Jose D’Angelo Hopes to Continue ‘Amazing Year’ in Sire Stakes — and that feeling is written all over the Gulfstream backstretch this week. The young trainer paused mid-morning to pat Khozalite’s neck, offering a quiet word only the colt could hear. Moments later, he broke into a smile that spoke of pride, pressure, and possibility all at once. It has been a remarkable year for the 35-year-old horseman — two Breeders’ Cup triumphs, a soaring stable, and newfound national attention — but Saturday offers another chance to grow the story.
“It’s been an amazing year,” D’Angelo reflected, still absorbing how far he has come since arriving from Venezuela just seven years ago. “We’re working hard, we’re getting better horses, but we still need to prove ourselves.” That sense of hunger may define the forthcoming afternoon more than the trophies he already holds.
And prove themselves they might. On Saturday, D’Angelo sends out two leading contenders — Khozalite and Prost — in the $300,000 In Reality Stakes, the final leg of the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings. The race, run over 1 1/16 miles, will test stamina and composure, particularly for eight runners who have never tried two turns.
A Trainer on the Rise Eyes Sire Stakes Glory
Arindel’s homebred Mythical headlines the My Dear Girl division for fillies, sharing the spotlight on an 11-race card that feels built for drama. But much of the attention naturally sits with D’Angelo’s pair.
Khozalite arrives fresh off a four-length score in the Affirmed on Oct. 18, where he displayed balance, power, and a turn of foot that left rivals chasing shadows. The son of Khozan had already broken his maiden at a mile on the turf, a detail that offers confidence when stretching out on dirt. Prost, in contrast, is new to the scene but dazzling in potential, having crushed his debut by nine lengths at seven furlongs. Both slipped through a relaxed five-furlong work at Palm Meadows last weekend, clocking 1:03.30 without being asked for more.
“I know Khozalite won’t have any problems with the long distance because he handled it well when he was on the grass,” D’Angelo said. “Prost ran very good first time, and I know he wasn’t 100 percent ready… I’m sure both of my horses will give huge races Saturday.”
Edgar Zayas partners Khozalite, while Miguel Vasquez takes the reins aboard Prost.
Rivals Will Not Make It Easy
Brad Cox is represented by The Town, a son of Win Win Win who sold for $150,000 earlier this year. His Keeneland debut was full of promise — last early, charging through traffic late to finish second. With Emisael Jaramillo aboard and three local works completed, he steps forward as an intriguing danger.
Squire returns for Patrick Biancone following a runner-up effort behind Khozalite in the Affirmed. His turf-forward early season and steady Sire Stakes campaign put him firmly in the frame. Antonio Sano saddles Camigol, who showed spark at Saratoga and earlier in the FTBOA series. A troubled gate incident last out left the colt sore-mouthed and off rhythm, but Sano reports him healed and well.
“He’s fine since and, hopefully, there will be no problems this time,” the trainer said. Edwin Gonzalez takes the call.
Arindel could sweep both divisions with Mythical in the My Dear Girl and Hawk here in the In Reality. Still a maiden, Hawk has shown progress — fourth in the Affirmed, then a narrow second on Nov. 8. Joe Bravo rides for Carlos David. Other entries include Gold Miner for Riley Mott, debuting with promise, and Trelawny for Jose Pinchin, a winner first-up who continues to search for peak form.
D’Angelo has two bullets to fire, two young athletes ready for the test, and a season begging for another headline moment. If Saturday unfolds his way, the story of his rise won’t be slowing any time soon.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz
