There was no catching Shisospicy at Del Mar on Saturday afternoon. In a dazzling display of raw speed and composure, the Morplay Racing and Qatar Racing filly scorched the turf to win the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1), earning her first World Championships crown and giving trainer Jose D’Angelo the biggest win of his career.
Bursting from the gate under Irad Ortiz Jr., Shisospicy ($12.60) never looked back. She flew over the firm five-furlong course in :55.24, fending off a game Ag Bullet by 2 ½ lengths to capture the 19th running of the $1 million race.
Early Fire, Steady Finish
From the moment the gates opened, Shisospicy meant business. She quickly established command with Invincible Papa (AUS) pressing close and Ag Bullet stalking just behind through a lively opening quarter of :21.75. But as the field turned for home, Ortiz’s confident handling kept the pace honest — and the challengers at bay.
“She broke so good, it made everything easier,” Ortiz said afterward. “Turning for home, I had so much horse under me. I kept waiting for someone to come, but no one ever did.”
The result was never in doubt. As the crowd roared, Shisospicy kicked clear and held a commanding daylight lead at the wire — an emphatic performance that signaled her arrival among the world’s elite turf sprinters.
Emotional Win for D’Angelo and Connections
For trainer Jose Francisco D’Angelo, the victory marked his first-ever Breeders’ Cup success — and it was a moment of sheer emotion.
“I knew she was going to explode today,” D’Angelo said, smiling through tears of joy. “With her speed, we just needed to let her do her thing. Everything worked perfectly.”
The win also delivered Ortiz his 22nd Breeders’ Cup triumph and second in this very race, solidifying his dominance on the grandest stages.
Race Details and Payout
The Turf Sprint win added $520,000 to Shisospicy’s earnings, bringing her career total to $2,090,270 with a record of 9-6-1-1, including three graded-stakes victories. The 3-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Mitole, out of the Into Mischief mare Mischief Galore, continues to impress with every start.
Behind her, Ag Bullet ran valiantly for second, while the ever-consistent Khaadem (IRE) — the 9-year-old gelding from Charlie Hills’s yard — grabbed third in a commendable effort. Reef Runner, under Tyler Gaffalione, finished fourth after making up late ground.
Trainer and Jockey Reactions
Jose D’Angelo (Trainer, Shisospicy):
“I knew that she was going to explode today with her speed, and it worked out perfectly. With her speed, I just trained her for the race.”
Irad Ortiz Jr. (Jockey, Shisospicy):
“She broke so good, and after that, it made everything easier. I had a lot of horse turning for home and never felt anyone was close to me.”
Richard Baltas (Trainer, Ag Bullet):
“She ran great. Second-best today. She’s been wonderful to us — made almost $3 million and given us so much joy.”
Frankie Dettori (Jockey, Khaadem):
“For a 9-year-old to finish third against the best sprinters in the world — that’s an amazing effort. Full credit to Charlie Hills. The winner was just too good.”
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