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

DUBAI: 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 II Miracolo.

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A son of top US sire Gun Runner - second behind the remarkable Arrogate in the 2017 World Cup II 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 GI 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 II 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.