The anticipation is building at Gulfstream Park as the countdown begins to the $200,000 Princess Rooney Stakes (G3) on September 20. A glittering list of 34 nominees has been unveiled, and with a coveted “Win and You’re In” berth to the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) on the line, the stakes could not be higher.
There was a noticeable buzz on the backstretch Wednesday morning as trainers walked their horses beneath the Florida sun, cameras clicking and whispers swirling about which filly or mare might seize racing’s golden ticket.
Joseph Dominates with Eight Nominations
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who orchestrated last year’s fairytale when Soul of an Angel stormed to Princess Rooney victory before landing the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, has returned with eight powerful contenders. Among them are:
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Andrea (C2 Racing Stable LLC, Kuehne Racing, Mark Corrado)
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Claret Beret (Milnes Racing LLC)
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Dazzling Move (Milnes Racing LLC)
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Haulin Ice (C2 Racing, Milne Racing, Paul Braverman & Timothy Pinch)
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Indy Bay (C2 Racing, Braverman & Pinch)
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Mystic Lake (C2 Racing Stable LLC)
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Paradise City (C2 Racing, Kuehne Racing, Shining Stable LLC & Timothy Pinch)
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R Disaster (Averill Racing LLC, Two Eight Racing LLC & ATM Racing)
All but Paradise City have either won or placed in graded stakes company, underlining Joseph’s formidable strength heading into this renewal.
Vahva Headlines Star Power After G1 Heroics
One of the most anticipated names on the nominations list is Vahva, owned by Belladona Racing LLC, Lynn Hudson, Edward Hudson Jr., West Point Thoroughbreds, Twin Brook Stable, Will Farish, LBD Stable LLC, Runnels Racing, and Manganaro Bloodstock.
Trained by Cherie DeVaux, Vahva captured the Derby City Distaff (G1) last year and returned to form with a sparkling win in the Chicago Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs. Last time out, she ran a gallant second behind Joseph’s Mystic Lake in the Pink Ribbon Stakes, setting up a tantalizing rematch on September 20.
Power Squeeze, Echo Sound & Om N Joy Add Depth
Gulfstream regular Power Squeeze returns to familiar territory, seeking to add another jewel to her résumé. The Union Rags filly, trained by Jorge Delgado for Lea Farms LLC, boasts a stunning track record at Gulfstream, including victory in the 2024 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) and a narrow runner-up finish behind White Abarrio in this year’s Ghostzapper (G3).
Meanwhile, Echo Sound, the Ian Wilkes-trained daughter of Echo Town, has flashed versatility on the circuit, winning the Victory Ride (G3) at Saratoga and Miss Preakness (G3) at Pimlico before a disappointing run in the Test Stakes (G1).
On the West Coast, trainer Aggie Ordonez has nominated Om N Joy, a remarkable filly who has reeled off five straight wins, including the Torrey Pines Stakes (G3) at Del Mar, since switching from turf to dirt.
D’Amato & Cox Bolster Competitive Depth
Trainer Phil D’Amato has added three strong players to the mix:
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One Magic Philly (John Gallegos) — sixth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint but a G3 Chillingsworth Stakes winner.
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Super Shine (R Unicorn Stable) — multiple G2-placed filly.
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Vodka With a Twist (BlackRidge Stables LLC, Medallion Racing, Schwing Thoroughbreds, Omar Aldabbah & William Strass) — finished second to Indy Bay in the Charles Town Oaks (G2).
Meanwhile, powerhouse conditioner Brad Cox brings three graded stakes-placed fillies into the fray:
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Almostgone Rocket (Frank Fletcher Racing & Ten Strike Racing)
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Alpine Princess (Full of Run Racing II LLC & Madaket Racing LLC)
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Impel (Juddmonte)
Princess Rooney Day Promises High Stakes Racing
The Princess Rooney Stakes (G3) headlines a thrilling September 20 Gulfstream Park card, supported by the Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint, Ginger Punch Handicap, and the Aventura Stakes — a one-mile event for 2-year-olds featuring unbeaten stars Diciassette, Road Forever, and Strategic Reserve.
With a Breeders’ Cup berth on the line and some of the nation’s top fillies and mares converging on Gulfstream Park, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
Read the full coverage and detailed nominations list on RaceBuzz.
