There’s a calm satisfaction in Jose D’Angelo’s voice this week, but behind it lies the pulse of ambition. After a career-defining Breeders’ Cup double with Shisospicy and Bentornato, the Venezuelan-born trainer isn’t dwelling on the triumph — he’s already charting a path toward 2026, eyes firmly on the next horizon.
The pair, now settled at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream Park’s satellite training base, are “happy and sound,” according to D’Angelo, but rest isn’t the priority. Each is being primed for another campaign that could stretch across continents and culminate in some of racing’s richest stages.
Shisospicy’s Star Still Burning Bright
Morplay Racing’s electric filly Shisospicy capped an extraordinary season with a dazzling front-running display in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) on November 1 at Del Mar, fending off the boys under Irad Ortiz Jr. Her commanding performance confirmed her place among the elite turf sprinters in the world.
Following her victory, she was briefly offered at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Mixed Sale, only to be bought back for $5 million by her owners, ensuring she returns to D’Angelo’s care for another season.
“She’s got invitations to Hong Kong and Saudi,” said D’Angelo. “But after the sale and the Breeders’ Cup, she deserves a break. We’ll make plans later — she’s earned that.”
Shisospicy’s path to glory was forged through grit and consistency — from a 16 ¼-length Gulfstream debut win to a Grade 2 triumph in Kentucky and a globe-trotting campaign that included a bold run at Royal Ascot. Her Breeders’ Cup success, following a meticulous build-up at Kentucky Downs, was the crowning touch.
Bentornato Bound for Saudi Glory
If Shisospicy dazzled with her speed, Bentornato impressed with sheer dominance. Owned by Leon King Stable Corp. and Michael and Julia Iavarone, the Florida-bred 4-year-old delivered a powerful front-running win in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) — turning the tables on defending champion Straight No Chaser.
Now, D’Angelo’s focus shifts to Saudi Arabia, where Bentornato is being targeted for the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint on February 14, part of the Saudi Cup undercard at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
“I had to put him on a diet; he’s a strong horse who loves to eat,” D’Angelo laughed. “But he’s everything you want in a horse — power, heart, and professionalism.”
Bentornato, a son of Valiant Minister, has matured into a genuine global sprinter. His Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes win at Churchill Downs in September was a strong prelude to his Breeders’ Cup triumph, a performance that underscored D’Angelo’s patient, precise conditioning.
D’Angelo’s Rising Star in U.S. Racing
For D’Angelo, 35, the Breeders’ Cup victories were more than just wins — they were a milestone in a journey that began in Caracas, Venezuela, where he followed his father Kiko D’Angelo’s footsteps into training. Since moving to Florida in 2019, he has become one of the sport’s most exciting young conditioners, now tied atop Gulfstream’s Sunshine Meet standings with Saffie Joseph Jr.
“We plan all year for the Breeders’ Cup,” D’Angelo reflected. “That’s the dream — but dreams only work when you do.”
Looking Ahead: Gulfstream Action Continues
Back home, racing at Gulfstream Park rolls on with Mr Narcissistic headlining Friday’s feature — a five-furlong Tapeta sprint — while the Rainbow 6 begins a fresh cycle after last weekend’s mandatory payout.
Meanwhile, attention also turns to Willow Case, the stakes-winning filly who tops nominations for the Juvenile Fillies Sprint on November 15, adding yet another layer to an already thrilling Sunshine Meet season.
Read more Gulfstream Park racing stories and updates at RaceBuzz.
