Valiant Minister , sire of $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner Bentornato, will stand for $3,500 for the upcoming breeding season at Bridlewood Farm near Ocala, Fla. He stood in 2025 for $3,000.
Owned by Susan Chu, the striking gray or roan son of Candy Ride out of the Deputy Minister mare Spooky Minister, is represented this year by 30 winners, led by Bentornato, an earner of $2.3 million, and stakes-placed Iron Hand, a winner of four of six starts this year with earnings of $154,037.
"Bentornato's Victory in the Breeders' Cup Sprint was super impressive," Bridlewood general manager George Isaacs said. "We feel a stud fee of $3,500 offers Florida breeders a tremendous value and opportunity to breed a racehorse and real champion."
Bentornato, trained by Jose D'Angelo for owners Leon King Stable and Michael and Jules Iavarone, rolled to a 2 1/2-length score in the Sprint, covering six furlongs in 1:08.20 and producing a 110 Beyer Speed Figure. He was bred in Florida by Chu's Tanma Corp. out of the Put It Back mare Her Special Way.
Valiant Minister is also represented by multiple stakes-winner Outfoxed (career earnings of $497,554) and stakes-winner Loco Abarrio ($465,575), as well as several stakes-placed runners.
Valiant Minister, who won his lone start at Santa Anita Park in 2017 for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, entered stud in 2018. He was Florida's fifth-ranked sire in 2024 and is in that same position by progeny earnings this year.
