Sunshine Millions Proves to Be Big Draw

Ninety-two horses were entered for the eight Sunshine Millions races that will be run Saturday at Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park.

Four of the races restricted to California- and Florida-breds will be run locally and the other four will be run at Gulfstream, including the day’s main event, the $1-million Classic.

Won a year ago by Southern Image, the 1 1/8 -mile Classic attracted 14 entrants -- including also-eligibles Hear No Evil and Mister Fotis -- and the probable favorite is Midas Eyes.

Trained by Bobby Frankel for owner Ed Gann, Midas Eyes, a 5-year-old Touch Gold horse, will be making his first start since he finished second to Wildcat Heir in the DeFrancis Memorial at Pimlico on Nov. 20. In his only other start at nine furlongs, he was fourth, beaten by 1 1/2 lengths by Domestic Dispute, in last year’s Strub Stakes.

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

Two $500,000 contests head the Santa Anita program -- the Turf at 1 1/8 miles and the Distaff for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles. The other races are the $250,000 Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs and the $300,000 Sprint at six furlongs.

Silver Tree, Union Place, Star Over The Bay and A To The Z are among the top contenders in the Turf. Fencelineneighbor, Alphabet Kisses, Yearly Report, Dream Of Summer and House Of Fortune lead a deep field in the Distaff.

Shake You Down, who won the Sprint by three lengths as the 3-5 favorite a year ago, will try to defend his title in his second career race at Santa Anita. He was third behind Cajun Beat and Bluesthestandard in the 2003 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.