Someone asked Jena Antonucci how Arcangelo’s last serious workout prior to the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) went on Wednesday and she replied, “Absolutely what we wanted,” which is what most, if not all, trainers say after a horse works.
Most times, though, trainers don’t laugh about having repeated such a cliché, then go on to explain what lay behind those hackneyed words.
But then, Jena Antonucci is not like most trainers. In June, after Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes (G1), Antonucci found herself in a group of exactly one, namely, the first, and so far, only, woman to saddle the winner of a Triple Crown race.
Preparing Arcangelo for the 2023 Breeders Cup: A Trainer’s Unique Approach
Some 11 weeks later, the handsome gray ridgling thrust her into an even more rarified strata when he beat Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage, Preakness (G1) victor National Treasure, and 2022 champion Forte in the Travers (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, thus stamping himself as the likely favorite for the Nov. 4 Classic at Santa Anita.
The ensuing encomium didn’t make Antonucci’s life any easier, but neither did it make it harder. Having grown up riding and showing horses, working as a veterinary assistant for four years, and breaking horses for D. Wayne Lukas at Padua Stables in Florida, she brought a unique set of skills with her when she took out her trainer’s license 13 years ago at the age of 34.
And from the moment she saddled her first winner in March 2010 until now, her philosophy has remained steadfast.
“(It’s been) a little louder (since the Belmont), “she said with a laugh. “But we very much focus on keeping the white noise quiet and staying focused on the horse. Each horse has its nuances, and we try to lean into the relationships with each horse.”
Antonucci’s Role in Preparing Arcangelo for Success
With Arcangelo, that entails understanding his needs, and ensuring he‘s as happy as a horse can be. For instance, 10 days before the Travers on Aug. 26, he worked an easy 5 furlongs. On Wednesday (Oct. 25) at Santa Anita, under exercise rider Robert Mallari, he was pushed to hit the wire in 47.40 for the half-mile, galloping out in 1:00.65 and up in 1:14.60.
“We were looking to throw him up on his toes a little bit to ensure he’ll be quite full of himself for the next ten days and going into the race,” she said.
“He’ll have an easy week. We’ll see what he’s looking for, whether it’s keeping it nice and easy or stretching his legs a little bit. He’ll tell us.“
For the next 10 days, then, Antonucci’s job will be staying out of the horse’s way and making sure she’s listening.
“I try my best,” she said. “I try my best.”
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
