The Princess Rooney Stakes is one of a few moments in the American racing calendar that capture the pure essence of speed and class. This prestigious Grade 3 event, a "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, consistently showcases the fastest fillies and mares on the East Coast.
Fans across the globe keenly anticipate this race, which often serves as a pivotal final prep for year-end championships. Understanding the whole landscape of the race—from the schedule and conditions to a detailed breakdown of the contenders and the latest Princess Rooney Stakes odds—is essential for any serious handicapper. By the time the gates spring open, you need a clear picture of every horse's chances.
Watching the 2025 Princess Rooney Stakes is easier than ever, with multiple platforms offering live coverage from Gulfstream Park. The BUSR Experience platform carries a live feed of the entire Gulfstream Park race card, allowing you to watch the action as you place your wagers. This seamless integration of live video with betting platforms makes following the race and placing your wagers an incredibly efficient process. When you consider the importance of this race, understanding the different ways to engage with the Princess Rooney Stakes betting market becomes a real competitive advantage.
The 2025 Princess Rooney Stakes will run on Saturday, September 20, as the feature race on a loaded card at Gulfstream Park. The first post time for the day is set for 12:50 PM ET, with the Princess Rooney scheduled as Race 10 on the program. Post time for the feature is projected to be 5:36 PM ET.
The Gulfstream Park race card includes a handful of other solid stakes races, including the $75,000 Aventura and the $75,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint, making for a full afternoon of top-class racing. When planning to bet on the Princess Rooney Stakes, you should take note of the full schedule to manage your bankroll and prepare your wagers throughout the day. Regarding the weather, the forecast for Hallandale Beach, Florida, on Saturday calls for partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 80s with high humidity. A pop-up shower could soften the track and change the dynamics of the race, which is something every smart handicapper should monitor closely.
The 2025 Princess Rooney Stakes has drawn a highly competitive field of fillies and mares, with a powerful morning-line favorite and a host of intriguing contenders. What immediately stands out on the official race card is the dominant presence of trainer Saffie A. Joseph, Jr., who saddles four of the eight entrants. This creates a fascinating strategic dynamic, as Joseph's horses can control the early pace and dictate the flow of the race.
The final Princess Rooney Stakes odds reflect a very intriguing mix of proven sprinters and promising up-and-comers. You will find the latest Princess Rooney Stakes odds on any reputable betting platform, but as of this morning, here is a detailed breakdown of each horse, their official odds, trainer, and jockey. This is where your deep dive into the Princess Rooney Stakes betting process really begins.
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Jockey: E J Zayas
Haulin Ice comes into the Princess Rooney Stakes as the solid morning-line favorite, and for good reason. This four-year-old mare has consistently faced some of the toughest competition in the sprint division and has rarely disappointed. Her victory in the G2 Charles Town Oaks last year put her on the map, and she has continued to build on that success in 2025. Her last start, a gritty second-place finish in a fast-paced Sheer Drama Handicap at Gulfstream, showed her class and tenacity.
She possesses a perfect stalking style, allowing her to sit just off the early pace and then unleash a devastating turn of foot in the stretch. Trainer Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. has a knack for getting his horses ready for big-money races at Gulfstream, and he has been very high on her prospects for this event. Jockey E J Zayas, a top rider at Gulfstream, takes the call. Zayas knows this track's nuances better than almost anyone, which gives this filly a significant edge. The post position is favorable, giving her a chance to find a good spot early. Her workout times have been sharp, and she looks ready to run a career-best race. When you look at the Princess Rooney Stakes odds, she stands out as the most likely winner.
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Jockey: R Gutierrez
Mystic Lake, also trained by the formidable Saffie Joseph, Jr., represents the top-class speed element in this field. She won the G3 Miss Preakness in an impressive gate-to-wire fashion and has remained a consistent top-level sprinter. This filly's record shows her true class and ability to perform at a high level.
She has a tremendous burst of early speed that can get her to the front quickly and force her rivals to chase her. With jockey R Gutierrez in the irons, you can expect her to break hard and try to control the pace. This is where the S.A. Joseph, Jr. quartet becomes so interesting. Mystic Lake, as the likely pacesetter, can set up the race perfectly for one of her stablemates, or she can try to wire the field herself. Her official Princess Rooney Stakes odds are enticing, but her success hinges entirely on getting a leisurely trip up front.
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Jockey: M J Husbands
Claret Beret is a pivotal entry in the Princess Rooney Stakes, and her presence adds another layer of intrigue to the S.A. Joseph, Jr. contingent. She won a Grade 3 at Keeneland earlier in the year and has been training forwardly since. Her past performances show a horse with immense talent and ability, but her recent form has been a bit inconsistent. However, trainer Joseph is not one to enter a horse in a race like this unless he believes they have a legitimate chance to win.
The booking of jockey M J Husbands, a top-class rider, is a huge vote of confidence. Claret Beret has a good post position, giving Husbands the flexibility to position her wherever the race flow dictates. She has the kind of raw talent that could surprise people, and given the trainer and jockey combo, you should not overlook her. Her official Princess Rooney Stakes odds may seem a bit short for a horse with her recent results, but that’s a testament to her connections and her back-class. With Mystic Lake, Haulin Ice, and Ultimate Authority all from the same barn, Claret Beret could get a perfect stalking trip, poised to strike as they turn for home.
Trainer: J F D'Angelo | Jockey: E Gonzalez
Vincey Girl, trained by J F D'Angelo, is a Florida-bred standout who has shown a remarkable affinity for the Gulfstream Park main track. She recently won the G3 Sheer Drama Stakes here, defeating a solid field with an impressive performance. She has a versatile running style, capable of either pressing the pace or sitting a little further back, which gives her jockey, E Gonzalez, multiple options.
Vincey Girl has shown she can handle different race scenarios, and her consistency on this surface makes her a serious contender. She comes in with a strong record and a high degree of confidence. Her Princess Rooney Stakes betting value is substantial, as she has the home-court advantage and has proven she belongs with this class of horses. Her workouts have been excellent, indicating she is primed for a big performance.
Trainer: G Delgado | Jockey: M A Vasquez
Reputation is a formidable closer who will be flying late in the Princess Rooney Stakes. Trained by Gustavo Delgado, this mare's running style is the perfect counterpoint to the early speed of horses like Mystic Lake. She has a history of making a strong late bid, and her recent win in an allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park was a thing of beauty.
She ran her rivals down in the stretch with a powerful, sustained rally, proving she is in peak form. While she may not have the top-end speed of the favorites, she has the stamina and the late kick to be a major factor if the pace is hot and honest. Jockey Miguel Angel Vasquez, a multiple-time leading rider at Gulfstream Park, knows the track intimately and can be relied upon to time his run perfectly. For those who enjoy a longshot, her Princess Rooney Stakes odds offer significant value, and she is a must-use in all exotic wagers.
Trainer: S A Joseph, Jr. | Jockey: S Spanabel
Ultimate Authority is the fourth and final entry for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., and she represents a fascinating wild card in the Princess Rooney Stakes. At 8-1 on the morning line, she is the longest shot from the barn, but you can never count out a Joseph trainee at Gulfstream. This mare has been running consistently well in allowance races and now gets her chance to test the graded stakes waters.
While she hasn't yet shown the flashy speed of her stablemate Mystic Lake or the consistent class of Haulin Ice, she possesses a solid foundation of local form. Jockey S Spanabel has a long-standing relationship with the barn and will be looking to get a clean trip for her filly. Ultimate Authority could be a hidden gem in this field, and her presence gives Joseph immense strategic flexibility. If the pace collapses, she could be the one to pick up the pieces, making her an essential inclusion in your vertical wagers.
Trainer: A Quiroz (Nerazurri) | Jockey: E Perez Trainer: D Zanelli, Jr. (Gallop d'Hermes) | Jockey: Y Torres
These two fillies are definite longshots on the Princess Rooney Stakes betting board, but in horse racing, a longshot victory is always a possibility. Nerazurri has shown some promise in a few starts against lesser company, but faces a significant class jump here. She will need a career-best effort and a lot of pace collapse to be a factor. Gallop d'Hermes, meanwhile, has been competing in allowance company with mixed results.
While her past form doesn't suggest she can contend with this field, sometimes a horse can pull off a stunning upset. For the serious exotic bettor, these two might be worth including at the bottom of a superfecta ticket, but their chances of winning are slim. Their Princess Rooney Stakes odds reflect the formidable challenge they face against a field of this caliber.
The history of the Princess Rooney Stakes reveals a consistent trend: the best horse almost always wins. It's a race that rewards raw speed and stamina, and few horses have managed to pull off a major upset. Looking back at recent years, we see champions like Soul of an Angel (2024), who used her win here as a springboard to a Grade 1 victory and a Breeders' Cup berth. Three Witches (2023) and the brilliant Ce Ce (2021, 2022) also stand out as recent winners who proved their dominance on this stage.
Trainer Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. has found great success in this race, and it is a major reason why Haulin Ice, from his barn, is a favorite this year. The list of past winners is a who's who of elite female sprinters, and it's a testament to the quality and importance of this race on the national stage.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Haulin Ice | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Edgard Zayas | C2 Racing Stable LLC, Braverman, Paul, Miller Racing LLC and Pinch, Timothy | 1:22.08 |
| 2024 | Soul of an Angel | Drayden Van Dyke | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | C2 Racing Stable LLC and Agave Racing Stable | 1:23.23 |
| 2023 | Three Witches | Leonel Reyes | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | e Five Racing Thoroughbreds | 1:22.89 |
| 2022 | Ce Ce | Victor Espinoza | Michael W. McCarthy | Bo Hirsch | 1:22.20 |
| 2021 | Ce Ce | Victor Espinoza | Michael W. McCarthy | Bo Hirsch | 1:21.94 |
| 2020 | Race Not Held | ||||
When you analyze the Princess Rooney Stakes odds and the whole field, a few key things stand out. The pace scenario will be critical. Mystic Lake will likely set the early fractions, and how much pressure she receives from other runners will determine if she can hold on. If the pace is blistering, it will set the stage for a late-running horse like Reputation or even Claret Beret to make a winning move.
However, if Mystic Lake gets a comfortable lead, she could be very tough to reel in. Haulin Ice, with her versatile running style, is the most likely to benefit from any pace scenario, making her a very solid bet.
For your betting strategy, a simple win bet on Haulin Ice is a good starting point, given her consistency and the strong connections she has. For those looking for more value, a straight exacta box with Haulin Ice and Mystic Lake is a smart play. Additionally, including Reputation on the bottom of trifecta and superfecta wagers can pay off handsomely, especially if a longshot hits the board. The key is to avoid getting bogged down by the huge longshots and focus your wagers on the horses with a realistic chance of hitting the board.
The 2025 Princess Rooney Stakes is more than just another race; it is a true test of speed and class. It's a chance to witness some of the best female sprinters in the sport compete for a coveted spot in the Breeders' Cup. Whether you are an experienced handicapper or a casual fan, there is something for everyone in this race. From the tactical battle of speed horses versus closers to the quest for the ultimate prize, it’s a race that promises to be full of excitement and thrills. Don’t miss a moment of the action.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
