Bentornato likely to train up to Breeders' Cup Sprint
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After his win in Saturday’s Louisville Thoroughbred Society at Churchill Downs, Bentornato is likely to train up to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Nov. 1 at Del Mar, giving him seven weeks between races.
That’s okay. He can handle the gap.
Bentornato was making his first start in more than 10 months on Saturday. Prior to that, he finished second in the 2024 BC Sprint at Del Mar. He was on his toes Saturday, sitting just off pacesetter Skelly and responding when called upon, pouring it on for a 5 1/4-length victory.
“I’m going to see how he comes back [to the track this week], but probably go straight to the Breeders’ Cup,” trainer Jose D’Angelo said of the Florida-bred who has never missed the board.
Bentornato earned his shot at last year’s Breeders’ Cup by winning the Grade 2 Gallant Bob at Parx Racing. In the BC Sprint, he pressed a strong pace, led in the stretch, and gave way grudgingly to Straight No Chaser, who won by a half-length to secure his divisional championship.
Bentornato was entered in the Grade 1 Malibu in late December but was scratched due to a sore foot. Following that hiccup, he did not return to the work tab until June 7. D’Angelo shipped the ridgling to Saratoga with horses he intended to run there, and while Bentornato did breeze four times in New York, his fitness did not progress quickly enough to make the meet.
He was well-prepared for Saturday, however.
“We prepped him very well for this race, and he responded amazing,” D’Angelo said. “He’s the kind of horse that helps you, that makes my job easier. He’s so special, and now we’re looking forward to the Sprint again.”
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