Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. clasped his hands and gave a quiet nod as Nautical Star stepped off the track at Palm Meadows earlier this week, his coat gleaming after a bullet breeze. For Joseph, Sunday’s $75,000 Benny the Bull Handicap at Gulfstream Park isn’t just another race — it’s about redemption, rebuilding, and seeing whether the once-promising colt can find his rhythm again.
Nautical Star Looks to Bounce Back
The 5-year-old Oklahoma-bred hasn’t had an easy path. A two-time graded stakes-placed runner, Nautical Star returned from a 13-month layoff in June but could manage only a troubled fourth in an optional claiming allowance at Gulfstream. He broke slowly, got buried in traffic, and never truly found his stride.
“Last time I don’t think he ran very well,” Joseph admitted. “I can’t really use the trip as an excuse — he just didn’t fire. We’ve given him a freshening and two good works since then. Hopefully, he rebounds. If he runs his best, he’ll be right there.”
Nautical Star’s recent sharpness was evident on August 15, when he zipped three furlongs in 35.55 seconds during a standout drill at Palm Meadows. With Edgard Zayas booked to ride and 120 pounds assigned, confidence is cautiously rebuilding within the camp.
Benny the Bull Handicap: Stacked and Competitive
The seven-furlong handicap has drawn a talented and varied field of sprinters, including familiar rivals and rising threats.
Among them is Shaq Diesel, carrying top weight at 124 pounds. The David Fawkes-trained veteran boasts seven career wins, including a dominant four-length score in the Big Drama Handicap. He most recently finished third in the Smile Sprint and second in an allowance, keeping him firmly in the mix. Miguel Vasquez retains the ride.
Shaq Diesel’s stablemate Pure Class also reenters after finishing third in an August 2 allowance, just a length behind Shaq Diesel. Emisael Jaramillo will guide him under 118 pounds.
El Principito, General Ledger, and the Gorilla Threat
Trainer Gerald Bennett sends out El Principito, returning to dirt after a forgettable turf effort. The son of Accelerate was second in the Smile Sprint, 1½ lengths ahead of Shaq Diesel, and previously beat Nautical Star in a June allowance. He carries 121 pounds with Jose Ferrer aboard.
Joseph also saddles General Ledger, returning from a layoff for his 2025 debut. “Ideally, he wouldn’t come back in a stake,” Joseph explained. “But he’s been training great. We’ll run him and see where we’re at.” Reylu Gutierrez takes the call at 116 pounds.
The wild card is The Golden Gorilla, whose career has exploded since Jose Morelos took the reins. After a string of modest runs, the 4-year-old son of Hard Spun has been transformed, highlighted by a stunning 8¾-length victory in a July 20 optional claiming allowance, stopping the clock in 1:16.38 over 6½ furlongs. Assigned 117 pounds, Gorilla could emerge as a major upset candidate.
What’s at Stake for Nautical Star
Sunday isn’t just about one race — it’s about rediscovering a horse’s identity. Once touted as a rising Gulfstream star after running in the 2023 Curlin Florida Derby and finishing second in the Gallant Bob (G2), Nautical Star now faces a pivotal moment.
“His best races are good enough to win this,” Joseph said simply. “It’s up to him now.”
With familiar rivals, new challengers, and a lively Gulfstream Park crowd, the stage is set for a compelling renewal of the Benny the Bull Handicap. For Nautical Star, a strong performance here could mark the start of his long-awaited comeback.
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