The SSM Turf – NG
1/18/19
GP Race 4 1 1/16M – Turf
Purse $15.000
Four Year Olds and Up FL Breds
A field of five Florida bred runners has been entered up for this years running of the Sunshine Millions Turf here over the Gulfstream Park turf course. Last years winner Chipotle is back to try and keep the title. Let’s take a look at the field.
1. Chipotle (23-6-3-4 $357.910), trained by Arindel
Last years winner of this race right here and he will be trying to be repeat his performance of last year when he wire to wire. He has been in bad form for his last couple races but the small field and return to statebred company should help a lot. He can win if he runs like he did last year in this race.
2. Lucky Phooey (20-3-4-3 $1,522.100), trained by Estero Farms
Next runner here and this horse was the 2018 Breeders Cup Mile winner when he was at his best. He has obviously dropped off a little bit but he is still able to compete at the level. I think the back class that he has will help him out in here and he could upset this field.
3. Born To Be In Front (12-4-4-1 $59.600), trained by Gdp Inc
Now to this horse here who is coming into this race off of a win in a first level allowance race right at this same track. Since Gdp Inc has got this horse he has went up the class ladder straight to allowance races and has done well. This is a big test for him though.
4. Jolly Fog (29-5-8-5 $245.740), trained by Savage Racing Stable
This runner here has only one race in the last two years and it was not a good run. He has been off for ten months and his works are not good at all. The long layoff and bad works are a very significant sign that this horse is outclassed by the rest of this field.
5. Strategic Edge (11-4-1-0 $112.990), trained by Maletto
Last runner in the field here and he is coming into this race off of a second place finish in a Florida bred stakes race at Tampa on the dirt. He is changing up from short on the dirt to long on the turf in here. He can win on the turf but I don’t think it is his preferred surface.
Summary
A small field but there is the defending champ in this race and a Breeders Cup Mile winner in this race also. My top pick is going to be Lucky Phooey off of his back class and I think he can win here. Good luck to all in the field.
2-1-5-3
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
