Proud Man Stakes 2025 will be the next big test for trainer Nolan Ramsey, who is enjoying one of the most consistent seasons of his career at Gulfstream Park’s Royal Palm Meet. On Saturday he sends out Robert Proulx’s promising colt, Street Player, from the rail in a competitive nine-horse field for the $75,000 feature.
Ramsey, 28, arrives with momentum. He entered the weekend on 11 wins from 46 starters, a 28 percent strike rate that ranks among the meet’s leaders. Add four seconds and seven thirds, and his top-three percentage sits at an impressive 55, with $299,585 banked at the five-month stand that concludes August 31.
Proud Man Stakes 2025: Ramsey’s Preparation and Momentum
Street Player makes his fourth career start and second straight try in stakes company after a learning experience in the Prairie Gold Juvenile on July 5 at Prairie Meadows. Conditions were less than ideal on a track rated good, but his prior Gulfstream maiden special weight win on May 16—by seven emphatic lengths over five furlongs—better reflects his talent. Ramsey notes the colt’s forward style should mitigate the inside draw if he breaks cleanly.
“I really like him,” Ramsey said this week. “That race in Iowa was probably a toss. He didn’t care for the slop and had a rough night beforehand. If he runs back to his maiden win here, I think he can be pretty tough. The rail isn’t ideal, but he likes the front end, so with a clean break it might play out OK.”
Royal Palm Meet Success and Stable Outlook
Beyond the Proud Man Stakes 2025 assignment, Ramsey’s broader operation continues to trend upward. He manages strings of around 30 horses at Gulfstream and another 10 at Ellis Park in Kentucky, where he is already on the scoreboard at the summer meet. After nearly a decade as top assistant to Mike Maker, Ramsey launched his own stable last spring and posted 27 wins and $855,154 in purses in 2024. So far in 2025, he is 20-for-100 with $751,981 earned.
“We started with mostly claimers and held our own,” Ramsey said. “Last winter at Gulfstream is tough—good barns and deep fields—but choosing the right spots kept us competitive. That momentum has carried into this year and we’re adding the right types, including a group of 2-year-olds coming forward now.”
The trainer also juggles weekend entries beyond Street Player, including Late Night Text, a 2-year-old filly slated to scratch from Saturday’s Sharp Susan to target a maiden special at Ellis on Sunday—an example of the placement-first mindset that has underpinned his strike rate.
Family Ties and Winter Plans
Ramsey’s grandfather, renowned owner-breeder Ken Ramsey, remains a strong influence. Now cleared to return to larger crowds after a kidney transplant last June, he is expected to make appearances at Gulfstream’s upcoming Championship Meet. “He’s doing well,” Nolan said. “He called asking about my runner and was playing the Pick 6—so he’s feeling good. Gulfstream is one of his favorite meets, and we’ll likely have a presence again this winter.”
Street Player drew the rail against eight rivals for the Proud Man Stakes 2025, which should reward a sharp break and tactical speed. The Street Boss colt’s profile—early pace, genuine attitude, and the ability to quicken—sets up an intriguing clash against seasoned early types and closers testing seven-furlong stamina.
Fans can follow full coverage of the Proud Man Stakes 2025 and the Royal Palm Meet on the RaceBuzz website, on our international article section along with accessing entries, updates, and race-day information for racing centres on our home page. You may also visit the official Gulfstream Park site. for official information regarding Proud Man Stakes 2025.
