Trainer Stephen Miller has put the work into Saintorio over the past fortnight, ensuring the three-year-old will be a peak fitness for the Listed WAROA-Belmont Guineas (1600m) at Belmont.
Saintorio was less than inspiring on his return in the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) when eighth to Vast Art, but Stephen Miller expects the Oratorio gelding to rebound and show his best.
“He probably didn’t go as well as expected the other day,” Miller said on Tabradio.
“But he’s come through it pretty good and I’ve put the work into him.
“He does have a good second up record and is going to go into it pretty fit.
“He was a bit more underdone than what I expected the other day.
“At set weights, hopefully, he can run a good race.”
Saintorio underlined his talent by winning the Listed Sir Ernest Lee Steere Classic (1400m) last November, the final run of his preparation.
On either side of his maiden Listed success was third placings in the G2 WA Guineas (1600m) and Listed Challenge Stakes (1500m).
From 16 races he’s won five and banked a touch over half a million dollars in stakes and bonuses.
Saintorio, who has one win and two placings from three second up attempts, can give Miller another Belmont Guineas after Variation took out the winter three-year-old feature six years ago.
It can also help Miller achieve his second straight major win after stable mate Last Of The Line led from start to finish in the G3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) last Saturday.
“He’ll have a break now and hopefully can come back for the carnival,” Miller said.
“He’s getting on a bit but still has it in him and has finally matured.
“He’ll let us know if he is up for the Railway, or if not, he could even be a Perth Cup horse.
“There’s no problem him getting the journey.
“We’ll take every race as it comes.”