Town and Country Racing’s Moon Spun continued her steady climb back to top form with a determined front-running victory in the Abundantia Stakes at Gulfstream Park, adding another notable chapter to her comeback story on Saturday. Making only her second start after a lengthy absence and her first appearance at stakes level, the filly showed resilience and class to turn back a strong late challenge and extend her winning sequence to three.
The five-furlong Abundantia Stakes at Gulfstream Park, run for fillies and mares aged three and up, formed part of a competitive 11-race programme and brought together a compact but accomplished field. Moon Spun, partnered by Hall of Fame rider Javier Castellano, was asked to use her natural early speed and responded gamely, carving out honest fractions on the firm turf before digging deep when it mattered most.
From her outside draw, Moon Spun was sent forward early and disputed the lead through a sharp opening quarter. As the race unfolded, she gradually asserted control, seeing off her pace rival before coming under pressure from multiple graded-stakes winner Haulin Ice, who was making her first appearance on grass. Despite the challenger drawing alongside in the final strides, Moon Spun refused to yield, finding extra resolve to prevail by a narrow margin.
Behind the leading pair, Love Appeals finished a clear third, with Flamingo Way next home. The remainder of the field followed in behind after a truly run sprint that tested both speed and determination.
Trainer Brian Lynch, no stranger to success in this race, recorded his third consecutive victory in the Abundantia Stakes at Gulfstream Park, underlining both his affinity with the contest and Moon Spun’s consistency. The performance further capped a strong opening to the Championship Meet for the stable, which has been among the early pace-setters in the trainer standings.
Castellano, who enjoyed another productive weekend at the meeting, praised the filly’s professionalism and fighting qualities, noting her ability to relax mid-race before responding willingly under sustained pressure late on.
The Abundantia Stakes, first run in 2018 and named in honour of the Roman goddess symbolising abundance and good fortune, has become a recognised year-end target for turf sprinters. Moon Spun’s success in this edition not only highlighted her toughness but also suggested that further progress could lie ahead as she continues through the winter sprint programme at Gulfstream Park.
Gulfstream Park race result 27 December, highlighting Moon Spun’s front-running victory in the Abundantia Stakes and the complete finishing order. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.