Kentucky Derby Prep Races Contenders: White Abarrio

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2025 Ghostzapper Stakes Preview: White Abarrio Faces Seven in Gulfstream Comeback

While the spotlight is on Kentucky Derby Prep Races and rising 3-year-olds looking to boost their Kentucky Derby odds, Gulfstream Park’s older horse division steps into focus Saturday in the Grade 3 Ghostzapper Stakes. 

Scheduled as Race 7 on March 29 with a post time of 2:26 p.m. local time, the $165,000 dirt race at 1 1/16 miles features a compact but classy field of seven, headlined by four-time Grade 1 winner White Abarrio. Though not part of the Derby trail, the Ghostzapper will undoubtedly draw the attention of Kentucky Derby betting fans looking for value across the full Saturday card.

Is a Comeback for White Abarrio?

After posting a career-best performance, White Abarrio, who dazzled in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) earlier this year, returns to his home base in Hallandale Beach. He won the Pegasus by more than six lengths in 1:48.05, defeating a deep field that included future Santa Anita Handicap winner Locked. Now trained once again by Saffie Joseph Jr., the 6-year-old son of Race Day is thriving back in familiar surroundings.

Joseph previously trained White Abarrio early in his career and has guided him to three top-two finishes in his last three starts since reuniting. White Abarrio took an optional allowance claimer along with the Pegasus win and ran second in the Mr. Prospector (G3) in December. With Irad Ortiz Jr. back aboard for owners C2 Racing Stable, Gary Barber, and La Milagrosa Stable, the gray standout drew post 4.

Met Mile in Mind, but Gulfstream Comes First

The Ghostzapper preps White Abarrio’s ultimate goal: the Grade 1 Met Mile at Saratoga on the June 7 Belmont Stakes undercard. Joseph says the timing and location of the Ghostzapper made it a logical step on the path to that significant target.

Joining White Abarrio from the Joseph barn is One Sharp Cookie, making only his second graded start in 14 races. Argentine import Super Corinto, who looks to rebound after finishing eighth in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3) in December.

Other Key Runners to Watch

From the rail, Chilean-bred The Thor gets Luis Saez in the saddle for trainer Amador Merei Sanchez. The 4-year-old will try to challenge the top contenders despite facing a steep class climb.

Tuscan Sky, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Dylan Davis, breaks from post 2. He’s looking to bounce back after a string of underwhelming results since last June. If he finds his old form, he could be a factor late.

Trainer Jorge Delgado sends out Power Squeeze, a talented filly who was a five-time stakes winner last year. Her most notable win came in the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, where she defeated Candied. However, she struggled in her Pegasus effort, finishing eighth behind White Abarrio. She’ll have Javier Castellano aboard, hoping for a bounce-back performance.

Lightning Tones, trained by Carlos Narvaez and ridden by Jorge Ruiz, is Florida-bred in the field, stepping into deeper waters after local success.

With White Abarrio pointing to a future showdown in the Met Mile and a competitive field assembled for the Ghostzapper, Saturday’s race offers solid betting opportunities beyond the Derby trail. For complete odds and insights and to place your wagers, visit our racebook today.