Steven Michael Bell's Aegean, sent off at 9-1 odds, held off a
determined 13-1 shot in Jessica Is Back to post an upset in the $200,000
Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint at Gulfstream Park on Jan.
29.
With Jeffrey Sanchez aboard for trainer Wesley Ward, Aegean rallied in
the stretch to take the lead and then had to withstand a photo for the
nod over Jessica Is Back, who closed resolutely along the rail under
Alex Solis.
As expected, Feel That Fire, making only her fourth career start, jumped
to the lead from the outside 11 post, and got the first quarter mile in
:22.29. Speedy Wildcat Heiress, seeking her fourth straight win, had
assumed the lead after a half-mile was completed in :45.83 as the field
began to close on the leaders rounding the turn in the six-furlong
sprint.
In the end, Aegean held off the cavalry charge led by Jessica Is Back,
stopping the timer in 1:09.61. She paid $20.20, $9.40, and $6.00.
Jessica Is Back was worth $11.40 and $7.60, with Feel That Fire hanging
on for third, paying $4.80.
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