As saddling time approaches for Saturday’s Princess Rooney 2025, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. finds himself at the centre of attention once again. A year ago, he celebrated with a kiss on Soul of an Angel’s nose after her commanding victory, a moment that resonated with fans and connections alike. Now, he returns with four contenders, each carrying hopes of back-to-back glory in Gulfstream Park’s signature seven-furlong test for fillies and mares.
The Group 3 race, worth $200,000, offers more than just prestige. Its winner secures an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Del Mar on November 1. Soul of an Angel used this very route last year, first dominating the Princess Rooney before charging from last to first in a dramatic Breeders’ Cup triumph.
Joseph’s formidable hand
Heading Joseph’s team is Mystic Lake, owned by C2 Racing Stable LLC. The four-year-old daughter of Mo Town arrives with a sparkling three-race winning streak, including decisive victories at Lone Star, Delaware Park, and Charles Town. Reylu Gutierrez takes the mount for the first time.
Stablemate Haulin Ice, runner-up in Gulfstream’s Sheer Drama after four consecutive stakes wins, also lines up. That sequence featured her Grade 3 Vagrancy success at Aqueduct. Edgar Zayas is booked again on the Arkansas-bred filly.
Claret Beret and Ultimate Authority round out Joseph’s quartet. Claret Beret looks to rebound after contesting Grade 1 and Grade 2 company at Saratoga and Churchill Downs, while Ultimate Authority, newly transferred to Joseph’s barn, enters off a third in Santa Anita’s Santa Maria.
Rivals bring intrigue
Chief among the opposition is Vincey Girl, who split results with Haulin Ice earlier this season. The Jose D’Angelo trainee beat her rival convincingly in the Sheer Drama, and regular rider Edwin Gonzalez is back in the irons.
Another to watch is Reputation, a three-year-old by Bolt d’Oro trained by Gustavo Delgado. She arrives off a dominant stakes debut at Colonial Downs, where she powered clear by nearly seven lengths.
Also in the mix are Nerazurri, third in the Sheer Drama, and Gallop d’Hermes, trained by Dante Zanelli Jr.
Strong undercard support
The Princess Rooney headlines an 11-race card at Gulfstream Park that also features the $75,000 Aventura for juveniles, the $75,000 Ginger Punch Handicap on turf, and the $75,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint.
Among those undercard entries are Road Forever, a 15-length debut winner for Sonata Stable, and Starship Impulsive, unbeaten in four Royal Palm Meet appearances. Veteran turf sprinter Xy Speed, with 14 career wins at five furlongs, adds further depth.
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