Win for the Money, a 5-year-old gelding, is making a strong comeback at Gulfstream Park this Saturday. After claiming a Grade 1 victory in Canada earlier this year, he’s ready to race again in the Grade 2 Fort Lauderdale. This 1 1/8-mile turf event is a key preparation for the Pegasus Turf and part of an exciting Pegasus Preview Day that features five stakes races with a combined purse of $825,000.
The Journey of Win for the Money
Win for the Money has had a stellar year. Trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse and bred by Live Oak Plantation, he started his 2024 season with an impressive win at Gulfstream Park’s Mr. Steele Stakes in May. Later, he scored a thrilling upset in the prestigious Woodbine Mile (G1). However, his trip to the Breeders’ Cup Mile in California didn’t go as planned, where he finished last.
His team believes this wasn’t a reflection of his abilities. Assistant trainer Nick Tomlinson explained, “Traveling to California was tough on him. He’s been training well since then, and we’re confident he’ll return to form.”
Other Contenders to Watch
The field for the Fort Lauderdale Stakes includes nine talented horses, each with a strong record:
Grand Sonata
This 5-year-old, trained by Todd Pletcher, has already earned over $2 million. Though his Breeders’ Cup run wasn’t ideal, he’s poised for a strong comeback. Tyler Gaffalione will ride from post 2.
Major Dude
Also trained by Pletcher, Major Dude is just shy of millionaire status. Known for his consistency, he has six wins in graded races. Irad Ortiz Jr. will guide him from post 4.
Emmanuel
A five-time graded-stakes winner, Emmanuel is a new addition to trainer Mike Maker’s stable. He will compete from post 9 with Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano.
Fort Washington
Trained by Shug McGaughey, Fort Washington has shown promise with a third-place finish in the Artie Schiller. John Velazquez will ride him from post 8.
The Underdogs
Other notable entries include Saffie Joseph Jr.’s trio—Cash Equity, Saratoga Flash, and Lorenz—along with Siege of Boston, trained by Jimmy Toner.
A Day of Stellar Racing at Gulfstream Park
The Fort Lauderdale is part of Gulfstream Park’s Pegasus Preview Day. Racing begins at 12:20 p.m. EDT and features three graded stakes. This day offers fans a sneak peek into the Pegasus Turf, one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar.
The Stakes Are High for Win for the Money
Saturday’s race isn’t just about winning—it’s a chance for Win for the Money to prove he’s still a top contender for the Pegasus Turf. With strong rivals and a strategic training plan, all eyes will be on this talented gelding as he tries to reclaim his best form on familiar turf.
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