Dazzling Move aims for Royal Delta Stakes repeat at Gulfstream

Dazzling Move heads to Gulfstream Park determined to become only the second horse since the race's 1991 debut to win consecutive Royal Delta Stakes. The Grade 3, 1 1/16-mile test carries a $175,000 purse and drew a field of eight fillies and mares, with Tyler Gaffalione named to ride the defending champion for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

The mare's 2025 Royal Delta victory remains the high-water mark of her career. In that Feb. 15, 2025 renewal she dug deep to prevail by three-quarters of a length over Grand Job, posting a final time of 1:45.08 on a fast main track and lifting her career earnings to $258,547. After that win jockey Dylan Davis reflected, "I thought we were in trouble when (jockey) Junior (Alvarado, on Grand Job) were getting into a good rhythm in front, but she really persevered for us and found a little extra."

Since that breakthrough, however, Dazzling Move has struggled to recapture top form. The Paulick Report preview and its republications note she failed to win again in 2025 despite second-place finishes in the Phipps (G1) and the Shuvee (G2). News 1st and Xpressbet report she has "lost 8 straight since her Royal Delta score and her 2 starts at the current meet don't inspire a turnaround." Sports Yahoo adds she enters the 2026 renewal off two consecutive fifth-place finishes, including a fifth in the Jan. 24 Inside Information (G2). The jockey change is a notable adjustment: "Tyler Gaffalione takes over for traveling John Velazquez," the previews state.

The undercard talent gives Dazzling Move plenty to worry about. Shred the Gnar, trained by Brian Lynch and handled by Mario Gutierrez, arrives off a Nov. 15 Chilukki (G3) victory and projects to set the pace after wiring three straight fields. News 1st's pace analysis bluntly notes, "SHRED THE GNAR has wired 3 straight fields and figures to make the front once again." Nothing Like You, a Grade 2 winner trained by Brendan Walsh with Jorge Ruiz named, brings West Coast credentials including a September Dark Mirage score at Los Alamitos and prior stakes wins in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) and Starlet (G2). Chad Brown's Senza Parole, a 4-year-old Gun Runner filly with Miguel Vasquez named, steps up after allowance wins at Gulfstream and Aqueduct. Alpine Princess and Grade 1-placed Drexel Hill round out the graded threats in the compact field.

Tactically the script favors a race controlled on or near the front, given Shred the Gnar's likelihood to lead and the short run to Gulfstream's first turn. That setup complicates a repeat bid for Dazzling Move, who will need tactical speed or a clean trip from her inside draw and strong late response to reverse an eight-race slide.

Beyond the individual storyline, the Royal Delta sits inside a lively Gulfstream program. The race will be Race 11 on a 12-race card and is part of the Sunset 6 wager shared with Santa Anita; the Sunset 6 carried a $33,000 carryover heading into Friday's card, and Gulfstream will offer a mandatory Rainbow 6 payout on Sunday. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.'s recent dominance in this race adds a layer of local narrative: the preview copy notes he has won the Royal Delta four times in the last six years.

For handicappers and fans, the Royal Delta will be a study in whether class and history can overcome recent form. Dazzling Move's 2025 heroics and connections give her a compelling storyline, but Shred the Gnar's speed and Nothing Like You's graded résumé make this a competitive renewal. What comes next will tell whether this champion can re-find the extra she showed in 2025 or whether Gulfstream's up-and-comers will write a new chapter.