Noble Drama redeems himself in Sunshine Millions Classic

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – What a difference a year makes.

One year after finishing a well beaten sixth in the 2019 Sunshine Millions Classic, Noble Drama returned to run down the favored Red Crescent to post a head decision in the 2020 edition of the 1 1/8-mile fixture for Florida-breds on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

Noble Drama entered the Sunshine Millions Classic off one of the best efforts of his career, a 2 3/4-length victory against open company under high-level optional claiming and allowance conditions four weeks earlier. It was a noteworthy performance considering the homebred son of Gone Astray entered that race off an eight-month layoff.

With Emisael Jaramillo aboard Saturday, Noble Drama raced at the rear of the seven-horse field while saving ground during the early stages before angling outside to commence his bid on the second turn. Noble Drama continued his rally down the center of the track and joined the leaders near midstretch before proving narrowly best at the end.

Red Crescent, winner of the Sunshine Millions Classic Preview at Gulfstream Park West nine weeks earlier, was sent postward the 8-5 favorite exiting a fourth-place finish in the Grade 3 Harlan’s Holiday in his 2019 finale. Red Crescent raced within easy striking distance of the leaders and stuck his head in front between calls approaching the sixteenth pole, but could not last.

Squeezeadios finished third. He was followed, in turn, by Salute With Honor, Super Dude, and Tap the Mojo. Jay’s Way, winner of the 2018 Sunshine Millions Classic and second in defense of that title last year, broke poorly, recovered to race forwardly for six furlongs, but was ultimately pulled up by jockey Paco Lopez at the top of the stretch.

Owned by his breeder Harold Queen, Noble Drama paid $10.40 after completing the distance over a fast track in 1:50.78.

“He ran huge,” Fawkes exclaimed after the race. “Harold did a wonderful job getting this horse ready on the farm. When he sent him to me, I literally led him over here and he won and ran a huge race [in his last start].”

Fawkes said Noble Drama just “needed some time” when asked the reasoning for his long absence last spring and summer. He also praised Jaramillo for his handling of Noble Drama in the Sunshine Classic.

“It was a perfect ride,” said Fawkes. “At the head of the lane I was a little worried, but he kept riding him. This horse needs a little extra push and Emisael gave him a great ride.”