Saratoga: Il Miracolo might skip Whitney for easier spot

Dual graded stakes-winner Il Miracolo is entered in Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Whitney at Saratoga but might skip the prestigious nine-furlong test for older horses in favor of a softer spot after the race drew 11 other entrants, according to trainer Antonio Sano.

Il Miracolo has not raced since finishing third in the Alysheba (G2) on May 3 at Churchill Downs, and he posted four works over the Saratoga main track since July 13, most recently covering a half-mile in 49.02 seconds Wednesday.

Sano said the Whitney might prove too difficult a challenge for the son of Gun Runner after three months away from the races.

“He worked very good, very well,” Sano said of the Wednesday breeze. “It’s a tough race right now and I wait for the decision from the owner (Eduardo Soto) if we run or don’t run. Maybe we find another race more easy. It’s 50-50. It has been three months, long time since he run.”

If Il Miracolo skips the Whitney, Sano said, the 1 1/16-mile Phillip H. Iselin (G3) on Aug. 17 at Monmouth Park may be the next target, with a later goal being the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) on Sept. 1 at Saratoga.

“Maybe we try the Phillip Iselin at Monmouth and after that the Jockey Club Gold Cup here,” said Sano. “I will talk to the owner.”

The 4-year-old chestnut contested four Kentucky Derby prep races last winter and spring ahead of an off-the-board effort in the Belmont Stakes. He went on to score a breakthrough win last August in the Smarty Jones (G3) at Parx Racing en route to in-the-money finishes in three more graded events to close out the year. This year, his lone win from four starts came in the Ghostzapper (G3) by a neck over Whitney contender Tumbarumba in March at Gulfstream Park.

Il Miracolo drew post 6 in the Whitney with Manny Franco slated to ride, and he was 20-1 on the morning line.