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| Staff Writer |
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Trainer Jose D'Angelo has confirmed that Bentornato, hailing from Leon King Stable and boasting a record of three stakes victories out of five starts, is set to compete in the US$1.5 million Gr.3 Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia on 24th February.
To prepare for this prestigious race, D'Angelo has decided to withdraw Bentornato from the Gulfstream Park's Swale Stakes, which was initially scheduled for 3rd February and covers a distance of seven furlongs.
"It's a great opportunity," said D'Angelo of the Saudi Derby. "It's also a one-turn mile, and that's another reason."
In his initial four starts, Bentornato emerged victorious, triumphing in the Dr. Fager and Affirmed categories of the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes, as well as the Proud Man Stakes. However, he managed only a third-place finish, falling short by a single length, in the two-turn In Reality division of the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes on 2nd December.
D'Angelo revealed that he plans to withdraw No More Time from the Gr.33 Holy Bull Stakes on Saturday, preferring to participate in a race at Tampa Bay Downs instead.