Joseph Jr. Aims for Fourth Consecutive Princess Rooney Win at Gulfstream with Three Entries
Saffie Joseph Jr., a highly decorated trainer with an impressive 16 consecutive conditioning titles at Gulfstream, is once again poised to make history. He's sending three promising fillies into the Princess Rooney (G3) race this Saturday. This significant event not only offers a substantial $225,000 prize but also serves as a crucial 'win and you're in' qualifier for the prestigious $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint later this year. Joseph's past successes, including three consecutive wins in this very race with Haulin Ice (2025), Soul of an Angel (2024), and Three Witches (2023), set the stage for a compelling competition.
Joseph Jr. Fields Trio of Contenders in Pursuit of Princess Rooney Four-Peat
On September 7, 2026, at Gulfstream Park, the renowned trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. will endeavor to clinch his fourth successive victory in the Princess Rooney (G3) stakes. He has entered three fillies – Anakarina, Indy Bay, and Kerry’s Kiss – in the seven-furlong, $225,000 race. This event offers a coveted direct entry into the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, scheduled for October 31 at Keeneland. Joseph Jr.’s remarkable dominance at Gulfstream includes an unprecedented 16 consecutive conditioning titles.
Anakarina arrives at the Princess Rooney fresh off a triumph in the Love Sign Stakes at Colonial Downs on July 25. Indy Bay, a 2025 Charles Town Oaks (G2) champion, enters the race following two consecutive second-place finishes at Gulfstream in the Sheer Drama and Musical Romance stakes, where she was bested by her stablemate, Kerry’s Kiss. Kerry’s Kiss, a previous winner of the Sheer Drama Stakes, completes Joseph Jr.’s formidable trio.
The competitive field also features two strong contenders from California: Simply Joking, trained by Michael McCarthy, and No Bad Beats, under the guidance of Leonard Powell. McCarthy, who previously secured back-to-back Princess Rooney victories in 2021 and 2022 with Ce Ce, brings Simply Joking, a filly who recently placed third in the Clement Hirsch (G1) and second in the Santa Margarita (G2), alongside a win in the Santa Maria (G3) in April. No Bad Beats, with a recent allowance optional claiming victory at Del Mar on August 9 after a six-month hiatus, adds further depth to the lineup.
The Princess Rooney is one of three stakes races on Gulfstream’s Saturday program, which also includes the $100,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint and the $100,000 Ginger Punch Handicap. The 10-race card commences at 12:20 PM ET. The Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint, a five-furlong event, features Joe Orseno’s Rezasrolex, who boasts 15 wins from 23 starts, including nine consecutive victories last year. Joseph Jr. will also send out Thought Control, an impressive turf winner at Gulfstream in May. The Ginger Punch, a mile turf event, has attracted a field of 10 fillies and mares, including Fantasy Performer, trained by Kentucky Derby winner Cam Gambolati.
The upcoming Princess Rooney at Gulfstream Park is more than just a horse race; it's a testament to the dedication, strategy, and sheer will to win that defines horse racing. Saffie Joseph Jr.'s consistent success is truly inspiring, showcasing how meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of the sport can lead to extraordinary achievements. This event highlights the thrilling competition and the captivating stories that unfold on the track, reminding us of the enduring allure of this magnificent sport.