Gunnevera getting a rest

Although he’s won just one race since August of 2017 – a higher-level optional claimer here last summer – Gunnevera’s bankroll just continues to grow and grow and grow. The honest-as-they-come 5-year-old son of Dialed In added another $1.2 million to the coffers of owner Salomon Del Valle after his third-place finish in last Saturday’s Dubai World Cup, swelling his lifetime earnings to more than $5.5 million.

Trainer Antonio Sano said Gunnevera exited the race well and will be turned out on the farm to recuperate from the trip before embarking on a schedule during the second half of the season similar to last year’s. He finished second in both the Grade 1 Woodward and the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year.

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Sano said he thought Gunnevera ran well under Emisael Jaramillo in the Dubai World Cup.

“He never could get down near the inside, he was wide throughout, and still got beat less than three lengths,” Sano said. “Jaramillo put up an excellent ride. I am very happy with his race. He’ll go to the farm for six weeks then come back to the track to prepare to go back to Saratoga again this summer.”

◗ Friday’s nine-race program will be highlighted by a $47,000 entry-level allowance dash for Florida-bred 3-year-olds at six furlongs.

The wide-open lineup in race 8 is led by Joe Di Baggio, who finished second behind Gran Paraiso in his last start against statebreds on Feb. 22. Other key contenders include the Sano-trained Vinnie Van Go, the improving Why Trust, and recent maiden winner Liam Lets Go. Arrivederla and Running for Riz should assure an honest pace, with Venezuelan Warrior completing the field.