Trainer Safi Joseph Jr. intends to stick with his successful approach using star horse White Avario as he pursues his fifth straight training championship at Gulfstream Park, which began on Thursday. Last season, White Avario, known for excelling in two-turn races, secured second place in Gulfstream’s seven-furlong Mr. Prospector (G3), setting the stage for his triumph in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1).
Joseph shared, “We plan to run him again in the Mr. Prospector, returning to what worked well last year and focusing on the seven-eighths distance.” The race is scheduled for December 27th during Gulfstream Park’s concluding championship Sunday of the Sunshine Meet.
After a narrow defeat as a favorite in last year’s Mr. Prospector, White Avario rebounded impressively by winning the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus World Cup by 6 1/4 lengths on Memorial Day at Gulfstream on January 24th. Joseph remarked, “Pegasus is the goal, and I believe he can achieve that victory once more.”
Beyond the Pegasus win, White Avario, representing the C2 Racing Stables LLC, Gary Barber, and La Milagrosa Racing Stables LLC, earned $1 million in prize money during the 2022 Gulfstream season. The horse has brought significant Grade 1 victories to his trainer, including the Curlin Florida Derby at Le, the 2023 Whitney at Saratoga, and the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. Joseph praised him, saying, “He’s my career-defining horse internationally and will always hold a special place for me.”
There was controversy when White Avario was scratched late from the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Del Mar during warm-ups with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. No immediate explanation was provided by vets or officials, though the Horse Racing Bureau later reported the scratch was due to an issue with the horse’s left front leg. Despite prior clean veterinary exams, no lameness was detected after the scratch, leading to the ruling that the scratch was unwarranted and sparking a full investigation. White Avario’s handlers even hired legal counsel to address the incident.
This article was first published by the Paulick Report on November 28, 2025.
Fan Take: This news highlights the resilience and excellence of White Avario and his connections, showcasing the highs and challenges within top-level horse racing. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and fairness in the sport’s officiating, which is crucial to maintaining integrity and fan trust.
