Few would savour a Dubai success more than Jose D’Angelo, and few arrive with a stronger hand to play. The Venezuelan-born trainer, now firmly established in the United States, returns to Meydan this week with genuine belief that Bentornato can deliver a long-awaited breakthrough on one of racing’s grandest stages.
This will be D’Angelo’s third visit to Dubai, and the lessons of previous attempts have not been lost on him. Jesus’ Team ran with credit when sixth in the Dubai World Cup in 2021, while last year’s runners, Caramel Chip and Run Classic, struggled to land a blow. Those experiences, however, have sharpened both expectation and preparation for this latest challenge.
The difference this time lies in the calibre of the horse beneath him. Bentornato has steadily developed into a top-class sprinter, and his performances over the past year have elevated both his profile and that of his trainer. D’Angelo’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by a memorable Breeders’ Cup double at Del Mar, where Bentornato and Shisospicy struck within the space of an hour.
It was the reward for a season built on careful planning and relentless travel, with both horses adapting impressively to varied conditions and demanding schedules.
“2025 was an amazing year,” D’Angelo said. “We worked towards those races all season, and everything came together. It might look simple from the outside, but both horses travelled a lot and handled it really well.”
Bentornato, in particular, has thrived on that routine. Undefeated in his first four starts as a juvenile, he showed early promise before testing deeper waters in the Saudi Derby, where he finished third behind high-quality opposition. That effort confirmed both his ability and his limitations, with a mile stretching his optimum range.
Since returning to sprint distances, he has gone from strength to strength. A decisive victory in the Gallant Bob Stakes was followed by a near miss at the Breeders’ Cup before he returned to claim the prize the following year, underlining his progression into the top tier.
“Bentornato is very talented,” D’Angelo noted. “He’s strong, very focused, and knows his job. We learned from Saudi what suits him best, and since then he’s just kept improving.”
Encouragingly, the colt has taken the journey to Dubai in his stride. Known for his adaptability, he has settled quickly into the Meydan environment, working with purpose in the mornings and giving his trainer every indication that he is ready for the task ahead.
D’Angelo, who arrived early to oversee preparations, has been quietly pleased with what he has seen.
“He’s been training the right way,” he said. “Each day he looks better, similar to how he was before the Breeders’ Cup. I’m happy with him.”
As ever at this level, small margins can prove decisive. The draw will play its part, particularly in a race as sharp and competitive as the Golden Shaheen, where early positioning is often crucial.
“We’ll see how the draw goes,” D’Angelo added. “Ideally, we’d prefer to be a little wider, but we’ll adapt. These races are never easy.”
For all his recent success, D’Angelo’s ambition remains undimmed. His sights are set firmly on competing — and winning — on racing’s biggest stages, and Dubai represents both an opportunity and a proving ground.
“I always want to keep improving,” he said. “You have to push yourself and your horses to compete at the highest level. That’s what motivates me.”
Bentornato may carry the hopes, but the drive behind him is just as compelling. Should the pair deliver on Saturday, it would mark not only a career milestone, but the fulfilment of a journey built on patience, experience, and belief.
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