Sunshine Millions Turf contenders hard to separate

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Lacking the big purses and television coverage that once defined the Sunshine Millions, the event clearly has lost luster since its 2003 inaugural. But the 2017 renewal on Saturday at Gulfstream Park offers at least one excellent race: the $100,000 Sunshine Millions Turf, which drew eight well-matched older horses.

Reporting Star, Go Around, Enterprising, and Our Way are the main contenders in a 1 1/16-mile race that leads directly into the richest race and the finale in the five-race series, the $200,000 Classic.

“It looks like there are three or four you can make a case for, including ours,” said Brendan Walsh, who trains Reporting Star for Merribelle Stable. “I’m really happy with the way he came out of his last race. He should be there or thereabouts, especially since we’re running back at Gulfstream, where he really seems to love it.”

Enterprising, trained by Mike Maker, returns to Florida and to grass following a third-place finish five weeks ago in a stakes on Polytrack at Turfway Park.

“He’s been very consistent since we got him,” said Maker. “I’d like to see him get a hot pace to close into.”

Class and Cash is the apparent front-runner in the Turf, with Go Around likely to give closest chase, just ahead of Reporting Star and Enterprising.

Sunshine Millions Turf, Race 11

KEY CONTENDERS

Reporting Star, by Circular Quay

Last 3 Beyers: 94-93-90

◗ His victory over the highly regarded Divisidero in the Grade 3 Appleton here last April followed a runner-up finish behind Manchurian High in the Sunshine Millions Turf and remains a career benchmark.

Go Around, by Medaglia d’Oro

Last 3 Beyers: 93-95-89

◗ Shrewdly managed by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott throughout a 13-race career, this 5-year-old owns excellent tactical speed and stands to move up off a fifth-place finish in the El Prado here five weeks ago.

Enterprising, by Elusive Quality

Last 3 Beyers: 88-90-86

◗ Jose Ortiz picks up the mount on a 6-year-old gelding whose victory two starts back in a restricted stakes at Gulfstream West showcased his ability to close effectively.

Casse sends out Frosty Friday in Sunshine Millions Filly-Mare Turf

Long before he returns to a local hotel to put on his tuxedo, Mark Casse will start an extraordinary day at Gulfstream by saddling Frosty Friday in the $100,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf, the first of the five Sunshine Millions events.

Casse will have starters in five Saturday races, including three Sunshine Millions events, before attending the Eclipse Awards with his wife, Tina, and other family members.

“I’m very excited,” Casse said before departing Ocala, Fla., on Thursday. “I’m excited for Tepin and Classic Empire, and for being honored as one of the final three” candidates for outstanding trainer of 2016.

Frosty Friday, with Javier Castellano to ride, looks as good as any in the 1 1/16-mile Filly and Mare Turf. A field of seven is entered.

“It’s not an easy race,” said Casse, “although our mare probably is a little better than she looks on form. I thought her last race was very good. I keep looking for her to throw a real big one at us, and hopefully that’ll be Saturday.”

Mom’s On Strike, a late-flying second at 51-1 in the Pebbles at Belmont Park in October in her last start, is among the other favorites in the Filly and Mare Turf, along with Family Meeting and E B Ryder.

Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf, Race 3

KEY CONTENDERS

Frosty Friday, by Eskendereya

Last 3 Beyers: 81-79-76

◗ Her victory last out over the local turf when forcing all the pace signaled a return to top form, and a stalking trip from behind obvious front-runner Rontos Lily would put her in prime position here.

Mom’s On Strike, by First Dude

Last 3 Beyers: 93-75-81

◗ This 4-year-old gave a surprisingly good Pebbles effort for trainer Joe Sharp and now returns three months later to make her first start against older mares.

Family Meeting, by Sky Mesa

Last 3 Beyers: 85-82-81

◗ Glen Hill Farm homebred hasn’t won since taking the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante at the November 2015 meet at Del Mar, but she has been competitive in most subsequent starts and certainly fits with this brand.