At Thursday’s $175,000 Dania Beach stakes at Gulfstream Park, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse will showcase two promising 3-year-olds whose running styles complement each other. DJ Stable LLC’s Alpeland excels as a strong closer, while Harry T. Rosenblum’s Truman’s Commander brings early speed, giving Casse a formidable chance to dominate the 3-year-old Mile Turf Stakes, a co-feature of the New Year’s Day event that also includes a race for 3-year-old fillies.
Alpeland initially displayed speed on dirt tracks at Churchill Downs and Ellis Park but faded, only to show marked improvement on the turf in his following three races, closing strongly from behind. Reverend Casse praises Alpeland’s talent on dirt, noting he might return to that surface, but he’s currently most comfortable on the grass. Despite a bump at the start of his turf debut at Kentucky Downs, the Vekoma-bred colt rebounded to finish third, then won his next two starts at Keeneland and Gulfstream, overcoming a wide trip and strong challenges.
John Velasquez, a Hall of Fame jockey, will ride Alpeland for the first time in this event. Truman’s Commander, bred by Omaha Beach, is strictly a turf specialist. After a rough start in his debut at Saratoga, he bounced back with a dominant win in a state-bred 1 1/16-mile race and later triumphed in a mile allowance race at Tampa Bay Downs under jockey Edgard Zayas. Casse explains that Truman’s Commander likes to stay close to the lead and tries hard, despite his small size, and Zayas will be back on board.
Legion Racing and Away Strike Racing’s Honey Dutch arrives at Dania Beach after finishing third in a competitive race at Aqueduct. Trained by Whit Beckman, Honey Dutch transitioned from two dirt starts—including a third-place finish at Ellis Park—to turf, where he has since excelled, winning at Kentucky Downs and nearly capturing a stakes race at Churchill Downs. Irad Ortiz Jr. will be riding Honey Dutch for the first time.
Centurian Thoroughbred Club’s Glorious Boy is looking to win back-to-back stakes at Gulfstream after recently taking the Mile Stakes on turf following a dead heat. The Carlos Martin trainee has shown steady improvement, including a maiden win on grass at Aqueduct. Rajiv Maragh returns to ride him.
REH LLC’s Noty Nix will challenge Alpeland again after a close second-place finish behind him in a previous race. This Jeff Engler-trained colt has shown promise with a decisive maiden win on Tapeta but is still gaining experience on turf. Jose Morelos will ride Noty Nix again.
LNJ Foxwoods’ Zeppelin will make his second career start in Dania Beach after winning his grass debut at Churchill Downs. The son of Mannings overcame a rough start to win by half a length, with Junior Alvarado as his jockey.
Other notable entrants include Bella Mia Stables LLC’s A Million Dreams, who recently placed third behind Truman’s Commander; Amy Dunn and Patrick Biancone’s Squire, the runner-up in the Royal Palm Juvenile at Gulfstream; Pocket Ace Racing LLC and Jenrick Thoroughbred LLC’s consistent performer Easy Wind; and OXO Equine LLC’s Grand Mahogany, who has shown strong form after winning two of three dirt starts before transitioning to turf.
Fan Take: This lineup highlights the exciting depth of young turf talent, showcasing diverse running styles that promise a thrilling race for enthusiasts. It’s a testament to the sport’s evolving strategies and breeding, making events like the Dania Beach essential viewing for fans tracking the future stars of horse racing.
