There was a hint of destiny in the seaside air at Del Mar on Saturday afternoon, as Bentornato turned heartbreak into triumph in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. One year after finishing second in this very race, the 4-year-old Florida-bred colt stormed home with purpose and poise, leaving no doubt this time.
For trainer Jose D’Angelo, the win was more than just another trophy — it was the realization of months of meticulous preparation. For jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., it was a display of perfect timing and belief. Together, they turned redemption into dominance, clinching the $2 million Grade 1 Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint by 2¼ lengths over Imagination, with Dr. Venkman finishing third.
Bentornato’s Moment of Redemption
The story began at the break. Bentornato, carrying the weight of expectation, broke cleanly from the gates and seized command early. Straight No Chaser, last year’s champion, tried to match strides, while American Stage loomed close behind. The pace was electric — fractions of :21.48 and :44.14 — but Ortiz sat confidently, hands still, eyes forward.
As they straightened for home, Bentornato surged clear. The challengers gave chase but never got close. He stopped the clock at 1:08.20 for the six furlongs on a fast main track — a statement win, not just for his connections, but for a horse that had unfinished business at the Breeders’ Cup.
“It’s a blessing,” said an emotional Jose Francisco D’Angelo. “We prepared these two horses all year for today, and it worked perfectly. Every small detail — travel, conditioning, recovery — it all came together. I’m just grateful to God to stand here again.”
The trainer had every reason to smile. Barely 40 minutes earlier, he and Ortiz teamed up to win the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint with Shisospicy, completing a remarkable double on one of racing’s grandest stages.
A Masterclass from Ortiz
For Ortiz, who collected his 23rd Breeders’ Cup victory and fourth in the Sprint, the plan was simple: let Bentornato be himself.
“All we wanted was a clean break,” he said. “After that, I let him be. He’s got that natural speed — I just let him use it. Straight No Chaser was right beside me, but I knew my horse had more in him this time.”
The victory pushed Bentornato’s career earnings to $2,322,180, and gave him his first Grade 1 win. A son of Valiant Minister out of Her Special Way (by Put It Back), Bentornato’s record now stands at 11 starts: 7 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds.
The Challengers Reflect
Bob Baffert, trainer of runner-up Imagination, was full of respect for the winner. “I got excited for a moment, but Bentornato just kept going. My horse is improving — that was a big run second time off the layoff.”
Mark Glatt, whose Dr. Venkman grabbed third, was equally philosophical. “The winner was the king today. We ran great and got a good trip. He’s a nice horse and gives his best every time.”
Others, like Yoshito Yahagi’s American Stage and Dan Blacker’s Straight No Chaser, left with lessons and hope for next year. “It was a nice run against the best sprinters on dirt,” Yahagi said. “We’ll come back stronger.”
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