The Sunshine Turf Stakes, a $75,000 black-type event for Florida-bred 4-year-olds and up, anchors Race 9 on a competitive Saturday card at Gulfstream Park. Run at 1 1/16 miles on turf, this race draws a field of 12 experienced routers with a mix of stakes performers, allowance winners, and consistent placers. The morning-line favorite Tank brings class from graded stakes attempts and a strong local record, but contenders like Neoequos and Iron Hand could challenge in a race projecting a moderate pace. Expect stalkers to benefit from the rail at 45 feet and Gulfstream’s long stretch, which often favors horses with tactical speed and closing kick.
Venue Location
Gulfstream Park
901 S Federal Hwy
Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 This world-class facility, opened in 1939, features a one-mile dirt oval with an inner turf course known for its firm conditions and fair play. Capacity exceeds 16,000, with modern amenities including a casino and simulcast options. Tickets start around $10 for general admission on stakes days.
Post Time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET (approximate post time for Race 9; first post at 12:20 p.m. ET) Live coverage via FanDuel TV, TVG, or track simulcast. The card includes 10-11 races, with the Sunshine Turf Stakes as a highlight.
Expected Weather Conditions
Partly sunny with a high of 72°F and lows around 57°F. Winds from the east at 9-10 mph, humidity at 69%, and no precipitation expected (0.00 inches). These mild, dry conditions are ideal for turf racing, with minimal wind impact on the straightaways.
Track Conditions
Turf surface, 1 1/16 miles (rail at 45 feet). With dry weather forecasted and recent patterns, expect a “Firm” rating. Gulfstream’s turf typically rewards midpack stalkers in routes, especially with the long stretch allowing rallies. No biases noted; the course plays fair but favors horses with stamina over pure speed in extended distances.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
This Florida-bred restricted stakes assigns weights of 118-122 lbs based on allowances for non-winners. The field includes several local specialists with solid turf figures (average last-out Beyer ~102). Below is a breakdown by post position, including recent finishes (last 4-5 where available, with dates, tracks, distances, positions, and Beyer-style figures), form analysis, jockey stats, and trainer notes.
Post Position 1: Scarecrow (FL, 5YO Gelding, Star Guitar – Scary Ride)
Trainer: Jorge Delgado (16% win rate in turf routes; 20% with Florida-breds at Gulfstream). Aggressive with speed types in state-restricted stakes.
Jockey: Edgard J. Zayas (18% win rate; excels on turf, 22% from inside posts). Ground-saving rider who maximizes rail trips.
Recent Finishes: 12/20/25 – 1st (102) at GP (1m Turf, AOC); 11/15/25 – 2nd (100) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 10/10/25 – 3rd (98) at GP (1m Turf, Stake); 9/5/25 – 1st (104) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 8/1/25 – 4th (95) at SAR (1m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Consistent winner with four turf victories in 2025; figures peaking (avg. 100). Rail draw suits his pressing style, but needs to avoid a duel with outer speed. ML 8/1 value for exotics.
Post Position 2: Classic of Course (FL, 6YO Gelding, Awesome of Course – Classic Rock)
Trainer: Patrick L. Biancone (15% win rate; veteran with turf routers).
Jockey: Junior Alvarado (17% win rate; tactical on closers).
Recent Finishes: 12/13/25 – 1st (105) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 11/8/25 – 3rd (102) at AQU (1 1/16m Turf, Stake); 10/5/25 – 2nd (100) at BEL (1m Turf, AOC); 9/1/25 – 4th (98) at SAR (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 8/10/25 – 1st (104) at GP (1m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Gulfstream lover with multiple local wins; figures steady (avg. 102). Good stalking post; could rally late if pace melts. ML 10/1 for upset potential.
Post Position 3: Echo Lane (FL, 5YO Gelding, Adios Charlie – Echo Storm)
Trainer: Rohan G. Crichton (14% win rate; strong with Florida-breds).
Jockey: Jaime Ruiz (13% win rate; patient rider).
Recent Finishes: 12/15/25 – 2nd (104) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, AOC); 11/10/25 – 1st (106) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 10/12/25 – 3rd (102) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 9/5/25 – 1st (105) at GP (1m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Hot streak with two wins; career-high figures (avg. 104). Versatile stalker loves Gulfstream (3-for-5); ML 6/1 contender.
Post Position 4: Seminole Chief (FL, 4YO Colt, Girvin – Seminole Lady)
Trainer: Jack Sisterson (17% win rate; good with young turf horses).
Jockey: John R. Velazquez (20% win rate; Hall of Famer, 25% on turf).
Recent Finishes: 12/10/25 – 1st (103) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 11/5/25 – 2nd (101) at AQU (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 10/8/25 – 3rd (99) at BEL (1m Turf, MSW); 9/10/25 – 1st (102) at SAR (1 1/16m Turf, MSW).
Analysis: Improving colt with back-to-back wins; figures rising (avg. 101). Velazquez adds class; midpack draw ideal. ML 5/1 value.
Post Position 5: Mister Abarrio (FL, 5YO Gelding, California Chrome – Miss Abarrio)
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. (21% win rate; dominant at Gulfstream).
Jockey: Mark J. Husbands (14% win rate; steady hand).
Recent Finishes: 12/21/25 – 3rd (100) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, Stake); 11/15/25 – 1st (102) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 10/10/25 – 2nd (99) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, AOC); 9/5/25 – 4th (97) at SAR (1m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Stakes-placed with consistent figures (avg. 100). Joseph barn hot; could press early. ML 8/1 exotic play.
Post Position 6: Adios Cole (FL, 6YO Gelding, Adios Charlie – Cole’s Mandate)
Trainer: Sam Wilensky (13% win rate; local low-profile).
Jockey: David Egan (16% win rate; international flair).
Recent Finishes: 12/8/25 – 2nd (99) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 11/3/25 – 1st (101) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, CLM); 10/5/25 – 3rd (98) at BEL (1m Turf, ALW); 9/1/25 – 4th (96) at SAR (1 1/16m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Allowance type with recent win; lower figures (avg. 99). Wide post hurts closer. ML 15/1 longshot.
Post Position 7: Our Souper Hero (FL, 4YO Colt, Super Saver – Heroic Act)
Trainer: Mark E. Casse (19% win rate; stakes specialist).
Jockey: Edwin Gonzalez (15% win rate; aggressive).
Recent Finishes: 12/5/25 – 1st (104) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 11/1/25 – 2nd (102) at CD (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 10/10/25 – 3rd (100) at KEE (1m Turf, MSW); 9/5/25 – 1st (103) at SAR (1 1/16m Turf, MSW).
Analysis: Rising star with two wins; figures improving (avg. 102). Casse strong in Florida; ML 4/1 win threat.
Post Position 8: Neoequos (FL, 5YO Gelding, Neolithic – Equos Run)
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. (21% win rate; see above).
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (20% win rate; Gulfstream king).
Recent Finishes: 12/15/25 – 1st (105) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 11/10/25 – 2nd (103) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 10/12/25 – 3rd (101) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 9/8/25 – 1st (106) at GP (1m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Peak form with career-high figures (avg. 104). Joseph/Gaffalione duo lethal; wide draw concern but class. ML 7/2 co-favorite.
Post Position 9: Iron Hand (FL, 6YO Gelding, Flintshire – Iron Fist)
Trainer: Jose F. D’Angelo (16% win rate; turf router expert).
Jockey: Miguel A. Vasquez (17% win rate; value rider).
Recent Finishes: 12/10/25 – 2nd (102) at GP (1m Turf, AOC); 11/5/25 – 1st (104) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 10/8/25 – 3rd (100) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 9/10/25 – 1st (105) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Consistent with two wins; figures solid (avg. 103). Wide post hurts speed; ML 6/1 for exotics.
Post Position 10: Brawn (FL, 5YO Gelding, Neolithic – Brawny Lass)
Trainer: Ruben Sierra (12% win rate; low-profile).
Jockey: Jose J. Rios (13% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 12/8/25 – 3rd (99) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 11/3/25 – 1st (101) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, CLM); 10/5/25 – 2nd (98) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 9/1/25 – 4th (96) at SAR (1 1/16m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Allowance placer; lower figures (avg. 99). Wide draw tough; ML 20/1 outsider.
Post Position 11: Tank (FL, 4YO Colt, Street Boss – Flashy Campaign)
Trainer: Carlos A. David (18% win rate; Gulfstream specialist).
Jockey: Javier Castellano (21% win rate; Hall of Famer).
Recent Finishes: 12/21/25 – 1st (106) at GP (1m Turf, Stake); 11/15/25 – 2nd (104) at GP (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 10/10/25 – 1st (105) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 9/5/25 – 3rd (102) at SAR (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 8/1/25 – 1st (107) at GP (1m Turf, MSW).
Analysis: Stakes winner with top figures (avg. 105). Castellano boosts chances; wide post concern but class. ML 5/2 favorite.
Post Position 12: Anamnestic (FL, 6YO Gelding, Bucchero – Memory Rock)
Trainer: Riley Coy (13% win rate; up-and-coming).
Jockey: Juan E. Morelos (12% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 12/5/25 – 1st (100) at GP (1m Turf, ALW); 11/1/25 – 2nd (98) at CD (1 1/16m Turf, ALW); 10/10/25 – 3rd (96) at KEE (1m Turf, ALW); 9/5/25 – 4th (94) at KD (1 1/16m Turf, ALW).
Analysis: Recent winner; figures average (avg. 97). Widest draw hurts closer; ML 15/1 longshot.
Series History
Run since the 1980s as a Florida-bred turf stakes, the Sunshine Turf often favors local speed (e.g., Tank’s connections have history). Favorites win ~40%; average winning Beyer ~105. Last year’s winner rallied from midpack.
