Sano confident Il Miracolo ready to deliver, DRC announces schedule change for WC

Florida-based conditioner Antonio Sano is set to saddle a horse in the $12 million Dubai World Cup for the third time in the form of the hard-knocking Il Miracolo.

A son of top US sire Gun Runner — second behind the remarkable Arrogate in the 2017 World Cup — Il Miracolo is a Grade 3 winner at ages three and four and was last seen finishing down the field behind the re-opposing Mixto in the G1 Pacific Classic (2000m) at Del Mar last September.

Sano believes his charge is ready to fire a big shot.

“He has settled in very well and I am very happy with him,” said Sano, one of the all-time winningest trainers in Venezuela.

“After his last race, we gave him three months on the farm and he’s a different horse.”

Owner Eduardo Soto said it was “an honour” to be invited to compete in the World Cup, but that Il Miracolo isn’t here just for the scenery.

“I think he’s going to run well,” he said. “And I believe that the stars have aligned for us. We will see on Saturday.”

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who rode the recently deceased Roses In May to win the World Cup at old Nad Al Sheba some two decades ago, is at the controls on Saturday.

Sano was also the trainer of Gunnevera, who finished eighth to Thunder Snow in the 2018 renewal before improving to third to the same rival, beaten just two and a half lengths, 12 months later.

Ryusei Sakai was a man in demand during the first hour of trackwork and among his big-race mounts for Saturday, none carries more weight of expectation than Forever Young.

After working for five furlongs upsides with Dubai Golden Shaheen runner American Stage, Sakai said of Forever Young: “He breezed in a good rhythm. He reacted well on the bridle.”

Forever Young was third in both the G1 Kentucky Derby (2000m) and the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic (2000m) last season and comes here off the back of an epic defeat of Romantic Warrior in the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m).

Sakai was also in the plate on recent G3 Neom Turf (2100m) winner Shin Emperor for a five-furlong spin on the main dirt track, and observed: “He moved and reacted well.”

Japan boasts four legitimate Group/Grade 1 horses among a crack lineup of nine provisionally declared for the biggest turf prize of Dubai World Cup night.

Cervinia and Shin Emperor are the two Japanese contenders in Longines Dubai Sheema Classic

Arguably a more consequential piece of work was that of G1 Tokyo Yushun winner Danon Decile, who managed to stay just ahead of Al Quoz Sprint challenger Puro Magic in a breeze around the turn and up the home straight on the turf track under jockey Keita Tosaki.

“He was in very good form,” said Tosaki. “He stretched his legs well when I asked him on the home straight.

“The turf track suits him and we have responsibility here as a Japanese Derby winner.”

Meanwhile, Dubai Racing Club has announced that due to unforeseen weather forecast, and in an effort to ensure the comfort of all jockeys and the safety of the horses participating in the 2025 Dubai World Cup, on Saturday, as well as the well-being of all guests attending this landmark event, a minor adjustment to the day’s schedule has been made, to a later start time.

Gates to Meydan Racecourse will now open at 2:30pm, with the first race — the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic — set for 4:35pm.

The highly anticipated main event, the Dubai World Cup, will take place at 9:30 PM, followed by a spectacular closing ceremony worthy of the occasion.

Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, said: “Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of horses, jockeys and guests is our top priority, the decision has been made to adjust the start time of the Dubai World Cup day. We remain fully committed to delivering an exceptional event filled with thrilling horseracing, world class hospitality, and a truly magical atmosphere befitting the Dubai World Cup.”

The Dubai World Cup is the world’s most spectacular race day and one of region’s biggest sporting and social occasions.