The Janus Stakes at Gulfstream Park promises to be an exhilarating race for three-year-olds and upward over five furlongs on turf. Scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024, this race comes with a lucrative purse of $140,000, which includes $15,000 from the FTBOA – FL TB Owner Breeder Association Fund.
Key Details:
- Purse: $140,000 (Includes $15,000 – FTBOA – FL TB Owner Breeder Association Fund)
- Distance: Five Furlongs (Turf)
- Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds and Upward
- Weight: Three-Year-Olds: 123 lbs; Older: 125 lbs
- Entry Fee: $1,250 to enter; $100 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 non-restricted stake in 2024 allowed 3 lbs; Graded stakes placed in 2024 or non-winners of three races other than maiden, claiming, starter or State-Bred allowance, 5 lbs
Field Overview:
- Masseto (GB) – Territories (IRE) – Never Change (IRE)
- Xy Speed (KY) – First Samurai – Paloma P
- Whenigettoheaven (MD) – Street Magician – Heaven Knows What
- Reef Runner (FL) – The Big Beast – Paradise Bay
- Yes I Am Free (FL) – Uncaptured – Yes It’s Valid
- Okiro (KY) – Yoshida (JPN) – She Hung the Moon
- That’s Right (KY) – Goldencents – Cat Ten
- Axthelm (KY) – Into Mischief – Preemptive Attack
- Smithwick’s Spice (NJ) – Frost Giant – Spicy McHaggis
- Arzak (KY) – Not This Time – Delightful Melody
- Coppola (KY) – Into Mischief – Blind Copy
- Foxtrotanna (KY) – Fast Anna – Foxy Cleo
Race Analysis:
Arzak is the morning line favorite with odds of 2/1, having shown stellar performances in his recent races. Axthelm is another strong contender with odds of 5/1, known for his consistent speed and form. Coppola and Masseto are also expected to be competitive, having demonstrated potential in their recent outings.
Arzak boasts a higher Brisnet Speed figure and strong pedigree, making him the top contender. However, Axthelm and Coppola cannot be discounted given their solid performances and competitive edges.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Masseto: Javier Castellano, Mark E. Casse
- Xy Speed: Emisael Jaramillo, Matthew Lerman
- Whenigettoheaven: Edwin Gonzalez, Nathan Ramsey
- Reef Runner: Miguel A. Vasquez, David Fawkes
- Yes I Am Free: Junior Alvarado, Brad H. Cox
- Okiro: Drayden Van Dyke, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- That’s Right: John R. Velazquez, Brad H. Cox
- Axthelm: Edgard J. Zayas, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
- Smithwick’s Spice: Jose L. Gonzalez, Daniel Nunn
- Arzak: Irad Ortiz, Jr., Michael J. Trombetta
- Coppola: Tyler Gaffalione, Dale L. Romans
- Foxtrotanna: Sophie Doyle, Joseph Wojczynski
Conclusion:
The Janus Stakes promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle with a mix of seasoned and promising three-year-olds and older horses. Arzak is the favorite, but with the unpredictable nature of horse racing, any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.
