Veteran Horses and Rising Stars Shine in Weekend Racing Action
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Santa Anita Park has adjusted its traditional Boxing Day opener to Sunday, December 26th, due to anticipated heavy rainfall, but the delay won’t diminish the excitement surrounding the holiday racing season. Across the country and internationally, a compelling weekend of racing unfolded, showcasing both the enduring power of seasoned veterans and the emergence of promising young contenders.
Older Horses Dominate at Gulfstream and Oaklawn
A remarkable narrative emerged this weekend: experience prevailed. At Gulfstream Park, Skippylongstocking, a 6-year-old gelding, defied expectations in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Harlan’s Holiday, proving age is no barrier to success. Despite being significantly older than the favorite, Poster, the Exaggerator gelding stalked the pace before surging ahead under jockey Tyler Gaffalione to win by a head. “If the draw’s good, he can win the Pegasus. There’s no doubt about it,” a confident trainer stated, referencing the $3 Million Grade I Pegasus World Cup on January 24th.
The victory served as redemption for Skippylongstocking, following two disappointing defeats, and firmly positions him as a contender in Gulfstream’s signature race.
The theme of veteran success continued at Oaklawn Park, where Rattle N Roll, a 6-year-old international traveler, secured a last-to-first win in the $150,000 Tinsel Stakes. Jockey Joel Rosario expertly guided the Connect colt through the field, ultimately winning by two lengths in a time of 1:49.76. This performance underscored the strength of the “geezer demographic” in the racing world.
Other notable weekend results included Not This Boy’s win in the $100,000 Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds, Encino’s triumph in the $250,000 Prairie Bayou on the Turfway Park all-weather track, and Post Time’s victory in the $100,000 Robert T. Manfusco Stakes at Laurel Park.
Distaff and Turf Highlights
Caitlinhergrtness showcased her dominance in the $250,000 My Charmer Stakes at Turfway Park, executing a remarkable seven-wide move in the stretch to win by 1 1/2 lengths. The 4-year-old Omaha Beach filly finished the mile in 1:36.74, further solidifying her reputation as a force in the distaff division. Additional wins in this category included Speed Shopper in the $125,000 Florence Stakes at Turfway and Complexity Jame in the $100,000 Carousel Stakes at Laurel Park.
On the turf, Wolfie’s Dynaghost, a remarkable 7-year-old (soon to be 8), set a course record in the $200,000 Grade III Ft. Lauderdale Stakes at Gulfstream Park, leading throughout the 1 1/8 miles and winning by 3/4 length in 1:43.42. The Ghostzapper gelding has now won 14 of 32 starts and earned over $1.3 million, a testament to his consistency and longevity. Crevalle d’Oro also impressed in the $150,000 Suwannee River Stakes, closing relentlessly to edge out the favorite, Movin’ On Up, by a head. Reef Runner secured a win in the $125,000 Janus Stakes, while Joe Shiesty triumphed in the $250,000 Holiday Cheer Stakes, and Ms. Bucchero won the $125,000 Sugar Swirl.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks
The future of American racing also took shape this weekend, with Chip Honcho and Express Kid adding their names to the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” leaderboard. Chip Honcho, a Connect colt, won the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds, while Express Kid dominated the $300,000 Springboard Mile at Remington Park, leaving his rivals far behind. While both horses face a steep climb to reach the 20-stall starting gate on the first Saturday in May, their weekend performances marked significant steps forward.
On the path to the Kentucky Oaks, Hit Parade won a tight stretch battle in the $100,000 Untapable Stakes at Fair Grounds, and Not a Lady secured a victory in the $75,000 Toby Keith Stakes at Remington Park.
International Racing: Dubai and Japan
The Dubai World Cup Carnival kicked off with a flurry of activity on Festive Friday at Meydan, showcasing potential contenders for the upcoming World Cup night. Godolphin runners dominated the Group 2 Al Rashidiya, with Opera Ballo demonstrating promising form. Heart of Honor also impressed in the Entisar Stakes, positioning himself as a potential threat in the $20 million Saudi Cup and $17 million Dubai World Cup.
In Japan, Cavallerizzo secured a decisive victory in the Grade 1 Asahi Hai Futurity at Hanshin Racecourse, catching pacesetter Diamond Knot and winning by 3/4 length. The Saturnalia colt finished the 1,600 meters in 1:33.2, establishing himself as a leading contender for future classics.
The weekend’s racing action provided a compelling blend of seasoned champions and emerging stars, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 racing season.
