Rocket Can turned in a career-best performance Saturday at Gulfstream Park when the Eddie Woods training grad won the $165,000 Harlan’s Holiday S. (G3) to close out his 2024 campaign.

The tough-luck gray/roan colt had not won a stakes race since taking the Holy Bull S. (G3) in February of 2023, but now looks primed for a big year in 2025.

Breaking from post 7 in the 1 1/16-mile contest, Rocket Can and jockey Junior Alvarado made their way to the fence going around the first turn. He was eager behind horses before settling into a comfortable spot after the first half-mile. Rocket Can moved to the three path on the final bend and arrived at the top of the stretch on nearly even terms with the leader Tumbarumba. That duo tussled for a furlong before Rocket Can edged clear to win by 1 ¼-lengths in 1:45.01 on a fast track.

The final time earned the winner a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 99.

“This horse means a lot to me and the owner (Frank Fletcher) has been very supportive of me through the years,” said winning trainer Bill Mott. “It’s always great to win with these kinds of connections. It makes it very extra special.”

Mott said he would consider the Pegasus World Cup (G1) at Gulfstream Jan. 25 for Rocket Can’s first start of the new year. “I guess we would have to consider it,” the trainer said. “I don’t know if he’s great at nine furlongs, but we would have to consider it because he does like the racetrack.”

Rocket Can is now 4-4-0 in 15 starts and has earned $612,193. Fletcher purchased him as a yearling for $245,000 at the 2021 Saratoga Select Sale. The winner was bred by Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC and hails from the same family as multiple Grade 1 winner Tough Tiz’s Sis.