Race 9 features the Benny The Bull Handicap, a seven-furlong dirt test for three-year-olds and up. With a $75,000 purse and seven declared runners, this handicap promises tactical speed duels, stalk-and-pounce scenarios, and potent closing kicks at Gulfstream Park.
Race Details
When: Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 5:20 PM ET
Where: Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida
Distance: 7 furlongs (dirt)
Purse: $75,000 added ($47,250 to winner; $15,000–$7,500–$5,250 to the next placings)
Field Overview
| Post | Horse | Age | Wt. (lb) | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree (Sire – Dam) |
| 1 | Pure Class | 4 | 118 | Emisael Jaramillo | David Fawkes | The Big Beast – I’mclassyandsassy |
| 2 | Life Is Precious | 4 | 118 | Edwin Gonzalez | Gerald S. Bennett | World of Trouble – Vilao |
| 3 | El Principito | 4 | 121 | Jose C. Ferrer | Gerald S. Bennett | Accelerate – Roxie Fast Moon |
| 4 | The Golden Gorilla | 4 | 117 | Jose Morelos | Jena M. Antonucci | Hard Spun – Maude S |
| 5 | Nautical Star | 5 | 120 | Edgard Zayas | Saffie A. Joseph Jr | Dixie Chatter – Kiss Me Chocolate |
| 6 | General Ledger | 4 | 116 | Reylu Gutierrez | Saffie A. Joseph Jr | Summer Front – Twice By Sunday |
| 7 | Shaq Diesel | 5 | 124 | Miguel Vasquez | David Fawkes | Khozan – Kleodora |
Pace Scenario & Race Dynamics
Expect a lively duel early as Pure Class and General Ledger both show tactical speed from mid-pack breaks. Life Is Precious and El Principito will press from the two path, while The Golden Gorilla can sit just off the pace before launching her bid. Nautical Star, General Ledger, and Shaq Diesel tend to break slowly but unleash solid late kicks, setting up a two-tiered pace battle—front-end speed versus deep closers—you won’t want to blink.
Contender Analysis
Pure Class
Pure Class exits a third-place finish when stalking Con Compania and pressing solid fractions over six furlongs in August. By The Big Beast, he possesses both early zip and a game late response. Jaramillo’s familiarity with Fawkes’ string at Gulfstream Park makes him dangerous on the front end if he secures position early.
Life Is Precious
This World of Trouble gelding rate sits at 100 and consistently handles seven furlongs, with a narrow loss in graded optional company earlier this summer. Under Gonzalez, he’ll be positioned just off the leaders and can pounce when the pace collapses. Bennett’s knack for placing his horses in winnable spots enhances his appeal at 8-1.
El Principito
Accelerate’s son boasts a 102 rating after a runner-up finish in a hot six-furlong handicap. Ferrer’s inside draw should enable him to save ground before angling out for a late run. His recent race shape suggests he handles Gulfstream’s dirt pattern and can outsprint stretch foes.
The Golden Gorilla
Hard Spun colt The Golden Gorilla returned July by circled five-wide and drew off by 8¾ lengths in a six-furlong allowance, showcasing overwhelming speed. Morelos can replicate that tactic here, forcing honest fractions that set up a wire-to-wire bid. His 93 rating belies his raw ability to clear rivals.
Nautical Star
A steady veteran by Dixie Chatter, Nautical Star has hit the board in four of six starts this meet. He broke slowly but rallied for fourth at six furlongs; stretching out to seven should allow him to muster more momentum. Zayas must work out a ground-saving trip to put him in range late.
General Ledger
Summer Front’s colt displayed early speed but weakened late in an allowance over a mile last fall. Dropping back to seven furlongs in a handicap could reignite his form, especially if Gutierrez can coax an inside duel and force rivals into speed warfare. He won’t mind a hot pace to spring his late run.
Shaq Diesel
Khozan’s veteran has won at a 13-10 favorite in similar spot, closing from off the pace to finish second to Con Compania over six furlongs. At 124 lb he carries top weight but Vasquez knows how to time his run. If speed duels soften up front, he’ll strike deep in the stretch.
Trainer & Jockey Angles
David Fawkes sends out two contenders (Pure Class, Shaq Diesel) and boasts a 22% win rate with Jaramillo and Vasquez at this meet.
Gerald S. Bennett pairs with Gonzalez for Life Is Precious, a combo winning 18% in Gulfstream handicaps.
Saffie A. Joseph Jr. dominates local dirt sprints (25% win rate) with both Nautical Star and General Ledger, giving them underrated Morning-line odds.
Betting Insights
Win Pick: Pure Class – tactical speed, class edge, prime trip projection.
Challenger: Shaq Diesel – potent late runner, off-pace pace scenario, top weight suits his style.
Exotic Play: Exacta box 1–7, trifecta 1–7 over 2–4–5, superfecta 1–2–4–7 for value.
Value Shot: The Golden Gorilla if she clears for the lead and sustains her July form.
