HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Leon King Stable Corp’s Florida-bred Bentornato, a winner of three stakes races and four of five starts, will make his next start Feb. 24 in the $1.5 million Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, according to trainer Jose D’Angelo.
D’Angelo will scratch Bentornato from Saturday’s $125,000 Swale at seven furlongs.
“It’s a great opportunity,” D’Angelo said of the Saudi Derby. “It’s also a one turn mile, and that’s another reason.”
Bentornato won his first four starts, including the $100,000 Dr. Fager and $200,000 Affirmed divisions of the Florida Sire Stakes and the $90,000 Proud Man. He finished third, beaten a length, Dec. 2 in the two-turn In Reality division of the Sire Stakes won by Florida-bred Seminole Chief.
Bentornato is by Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister out of Her Special Way, by Put It Back and was bred in Florida by Tanma Corp.
Two-Time Florida Sire Stakes Winner Bentornato to Saudi Derby