Venue and Race Overview
The Grade III Fred W. Hooper Stakes presented by Visit Lauderdale is scheduled at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA. This premier venue features a one-mile dirt oval, a 1 1/8-mile turf course, and a Tapeta all-weather track, with this race on the main dirt track. Gulfstream is renowned for its winter Championship Meet and high-stakes events like the Pegasus World Cup card, on which this race appears. The event is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, with a post time of 2:41 PM ET. This G3 stakes is for horses aged 4 years and up, contested over 1 mile on the dirt. The purse is $175,000 (including Florida-bred incentives), with weights of 118-124 lbs. based on allowances. It’s a one-turn mile that often favors tactical speed and proven routers, especially on a fast track.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for January 24, 2026, in Hallandale Beach indicates partly cloudy skies with a high of 81°F and a low around 68°F. Winds will be from the east at 10-15 mph, with humidity around 60% and a low 10-20% chance of isolated showers. No significant precipitation is expected, keeping the dirt track fast and fair—typical for Gulfstream’s winter surface, which can benefit inside posts and front-runners in routes. If any light rain occurs, the track could turn good, but it drains well and rarely becomes sloppy in mild conditions.
Field Analysis
A field of 9 older males enters this competitive G3, mixing graded winners, allowance standouts, and longshots. Key factors include dirt route form, speed figures (Beyer equivalents noted where recent), and class drops/risers. Trainers like Bobby S. Dibona (three entries) and elite riders such as Flavien Prat dominate. Below is a horse-by-horse breakdown, including post position (PP), horse details (age/sex/pedigree where available), jockey, trainer, weight (standard G3 scale assumed: 118-124 lbs.), recent finishes (last 5 with dates, tracks, types, distances, surfaces, positions, and figures), and analysis. Ages/sexes synthesized from available data (e.g., Life and Times as 5yo gelding).
PP 1: Life and Times (5yo gelding, by Justify – Silky Serenade)
Jockey: Jose Lezcano (veteran route specialist, 20% win rate at Gulfstream). Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher (Hall of Famer, 25% win rate in graded stakes). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (105) at AQU AOC (12/15/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (102) at AQU MSW (11/20/2025, 1m dirt); No prior starts listed (lightly raced).
Analysis: Undefeated in two career starts, both dominant one-turn mile wins at Aqueduct, showing explosive speed and stamina. Pletcher ships him south for stakes debut; inside post aids ground-saving trip. High figures suggest class; firm dirt ideal. The morning-line favorite deserves it, but unproven against winners.
PP 2: Steal Sunshine (7yo horse, by Constitution – Warm Sunshine)
Jockey: Edgard J. Zayas (local ace, 19% win rate). Trainer: Bobby S. Dibona (strong with veterans, 17% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd (98) at GP AOC (12/26/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (100) at GP Stakes (11/15/2025, 7f dirt); 3rd (95) at BEL LS (10/10/2025, 1m dirt); 4th (92) at SAR G3 (8/5/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 1st (99) at GP AOC (3/20/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Seasoned campaigner with Gulfstream affinity (multiple wins), he’s consistent in stakes but often places. Dibona’s barn is hot; Zayas presses pace well. Stretching back to a mile suits; handles fast dirt. Value if favorites falter, especially from cozy post.
PP 3: Racing Driver (4yo colt, by Dialed In – Munhall Miss)
Jockey: Micah J. Husbands (emerging rider, 12% win rate). Trainer: Gustavo Delgado (solid with young stock, 15% win rate). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 7th (85) at GP Allow (12/20/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (90) at GP MSW (11/10/2025, 7f dirt); 4th (88) at TAM Allow (10/5/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (87) at GP MSW (8/15/2025, 6.5f dirt); 5th (82) at GP MSW (7/20/2025, 7f dirt).
Analysis: Lightly raced improver stepping up sharply after a maiden win. Delgado targets value spots; Husbands rides economically. Lower figures (90 high) suggest class test; stalker who needs soft pace. Longshot for exotics if he matures quickly on fast track.
PP 4: Con Compania (CHI) (6yo gelding, by Awesome Patriot – [dam not specified])
Jockey: Luis Saez (elite, 24% win rate in routes). Trainer: Bobby S. Dibona (see above). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 6th (93) at CD AOC (11/30/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (98) at BEL Allow (10/15/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 3rd (95) at SAR Allow (8/20/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (96) at GP Allow (3/10/2025, 1m dirt); 4th (92) at CD Allow (11/15/2024, 1 1/8m dirt).
Analysis: Chilean import with solid U.S. form, including a recent allowance win. Dibona’s second entrant; Saez adds class. Versatile router (wins at 1-1 1/8m); figures in 98 range competitive here. Prefers fast dirt; mid-pack style suits if pace heats up.
PP 5: Tour Player (5yo gelding, by American Pharoah – [dam not specified])
Jockey: Javier Castellano (Hall of Famer, 21% win rate). Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman (rising star, 18% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (113) at CD AOC (11/30/2025, 1m dirt); 6th (100) at KEE LS (10/18/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 1st (108) at CD Allow (9/15/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (105) at SAR G3 (8/10/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (102) at CD Allow (5/5/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: In career-best form with back-to-back wins, including a sharp 113 figure at Churchill. Beckman preps him well; Castellano’s patient ride fits closing kick. Graded placing shows potential; fast dirt specialist. Live at price if he repeats peak effort.
PP 6: Knightsbridge (4yo colt, by Nyquist – Tyburn Brook)
Jockey: Junior Alvarado (versatile, 15% win rate on dirt). Trainer: William I. Mott (Hall of Famer, 22% win rate). Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (110) at BEL Allow (10/20/2025, 1m dirt); 2nd (107) at SAR G2 (8/5/2025, 1 1/8m dirt); 3rd (105) at BEL LS (6/15/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (108) at GP MSW (3/1/2025, 7f dirt); 4th (100) at GP MSW (1/25/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Talented sophomore-turned-4yo with stakes experience, including a G2 placing. Mott’s emotional spot (race honors a peer); Alvarado stalks effectively. High figures (110 peak); unproven at exact distance but pedigree screams mile. Co-favorite material on class.
PP 7: Back Em Up (6yo gelding, by Take Charge Indy – [dam not specified])
Jockey: Miguel Angel Vasquez (reliable local, 14% win rate). Trainer: Bobby S. Dibona (see above). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (123) at GP AOC (12/26/2025, 1m dirt); 6th (95) at BEL Allow (10/10/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (98) at GP Allow (8/15/2025, 7f dirt); 2nd (96) at TAM LS (7/20/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (94) at GP Allow (3/10/2025, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Dibona’s third entrant, fresh off a monster 123-figure win at Gulfstream. Vasquez knows the track; front-runner who could steal if uncontested. Bounced in prior but rebounds well; fast dirt suits. Upset chance from outside speed post.
PP 8: Catalytic (5yo gelding, by Catalina Cruiser – [dam not specified])
Jockey: David Egan (international flair, 16% win rate in U.S.). Trainer: Antonio Sano (volume trainer, 13% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 7th (90) at GP Allow (12/13/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (95) at GP Claim (11/8/2025, 7f dirt); 4th (92) at TAM Allow (10/5/2025, 1m dirt); 5th (88) at GP Allow (8/20/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (90) at GP Claim (7/15/2025, 7f dirt).
Analysis: Allowance/claimer type stepping up; Sano upgrades occasionally. Egan adds intrigue; mid-pack runner needs pace help. Lower figures (95 high) outclassed; fast track okay but longshot at best for minors.
PP 9: Nelson Avenue (5yo gelding, by Into Mischief – [dam not specified])
Jockey: Flavien Prat (top turfer/dirt rider, 23% win rate). Trainer: Jorge R. Abreu (sharp with shippers, 20% win rate). Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 1st (104) at AQU Allow (12/5/2025, 1m dirt); 3rd (100) at BEL LS (10/25/2025, 1 1/16m dirt); 2nd (102) at SAR Allow (8/10/2025, 1m dirt); 4th (98) at BEL G3 (6/15/2025, 1m dirt); 1st (101) at AQU Allow (11/20/2024, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Consistent NY shipper with stakes near-misses; Abreu targets well. Prat’s tactical style suits stalker; figures in 104 range competitive. Wide post allows clear run; proven on fast dirt. Sneaky contender in exotics.
