2003 Sunshine Millions

Saturday, January 25, 2003

Sunshine Millions Draws 326 Early Birds

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2002) – A total of 326 early bird nominations for the $3.6 million Sunshine Millions were received by this week’s closing. Of the total, 172 are California-breds,154 are Florida-breds.

The eight-race series for horses bred in California and Florida will be held Jan. 25, 2003, with four races run each at Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park.

Among the nominations received for the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic are Calkins Road, Continental Red, Grey Memo, Hot Market, Sir Bear and The Judge Sez Who. Nominees for the $750,000 Sunshine Millions Distaff include Castlebrook, Coolbythepool, Super High and Svea Dahl. The $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf nominees include Band Is Passing, Continental Red, Forbidden Apple, Miesque’s Approval and Stokosky.

The $250,000 Sunshine Dash for 3-year-olds drew the largest response with 58 nominations, while the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Fillies and Mares Sprint drew the smallest response with 25 nominations. The most lopsided totals were found in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Oaks for 3-year-old fillies, where California-breds held a 32-13 advantage, and in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash for 3-year-olds, where Florida held a 37-21 advantage.

Regular nominations at $500 close Jan. 11, 2003. Horses must pre-enter Jan. 15, 2003 and the post-position draw is Jan. 20, 2003. Click here for a list of the Early Bird nominees.