The Harlan’s Holiday Stakes at Gulfstream Park promises to be an exciting Grade III race for three-year-olds and upward, covering a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles. Scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024, this race comes with a lucrative purse of $165,000, which includes $15,000 from the FTBOA – FL TB Owner Breeder Association Fund.
Key Details:
- Purse: $165,000 (Includes $15,000 – FTBOA – FL TB Owner Breeder Association Fund)
- Distance: One and One Sixteenth Miles
- Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds and Upward
- Weight: Three-Year-Olds: 123 lbs; Older: 126 lbs
- Entry Fee: $1,500 to enter; $150 supplemental nomination fee may be made prior to closing time of entries
- Distribution: 62% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth; 1% to all owners of horses finishing sixth through last
- FTBOA Fund: Offers $15,000 divided among owners of registered Florida-bred horses: $8,000 to the winner, $5,000 to second, $2,000 to third
- Weight Allowances: Non-winners of a graded stakes at a mile or over since May 1 allowed 3 lbs; a graded stakes at a mile or over in 2024 or a non-restricted stakes race at a mile or over since June 1, 5 lbs
Field Overview:
- Tuscan Sky (KY) – Vino Rosso – South Andros
- Tumbarumba (LA) – Oscar Performance – Naive Enough
- Cape Trafalgar (KY) – Lord Nelson – Goldrush Girl
- Digital Ops (KY) – Nyquist – Flora Dora
- Vitality (ON) – Street Boss – Belissimo
- Steal Sunshine (KY) – Constitution – Warm Sunshine
- Rocket Can (KY) – Into Mischief – Tension
- Super Corinto (ARG) – Super Saver – Tradizione Slam (ARG)
Race Analysis:
Tumbarumba is the morning line favorite with odds of 8/5, having shown stellar performances in recent races. Tuscan Sky is another strong contender with odds of 5/2, known for his consistent speed and form. Steal Sunshine and Cape Trafalgar are also expected to be competitive, having demonstrated potential in their recent outings.
Tumbarumba boasts a higher Brisnet Speed figure and strong pedigree, making him the top contender. However, Tuscan Sky and Steal Sunshine cannot be discounted given their solid performances and competitive edges.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Tuscan Sky: John R. Velazquez, Todd A. Pletcher
- Tumbarumba: Tyler Gaffalione, Brian A. Lynch
- Cape Trafalgar: Irad Ortiz, Jr., Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Digital Ops: Dylan Davis, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Vitality: Joe Bravo, H. Ladouceur
- Steal Sunshine: Leonel Reyes, Bobby S. Dibona
- Rocket Can: Junior Alvarado, William I. Mott
- Super Corinto: Edgard J. Zayas, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Conclusion:
The Harlan’s Holiday Stakes promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle with a mix of seasoned and promising three-year-olds and older horses. Tumbarumba is the favorite, but with the unpredictable nature of horse racing, any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.
