	Edwin Gonzalez	8/1	96	Churchill winner, sharp connections
6	Evolution	Carlos David	Edgard Zayas	4/1	66	Needs rebound after Saratoga flop
7	Haute Diva	Patrick Biancone	Jonathan Ocasio	8/1	89	Runner-up to Mo Hijinx
8	Late Night Text	Nolan Ramsey	Emisael Jaramillo	5/2	94	Strong pedigree, improving
9	Street Belle	Joel Santiago	Rajiv Maragh	30/1	82	Even effort in maiden, outsider

Strategic Insights

Pace Scenario: Tessellate and Mo Hijinx likely to contest the early lead. Victory Music and Late Night Text could benefit from a stalking trip.

Track Bias: Gulfstream dirt sprints often favor speed types with inside draws.

Trainer Trends: Saffie Joseph Jr. and Michael Maker excel with juveniles in stakes company.

Top Pick: Tessellate
Value Play: Victory Music
Longshot to Watch: Mo Hijinx