Joseph and Zayas, the kings of the Sunshine Meet, as Gulfstream gears up for the Championship

The trainer and the jockey topped the standings as Miami now moves into the strongest phase of its season

Edgar Zayas back on top of the Sunshine Meet / ADAM COGLIANESE

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (Special to Turf Diario).- The Sunshine Meet came to an end on Sunday at Gulfstream Park with familiar names once again on top of the standings: Saffie Joseph Jr. clinched the trainer’s title for the 14th consecutive time, extending his remarkable reign, while Edgard Zayas celebrated his 10th riding championship, a record that is now part of the Florida oval’s DNA.

The close of the meet also serves as a simple prelude. This Thanksgiving Thursday, Gulfstream will return to action to open its much-anticipated Championship Meet, with an eight-race card highlighted by the $100,000 Wait a While S., run over 1500 meters on turf. The program will set the stage for two key dates on the calendar: Pegasus World Cup Day on Jan. 24, and the 75th running of the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) on Mar. 28.

Joseph, who is also enjoying an outstanding year with 14 graded wins, including both editions of the Pegasus World Cup (G1), once again displayed the depth and consistency of his operation. He saddled 34 winners, eight more than José D’Angelo, and did so with the ease of someone who has made regularity his trademark.

“You never get tired of this,” said the trainer. “A month ago we were six or seven wins behind and it looked tough, but the horses came together. All the credit goes to them, to my staff and to the owners… I’m just a small part of it.”

Joseph is already looking ahead, hoping that White Abarrio (Race Day) can defend his Pegasus crown, while also planning to saddle Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator), recent winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup (G2).

Among the jockeys, Zayas was the dominant figure with 44 victories, two more than Miguel Vásquez. A key ally of Joseph’s stable and a stakes winner this meet aboard Be Your Best (Muhaarar), Haulin Ice (Coal Front) and Burnham Square (Liam’s Map), the Puerto Rican rider heads into the Championship Meet full of momentum.

“It’s been a great year,” Zayas said. “Having the support of trainers, owners, my agent and my family makes all the difference. It’s great to start the next meet with this kind of confidence.”

In the owners’ standings, Arindel led by purse earnings, while JC Racing Stable topped the list in number of victories with eight.