Sunshine Millions Turf

This year, the Sunshine Millions is an all-Florida Affair. In years past, the day was split between Santa Anita and Gulfstream, where races were restricted to Cal-breds and Florida- breds. This year the West Coast will participate only in the Sunshine Millions “Luck” Pick 6 wager, celebrating the Monday night premier of the HBO series. But the $ 1.3 million dollars in purses will be distributed in six races at Gulfstream only.

The race I will focus on for ThoroFan's Handicapper's Corner is the $150,000 Turf at a 1 & 1/8 for 3 years old and up. It is Leg C of the “Luck” Pick Six. There are 11 entered, and there is a 40% chance of rain.

Slew’s Answer is a very well-bred (½ to Dynaslew) lightly raced 5 year old with top notch connections. He is coming off a 10 week freshening. He is working well for his return. Likes the distance, has a win and a second over the course and could fit very well with these.

Livingston Street, though a nice horse, seems a cut below these. Biggest knock is 14 starts on the Gulfstream lawn, with no wins. Can’t recommend.

Bad Debt – anytime you have a horse that has 10 wins from 26 starts you have to take a second look. Yes, he is stepping up and maybe he can’t win, this horse never, ever throws in a clunker.

Bell by the Ridge – yes I know, Castellano & Maker and he does have a nice late kick, but I don’t think he’s good enough.

Little Mike- the only thing I am sure of is that Joe Bravo will send Little Mike to the lead. He is fast and that’s the way he runs. But what will he fold the last part of it? Only one start at the distance and he faltered. Should we overlook it because it was a Grade 1?

Beckham Bend is another 7 year old with not many starts. If you throw out the mile and a half Pan American, he has a pretty nice form. And he had a tightener a month ago.

Allie’s Event is another check getter, and interestingly enough has never run with statebreds. But he has never won at the distance.

Stay Red is eligible for non winners of 3, and can’t see anything to like.

Blazen is a question mark. He has shown some talent on occasion and has had a number of troubled trips. With the right trip, might get a piece.And he has an extra 1/8 of a mile to get out of any trouble he finds himself in.

Teaks North is the only Grade 1 stakes winner in the field. And he has John Velazquez in the irons. A million plus earner, he has faced much better. He had a tightener just 14 days ago, his first race back after the Breeder’s Cup Turf. If he runs back to his winning style of last year, he should run down the speed. But are his glory days behind him?

Roman Tiger also eligible for NW3x, looks overmatched to me.

There is no doubt that Little Mike could take this field wire to wire .He will be playing come and catch me. If he falters late, Slew’s Answer, Teaks North and Bad Debt will be coming late.

Blazen is a wild card, and could light up the tote board.

Watch the weather for any change in the turf course, check out the post parade for how the horses are acting and moving, and as always, I hope some “Luck” comes your way.