On February 28, 2026, Gulfstream Park hosts The Fox (Grade III) at one mile over the inner turf, Race #5 on the card. The $150.000 purse event is restricted to fillies and mares four years old and upward, all assigned 124 pounds with graded stakes penalties applied where applicable. Traditionally a strong winter turf mile, The Fox has been captured in recent years by top-class older mares such as Scalp (2024) and Demanding Commander (2025), the latter representing Mb Stables, who returns this year with another formidable contender. The race often rewards tactical speed and positional awareness over Gulfstream’s firm turf configuration.

1 – Miss Hijinks

Owner: Maxmillion Farm
Trainer: Maxmillion Farm
Jockey: Jimenez A
Odds: 6/1

Miss Hijinks enters off a sharp one-mile turf allowance victory at Santa Anita in January where she produced a strong late surge to post a 96 figure. A five-time turf winner from seventeen attempts, the daughter of El Gran Entry has proven consistency at the distance, owning three wins from eight long turf starts. She has trained forwardly since shipping east, including a bullet-style six-furlong turf move at Gulfstream. While her graded exposure has been limited, her tactical versatility and current form make her a legitimate upset candidate if she can reproduce her recent kick against this deeper company.

2 – Beach Body

Owner: TwinTowersRacing
Trainer: TwinTowersRacing
Jockey: Franco M
Odds: 8/1

Beach Body has competed admirably in graded company throughout 2025, including credible efforts in the G1 Diana and G2 Mabee. She captured the G3 Eatontown Handicap last season at this mile-and-a-sixteenth range and finished competitively in the Long Island (G3). She stretches back to a flat mile, where her tactical positioning becomes crucial. With Franco M retaining the mount, she profiles as a mid-pack grinder who will attempt to wear down the leaders. While she lacks the explosive late figure of some rivals, her class foundation keeps her within striking range.

3 – Pelayo

Owner: Bears Stable
Trainer: Bears Stable
Jockey: Bejarano R
Odds: 5/2

Pelayo is the clear pace presence and arrives in exceptional form. Nine wins from thirteen lifetime starts, all on turf, highlight her dominance, including a front-running score in a State Bred mile at Gulfstream in January earning a 92 figure. Her tactical speed allows her to control tempo, and she has repeatedly shown the ability to quicken at the top of the lane. With Bejarano R taking over, her ability to dictate fractions becomes a major asset. She has yet to be tested consistently at this graded open level, but her efficiency and winning instinct suggest she will take plenty of catching.

4 – Aime La Nature

Owner: Our Athletes
Trainer: Our Athletes
Jockey: Geroux F
Odds: 9/2

A four-year-old with upside, Aime La Nature has danced exclusively in graded company since mid-2025. She captured a Grade III at Woodbine and placed in the Valley View (G2). Her most recent fifth in the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf (G2) came against deeper company. She typically races forwardly and can secure a pressing trip behind Pelayo. With Geroux F aboard and strong local workouts, she appears primed to rebound. If the pace softens late, she could capitalize turning for home.

5 – Lucky Star

Owner: Maxmillion Farm
Trainer: Maxmillion Farm
Jockey: Bridgmohan S X
Odds: 7/1

Lucky Star comes off a strong 97-rated victory at Gulfstream going 1 1/16 miles in January. A seasoned six-year-old with over $1,600.000 in earnings, she has faced Grade I and II sprinters and routers alike. Though much of her success has come around two turns, her late-running style and class edge make her dangerous if the leaders engage early. She may find the one-mile configuration slightly sharp, but her professionalism and recent form warrant respect.

6 – Categorical Destiny

Owner: Mb Stables
Trainer: Mb Stables
Jockey: Dettori L
Odds: 3/1

Categorical Destiny represents last year’s winning ownership connections and enters off a polished allowance victory at a mile. A nine-time winner with multiple graded placings, she competed in elite Grade I company in 2025, including the BC Filly & Mare Turf. She excels at longer distances but has shown enough tactical foot to stay engaged at one mile. Dettori L’s presence enhances her stalking profile. If Pelayo faces pressure, Categorical Destiny could be ideally positioned to strike in upper stretch.

7 – Happy Dancer

Owner: Nakamura Stables
Trainer: Nakamura Stables
Jockey: Velazquez J R
Odds: 6/1

Happy Dancer brings strong graded credentials, including a win in the Red Carpet (G3) and a runner-up finish in the Sand Point (G2). She has been competitive at distances from nine furlongs to 1 3/8 miles and now shortens to one mile. Velazquez J R takes over for this assignment. Her late acceleration is legitimate, but she will require pace assistance to maximize her stretch run. If the tempo turns contentious, she is capable of rolling late.

8 – Slip And Dip

Owner: Arindel
Trainer: Arindel
Jockey: Lopez P
Odds: 10/1

Slip And Dip was claimed for $75.000 in late January and immediately rewarded connections with a sharp Gulfstream mile victory. She has steadily improved since late 2025 and owns tactical speed to sit just off Pelayo. However, this represents a significant class hike from optional claiming ranks into open graded company. While her recent figures are competitive, she must prove she belongs at this level. A minor award appears more realistic unless she takes another forward leap.

Projected Pace & Race Shape

Pelayo projects as the primary pacesetter with Aime La Nature and Slip And Dip pressing closely. Beach Body and Categorical Destiny should settle mid-pack, while Lucky Star and Happy Dancer will likely trail and attempt a late rally.

Given Gulfstream’s tendency to reward forward positioning at one mile and Pelayo’s proven ability to dictate controlled fractions, the race shape appears favorable for her front-end strategy. If unchallenged through moderate splits, she could prove extremely difficult to reel in.

Predicted Winner: Pelayo (5/2)

Pelayo’s combination of tactical speed, winning consistency, and current form makes her the most likely winner of the 2026 Fox (GIII). Categorical Destiny looms the primary danger, while Aime La Nature offers value underneath if she fires her best effort.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES