BY BROCK SHERIDAN

According to a segment in TDN Writer’s Room Podcast, Florida-bred Bentornato achieved the fastest Beyer Speed Figure in North America last week with the 108 number he achieved in winning the $267,500 Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes (Listed) at Churchill Downs on Saturday, Sept. 13. 

The 4-year-old son of Valiant Minister, who stands at Bridlewood Farm, vied with the speedy Skelly through a half-mile in :44.24 before kicking clear in the stretch to win by five-and-a-quarter lengths under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Bentornato completed six furlongs in 1:08.63 in making his first since last November when second by a half-length to Straight No Chaser in the $1.84 million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Grade 1) at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

Bentornato is trained by Jose D’Angelo and improved his career record to six wins in 10 starts with two seconds and two thirds. He has earned $1,282,180 for owner Angelo Lozano of Miami, Fla., who races in the name of Leon King Stable Corp. In addition to the Louisville Thoroughbred Society, Bentornato counts victories in the 2024 Gallant Bob (G2) at Parx Racing, and in the Dr. Fager and Affirmed divisions of the 2023 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He also won the $90,000 Proud Man at Gulfstream Park in 2023.

D’Angelo said after the Louisville Thoroughbred Society victory that plans are to return Bentornato to Del Mar for this year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Nov. 1.

Bentornato is out of Her Special Way, by Put It Back and was bred in Florida by Tanma Corp.

The 108 Beyer is also a career best for Bentornato, who’s previous top figure was a 102 achieved in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint. It is the second best Beyer number among Florida-breds this year, behind only the 109 Bring Theband Home produced in winning the $150,000 Harvey Pack (Listed) going five-and-a-half furlongs on the turf in :59.90 at Saratoga Race Course on July 4.

Return to the September 18 issue of Wire to Wire