Saffie Joseph Jr. stood quietly by Spirit Doll on the Gulfstream turf, the filly leaning into her groom’s hand like she knew what was coming next. The champion trainer called her a deserving favourite, and on Thursday, all eyes will turn to the Gulfstream Park Wait a While Stakes, where the homebred daughter of Tiz the Law attempts to turn promise into a new chapter. Seven last-out winners join her in a richly competitive opening-day feature, each walking into the paddock with fresh ambition and the confidence of recent success.
The Thanksgiving holiday meeting begins with an eight-race programme, first post at 11:15 a.m. The Wait a While, run over 7½ furlongs on a re-tuned Gulfstream turf course, launches a 68-race stakes calendar worth $15.2 million across the 84-day Championship Meet, which runs through March 29.
Spirit Doll made headlines on debut at Saratoga, before a luckless run in the Spinaway. Sent back to Florida and stretched out to a mile for the Our Dear Peggy, she found her stride — sweeping past rivals with a quickening burst to win by 6¼ widening lengths. Joseph believes she arrives sharper, stronger, and more mature.
“She was very impressive the other day,” Joseph reflected, “and in my opinion, she goes in as a deserving favourite.” Drawn in stall 7, she partners Edgard Zayas and carries topweight 122.
Sister Troienne tops the morning-line
The likely rival most capable of halting her rise is Woodslane Farm’s Sister Troienne, the 2-1 programme choice and another dual winner. Since switching to turf, she has put daylight between herself and the fields behind her, winning by a combined eight lengths including a decisive two-turn score. Brian Lynch has entrusted the reins to Mario Gutierrez, whose Derby-winning hands suit her calm, forward rhythm.
Joseph’s trio, debut stars, and international talent deepen the race
Joseph’s depth does not end with Spirit Doll. R Slew of Cash returns to the same course and distance where she recently broke through stylishly, Micah Husbands retaining the ride from gate 3. Day to Day, fourth in the Spinaway and eighth in the Miss Grillo, may yet take her place, with Edwin Gonzalez named from stall 8.
The race also appeals to lightly raced improvers. Amberglen, trained by Brad Cox, rallied from a slow start to win at Keeneland and now ships into South Florida with three Payson Park works in the bank. Slippers, a yearling purchase who bloomed late, impressed on debut with a smooth three-length surge under Mark Casse’s guidance. “She had always shown talent,” said owner Jon Green, praising the patient process that guided her to readiness.
Further intrigue comes from maiden winner Backgammon, French import Special Wood — already a two-time winner in her native country — and the also-eligible Girvana, who waits for a gate.
A field full of depth, momentum, and promise
The Gulfstream Park Wait a While Stakes brings together an opening-day lineup brimming with upward curves. Spirit Doll arrives with expectation; Sister Troienne counters with momentum; Slippers, Amberglen and others add the spark of untapped potential. As the Championship Meet unfolds, this could be the moment that reveals which filly will rise above the crop.
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