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| Staff Writer |
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Dreams shape the future and for 30YO trainer, Jose Francisco D’Angelo, one might come true this Saturday, when his charge Jesus’ Team (USA) lines up for the 25th anniversary of the $12m Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline.
The former leading Venezuelan handler found himself travelling across states during his first full year of training in the USA, him behind the wheel and his precious cargo, Jesus’ Team in the back.
During the spring of 2020 the bold bay walked into D’Angelo’s Palm Meadows barn and since then has taken the trainer, his team and owners to new heights.
The week was characterised by fresh experiences, an extensive amount of pressure but also carried an introspective undertone. D’Angelo’s grandfather had died mere weeks earlier.
A scintillating performance at Pimlico was followed by a runner up finish in the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, behind Knicks Go, a win in the Claiming Crown Jewel Stakes and another second placing behind the aforementioned foe in the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational.
Foreign riches beckoned and connections started dreaming of greater goals by the end of the autumn, when the Dubai World Cup became a target. Groom Angel Ayala, regular rider Willo Mercado and trainer D’Angelo left for the United Arab Emirates in mid-March.
When watching the elite contenders during morning workouts it is the exuberant Jesus’ Team, with his blinkers, draw reigns and free striding action, who always seems to catch the eye.
A spirited character, the Grupo 7C Racing Stable runner has taken to the Meydan dirt track and a customary trick or two suggests the dark bay to be in top condition.
Even though the preparation has gone exactly as hoped, with Jesus’ Team improving every day, D’Angelo knows anything can happen in the lead up to the race itself.
Adrenaline was pumping through the veins of D’Angelo during the Dubai World Cup draw, but the nerves subsided after a satisfactory stall 9 was announced.