Bentornato looking for first win of 2024 at Gallant Bob

Bentornato in just his second start since the Saudi Derby (G3) on February 24, is looking for his first win of the year in the Gallant Bob Stakes (G2) on September 21 at Parx Racing.

Son of Brave Minister finished second by 1 1/2 lengths in the Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races August 23. Previously, the colt finished third in the Saudi Derby.

Those races were seven and eight furlongs, respectively. Now he’s cut the distance—Gallant Bob runs six furlongs. At that distance, the colt has been successful. Trainer Jose Francisco D’Angelo has won twice at Gulfstream Park last year. He won the Proud Man Stakes by 4 1/4 lengths, followed by a 7 1/2 length victory over other Florida-bred colts and geldings in the Dr. Fager Stakes.

Bentornato isn’t usually the leader; he’s only gone from the gate to the wire once. Even in his impressive win at Dr. Fager, he had to pass an opponent before breaking away. The key for him is to stay close to the front and find the right opportunities.

With Irad Ortiz Jr., the top-earning rider in North America this year, in the race for the second straight year, Bentornato is in good hands. Ortiz won this race aboard Firenze Fire in 2018.

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. brought a pair of Florida-bred colts, five of them, to compete for the $400,000 prize.

by Daniel Alonso A sharp cookie has never finished worse than third (3-2-2 in seven starts) since his first outing last November. He has won two in a row and three of four. He has only one start at six furlongs, the first of which he faded in the final stretch. Perhaps experience, a new track—he has only run at Gulfstream—and Mike Smith in irons will prove beneficial.

Joseph’s other intern was Dark reality One Practical joke The gelding hopes to return after sitting out the Salvatore M. DeBunda Sprint Stakes, run over a 6 1/2 furlong track at Parx on August 24. The two finished first and second in that race, Buccherino And Maximus Meridius return to Parx ground on Saturday.

Buccherino went from gate to wire in DeBunda, outpacing his rivals by more than six lengths. He was perfect in Parx, finishing 3-for-3. The son of Bucchero broke his own record there and opened his 3-year-old campaign with a win. Trainer Alfredo Velazquez hopes Gallant Bob will give the Happy Tenth Stable-owned colt his first win at the distance in four previous attempts.