Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. returns to more familiar territory this weekend at Gulfstream Park, bringing with him a mix of proven potential and developing talent as he aims for more success in two key stakes races. After a standout double victory in Southern California earlier in the week, Joseph has shifted focus to Saturday’s action at his home base in Florida, where he will saddle four fillies across the $75,000 Game Face and Powder Break Stakes.
In the Game Face Stakes, a 6½-furlong sprint limited to 3-year-old fillies, Joseph sends out Andrea and Luvumorgan. Andrea, a filly owned by C2 Racing Stable LLC, Kuhne Racing, and partners, recently returned from a brief break in excellent form, delivering a dominant win at Tampa Bay Downs. Her connections are hopeful that she can bring that renewed momentum into stakes company, especially as she gains more maturity and confidence.
Luvumorgan, by contrast, is still early in her racing journey. The homebred daughter of Union Rags made a striking impression last time out, scoring a decisive maiden win at a route distance. Although the shorter trip may not be her ideal scenario, the stakes opportunity is seen as a valuable chance to build her résumé and test her adaptability at a higher level.
Among the key rivals they’ll face is Unchained Elaine, who enters with a strong stakes background and a recent win at Gulfstream. After a missed opportunity at Churchill Downs due to a minor health issue, she returns in top shape under the watchful eye of trainer Patrick Biancone. Other notable entries include Win N Your In, a Florida Sire Stakes winner back in winning form, and several others looking to make their mark in a competitive sprint.
Turning to the co-featured Powder Break Stakes—a one-mile turf test for older fillies and mares—Joseph again has a two-pronged attack with Candy Gray and Lady Cha Cha. Candy Gray returns with something to prove, having shown flashes of quality but struggling to find consistency in 2025. Her connections believe that with the right trip and a return to her previous form, she remains a live contender in this competitive affair.
Lady Cha Cha, meanwhile, has quietly put together a string of solid efforts since joining Joseph’s team. Most recently second in the Distaff Turf at Tampa, she appears to be knocking on the door and could be primed for a breakthrough. Rajiv Maragh takes the reins in a field loaded with depth and turf experience.
The top seed in the Powder Break appears to be Majestic Venezuela, a proven turf performer with a win at the mile distance and a strong jockey-trainer partnership. Others expected to feature include the multiple-stakes-winning De Regreso and Sensitivity, both of whom bring reliable turf credentials.
This Saturday at Gulfstream promises to be another key chapter in Saffie Joseph Jr.’s dynamic 2025 campaign, as he continues to develop rising talent and seek black-type success on both coasts.
