Trainer Jose D’Angelo’s strength in numbers was evident in the early morning light at Gulfstream Park on Thursday, a quiet moment broken only when he leaned in to give Skipping Stars a reassuring pat on the neck before walking down the shedrow. There was an unspoken belief in his eyes — a confidence built not on hope alone, but on the power of three promising juveniles who will represent him in Friday’s Pulpit Stakes, the $100,000 turf feature for two-year-olds.
It is a race that opens the second afternoon of the 2025–2026 Championship Meet, and one that arrives just days after D’Angelo wrapped a thrilling Sunshine Meet battle for the trainer’s title. He now turns the page with a three-colt squad, prepared and polished, ready to meet a competitive nine-horse field over 7½ furlongs.
D’Angelo’s Pulpit Stakes trio lines up with purpose
Leading his team is Skipping Stars (4-1), the colt who looked home and clear in the Armed Forces Stakes on November 1 before being caught late by Behold the King. D’Angelo still shakes his head at the memory of that finish — a neck-tight testament to how close promise came to fulfillment. “He was the winner the whole race except at the finish line,” he said, hopeful that Friday offers the right distance, rhythm, and luck.
Skipping Stars, a son of Mitole, returns for his fourth career start. His maiden came over a mile and 70 yards on Tapeta in September, stamped by pure speed. The challenge now lies in the draw, breaking widest of all from Post 9. With Edgard Zayas aboard, early position will matter — perhaps more than any other factor.
Bronze Bullet (6-1) steps forward as colt number two. A son of Leinster, he won sharply on debut before finishing runner-up in an optional claiming allowance earlier this month. Blinkers come off, a calculated move to ease the youngster into a more relaxed early rhythm as he tackles two turns for the first time. Emisael Jaramillo takes the reins.
Completing the trio is Uncle Aldo (10-1), who arrives with growing form and confidence after his six-furlong turf win at Aqueduct on October 16. Never out of the money in his Gulfstream starts, the More Than Ready colt feels primed for a stretch-out, something the barn expects to suit him just right. Joe Bravo rides.
Field challenges include Behold the King, Shipmate & Sunrise
Behold the King (7-2), trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse, stands as the early favorite — and with reason. Never worse than second in five starts, he outfinished Skipping Stars in the Armed Forces Stakes and draws just inside him once more. Edwin Gonzalez returns to ride.
Shipmate (9-2) — sharp winner of a 5½-furlong maiden — looks poised to take advantage should the pace become heated. Nolan Ramsey trains, Miguel Vasquez pilots.
Sunrise (6-1), from Todd Pletcher’s barn, aims to rebound after a troubled trip in the Laurel Futurity. Blinkers arrive for focus, Hall of Famer Javier Castellano for execution.
Glorious Boy (6-1) continues to develop with each run, coming off a second in the Awad Stakes. Rajiv Maragh, nearing 2,000 career victories, takes the mount for Carlos Martin.
A Million Dreams (8-1) brings graded-placed credentials and useful experience, while Chalky White (20-1) draws intrigue as the Saratoga maiden winner making just his second turf attempt.
In all, it is a field of talent, depth, and potential — yet it is D’Angelo who holds the numbers and the narrative, three young horses carrying one quiet hope into Friday afternoon.
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