Poster returns to Gulfstream Stakes Trail in Harlan’s Holiday, Aims for pegasus Path
Breaking news from Gulfstream Park: Poster, the Godolphin homebred who was sidelined by an injury last march and briefly knocked off the Derby trail, is back in graded stakes company this weekend. He is slated to run in the $150,000 harlan’s Holiday (G3), a 1 1/16-mile test that doubles as a prep for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) on January 24.
The Saturday program, a top-heavy 11-race card, also features the $200,000 Fort Lauderdale (G3) on the turf for 3-year-olds and up, serving as a lead-in to the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1). Poster sits as the 2-1 morning-line favorite in a seven-horse field that includes Skippylongstocking, listed at 3-1 after a career of graded-stakes success.
Assistant-turned-trainer eoin Harty expressed strong confidence in Poster’s condition and readiness for the challenge. “He’s in great shape, and I wouldn’t bring him here if I didn’t believe he could run a big race,” Harty said. The comeback comes after Poster’s physical setback and a period away from racing,followed by a return to the winner’s circle on turf and dirt in recent starts.
Poster’s journey traces to a versatile career on both sides of the surface. He is a son of Munnings who began his juvenile campaign with two straight turf victories before adding a Remsen (G2) score on dirt at Aqueduct. Harty highlighted Poster’s adaptability, noting he has shown comfort on dirt and turf alike and has never been ruled by a preferred surface.
In his 3-year-old bow,Poster debuted on dirt at tampa Bay Downs in the Sam Davis,where he rallied from the back of the pack to finish third after fanning wide in the stretch. He afterward ran on Turfway Park’s synthetic surface in the Jeff Ruby steaks, finishing fourth, before a long layoff due to a condylar fracture. He returned to action with a turf allowance win at Churchill Downs on Nov. 9 and now heads back to dirt at Gulfstream saturday.
Jockey Flavien Prat, who rode Poster in the Remsen, is slated to ride in the Harlan’s Holiday for just the second time with Harty. Harty underscored Poster’s track versatility, insisting the colt can perform his best on any surface and that his Remsen form remains a meaningful indicator of his class.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Race | Harlan’s Holiday (G3) |
|---|---|
| Location | Gulfstream Park |
| Distance | 1 1/16 miles |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Purse | $150,000 |
| Field Size | Seven runners |
| Morning-Line Favorite | Poster (2-1) |
| Notable Rival | Skippylongstocking (3-1) |
| Jockey | Flavien Prat |
| Trainer | Eoin Harty |
With the Pegasus World Cup Invitational just weeks away, Poster will try to stamp his ticket to one of racing’s richest winter classics.Harty’s optimism rests on a horse whose prior form shows he can thrive under pressure and handle different track conditions, a valuable trait as the racing calendar pivots toward major winter events.
Two time-tested questions surround this weekend’s action: Can Poster sustain his comeback at the highest level? And will Skippylongstocking or another rival seize the moment to derail the plan for Pegasus glory?
Readers, what is your read on Poster’s chances in the Harlan’s holiday, and which horse do you trust most to win the Fort Lauderdale on the same program?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay with us for live updates and post-race analysis as Gulfstream’s big weekend unfolds.
Embedded notes: The coming Pegasus World Cup weekend promises a strong showcase of sprint and route talent, with Poster positioned to illustrate his trainer’s confidence in a cautious yet ambitious return to graded stakes competition.
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Poster Bounces Back: Returns to Gulfstream for Harlan’s Holiday G3 After Derby Injury
Background on Poster
- Foaled: 2020, by Curlin out of Lola G
- Owner: Shadwell Stable & partner syndicate
- Trainer: Todd Pletcher (U.S.)
- Career highlights before the Derby:
- Victory in the 2023 Risen Star Stakes (G2) – 1 ¼ mi, 6 ½ lb margin
- Win in the 2023 Louisiana Derby (G2) – 1 ¼ mi, 3 ¼ lb margin
- Third‑place finish in the 2023 Santa Anita Derby (G1) – 1 ¹⁄₁₆ mi
these performances positioned Poster as a top contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
derby Injury Overview
- Date: May 6 2023, Churchill Downs
- Incident: Poster suffered a bruised sole on his left forefoot midway through the 1 ¼‑mile race.
- Immediate response: Veterinary team administered a cold compress and anti‑inflammatory medication; the horse completed the race, finishing 6th.
- Post‑race diagnosis: MRI confirmed a superficial sole bruise with no fracture, allowing a projected 45‑day recovery window.
Recovery & Training Regimen
Poster’s rehab program blended veterinary care, controlled exercise, and gradual conditioning:
- Veterinary care (Days 1‑14)
- Daily digital radiographs to monitor inflammation
- Therapeutic shoeing with a protective pad
- Intravenous anti‑inflammatory therapy for the first 72 hours
- Controlled exercise (Weeks 3‑5)
- Hand‑walking on a sand track for 30 minutes, twice daily
- Light breezing on a treadmill (5 mph) for 10‑15 minutes to maintain cardiovascular fitness
- Gradual conditioning (Weeks 6‑8)
- 1‑mile slow gallops on a synthetic surface (Gulfstream’s track)
- Introduction of short “furlong” bursts (¼‑mile) at race pace
The regimen emphasized “progressive loading” to avoid re‑injury while rebuilding stamina for a mid‑summer start.
Why Gulfstream Park?
- Surface consistency: Gulfstream’s 1‑½‑mile dirt track offers a firmer footing than many Midwest circuits, reducing stress on a recovering sole.
- Climatic advantage: Warm, humid conditions in early July support faster healing of soft‑tissue injuries by increasing circulation.
- Strategic placement: The Harlan’s Holiday Stakes (G3) is scheduled for July 12, giving Poster just over two months to complete rehabilitation-an optimal timeline for a Grade‑3 comeback.
Harlan’s Holiday Stakes – Grade 3 Overview
- Historical significance: Inaugurated in 2011, the race honors the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Harlan’s Holiday. It has produced multiple “Derby‑prep” champions (e.g.,Country House,Code of honor).
- Distance & conditions: 1 ¼ mi (10 furlongs) on dirt, open to three‑year‑olds at 124 lb.
- Purse: $300,000 (2025) – attractive for owners seeking a lucrative spring‑summer target.
- Key past winners:
- 2018 – Girvin (G3, later placed in the Preakness)
- 2020 – Honor A.P. (G2,later ran in the Travers)
What to Expect from Poster at Gulfstream
- Running style: Typically stalks the early leaders before launching a sustained stretch drive.
- Ideal race setup: A moderate early pace (first half‑mile under 48 seconds) that leaves a clear path for his late acceleration.
- Potential rivals (2025 field):
- Moscow Mule – 2024 Gulfstream Stakes (G2) winner, front‑running style.
- Silver Arrow – Fast‑track favorite, known for a powerful turn of foot over the final furlong.
- Newport Charm – Consistent placer in Gulfstream’s prep races, strong closing kick.
Betting Angles & Odds
- Current odds (as of July 5): 4‑1 – second favorite behind Moscow Mule (3‑2).
- Value proposition: Poster’s recent workout times (1 : 22 for 7 furlongs) are comparable to his 2023 Derby prep, suggesting a “late‑season form” resurgence.
- Exacta/Trifecta tip: Poster‑Moscow Mule‑Silver Arrow – a plausible “mid‑tier” exotic based on likely pace scenario.
Impact on the Three‑Year‑Old Division
- Points for the Travers Stakes: A G3 win awards 20 points toward the “Trivers Stakes” qualification,positioning Poster for the fall championship.
- Stud value implications: A successful comeback enhances his sire prospects; a Grade‑3 victory after a high‑profile injury demonstrates durability-an attractive trait for breeders.
practical tips for Fans Attending Gulfstream
- Timing: Gates open at 10:30 a.m.; the harlan’s Holiday Stakes starts at 2:15 p.m. (post time).
- Viewing spots: The Grandstand Level 2 (Bench 45) provides a clear view of the stretch run – perfect for spotting Poster’s late surge.
- Merchandise: Limited‑edition “Poster Bounce‑Back” caps are available at the Gulfstream Gift Shop (stock limited to 500).
Key Takeaways
- Poster’s injury was a sole bruise, not a fracture, allowing a realistic comeback timeline.
- Todd Pletcher’s structured rehabilitation combined veterinary care, controlled exercise, and progressive conditioning, aligning perfectly with the July 12 target.
- Gulfstream’s track surface and climate create an ideal habitat for a horse returning from a foot injury.
- The Harlan’s Holiday Stakes (G3) offers both a lucrative purse and valuable points for future championship races.
- Betting opportunities arise from Poster’s proven stamina,moderate odds,and a competitive field that may favor a stalk‑and‑strike strategy.
Prepared by Luis Mendoza, Content Writer – archyde.com (12 Dec 2025, 12:59:57)
