Leon King Stable Corp.’s Bentornato, who set a stakes record winning his comeback race Saturday at Churchill Downs, is expected back in South Florida to continue preparations for a return to the Breeders’ Cup.
Trainer Jose D’Angelo said Sunday that the 4-year-old Florida-bred Valiant Minister ridgling will likely stay in Kentucky for a short time before heading back to Gulfstream Park, where he won his first four career races, including the 2023 Proud Man, FSS Dr. Fager, and FSS Affirmed.
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“He’s going to stay here a few weeks more but then probably back to Florida and then Florida to the Breeders’ Cup,” D’Angelo said from Keeneland, where he is attending the September Yearling Sale. “We’ll see what the schedule looks like and figure out the best plan for him.”
Unraced since running second by a half-length to eventual champion Straight No Chaser in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) last November, Bentornato was an eye-catching 5¼-length winner Saturday in the Louisville Thoroughbred Society at Churchill Downs, finishing the six furlongs in a stakes record 1:08.43.
“He ran a huge race,” D’Angelo said. “We prepped him well, we took our time, and he responded very well.”
Bentornato had been working at Gulfstream and Palm Meadows, its satellite training facility in Palm Beach County, in June and July before being sent to Saratoga in early August. Also last year he won the Gallant Bob (G3) and was third in the Saudi Derby (G3).
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“We’re going to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint,” D’Angelo said. “He belongs with those kinds of horses.”
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Sep 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.