The defending champion Major Dude, along with fellow millionaires Wolfie’s Dyna Ghost and Chasing the Crown, and notable prizewinners Cugino and Steel Sunshine, headline a competitive field of 10 older horses set to compete in Saturday’s $200,000 Fort Lauderdale (G3) at Gulfstream Park. This 69th edition of the Fort Lauderdale, run over 1 1/8 miles on turf, is the final race in an 11-race Pegasus Preview Day lineup that features five stakes races totaling $750,000, including two major events.
Named after the nearby coastal city, the Fort Lauderdale serves as a key local prep race for the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) scheduled for January 24th. The event day also features the $150,000 Harlan’s Holiday (G3), a stepping stone to the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1), and the $500,000 Pegasus Filly Turf (G2).
Major Dude, owned by Spend Thrift Farm, aims to become the first horse to win consecutive Fort Lauderdale titles after narrowly defeating millionaire Fort Washington last year. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher praised the horse’s consistency and recent strong workout and noted Major Dude recently boosted his career earnings past $1.4 million. Jockey John Velazquez, a top rider with a strong track record, will pilot Major Dude from post 8.
Wolfie’s Dyna Ghost, a 7-year-old gelding trained by Brian Lynch, seeks his 14th career victory after a decisive win in the River City (G3) at Churchill Downs. Lynch highlighted the horse’s class and durability, pointing to past Gulfstream successes and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.’s return to the saddle, who enters as the program favorite.
Chasing the Crown, a 6-year-old mare trained by Mike Maker, also joins the field aiming for another solid performance after placing third in the 2025 Pegasus Turf. Other significant contenders include Cugino, the 4-year-old homebred with strong recent wins and a chance to extend his streak under Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey, who seeks his first Fort Lauderdale victory.
Steel Sunshine, despite no prior turf wins, rounds out the list of top competitors with eight career stakes wins, including a major Gulfstream Park Mile (G2) victory earlier this year.
Additional entrants include multiple graded-stakes winners Siege of Boston, Beech Gold, Naptown, Quattrocento, and Divin Propos, rounding out a diverse and intriguing race lineup.
Fan Take: This year’s Fort Lauderdale stakes showcase a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, highlighting the depth of talent in turf racing. The results could significantly influence the field and momentum leading into the prestigious Pegasus World Cup Turf, underscoring the sport’s growing excitement and competition among elite turf runners.
