Gulfstream Park Features Via Borghese Stakes on Christmas Eve Card
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December 24, 2025
Hallandale Beach, Florida – The Christmas Eve featured Via Borghese Stakes for 3YO and Up fillies and mares running for a purse of $125,000 has attracted a compact field of eight turf routers, with several shippers from New York and recent sales graduates adding intrigue. The 1 3/8 miles distance suits late runners, as the pace projects to be moderate early with runners Celestial Express and Gallant Greta expected to soften up the front, setting up for the closers.
Top Contenders:
- #8 Venencia (ML 3-1): The one to beat off her sharp recent form. She exits a convincing win in the 1 1/2-mile Dowager (G3) at Keeneland in October, where she stayed strongly to beat graded rivals. That followed consistent placings in graded company earlier in the year. Now with trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. (strong with new acquisitions) after a $250,000 Keeneland November sale purchase, and Tyler Gaffalione aboard, she looks primed for this cutback in trip while retaining stamina edge. Late runner with the field’s highest closing kick potential.
- #6 La Mehana (ML 5-2): Defending champion of this race (won impressively last December from off the pace). Multiple graded winner with proven Gulfstream turf success (including local route wins). Recent form dipped slightly with a fifth in the Waya (G3), but she’s dangerous fresh—now with Brad Cox (excellent trainer switch stats) after a $500,000 sale buy, and Irad Ortiz Jr. rides for the first time. Course/distance lover and the only prior winner here; scary if she rebounds to peak efforts.
- #4 Alluring Angel (ML 2-1): Morning-line favorite brings class from New York, wiring the Long Island (G3) at this 1 3/8-mile trip in November for a career-high performance. Bill Mott trainee is versatile (can stalk or close) and drops into non-graded company. Junior Alvarado retains the mount; logical threat but vulnerable if pace pressure materializes.
- #5 No Show Sammy Jo (ML 5-1): Graham Motion closer ran a huge second in that same Long Island (G3) behind Alluring Angel. Consistent at routes with strong late punch; could spice exotics if top trio hooks up early.
Others to Note:
- #7 Gallant Greta (10-1): Improving Maker runner stretches out after sharp allowance win; exotics longshot.
- #1 Louise Procter (10-1): Chad Brown debutante won U.S. bow last out; intriguing but unproven at stakes level.
- #2 Madame Mischief (20-1) and #3 Celestial Express (50-1): Likely pace factors but class questions in this spot.
Summary: Expect a closer-dominated finish. Venencia edges the nod for current sharpness and trainer upgrade, with La Mehana the main danger as the proven course specialist returning to winning scene. Alluring Angel respected but may face more pressure than last. Play closers on top in exotics; field has no reported scratches as of latest updates. Merry Christmas Eve—enjoy the action!
