Daniel Alonso’s six-year-old, Skippy Longstocking, a grade-winning racehorse, completed an effortless five-furlong workout on Friday morning as part of his preparation for the $150,000 Harlan’s Holiday (G3) race at Gulfstream Park on December 20. Skippy Longstocking recorded a time of 59.75 seconds, the quickest of four workouts at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream’s training facility in Palm Beach County.
Trainer Safi Joseph Jr. expressed satisfaction with the horse’s performance, stating that Skippy Longstocking is on track for the Harlan’s Holiday event. This 1 1/16-mile race serves as a crucial lead-up to the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) on January 24 at Gulfstream. Skippy Longstocking aims to compete in the Pegasus for the fourth consecutive year, having previously placed third in 2025 behind stablemate White Avario, also trained by Joseph.
Since being purchased in April 2021 as a two-year-old for $37,000, Skippy Longstocking has won 11 out of 34 races, earning $3,684,110. His victories include the 2022 West Virginia Derby (G3), the Harlan’s Holiday in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the Challenger (G3) in 2023 and 2024, the Charlestown Classic (G2) in 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2024 Oak Lawn Handicap (G2) and the May 26 Hollywood Gold Cup (G2).
Meanwhile, the Rainbow Six jackpot for Saturday’s 11-race program at Gulfstream Park is estimated to reach $150,000. The Rainbow Six, a popular multi-race wager, has gone unresolved for three consecutive days, with recent payouts occurring on November 29. The Saturday races will cover events 6 through 11, with the highlight being the $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens Handicap, a two-mile turf race for horses three years and older. Summer Corps, favored at 9-5, will race after finishing fourth in the John Forbes Memorial on October 18, while the 7-year-old Risk Manager aims for his 12th win of the year under trainer Mike Maker.
The Jerkens Handicap honors the late Hall of Famer H. Allen Jerkens, who spent many winters at Gulfstream Park and won his first stakes in the 1955 Display Handicap. Notable races include Race 8, a one 1/16-mile all-weather Tapeta race, where Light Fury seeks his 16th career win under trainer Bernardo Campos. In Race 10 at Aqueduct on October 26, the focus turns to younger horses, with Epic Summer attempting to improve on his debut win.
The Rainbow Six pays out only if one unique ticket wins all six races. If no such ticket exists, 70% of the pool is returned to the bettors with the highest winnings for that day, while 30% carries over to the next jackpot. Additionally, Race 11’s finale holds a $46,080.49 carryover on the $1 Super Hi-5 wager.
Fan Take: This update highlights how top-tier horses like Skippy Longstocking continuously push the limits of excellence in racing, thrilling fans and boosting the sport’s prestige. The large Rainbow Six jackpot also underscores the growing excitement and engagement of wagering fans, contributing to the vibrant culture of horse racing.
