McGaughey marks milestone as Fly So High takes Davona Dale

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Shug McGaughey’s 2,000th career victory came, appropriately enough, in a Grade 2 stakes after his promising 3-year-old filly Fly So High rallied to a convincing three-length decision in the $200,000 Davona Dale on Saturday at Gulfstream Park. But the celebration was tempered, at least for the time being, after jockey Jose Ortiz dismounted Fly So High on the way back to the winner’s circle, feeling the filly might have been off in her left front.

Fly So High returned to her barn in the horse ambulance. But McGaughey was cautiously optimistic in the prognosis after examining his latest star on the racetrack prior to walking back to the winner’s circle to receive the accolades for his 2,000th win.

“Jose said when he turned around, she felt a little funny so he jumped off her,” said McGaughey. “I thought when she walked on the van she was sound. Patty [Marquis], the state vet, said maybe she was 1 1/2 to 2 [on the lameness scale]. She was a bit pumped up, obviously, and I'm sure when I get back to the barn I'll be able to tell more. But as for something major, she didn't palpate sore or flex sore. Maybe she did something to her foot or jam something. It could have been a lot worse, but it looks fine. Although for now, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

As for her performance, Fly So High received rave reviews. Forced out a bit after the start by Take Charge Paula following an alert beginning, Fly So High rated just off and outside the early leaders, was fanned about four to five paths wide rallying into the stretch, readily overtook Heavenhasmynikki to gain control near midstretch, and won going away.

Take Charge Paula ducked out a bit at the start, came wide trying to rally with the winner into the stretch, could not keep pace but continued on willingly to be second-best over a tiring Heavenhasmynikki.

Fly So High is a daughter of Malibu Moon owned by the Phipps Stable. She covered a mile in 1:38.69 seconds over a fast track and paid $4.80. Fly So High was given an 83 Beyer Speed Figure.

“I thought her race was good,” said McGaughey. “I thought Jose put her in a good position after she broke well. She’s a big, old long-stride filly. He kept her busy. I told him in the paddock once she gets her feet under her, they’ll have a hard time outsprinting her to the wire.”

As for his 2,000th victory, McGaughey said, “I think it’s exciting. Obviously I’m thrilled with it. There are a tremendous amount of people to thank for it. I’m the guy who gets the credit, but there are a lot of people behind the scenes who deserve the credit.”