2006 Sunshine Millions

Plagiarist Tries to Copy Debut

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2006) – Plagiarist, the California-bred-bred coming off a smashing 8 ¼-length maiden victory, will make his second start in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash for 3-year-olds.

“He was as impressive as you can get,” said trainer Doug O’Neill. “It was in such a tough race, too. It wasn’t a real easy maiden race. He was very impressive and hopefully he can repeat on Sunshine Millions day.”

There were 140 pre-entries for the fourth annual Sunshine Millions, which offers $3.6 million in eight races—four at Santa Anita and four at Gulfstream Park—matching horses from two of the nation’s leading thoroughbred breeding states, California and Florida in head-to-head competition

Festivities include the Miss Sunshine Millions Pageant, a KROQ Microbrew Festival, Family Fun Day and free Sunshine Millions cooler bags to everyone in attendance with paid admission at Santa Anita only while supplies last.

Sticky Fingers, a Rolling Stones tribute band, will perform at Sirona’s after the last race.

Probable for the $1 million Classic: B.B. Best, no rider; Buzzards Bay, Garrett Gomez; Calkins Road, Javier Santiago; Desert Boom, no rider; Lava Man, Corey Nakatani; McCann’s Mojave, Jose Valdivia Jr.; Supervisor, no rider; Texcess, Kent Desormeaux; Tricky Trevor, no rider; Who’s Crying Now, no rider; Wild Buddy, Aaron Gryder; and Proud Tower Too, David Cohen.
California Cup Classic winner McCann’s Mojave worked seven furlongs at Santa Anita Saturday under Valdivia in 1:25.40 for Paddy Gallagher.

At Hollywood on Saturday, Lava Man breezed six furlongs in 1:14.60 for O’Neill.

Leave Me Alone, winner of the Grade I Test Stakes, worked four furlongs at Santa Anita Saturday in a bullet :47 for Eric Kruljac. The California-bred daughter of Bold Badgett is a candidate for the $300,000 Filly & Mare Sprint at six furlongs and also is nominated to next Sunday’s Grade I Santa Monica Stakes at seven furlongs.

Probable for the Warren’s Thoroughbreds Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita: Beneficial Bartok, David Cohen; Dancing General, Garrett Gomez; Eclipse Winner, Corey Nakatani; Moscow Burning, David Flores; Midwife, no rider; Vous, no rider; Tiger Belle, Javier Santiago; Formal Miss, no rider; and Valentine Dancer, Jon Court.

Probable for the $300,000 Filly & Mare Sprint: Western Hemisphere, Victor Espinoza; Royally Chosen, Jon Court; and Double D Appeal, Javier Santiago.

Probable for the Dash: Da Stoops, Victor Espinoza; Brite Maneuvers, Corey Nakatani; Plagiarist, Garrett Gomez; Like Now, no rider; Dinner Magic, Javier Santiago; and Corazondelcampeon, no rider.

The post-position draw for the Sunshine Millions takes place tomorrow. All races will be televised live on NBC and HRTV. First post time at Santa Anita on Sunshine Millions day is 11:45 a.m. Gates open at 10.