Sano says bruised hoof unlikely to keep Gunnevera out of Dubai World Cup

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Gunnevera came back to the international quarantine barn following his Wednesday morning training session walking slightly lame, and has been diagnosed with a bruised hoof, trainer Antonio Sano said Wednesday afternoon just before the Dubai World Cup post position draw. Sano said the problem isn’t especially serious and he remains confident Gunnevera will be fit to start Saturday night in the $10 million World Cup.

Gunnevera put in his most serious training session Wednesday since arriving in Dubai when he was allowed to open up during the final half-mile or so of his gallop, going at at two-minute clip, if not slightly faster, around the clubhouse turn and onto the backstretch. It was after making the 1.9-mile walk off the Meydan track and back to the quarantine facility that Gunnevera began showing signs of lameness, which Sano said was minor. A blacksmith removed Gunnevera’s shoes and the colt began walking sound, according to Sano.

It’s too close to the race to treat Gunnevera with any medication, but the affected foot is being soaked in epsom salts and poulticed with ichthammol, an ointment used on horses to promote healing in abscesses and skin problems. Sano said he would still consider walking Gunnevera to the Meydan main track Thursday morning to school in the starting gate.

Gunnevera’s last three starts produced a third in the Pegasus World Cup, a fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and a second in the Travers Stakes. He recently was treated for an undescended testical that, Sano said, had been bothering the colt when he stretched out to full stride.