Leon King Stable’s Bentornato — a leading contender for the $2 million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on Nov. 1 at Del Mar and the subject of an exclusive offering at the Keeneland Championship Sale — tuned up for the race Saturday by breezing a half mile in :50.80 under Irad Ortiz Jr. (Click here for a video of the work.)

On Oct. 29, a 25% ownership interest in Bentornato — second in the Sprint last year — will be offered at the Keeneland Championship Sale in the Del Mar Paddock. 

Trainer Jose D’Angelo noted that Bentornato’s past and future racing schedule will appeal to buyers at the Championship Sale.

“It is a unique opportunity to become a partner,” he said. “This year we gave him time off to mature and grow. He is fresh and a good candidate to win the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. And he will be fresh if we decide to go to the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1).”

The Saudi Cup, billed as the world’s richest race, will be contested Feb. 14 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.

D’Angelo was pleased with Bentornato’s activity this morning.

“The work was good with a strong gallop out like we had talked about,” he said. “He started slow and relaxed like he did in his last race (when he won the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sept. 13.)

The Louisville Thoroughbred Society was Bentornato’s first start since the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, when he was beaten a half-length. His record stands at 6-2-2 in 10 starts, which includes his triumph in the 2024 Gallant Bob (G2). 

Rather than sending Bentornato back to his Florida base, D’Angelo opted to remain in Kentucky and train at Keeneland.

“We thought the (cool) weather would help him instead of going straight to California or back to (my base) in Florida,” he said.

Bentornato ships to Del Mar on Oct. 27.