BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Bentornato, winner of the first two legs of the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes last year, makes his first start since February this Friday night in the $500,000 Robert Hilton Memorial at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. The Florida-bred son of Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister is 9-2 on the morning line for the seven-furlong Robert Hilton, which has attracted a full field of 10 3-year-olds plus two on the also eligible list.
Last seen finishing third in the $1.5 million Botique Group Saudi Derby (G3) won by Forever Young (Jpn) at King Abdulaziz Race Course in Riyadh, Bentornato has been training sharply for trainer Jose D’Angelo. He fired a bullet four furlongs in :46.35 at Palm Meadows Training Center on Aug. 3 then worked the same distance at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 16 in :48.33.
Bentornato won his first four career starts last year including the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager in September and the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed in October. His first loss came when third to Seminole Chief in the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes In Reality in his only race around two turns. The Saudi Derby was a one-turn mile.
Bentornato is owned by Leon King Stable Corp. He has earned $461,830 from four wins in six starts with two thirds.
He is a two-time graduate of Ocala Breeders’ Sales, first selling for $45,000 to Pro Racing Stable out of the Stuart Morris consignment at the 2022 October Yearling Sale. Champion Equine purchased him for $170,000 out of the Golden Rock Thoroughbreds consignment at last year’s OBS March Sale.
Irad Ortiz Jr. takes the call on Bentornato and they will depart post four.
Bentornato will face a familiar foe in Book ‘em Danno, who was second in the Saudi Derby for trainer Derek Ryan.
Since the returning to North American, Book ‘em Danno is two-for-two including a half-length victory in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens going seven furlongs at Saratoga Race Course in June and the $100,000 Jersey Shore over six furlongs at Monmouth Park on July 19.
Book ‘em Danno has earned $910,625 for owner Atlantic Six Racing LLC from six wins and two seconds in eight starts.
The gelded son of Bucchero will be ridden by Jose Ortiz from post two.
Florida-bred Practically Dark is entered for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. but will have to draw into the race off the also eligible list.
Owned by C2 Racing Stable LLC, Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch, Practically Dark has won his last two starts, both at Gulfstream Park.
He broke his maiden in his fourth try against special weight company going six furlongs on June 9 then won a first condition, $25,000 optional claiming at the same distance on July 28.
Practically Dark is by Practical Joke out of Midnight Magic, by Midnight Lute and was bred by Dr. Carlin Von Rosenberg DVM.
C2 Racing Stable paid $310,000 for the Practically Dark at the Fasig Tipton Digital Lothenback Dispersal in February. Lothenback paid $110,000 to acquire him at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Edgard Zayas is named to ride Practically Dark.
Others entered include Valentine Candy with jockey Cristian Torres, Petingas Twin will be ridden by Arnaldo Bocachica, Joel Rosario takes the call on Tapalo, Mr Fillip will have Junior Alvarado up, Wants N Needs and rider Ramon Vasquez, Grand Opening with pilot Jeiron Barbosa, Jubawithatwist will have Gustavo Larrosa riding and Catalytic with Mike Smith in the saddle.
