Keith Johnston and Chris Aulds' Big and Classy lived up to his name and the bettors' expectations Saturday at Gulfstream Park while easily capturing the $65,000 Jackson Bend by 3½ lengths.
Sent to post at 7-10 favoritism, the strapping 4-year-old Florida-bred son of The Big Beast notched his eighth victory in 2023 to move into a tie with Wyoming-based Fayette Warrior for the most wins in North America this year.
“His name says it all,” trainer Bobby Dibona said. “I keep saying that, but his name says everything. He's a gem. He's got a bit heart. He just knows how to do it.”
Big and Classy, the 123-pound highweight in the seven-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and up, broke well from the gate to sit just off pacesetter Warrior's Pride along the backstretch and far turn before taking the lead on the turn into the homestretch. Avant Glory made a menacing outside bid to his outside entering the stretch, but Big and Classy kicked in and drew off to yet another convincing triumph, giving jockey Leonel Reyes his first of three wins on Saturday's card.
Big and Classy ($3.40) ran seven furlongs in 1:22.56. Avant Glory finished second under Edwin Gonzalez, 2¾ lengths ahead of Zydeceaux and jockey Sonny Leon.
Big and Classy was claimed for $20,000 out of a second straight win in March before winning his next four races for his current connections. He went on to finish second behind Dean Delivers in the July 1 Smile Sprint (G3) before winning an optional claiming allowance and coming up a length short of victory last time out while second in the Edwin T. Broome Memorial Handicap.
Big and Classy is scheduled to run next in the $100,000 Gil Campbell Memorial at a mile for registered Florida-breds Oct. 21 at Gulfstream.
“He has to go a little bit further, but I don't think that's going to be a problem,” Dibona said. “I think this will serve as a big steppingstone.”
Bred by Alex Lieblong and JoAnn Lieblong, Big and Classy was produced by the Master Command mare I'mclassyandsassy.
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