Sunshine Millions Returns To Gulfstream
Sunshine Millions Returns To Gulfstream
Multiple Grade 2 winner Mucho Macho Man put in his final work last week and seems poised to defend his title in the $400,000 Sunshine Millions Classic, the headliner of the Millions card at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. Trained by Kathy Rivto, the superb son of Macho Uno was last seen finishing a huge second in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) which capped a huge 2012 campaign, and the now five-year-old will be super tough in here on a track where he owns a pair of wins from three tries. Mike Smith will come along to keep the mount.
Grade 1 hero Ron the Greek, fourth in the Classic, was a fine second in this race a year ago and will be charging home late for conditioner Bill Mott. The son of Full Mandate has trained well at Payson and should be primed for this engagement. Also from the Mott barn is the much accomplished Flat Out, who has won the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in two straight seasons. Last seen when third in the Classic, the Florida-bred will be super tough with his best showing. The main danger to the top trio could come from Grade 3 winner Fort Loudon, who was second in a seven-furlong prep event for this race last time.
The $300,000 Distaff is to attract a well-matched field, with recent stakes heroine Tiz The Argument, Ocala S. winner Successful Song, the improving Score Boyera, Laurel import Onepointhreekarats, potential favorite Golden Mystery and potentially West Coast import Cathy's Crunches, leading the way.
Grade 1 filly Emma's Encore, stakes queen Honey Chile and local Grade 3 winner R Holiday Mood are the standouts in the $150,000 Filly and Mare Sprint.
Defending champ Hooh Why, runner-up Romacacca and third-placer Speak Easy Gal, the top three in the $150,000 Filly and Mare Turf in 2012, all look to set to renew their battle in this race.
The $150,000 Sprint could attract a big field, among those recent stakes winner Bahamian Squall, Mr. Prospector (G3) runner-up Off the Jak, Vosburgh S. (G1) fourth Little Drama, the razor-sharp Star Harbour from the barn of Bill Mott and the Pletcher-conditioned Discreet Dancer, who romped in his first two prior to finishing third in the Fountain of Youth S. (G2) on this oval in his latest performance.
Grade 1 hero Teaks North, 2012 runner-up Slew's Answer and Grade 1-placed Doubles Partner, third in the Citation H. (G2) most recently, are the top draws for the $150,000 Turf.