Reeves Thoroughbred Racing’s 5-year-old Mucho Macho Man and Brous
Stable, Wachtel Stable and Jack Hammer’s 6-year-old Ron the Greek,
second and fourth, respectively, last out in the $5 million Breeders’
Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 3, appear to be on course to
clash again in the $400,000 Florida Sunshine Millions Classic to be run
at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, Jan. 19.
The Sunshine Millions Classic at 1 1/8 miles will be the climax of
this year’s series of six races for Florida-breds to be run that
afternoon. Trainer Kathy Ritvo sent out Mucho Macho Man to win the race
last year by 1 ½ lengths over the Bill Mott-trained Ron the Greek in
their first meeting. Another high-profile starter targeted for the race
this year is Jacks or Better Farm’s 4-year-old Fort Loudon, trained by
Nick Zito.
Leading the likely cast for the $300,000 Sunshine Millions Distaff
at 1 1/8 miles will be Live Oak Plantation’s 6-year-old mare Successful
Song, closing out her career for trainer Eddie Plesa, Jr. before being
bred next spring. Stronach Stable’s outstanding filly Awesome Feather
won the race last year to remain undefeated at the time.
Completing the Sunshine Millions stakes line-up:
$150,000 Sunshine Millions Turf at 1 1/8 miles on turf – WinStar
Farm’s 6-year-old Doubles Partner could be the horse to beat for trainer
Todd Pletcher as he makes his first start since finishing third in the
Citation Handicap (G2) at Hollywood Park in late November.
$150,000 Sunshine Million Filly & Mare Turf at 1 1/8 mile on
turf – Frank Calabrese’s 7-year-old Romacaca, a winner of 16 of 32
career starts and closing in on the $1 million career earnings mark,
leads the probable field after winning the South Beach Stakes over the
course last out Dec. 9.
$150,000 Sunshine Millions Sprint at six furlongs – Donald Dizney’s
4-year-old Bahamian Squall will be among the choices having a stakes
victory at the meet when drawing off to an impressive 3 ½ lengths score
in the Sunshine State Stakes on Dec. 2 for trainer David Fawkes.
$150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint – Brenda Mercer
and Peter Berglar’s 4-year-old Emma’s Encore, winner of the Prioress
Stakes (G1) last summer at Saratoga for Hall of Fame trainer Allen
Jerkens, has been pointed for this race since arriving for the season in
November.
The Florida Sunshine Millions will be part of a huge day of
festivities at Gulfstream, culminating with the 42nd annual Eclipse
Awards.