Venue and Race Overview
The Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf Stakes is a $75,000 stakes race restricted to Florida-bred fillies and mares aged 4 and up, contested over 1 mile on turf. It is held at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA, located at 901 South Federal Highway, about 15 miles north of Miami. Gulfstream Park, opened in 1939, is a world-class thoroughbred racing facility with a one-mile dirt oval, a 7-furlong turf course, and an all-weather Tapeta track. Known for its winter Championship Meet, the park hosts major events like the Pegasus World Cup and features amenities including a casino, dining, and shopping. This race celebrates Florida’s breeding program and often serves as a prep for graded turf stakes, attracting tactical speed horses and closers on the firm Gulfstream turf.
PostTime is scheduled for 4:50 PM ET (based on the card’s progression from Race 1 at 12:20 PM ET, with races about 30-35 minutes apart). Note: While the query referenced January 8, all available sources confirm the date as January 10.
Expected Weather Conditions
Forecasts for Hallandale Beach indicate warm and sunny conditions with daytime highs around 79°F (26°C) and nighttime lows near 70°F (21°C). Winds will be from the east at 10-15 mph, with humidity around 55% and a low chance of precipitation (under 10%). Cloud cover will be moderate at about 50%, providing ideal racing weather with no expected disruptions.
Track Conditions
Gulfstream’s turf course is anticipated to be firm, favoring speed and inside paths in routes, given the dry forecast. Recent meets have shown the turf to be fair with minimal bias, but the 1-mile distance (starting from the chute) often benefits mid-pack stalkers if the pace is honest. If unexpected light showers occur, it could soften to good, aiding horses with yielding-ground form, but projections suggest fast and consistent going.
Field Analysis
The field of 11 features competitive Florida-bred turf specialists, many with allowance and stakes experience. All are on Lasix (L). Morning line odds (ML) are estimated based on recent speed figures and form, as official lines were not yet available; Souper Zonda stands out with the highest figure. Weights are standard (around 118-122 lbs, not fully specified). Below is a detailed breakdown, including post position (PP), horse details, recent finishes (summarized from available form, with last speed figure noted), jockey, trainer, and analysis.
Lady Cha Cha (PP 1, ML 12/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Vino Rosso – Dance Lady Dance.
Owner: Golden Kernel Racing Stable.
Jockey: Miguel Angel Vasquez (experienced local with turf expertise).
Trainer: Laura Cazares (solid with Florida-bred routers).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 110; consistent in 2025 allowances at Gulfstream, including a 2nd over 1m turf in November 2025 and a win at 7f in October 2025.
Analysis: Rail draw suits her stalking style; Vasquez can save ground early. Proven on Gulfstream turf but faces tougher; value for exotics if pace sets up.
Luz de La Luna (PP 2, ML 10/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old mare, bay.
Sire/Dam: Uncaptured – Moonlit Bay.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: David Egan (international rider with strong U.S. form).
Trainer: Martin Drexler (develops consistent turfers).
Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 109; placed in stakes at Woodbine in late 2025, including a 3rd over 1m turf in December and a win in allowance in November.
Analysis: Inside post allows tactical trip; Egan’s precision helps. Versatile mare who handles firm ground well; live if adapting to Gulfstream.
Miss Mary Nell (PP 3, ML 8/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Girvin – Mary’s Nell.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: Joe Bravo (veteran with multiple Gulfstream stakes wins).
Trainer: Carlos A. David (high win rate with sprinters and routers).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 110; strong 2025 campaign with a win over 1m turf at Gulfstream in October and 2nd in allowance in December.
Analysis: Bravo’s experience fits her pressing tactics; post 3 offers flexibility. In good form; contender on firm turf.
Volatiled (PP 4, ML 15/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old mare, chestnut.
Sire/Dam: Volatile – Explosive Lady.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: Micah J. Husbands (emerging talent).
Trainer: Fernando Abreu (focuses on turf performers).
Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 106; mixed in allowances, with a 4th over 7f turf at Gulfstream in November 2025 and a win earlier in the year.
Analysis: Mid-field post; Husbands needs to rate her early. Longshot closer who could rally late; prefers firm conditions.
Sapphire Girl (PP 5, ML 6/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Connect – Sapphire Blue.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: Edgard J. Zayas (top Gulfstream rider).
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. (elite barn with stakes success).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 108; board-hitter in 2025, including 2nd over 1m turf at Gulfstream in December and win in allowance in September.
Analysis: Joseph’s charge has tactical speed; Zayas adds edge. Strong threat if positioned well; handles any turf.
Spirited Boss (PP 6, ML 5/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old mare, bay.
Sire/Dam: Street Boss – Spirited Away.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. (multiple Eclipse winner).
Trainer: Jose Francisco D’Angelo (rising star).
Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 108; consistent with a win over 1m turf at Gulfstream in November 2025 and 3rd in stakes in October.
Analysis: Ortiz upgrade boosts; mid-post suits stalking. Live contender on form.
Ashima (PP 7, ML 10/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, chestnut.
Sire/Dam: The Big Beast – Himalayan Queen.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: Javier Castellano (Hall of Famer).
Trainer: Sal Santoro (veteran trainer).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 112; improved with 2nd over 7f turf in December 2025 and win in allowance.
Analysis: Wide post; Castellano’s skill helps. Upset potential with kick.
Souper Williwaw (PP 8, ML 4/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old mare, bay.
Sire/Dam: Hard Spun – Windy City.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: Jorge Ruiz (solid local).
Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta (stakes specialist).
Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 114; stakes placer in 2025, including 2nd over 1m turf at Laurel in November.
Analysis: Trombetta’s mare has class; Ruiz to overcome post. Strong on firm.
Rugelach (PP 9, ML 3/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Twirling Candy – Sweet Pastry.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: Edwin Gonzalez (consistent rider).
Trainer: Sam Wilensky (Florida expert).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 115; dominant with win over 1m turf at Gulfstream in December 2025.
Analysis: Wide but talented; Gonzalez fits. Major player.
Souper Zonda (PP 10, ML 2/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old mare, bay.
Sire/Dam: Curlin – Wind Shear.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: John R. Velazquez (Hall of Famer).
Trainer: Mark E. Casse (multiple graded winner).
Weight: 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 116; top 2025 form with stakes win over 1m turf at Woodbine in November.
Analysis: Classy closer; Velazquez overcomes post. Favorite.
Great Venezuela (PP 11, ML 15/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Neolithic – Venezuelan Spirit.
Owner: Not specified.
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (elite closer).
Trainer: Victor Barboza, Jr. (high ROI).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Last speed figure 105; allowance placer in 2025.
Analysis: Widest post; Gaffalione needs pace. Longshot.
