Enterprising delivers as favorite in Sunshine Millions Turf Preview
MIAMI - After being stakes-placed against open company in his two previous starts, Enterprising found statebreds more to his liking when he rallied to a 1 1/4- length victory over Little Nick V. in Saturday’s $100,000 Sunshine Millions Turf Preview at Gulfstream Park West.
Enterprising benefited from a well-judged ride by Tyler Gaffalione, saving ground while well-placed early before tipping four wide with his rally into the stretch. He then responded to late urging, readily outfinishing Little Nick V. to win going away for his second victory in nine starts this season and first since being transferred to trainer Mike Maker’s barn and shipped locally early this summer.
Little Nick V. also raced near the inside while within easy striking distance from the outset, fanned three wide rallying off the final turn but proved no match for the winner while easily best of the others. He checked home 2 1/2 lengths behind the tiring pacesetter, Charlie Mops, who had crossed the finish line first in each of his previous five starts.
Enterprising ($5), a son of Elusive Quality owned by Maxis Stable, ran 1 1/16 miles over a firm course in 1:45.21.
“We had a perfect trip,” said Gaffalione. “Down the lane, I just let him run and he did it all.”