The $200,000 Grade 3 Lauderdale Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, features 10 seasoned horses aged 4 and older competing over 1 1/8 miles on turf. Despite being open to horses 3 years and older, all entrants are at least 4, including savvy 7-year-old geldings, underscoring the race’s emphasis on experience. The total career earnings for this group exceed $7.2 million. Last year’s winner, Major Dude, who won as a 4-year-old, returns to defend his title.
From the rail’s perspective, the field includes notable contenders like Steel Sunshine, a 6-year-old Constitution gelding excelling on both dirt and turf at Gulfstream; 7-year-old Wolfy’s Dyna Ghost, who earned his best Equibase Speed Figure of 114 while winning the G3 River City Stakes at Churchill Downs; and Chasing the Crown, jockey Javier Castellano’s first ride for trainer Mike Maker, coming off a strong third-place finish in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational. Siege of Boston, trained by James Toner, comes fresh off a narrow win at Laurel Park. Beach Gold boasts a track-record turf mile at Ellis Park and strong recent performances.
Cousin, trained by Shag McGaughey, brings back momentum with two consecutive stakes victories. Naptown makes his Gulfstream debut after a recent second-place finish in the Knickerbocker Stakes. Major Dude, the defending champion, has Todd Pletcher and John Velasquez, veterans in Gulfstream races, guiding him from post 8. Four Hundred will also compete following a cross-entry at Turfway Park, while God’s Word makes his third start for trainer Safie Joseph Jr. following a trainer switch earlier this year.
Analyzing the top contenders, Cousin has demonstrated remarkable consistency with six wins and four seconds in 13 turf starts, excelling in graded stakes and Gulfstream races. His recent performances and strong connections make him a top pick for this year’s Fort Lauderdale Stakes. Wolfy’s Dyna Ghost, the most experienced runner, continues to impress with back-to-back wins, a notable career-best speed figure, and will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., who has a strong record with this horse. Major Dude maintains competitive speed and class, with strong track record at the preferred distance and a skilled jockey-trainer duo aiming for repeat success.
Other horses with strong recent speed figures include Steel Sunshine, Chasing the Crown, Siege of Boston, Beach Gold, Naptown, Four Hundred, and God’s Word. The frontrunners to watch are Cousin, Wolfy’s Dyna Ghost, and Major Dude.
The Grade 3, $200,000 Lauderdale Stakes will take place on Saturday, December 20th, at Gulfstream Park, with post time at 5:18 pm ET. The race is open to horses aged 3 and older, covering 1 1/8 miles on turf.
Fan Take: This race highlights the incredible depth of experience and talent in turf racing, showcasing horses that have proven themselves over multiple seasons. For fans, it’s thrilling to see seasoned competitors like Cousin and Wolfy’s Dyna Ghost battle for glory, reflecting the sport’s rich tradition and competitive spirit that keeps horse racing exciting year after year.
