Entries Up for Sunshine Millions

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2005) -- Saturday's $3.6 million Sunshine Millions III, to be held for California-breds and Florida-breds at Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park, Monday drew 92 entries for the eight-race event, which will be televised nationally on NBC. Last year’s edition drew 85 entries.

The four races in Florida drew 43 horses, while the four races in California drew 49. Fifteen California-breds will compete at Gulfstream Park, including Bear Fan, the likely favorite in the $300,000 Padua Stables Filly & Mare Sprint, and Moscow Burning, who could go favored in the $500,000 Cloverleaf Farms Filly & Mare Turf against defending champ Valentine Dancer.

Among the California-bred entrants are millionaires Continental Red in the $500,000 Warren’s Thoroughbreds Turf and Full Moon Madness in the $300,000 Vinery Sprint. Four California-bred graded winners – Alphabet Kisses, House of Fortune, Yearly Report and Dream of Summer -- are competing in the $500,000 Barretts/CTBA Distaff.

Full Moon Madness leads a group of nine Cal-breds in the Sprint, including graded winner Areyoutalkintome.

In the $1 million Ocala Breeders’ Sales Classic, Cozy Guy and Lava Man will be out to repeat their 1-2 finish in the California Cup Classic.
Last year, 44,000 watched live and $38 million was wagered on the Sunshine Millions. This year, Santa Anita will host the Turf, Distaff, Sprint and Oaks. Gulfstreak Park will host the Classic, Filly & Mare Turf, Filly & Mare Sprint and Dash.

KROQ will present a Winter Break Party in the Santa Anita infield, sponsored by XpressBet. There will be a Miss Sunshine Millions pageant, the Pacific Dream Girls Dance troupe and Sunshine Millions cheerleaders.

Sunshine Millions T-shirts will be available for all THOROUGHBREDS members with paid admission while supplies last.
First post time on Sunshine Millions day is 11:45 a.m. with gates opening at 10 a.m.