Making just his third start of the season, Florida-bred Bentornato found the winner’s circle for the first time as a 3-year-old, taking down top prize in Saturday’s $400,000 Gallant Bob Stakes (Grade 2) at Parx Racing.
Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Bentornato utilized his speed to duel along the inside with fellow Florida-bred Sunny Breeze through the early stages of the six-furlong fixture. After an opening quarter in :22.01 and a half mile in :45.08, the pair had the race to themselves in the lane. Neither runner gave an inch, but Bentornato gamely surged clear from his stubborn foe late to score by a neck, stopping the clock in 1:09.92. Buccherino rallied late to finish third, completing a Florida-bred trifecta.
An earner of $791,830 and winner of five of eight starts, Bentornato was bought for $170,000 by agent Champion Equine from the Golden Rock Thoroughbreds consignment at the 2023 Ocala Breeders’ March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training.
