Catalano could oversee final Million Day preparations after release from hospital

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Wayne Catalano was to be discharged from St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill., on Tuesday afternoon following a 22-day stay there to treat a severe case of influenza and pneumonia.

Doctors had to fit Catalano with a breathing tube and induce a coma after Catalano’s illness progressed quickly to a dangerously acute stage. Catalano didn’t fully regain his faculties until Sunday, Aug. 3, but since then has been overseeing his far-flung stable from the hospital. In Catalano’s absence, his Arlington-based assistant Fernando Canteria was instrumental in keeping the organization flowing.

“I’m getting out whenever the doctor comes in,” Catalano said late Tuesday morning. “I’m walking, moving around. Each day I’m stronger and better. I just got to pace myself.”

Catalano said he hoped to make it to Arlington “in a day or two,” and if that’s the case, he can help put finishing touches on the preparation of three Million Day starters: I’m Already Sexy in the Beverly D., Highball in the Secretariat, and Infinite Magic in the American St. Leger.

I’m Already Sexy won the Modesty Handicap last out and likely will be a pace factor in the Beverly D., though her ability to stay 1 3/16 miles in Grade 1 competition is suspect. Catalano only recently took over the training of 2013 American Derby winner Infinite Magic, a Team Valor horse who has been off form since late last summer. But Catalano is high on Highball, the 3-year-old who rallied for third in the American Derby here July 12 while making only his third start.

Highball, who will be ridden by Frankie Dettori, will race in blinkers for the first time Saturday and has worn the hood in two recent works.

“The horse is just doing unbelievable,” Catalano said.

Even more important, compared to his low point a couple weeks ago, so is Catalano.