Sunshine Millions Will Have Crowded Fields

A total of 98 horses were entered Monday morning in Florida for the eight races that make up the Sunshine Millions. Half of the races restricted to California- and Florida-breds will be run at Santa Anita, the other four at Gulfstream Park.

The fourth annual Sunshine Millions marks the final day of jockey Jerry Bailey’s career, and he has mounts in three of the four races at Gulfstream. He will ride Thor’s Echo in the $300,000 Sprint, Secret Corsage in the $500,000 Distaff, then will end his career on Silver Tree for trainer Bill Mott in the $500,000 Turf.

The richest Millions race also drew the biggest field at Santa Anita. Fourteen were entered in the $1-million Classic, but only 12 will be allowed to start in the 1 1/8 -mile race.

McCann’s Mojave, who won the California Cup Classic at the same distance last fall, drew Post 12 for owner-breeders Alix Nikki Hunt and Mike Willman and trainer Paddy Gallagher.

The other races to be run at Santa Anita are the $250,000 Dash for 3-year-olds at six furlongs, the $300,000 Filly and Mare Sprint at six furlongs, and the $500,000 Filly and Mare Turf at 1 1/8 miles.

-- Bob Mieszerski