BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Leon King Stable Corp.’s Bentornato became the newest member of the Florida-bred millionaire’s club with a second-place finish to Straight No Chaser in the Grade 1 Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Saturday.
Trained by Jose D’Angelo and ridden by Luis Saez, Bentornato was a half-length in front with an eighth-of-mile to finish before surrendering to Straight No Chaser near the wire to lose by a half-length.
“I thought for one moment that we got it. This horse ran huge,” D’Angelo said. “He put his heart on the on the track today. I’m so happy. I’m proud of him. I thought that we got the race, but it was close.
“I knew that the race had so much speed, but always in this kind of races, the people are afraid to get the lead. So, I said to Luis [Saez], ‘the horse is ready. If he breaks good and you can go, go. If you see like two or three horses there, try to sit and wait and make our own move.’ But he raced good and we went from the gate.”
Bentornato earned $340,000 for finishing second and increased his bankroll to $1,131,830 to become the 184st Florida-bred Thoroughbred millionaire. He ranks as the 149th richest Florida-bred behind Swept Overboard with $1,137,200.
By Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister, Bentornato is out of Her Special Way, by Put It Back and was bred by Tanma Corp. He has now won five of nine career starts with two seconds and two thirds.
He won the Grade 2 Gallant Bob at Parx Racing on Sept. 21.
