Il Miracolo Outgames Tumbarumba to Take Ghostzapper

Initially turned back late on the second turn and through much of the stretch run by favored Tumbarumba , Il Miracolo  grittily battled back to defeat that rival in a photo finish in the $150,000 Ghostzapper Stakes (G3) March 30 at Gulfstream Park. 

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez's decisive action on Il Miracolo with a bid between horses leaving the backstretch appeared instrumental in the victory. The move put the 4-year-old Gun Runner   colt right alongside Tumbarumba and weakening longshot pacesetter X Y Point , and Il Miracolo was able to wear down Tumbarumba.

Tumbarumba led through a six-furlong split in 1:12.41 and after a mile in 1:37.27, but tired late. Il Miracolo led when it mattered, hitting the finish line with a final time of 1:43.79. The Antonio Sano trainee paid $10.60 to win.

"He had a nice fight down the lane," Velazquez said.

Steal Sunshine  rallied to show.

Accomplishments, Pedigree

• Il Miracolo won his second graded stakes race for owner Eduardo Soto of Alexandres. The colt took the Smarty Jones Stakes (G3) at Parx Racing last year at age 3.
• Bred by Willow Oaks Stable out of the Tapit   mare Tapit's World , Il Miracolo was a $70,000 purchase by his owner at the Ocala Breeders' June 2-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age in 2022. He is the third graded winner of 2024 for Gun Runner, who stands for $250,000 at Three Chimneys Farm.