Santa Anita Stable Notes

GALLAGHER SEEKS SECOND TURF TRIUMPH IN SUNSHINE MILLIONS

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2005) -- Paddy Gallagher has designs on his second victory in the Sunshine Millions Turf with Skywalker Red in the $500,000 race at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita on Jan. 29. The Turf is one of four races at Santa Anita on the $3.6 million program matching California-breds against Florida-breds in head-to-head competition. The remaining four races will be run at Gulfstream Park, including the $1 million Classic for older horses at 1 1/8 miles.

Gallagher won the 2003 Turf with Adminniestrator, the lone Cal-bred to win in the inaugural Sunshine Millions. This year the 48-year-old trainer hopes to score with Skywalker Red.

“It will be a tough race but he’s doing good right now,” the native of Ireland said of Skywalker Red, a 6-year-old gelded son of 1986 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Skywalker. “It’s a good time to take a chance for a big purse.”

All of Skywalker Red’s recent races have come on “firm” turf courses, and Gallagher is optimistic the course will be similar on Sunshine Millions day, despite unprecedented rain at Santa Anita through the meet’s first nine days.

“I think by the end of the month, sunshine will be back in California,” Gallagher said. “This has become a popular event very quickly, especially with Florida breeders and California breeders. It gives them a chance at some big money.”

Skywalker Red has a 3-5-6 record from 20 starts with earnings of $202,148.

First post time at Santa Anita on Sunshine Millions day will be 11:45 a.m. The eight-race, one-day festival will be televised nationally on NBC from 1-3 p.m.