José Francisco D’Angelo: Three Shots, One Dream at Del Mar

With Shisospicy and Bentornato, Venezuelan trainer José Francisco D’Angelo dreams of making history at the Breeders’ Cup

José Francisco D’Angelo (right) with Jorge Abreu on a Del Mar Morning / BREEDERS' CUP

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Turf Diario Special Correspondent at Del Mar, California, USA)

DEL MAR, California — Venezuelan trainer José Francisco D’Angelo is back at the Breeders’ Cup, this time with a team that inspires real optimism. Based in the United States for several years now, D’Angelo has become one of the most promising young Latin American horsemen on the North American circuit, and he’ll be looking for his first win on racing’s biggest international stage.

“I’m very happy to be here for the second year in a row,” D’Angelo said from the Del Mar barn area in an interview with Global Media Turf. “We’re bringing three horses: Itza Lock (Silver State), who runs Friday in the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (L), and two strong chances for Saturday with Shisospicy and Bentornato.”

The action begins Friday with Itza Lock, who comes off a fourth-place finish in the Royal Palm Stakes. “We’re stretching him out to a mile on the turf, and I think that distance change is going to suit him perfectly,” the trainer explained.

The spotlight, however, will fall on Shisospicy, the barn’s star filly. “She’ll take on males and older mares in the Turf Sprint. If there’s one horse that deserves to be here, it’s her. Her only loss of the year came in England—otherwise, she’s been unbeatable on turf. Everything has gone great since her win at Kentucky Downs, and we’re thrilled with post 10.”

His third runner, Bentornato, returns to the grand stage after a lengthy recovery process. “We pulled him up in the Malibu Stakes last year and gave him all the time he needed. He came back strong at Churchill Downs and ran a terrific race. Everything’s gone right with him, and just like the filly, he drew post 10.”

There were a few logistical hurdles getting the horses to California. “They had a slight delay leaving Kentucky, but they arrived in great shape. I watched them this morning—Wednesday—and I really liked what I saw. They’re all doing super, so we’re feeling very optimistic heading into Saturday.”

For José Francisco D’Angelo, returning to the Breeders’ Cup is about more than just competition—it’s about representing a growing wave of Latin American talent thriving on U.S. soil. “It makes us proud to represent our people,” he said. “We’re all chasing that one big moment, and hopefully, we can make it happen this weekend.”