José F. D'Angelo prepares champion Shisospicy for the 1351 Turf Sprint

The best female turf sprinter in the United States in 2025 will be one of the star attractions at the Saudi Cup meeting

Shisospicy will go for her first international victory in Riyadh / BREEDERS' CUP

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special for Turf Diario).— The desert is preparing to vibrate with pure speed. The Saudi Cup (G1), consolidated as the richest meeting on the planet with a total purse of US$ 39.6 million, has begun to confirm its main stars for the upcoming February 14th. While the Japanese champion Forever Young (Real Steel) captures the headlines for the main event, the eyes of American and South American racing are set on a name synonymous with high velocity: Shisospicy.

The trainee of Venezuelan trainer José Francisco "Kiko" D'Angelo, recently crowned Champion Female Sprinter at the Eclipse Awards, will be the star figure of the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2). This US$ 2,000,000 race will serve as the perfect stage for her return to the tracks following her historic victory against males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Del Mar.

Shisospicy, a daughter of Mitole running for Morplay Racing, is in her prime. "She is maturing and becoming more focused," noted D’Angelo. "I feel that this year we will see the best of her." The trainer, who already has experience traveling to Saudi Arabia and Dubai, dismissed concerns about the 1,351-meter distance: "Kentucky Downs is a much more demanding track due to its undulations, and she won there in great fashion. The long, flat stretch in Saudi Arabiawill be ideal for her."

The 4-year-old bay mare holds an enviable record of 6 wins in 9 starts, with her only setback being her trip to Royal Ascot, where a poor start compromised her chances. Nevertheless, her market value is indisputable: at the last Fasig-Tipton November sale, Morplay Racing laid out US$ 5.2 million to acquire full ownership, reaffirming their absolute confidence in her talent.

For José D’Angelo, this trip represents a new opportunity for international glory. After coming close at Royal Ascot and securing in-the-money finishes in previous editions of the Saudi Cup, the Venezuelan conditioner feels the team is readier than ever. "Each year we learn more about how to travel with the horses. The organization in Saudi Arabia has been impeccable with every detail," he highlighted.

Shisospicy will depart from Florida for Riyadh on February 2nd. Meanwhile, the team is already planning the future for their other big star, Bentornato (Valiant Minister), who is targeting the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) in late March at Meydan. With meticulous preparation and sky-high confidence, the delegation led by D'Angelo will seek to raise the flag of Latin talent high in the world's most lucrative winner's circle.