The Grade III Royal Delta Stakes at Gulfstream Park is set to take place on February 17, 2024. This race offers a purse of $165,000 and covers a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on turf for fillies and mares, four years old and upward. Here’s a detailed strategic preview of the race:
Race Details:
- Purse: $165,000 (includes $15,000 – FTBOA – FL TB Owner Brdr Assoc Fund)
- Distance: One and One-Sixteenth Miles (Turf)
- Eligibility: Fillies and Mares, Four Years Old and Upward
- Weight: 123 lbs
- Entry Fees: Free nomination by Sunday, February 2. $1,500 to enter1. A $150 supplemental nomination fee may be made prior to closing time of entries.
- Purse Distribution: After payment of 1% to all owners of horses finishing sixth through last, 62% of the remaining purse shall be paid to the owner of the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, and 3% to fifth.
Top Contenders:
- Grand Job (PP: 8, 9/5)
- Jockey: John R. Velazquez
- Trainer: William I. Mott
- Pedigree: Good Magic – Luna Vega (by Malibu Moon)
- Recent Form: Grand Job has shown consistent form and has been competitive in graded stakes races. She’s a strong contender with a solid pedigree.
- American Retro (PP: 1, 8/1)
- Jockey: Jose Ruiz
- Trainer: Ian R. Wilkes
- Pedigree: American Pharoah – Retro (by Giant’s Causeway)
- Recent Form: American Retro has shown potential and could perform well with the right strategy.
- Neon Icon (PP: 11, 6/1)
- Jockey: Joel Rosario
- Trainer: George R. Arnold II
- Pedigree: Arrogate – Mademoiselle Coco (by Medaglia d’Oro)
- Recent Form: Neon Icon has shown promise and could be a contender with the right trip.
- Dream Concert (PP: 2, 12/1)
- Jockey: Javier Castellano
- Trainer: Kiaran O’Connell
- Pedigree: Jess’s Dream – Spanish Concert (by Concerto)
- Recent Form: Dream Concert has shown potential and could perform well with a good trip.
- Built (PP: 9, 5/1)
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Trainer: William M. Catalano
- Pedigree: Hard Spun – Sea Garden (by Curlin)
- Recent Form: Built has shown promise and could be a contender with the right strategy.
Race Strategy:
- Early Pace: With Grand Job and American Retro likely to set the early pace, jockeys will need to position their mounts well to avoid getting caught in traffic.
- Mid-Race Moves: Look for horses like Neon Icon and Dream Concert to make their moves around the far turn, looking to capitalize on the pace set by the leaders.
- Late Surge: Built and other contenders could be the ones to watch for a late surge, potentially making a strong finish if they can navigate through the field effectively.
