Jose D’Angelo reached an important milestone in his U.S. training career on Friday at Gulfstream Park, saddling his 500th American winner. The achievement came courtesy of Fire On the Wire, who delivered a commanding 3¼-length victory in the opening race of the day. With jockey Miguel Vasquez aboard, the two-year-old colt surged late in the five-furlong turf maiden claiming event, giving D’Angelo another landmark to celebrate in a rapidly rising career.
Adding to the celebration, D’Angelo returned to the winner’s circle again on Friday in Race 5 with Goes the Clown. It was a double-win day that pushed his total wins in the U.S. to 501, underlining his growing influence in the Gulfstream racing circuit. For the Venezuelan native, now based in South Florida, these wins are not only a marker of consistency but a reminder of the goals that lie ahead.
Next week, D’Angelo shifts his attention to Royal Ascot, where he will look to secure his first British victory with Shisospicy in the Commonwealth Cup (G3). The three-year-old filly enters the race in top form, having captured back-to-back graded stakes wins at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. D’Angelo, who came close to Royal Ascot glory last year when Gabaldon ran second in the Windsor Castle, believes Shisospicy brings the right form and spirit to make a serious impact this time.
D’Angelo’s story is one of steady momentum since his move to the U.S. in 2019. Following in the footsteps of his father Francisco “Kiko” D’Angelo, a decorated trainer in Venezuela, he quickly made headlines with Jesus’ Team — a horse that turned heads with runner-up efforts in the Breeders’ Cup Mile and Pegasus World Cup. Today, Jose D’Angelo leads the Royal Palm Meet standings, with a career trajectory that continues to rise.
While D’Angelo eyes international success, another promising runner from the Gulfstream pipeline is also heading to the Royal Meeting. Lennilu, owned by Amy Dunne and partners, has arrived in Newmarket and is settling in ahead of her Queen Mary Stakes (G2) assignment next Wednesday. The talented filly secured her Royal Ascot berth with a dominant 3¾-length win in the $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies on May 10.
Trainer Patrick Biancone reported that Lennilu has adapted smoothly to her new surroundings. After flying in from the U.S., she has been resting well and showing no signs of travel stress. Her early-season win at Keeneland was already impressive, and her form at Gulfstream on turf confirmed her ability to handle the switch to Europe.
Luis Saez, who has been in the saddle for both of Lennilu’s career wins, will retain the ride at Ascot. The daughter of Leinster, a proven turf sprinter at Gulfstream, will carry strong American hopes in the juvenile fillies’ sprint.
Back home, excitement continues to build at Gulfstream Park with the Rainbow 6 jackpot pool expected to hit approximately $200,000 on Saturday. The multi-race wager has gone unclaimed for seven straight racing days, creating anticipation among bettors. Saturday’s Rainbow 6 sequence will cover races 6 through 11 and includes a competitive five-furlong turf sprint in Race 10. Among the contenders is One Whirlwind Ride, who has hit the board in three consecutive starts and aims to return to winning form for trainer Rohan Crichton.
Adding to the weekend’s drama is the announcement of a mandatory Rainbow 6 payout scheduled for Sunday’s Father’s Day race card. On mandatory payout days, the entire pool — regardless of whether a single winning ticket is sold — is distributed among players with the highest number of correct picks. With a sizable carryover and high participation expected, Gulfstream Park is poised for a thrilling weekend of racing.
From landmark victories and rising stars to big-money betting pools and international ambition, Gulfstream Park continues to deliver storylines that captivate fans across continents.
