Sunshine Millions Day Recap

by Patricia Woo | Jan 26 2009

Gulfstream Park
Sunny skies welcomed the crowds at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., for Sunshine Millions Day where four Florida-breds hit the wire first.

Sunshine Millions Classic, 4-year-olds and up, 1 1/8 miles, $1M

Despite breaking from outside post 12 a beat behind the others, Delightful Kiss recovered well and was just beaten by Dry Martini for second place. But it was It's a Bird, under Julien Leparoux, who earned the $600,000 winner's purse for trainer Marty Wolfson with a commanding performance.

Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf, 4-year-olds and up, 1 1/8 miles, $500,000

Wild Promises notched her sixth consecutive win in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf. She stalked pacesetter Elusive Lady from third place until the upper stretch where she surged to the lead and never relinquished it. The 5-year-old was ridden by Aaron Gryder for Greg Gilchrist.

Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint, 4-year-olds and up, 6 furlongs, $300,000

Trainer Greg Gilchrist had a banner Sunshine Millions day – after Wild Promises won the F&M Turf title, his 4-year-old trainee High Resolve prevailed in her race, the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint. Under Robby Albarado, High Resolve went wire-to-wire, staving off challenges from eventual second- and third-place finishers Lovely Isle and Dubai Majesty.

Sunshine Millions Dash, 3-year-olds, 6 furlongs, $250,000

Sixth choice favorite This Ones for Phil turned in a career-best race in the Dash, upsetting You Luckie Mann with a determined performance. Golden Bear Stakes winner Backbackbackgone was not a factor and finished last.

Santa Anita Park
Fog and rain greeted those willing to brave the conditions at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., but those who did saw two homebreds prevent Florida from making a complete sweep of the Sunshine Millions.

Sunshine Millions Turf, 1 1/8 miles, 4-year-olds and up, $500,000

Presious Passion came up just short in the Turf, losing to Soldier's Dancer, a 5-year-old gelding ridden by Rafael Bejarano. Soldier's Dancer's greater experience on rain-soaked turf earned him the win and $275,000.

Sunshine Millions Distaff, 1 1/16 miles, fillies and mares 4-years-old and up, $500,000

In a send-off befitting a racehorse of her caliber, Leah's Secret won the final race of her career by 2 1/4 lengths. The 6-year-old displayed her competitive drive as she took over the lead from Waveline at the eighth pole and romped to victory under Eibar Coa.

Sunshine Millions Sprint, 6 furlongs, 4-year-olds and up, $300,000

In his third race after returning from an injury layoff, Grade 1 winner Georgie Boy didn't disappoint in the Sunshine Millions Sprint. Garrett Gomez guided the California-bred to victory, catching leader Machismo with a powerful rally in the final furlong.

Sunshine Millions Oaks, 6 furlongs, 3-year-old fillies, $250,000

Making the huge leap into stakes company with an upset win in the Oaks was Beltene, who was ridden by Joel Rosario for trainer Jack Carava. She edged out Hooh Why for the victory by a mere head; race favorite Emmy Darling finished seventh.

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