Following an impressive 10 1/4-length allowance romp in his return to the races, 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner White Abarrio  jumps back into graded company as he faces 11 rivals in the $165,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park Dec. 28.

The Nov. 22 victory at the same course and seven-furlong distance that he’ll face Saturday came on the heels of a 5 1/2-month layoff since a soundly beaten fifth in the June 8 Metropolitan Handicap (G1). It was also his first start back in the Florida-based barn of his original trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who trained the horse for his first 12 starts that included a victory in the 2022 Florida Derby (G1). 

PRESS RELEASE: White Abarrio Resumes Racing Nov. 22 at Gulfstream Park

A return to the Florida sun was just what the doctor ordered for the 5-year-old son of Race Day  as he improved his record at Gulfstream to 6-for-7. Despite being known for his success at longer routes, White Abarrio holds a perfect 2-for-2 record over seven furlongs, both contested at Gulfstream.

One of his prinicipal rivals comes in the form of Carlos Saavedra and Stud Vendaval’s Mufasa , who exits a disappointing run in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).

Prior to that 11th-place finish around two turns at Del Mar, the Chilean group 3 winner introduced himself to American audiences with a pair of open-length victories over seven furlongs. The latter of the two came Sept. 28 at Aqueduct Racetrack when he won the Vosburgh Stakes (G3) over a sloppy track by 4 1/4 lengths.

The Ignacio Correas trainee makes his fifth start in the United States at a fifth different track, but holds a perfect 4-for-4 record at the distance.

Lea Farms’ Super Chow  is aiming to end the year the way he began it, rallying off three grade 3 wins in a four-race span at Aqueduct and Pimlico Race Course. However, he’s failed to hit the board in his last three starts, finishing fourth in each.

Like White Abarrio, the 4-year-old son of Lord Nelson  has shown an affinity for Gulfstream, hitting the board in all six starts and visiting the winner’s circle three times.

Half the field has won multiple starts at the Hallandale Beach, Fla. track, with the second-most victories belonging to Bianco Stable’s Caramel Chip , who exits a third in the Nov. 16 Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs for trainer Carlos David. The 6-year-old son of Midshipman   has won five of 15 starts at Gulfstream, hitting the board eight times.

Stakes winner Shaq Diesel  has won four times at Gulfstream, Real Macho  three times, and Mr Skylight  twice.

Joseph Imbesi’s Pennylvania homebred Gordian Knot , a five-time stakes winner and grade 3 placed in his home state, makes his first start for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher.