With a busy afternoon ahead of him, jockey Calvin Borel got his Sunshine Millions day started early with a breeze aboard John Oxleys 3-year-old colt Beethoven at Gulfstream Park with a return planned for next week to ride the colt in the $150,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G3).

Trainer John Ward indicated he was happy with the son of Sky Mesas 1:01 3/5 drill and declared him ready for his 2009 debut.

I thought it was a very good work, said Ward. He came on well at the end of it and really galloped out strong. Calvin was happy with it. If hes happy with it, Im happy with it.

Beethoven will bid for his third straight victory and second straight stakes win in the 1 1/8 miles Holy Bull. He scored a neck victory last out in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 29.

The colts running style during the work was similar to his running style in his most recent races. He gradually picked up speed up the backstretch, stuck close to the rail on the turn, and kicked into gear nicely while straightening into the stretch. His jockey lived up to his reputation as Calvin Bo-Rail.

This is a colt that really fits Calvin, said Ward. I told him this is your kind of horse. He gives me heart attacks, but hes your kind of horse. Calvin never rushes a horse away from the pole in a workout. He loves to wait and wait. It makes me worry, but he and this horse eventually turn it on.

It was the second time Borel was in town to work Beethoven. His previous trip to South Florida came on Jan. 3 and was coupled with a victory aboard Hobeau Farms Delightful Kiss in the Hals Hope Handicap (G3). Those two were scheduled to team up again in the $1 million OBS Sunshine Millions Classic later in the afternoon.

Velazquez Leads Competitive Field in Jockey Title Chase

Two-time Gulfstream Park riding champion John R. Velazquez is off to a good start in the early going of this years meet with 14 winners after 15 days, one more than Jose Lezcano second and two more than Eibar Coa and Kent Desormeaux tied for third with 12 apiece.

Velazquez won Gulfstream titles in 2004 and 2006. Coa was the 2003 champion and repeated last year. Coa will miss Saturdays card at Gulfstream to accept mounts in Sunshine Millions races at Santa Anita before returning to ride here Sunday.

Close-up behind the top four in a logjam at the top of the jockeys leader board are Cornelio Velasquez fifth with 11 tallies and Alan Garcia and Elvis Trujillo one more back with 10 each. Velasquez won the 2007 Gulfstream meet trophy. Trujillo joins Coa to ride at Santa Anita this afternoon.

Ken McPeek leads the trainers standings early on after sending out eight winners, three more than Peter Walder second with five, followed by a group of six others tied for third with four victories each.

Its a Bird rallied from the off the pace to win Saturdays $1 million Classic at Gulfstream Park, helping Florida-bred horses easily defeat their California counterparts for the seventh straight time in the bicoastal Sunshine Millions program.

The eight races worth $3.6 million came off under drastically different conditions.

Santa Anitas weather didnt live up to the events name. Fog obscured the San Gabriel Mountains most of the day and rain kept the infield attendance sparse. Skies were sunny at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Its a Bird led a 1-2-3 Florida sweep in the Classicone of four Florida sweeps Saturdayto win the days richest race by 5 lengths.

Ridden by Julien Leparoux, Its a Bird covered 1 1-8 miles in 1:49.35 and ended a three-race losing streak for trainer Marty Wolfson. Its a Bird paid $24 to win.

We got the perfect race, Leparoux said. We kept it nice for him and he did the rest. He got stronger as the race went on.

Dry Martini was second and 2-1 wagering favorite Delightful Kiss was another nose back in third.

Florida-breds won six of the eight races and outpointed California 56-16. Winners received five points each, second place was worth three points and third was worth one point. Florida has won the event all seven years its been held.

Just seven of 32 California-breds were entered in the four races at Gulfstream, giving Florida-breds an advantage. Nineteen of 45 Florida horses were entered at Santa Anita.

At Santa Anita, Soldiers Dancer came on strong deep in the stretch to win the $500,000 Turf by a half-length. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Soliders Dancer ran 1 1-8 miles in 1:49.64 and paid $4.80 to win.

Presious Passion was second and Unusual Suspect was third to put California on the toteboard for the first time Saturday.

I really wasnt worried because he was so far back early. Its the style of the horse, Bejarano said. He likes to come from behind like this. I always felt comfortable because I knew I had a lot of horse. He has a big, big kick.

Georgie Boy, knocked off last years Triple Crown trail by a back injury, won the $300,000 Sprint by 2 lengths at Santa Anita. Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Georgie Boy was timed in 1:08.12 over six furlongs to give California its second win on the day. He paid $6.60 to win.

Florida-bred Machismo was second and California-bred Partywithlarryz was third. In Summation, a Grade 1 winner like Georgie Boy, faded to fifth.

Part of the problem with this horse is that he has figured out what is going on, Gomez said about the winner. Before, he was just kind of like a high school kid who wants to play all the time. So now hes figured out he wants to run. The thing is to let him get into the huge stride of his and breathe. Now hopefully with this race behind him, hell mellow out a little bit.

Beltene gave California its first victory, winning the $250,000 Oaks at Santa Anita by a head under Joel Rosario, who rode his fourth winner on the card and first of the Millions program.

This has been an unbelievable day, he said. I thought I had a chance to win with this filly because she finishes well.

Florida-bred Hooh Why was second and California-bred Yodelady O was third.

Florida-bred Leahs Secret closed out the program by winning the $500,000 Distaff at Santa Anita. Ridden by Eibar Coa, Leahs Secret ran 1 1-16 miles in 1:42.58 and paid $4.60 to win for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Lady Railrider, a California-bred, was second and Florida-bred Unforgotten was third.

At Gulfstream, This Ones for Phil led a Florida sweep of the top three places in the $250,000 Dash. Trained by Rick Dutrow, This Ones for Phil caught the leaders at the top of the stretch and won by 2 lengths. He ran six furlongs in 1:09.10 and paid $25.40 to win. You Luckie Mann was second and Kelly Leak third.

Another Florida sweep occurred in the $500,000 Filly & Mare Turf. Wild Promises won by 1 3/4 lengths under Aaron Gryder for trainer Greg Gilchrist. They covered 1 1-8 miles on the turf in 1:47.82. Elusive Lady was second and Snow Cone third.

High Resolve led all the way in winning the $300,000 Filly & Mare Sprint by 2 lengths, giving the Northern California-based Gilchrist his second victory on the Millions program. Robby Albarado guided High Resolve over six furlongs in 1:10.55. Dubai Majesty was second and Lovely Isle third to complete another Florida sweep.

Leedstheway won the $50,928 Good Vibrations Purse by three lengths Friday at Santa Anita after leading the entire race.

Ridden by Tyler Baze, Leedstheway covered six furlongs in 1:15.51 and paid $10.60, $5.80 and $4. Liturgical returned $10.80 and $5.60 while Lordgivemealift paid $3.60 to show.

The victory, worth $28,800, increased Leedstheways maiden winnings to $16,200. The 3-year-old remains unbeaten.

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Quip wins Big A feature

Quip held off the onrushing Run With the Lark by a half length Friday to capture the $48,000 allowance feature at Aqueduct.

Quip gained a slight lead on the final turn and battled gamely the rest of the way for his third win in 13 starts. The 4-year-old, making his first start since mid October at Keeneland, ran the one mile, 70 yards in 1:42.02 on the fast track.

Richard Migliore rode for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin as Quip, the 2-1 favorite, paid $6.90, $3.50 and $3.40. Run With the Lark returned $4.70 and $4.10. Take the Bluff paid $4.20 to show.

When Mary Hartmann saddles Presious Passion for Saturdays $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf, she doesnt expect the race to turn into a soap opera.

The trainer probably has heard all the wisecracks about her name, and its nearly identical spelling to that of the 1976 syndicated soap opera parody, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.

Hartmann (two Ns) is visiting Santa Anita for the first time, and expects the 6-year-old Florida-bred son of Royal Anthem that she trains to pay his way, as usual. In 34 lifetime starts, the millionaire gelding has nine wins, four seconds and two thirds, for earnings of $1,052,018.

I had the horse from his third start, said Hartmann, who arrived in California Wednesday and who has been training for about a dozen years. He just doesnt like wet turf, yielding turf, although he did win the United Nations Handicap at Monmouth last July on a yielding course.

Presious Passion is owned by Patricia Generazio. Shes great and has a lot of horses, said Hartmann, who didnt elaborate on Patricias vocation, only to say shes just rich, with a laugh.

Hartmann is a New Jersey resident who came up under trainer J.J. (Jim) Crupi. He is now in Ocala, pinhooking, Hartmann said. When he retired, he gave me everything. I have horses at Monmouth, the Meadowlands, and Florida, and about 10 in Florida and 35 in New Jersey.

This is my first time at Santa Anita. Its beautiful.

In other Sunshine Millions Turf news:

Lucky J.H. will try to successfully negotiate 1 1/8 miles on turf for the first time when the 7-year-old horse runs in the Sunshine Millions Turf. The California-bred son of Cees Tizzy owned by John Harris and trained by Carla Gaines won his last race, the restricted Impressive Luck Handicap at about 6 1/2 furlongs on turf, on Dec. 29. It was his first start since April 4, 2008.

He was coming off a long layoff, so the 6 1/2 made sense for his first start (back), Gaines said. Hes had that race, and a nice, two-turn work on the main track, so hes ready to go.

Lucky J.H. was second at 1 1/8 miles on Hollywood Parks main track in the Snow Chief Stakes in 2005. He has an 8-3-4 record from 18 starts, with earnings of $630,065.

The field for the Turf: Jacks Wild, Joel Rosario, 12-1; Epic Power, Corey Nakatani, 15-1; Presious Passion, Elvis Trujillo, 6-1; Swift Winds, Alonso Quinonez, 8-1; Liberian Freighter, David Flores, 20-1; Victory Pete, Mike Smith, 30-1; Icy Atlantic, Eibar Coa, 9-2; Soldiers Dancer, Rafael Bejarano, 5-2; Pistol Pete Afleet, Jesus Rios, 30-1; Lucky J.H., Victor Espinoza, 5-1; Unusual Suspect, Joe Talamo, 10-1; Mr. Chairman, Michael Baze, 15-1; Seminole Native, Jose Valdivia Jr., 20-1; and Screen to Screen, Garrett Gomez, 20-1.

In other Sunshine Millions news:

Lady Railrider is getting acclimated to Santa Anita as she prepares for the $500,000 Distaff. The 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Ride the Rails began her career in Idaho and had her last 10 starts in the Bay Area.

She shipped here good and shes been training good, trainer Steve Specht said Friday morning. Shes been looking around, taking in her new surroundings, and hasnt been quite as aggressive as she normally is up north during her two days of galloping down here, but hopefully shes just checking out the scenery.

Physically, shes healthy and sound and hasnt missed an oat since shes been here, so Im hoping shell continue to move up. She tries hard every time, but this is a pretty tough bunch. Shes never run with these kind before shes had a couple route races under her belt (both victories) She actually should have won the day she ran second (last Oct. 13) first time back (after an eight-month absence due to a quarter crack in her coronet band). She got dead-stopped halfway down the backside and went back to last. She came rolling down the lane but got there too late.

Lady Railrider is 20-1 on the morning line, but thats no deterrent for Specht. He saddled McCanns Mojave to win the 2007 Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park at odds of 33-1.

Lady Railrider has a 4-4-1 record from 12 starts, with earnings of $134,700 for owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams of Boise, Idaho.

The field for the Distaff, which goes as race No. 9 on an 11-race program: Waveline, Rafael Bejarano, 20-1; Briecat, Jon Court, 9-2; Leahs Secret, Eibar Coa, 7-2; Eclatante, Jose Valdivia Jr., 30-1; Lady Railrider, Frank Alvarado, 20-1; Spenditallbaby, Victor Espinoza, 10-1; Unforgotten, Shaun Bridgmohan, 6-1; Bai and Bai, Corey Nakatani, 8-1; Dawn After Dawn, Garrett Gomez, 10-1; Annabill, Joel Rosario, 5-1; Tiz A Blend, Tyler Baze, 12-1; Amazing, Elvis Trujillo, 15-1; and Perfect Hostess, Alonso Quinonez, 30-1.

Bejarano is named on three morning line favorites in the Sunshine Millions races at Santa Anita: Soldiers Dancer, Emmy Darling and In Summation. His lone outsider is 20-1 shot Waveline in the Distaff.

First post time Sunshine Millions Day is 11:45 a.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. All THOROUGHBREDS members in attendance will receive free the official Sunshine Millions AM/FM Beach radio with paid admission while supplies last.

Saturday marks the grand opening of Lucky Bs hot dog stand in the Tower Concession stand adjacent to the East Paddock Gardens, featuring four kinds of delicious hot dogs and showcasing celebrity look-alikes and hostesses.

Lucky Bs is scheduled to remain open each weekend through the Santa Anita meet, offering the Lucky Bs hot dog; the classic Foot-Long; the spicy Chili Cheese; and the classic Chicago-style. Other goodies such as sodas and chips will be available.

The popular Miss Sunshine Millions Pageant and the Santa Anita Handicapping Contest also will take place Saturday at Santa Anita.

CLAIMER TURNED STAKES WINNER ON THE ACORN RETIRED

On the Acorn, a rags-to-riches gelding who rose from the claiming ranks to become a graded stakes winner, was retired Thursday after suffering a ligament tear while preparing for a return to the races in the San Luis Rey Handicap on March 21, according to trainer Mike Mitchell.

Claimed for $40,000 on Nov. 25, 2006, British-bred On the Acorn went on to win five of 10 starts and earn $581,400 for the Indizguys Stables partnership that includes Santa Anita publicist Jack Disney, his brother, Doug, former Angels baseball manager Buck Rodgers, former Los Angeles Times Hall of Fame baseball writer Ross Newhan, former USC and San Francisco 49ers receiver Paul Salata and insurance executive Fred Krueger.

On the Acorn, a son of Inchinor, retired with an overall record of 8-3-4 in 32 lifetime starts for career earnings of $743,812. His victories included the 2007 San Juan Capistrano Handicap and Hollywood Parks Jim Murray Memorial Handicap twice.

If he wasnt going to be the same horse at 8, were just so grateful for the excitement and comraderie he provided our group, and will continue to savor his last race when he nipped Champs Elysees on the money to win his second Jim Murray, Disney said. Mike is going to give him to Sherry, the gallop girl who became so very devoted to Acorn, and maybe she will eventually make a jumper out of him, but the proviso is that he never show up on a racetrack again for anybody.

While On the Acorns performance far exceeded our wildest expectations, a most satisfying bi-product was the exciting comraderie he brought to our ownership group, many of whom entered the venture as little more than casual acquaintances.

Hes been a real good horse and hes retiring sound, Mitchell said. We wanted him to have a good life in retirement. That was our plan from the beginning.

FINISH LINES: Sunny skies are forecast this weekend in the Arcadia area The popular Magna 5, an exotic wager consisting of five races in about an hour, resumes at Santa Anita Saturday starting with the ninth race at Laurel at approximately 1:42 p.m. Races completing the bet are the fifth from Gulfstream Park (2:05 p.m.), the sixth at Santa Anita (2:23), the fifth at Golden Gate (2:35) and the 10th from Gulfstream, the Sunshine Millions Classic (2:45) Peter Eurton, winning at a 43 percent clip with six victories from 14 starters, including the 3-year-old filly Bettyboomboom ($11) in yesterdays eighth race, is taking success in stride. A year ago at Hollywood Park I think we started as leading trainer with four for nine, but this is much more fun, Eurton said on a drizzly Friday morning at Clockers Corner. Its all about timing. The filly yesterday just trained so well over this track. Eurton had 20-1 morning line selection Moonshine Molly entered in todays eighth race, and two more horses on Saturday Delahoosee, second by 1 1/2 lengths as the even-money favorite in Thursdays second race, is named after retired Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, but not with his blessing. A couple of the owners named the horse after me, said Delahoussaye, who owns a share of the son of 1997 Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold, but I didnt want them to. I didnt know they did it until after it was done. I was surprised. Brad Free of Daily Racing Form and Jason Levine of Inside Racing, on radio station XTRA, 570 AM, Los Angeles, 8 a.m., weekends, will be Jack Disneys guests at Sundays Fans Forum, 11:15 a.m., in the East Paddock Gardens, weather permitting.

After spending 2008 in a Big Brown shadow, West Point Thoroughbreds Macho Again is ready to step into the sun as one of the top choices in Saturdays $1 million OBS Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park.

The 4-year-old son of Macho Uno battled through a hardcore campaign last year, running the gauntlet to a second-place finish in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and a victory in the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga. He also endured a rough trip in the Travers Stakes (G1) where he finished eighth and had to settle for second in the Super Derby (G2) after traffic hampered his closing kick.

With eyes on the big purse of Saturdays Florida-bred/California-bred clash, trainer Dallas Stewart gave Macho Again a vacation. After a sixth-place tune-up on turf at the Fair Grounds Dec. 20, the plan is coming together nicely.

After the Super Derby we took the Breeders Cup off the table and wanted to give him time to fill out, get his energy back and get his weight back, said Stewart while holding Macho Again through a morning bath at Gulfstream. Hes responded well.

The loss in his seasonal debut in the Woodchopper Stakes has not daunted Stewart at all. The Mississippi native says it was necessary and can be completely discounted.

We had to get him going again because we didnt want to go into this race being his first start in four months, he said. There were no other options to run except on the turf. It did help get him focused and in the right competitive frame of mind.

Stewart expects jockey Kent Desormeaux to guide Macho Again through his typical mid-pack trip, and that the colts prep race and training will insure all the rust from the layoff will be gone.

Its a competitive race and hes going to be in the middle of it, said Stewart. Hes gotten more and more focused every day and weve been working him in company every time to get his competitive spirit built up. Hes been doing well and getting better and better.

Abrams Runners Seek Sunshine Millions Cash; His Stallion, Prestige

California-based trainer Barry Abrams is leading the raiding party to Gulfstream Park in an attempt to burnish the reputation of the stallion Unusual Heat, whom he co-owns.

The Florida-bred contingent far outnumbers the California-breds this year, and Abrams can earn more cash beyond the rich purses of the races if his three cross-country shippers are able to produce strong performances on the real dirt of Gulfstream Park.

With all the tracks in California now synthetic surfaces, these races give their sire a chance to prove hes not limited to just those types of tracks, said Abrams while watching Bel Air Sizzle, the 4-year-old filly he owns with Madeline Auerbach and others. Right now Unusual Heat is fully booked, but hes not really considered a national sire. Some good races on dirt could change that.

Abrams, who co-owns all his horses with various partners, sends 4-year-old filly Flashover in the $300,000 Hill n Dale Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint. She is 2-for-2 to start her career, both wins at Santa Anita.

He will also saddle Medzendeekron in the $1 million OBS Sunshine Millions Classic. It will be that 6-year-old geldings first race on dirt since two attempts to break his maiden at Hollywood Park in 2006, prior to the mandated switch that all tracks in that state convert to artificial surfaces.

With Flashover its not a gamble, but a question mark whether she will handle it, said Abrams. Without this program she would have had little or no opportunity to try and find out. If either of the main track horses can finish 1-2-3 on dirt its really going to help Unusual Heat.

Abrams expects Medzendeekron to be a speedy presence in the headline race as he stretches out to 1 1/8 miles after sprinting in his last seven starts. He says the gelding was named for an ancient Armenian king by one of his partners, David Nakashian.

Bel Air Sizzle races in the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf, where Abrams calls her a proven commodity. She will face fellow Californian shipper Wild Promises, who promises to be one of the biggest favorites on the card.

Abrams has Spenditallbaby ready to start back home at Santa Anita in the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Distaff

Donn & Gulfstream Turf Highlight Action Next Weekend at Gulfstream

Renewals of the $500,000 Donn Handicap (G1) Saturday and $300,000 Gulfstream Turf Handicap (G1) Sunday are among six graded stakes to be run next weekend at Gulfstream Park, two each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Expected to lead the cast for the 51st edition of the Donn Handicap at 1 1/8 miles are Shadwell Stables Albertus Maximus, Midnight Cry Stables Einstein, Allen Paulson Living Trusts A.P. Arrow and Jay Em Ess Stables Arson Squad.

Albertus Maximus makes his first start for Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoums Shadwell Stable and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin since being purchased privately after capturing the $1 million Breeders Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. A good effort in the Donn by the 5-year-old son of Albert the Great will send him to the $6 million Dubai World Cup (G1) on Mar. 28.

Einsteins imposing resume includes winning the Gulfstream Turf twice (2006 & 2008), but the immediate goal for the 7-year-old Brazilian-bred son of Spend a Buck is to enhance his credentials in main-track events with his potential value at stud in mind. Einstein makes his first start since capturing the Clark Handicap (G2) on dirt at Churchill Downs on Nov. 28 for trainer Helen Pitts-Blasi.

Sharing the spotlight on Saturdays program with the Donn will be the $150,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds, also run at 1 1/8 miles, and a key preview of potential Florida Derby (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) prospects. The $750,000 Florida Derby will be run on Sat., Mar. 28.

The probable field for the Holy Bull includes Harold Queens Big Drama, John Oxleys Beethoven, Lansdon Robbins III and Sam Delaneys Danger to Society, Ol Memorial Stable and C.E. Glasscocks A.P. Cardinal, My Meadowview Farms Nowhere to Hide and Lori and George Halls West Side Bernie and/or Atomic Rain.

Next weekends stakes action kicks off on Friday with renewals of the $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes (G2) and $150,000 Forward Gal Stakes (G2), companion events for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs, the latter for fillies.

Leading candidates for the Hutcheson include Eli Gindls Break Water Edison and Elizabeth Valandos Hello Broadway, both making their 3-year-olds debut after finishing one-two, respectively, last out in the Nashua Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct on Nov. 2; and Joseph Rauch and David Zells Capt. Candyman Can.

The lineup for the Forward Gal may include Melnyk Racing Stables Gemswick Park, Martin Schwartz Elusive Heat and Dare To Dream Stables Frolics Dream, who finished one-two-three last out in the six-furlong Old Hat Stakes (G3) here on Jan. 4, separated by a head in a thriller finish.

The Gulfstream turf course will be in the spotlight Sunday with the Gulfstream Turf Handicap, shortened this year from 1 3/8 miles to 1 1/8 miles, and the $125,000 Suwannee River Handicap (G3) at the same distance for fillies and mares, to be run for the 62nd time.

The clear favorite and center of attention in the Gulfstream Turf will be IEAH Stables and partners 6-year-old Kip Deville in his season debut for trainer Rick Dutrow. The roan/gray son of Kipling won the 2007 Breeders Cup Mile (G1) at Monmouth Park and finished second to the outstanding French filly Goldikova in that race run at Santa Anita on Oct. 25.

Prominent among likely starters in the Suwannee River are Three Chimneys Racings Irish-bred 5-year-old mare Callwood Dancer and Stronach Stables 4-year-oild filly Ginger Brew, both Sovereign Award champions in Canada last year; and Dennis Federicos Waquoits Love and Darley Stables Sea Chanter, one-two in the Marshuas River Stakes over the course on Jan. 11.

Dream Empress Gets Back to Work at Palm Meadows

Livin the Dream Stables 3-year-old filly Dream Empress breezed a sharp three furlongs in 36 3/5 Friday morning at Palm Meadows as the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) runner-up posted her first workout of the year for trainer Ken McPeek.

The daughter of Bernstein won the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 3 in her third career start before her excellent effort in the Breeders Cup at Santa Anita on Oct. 24 when beaten only 1 lengths by Stardom Bound, odds-on favorite to be acclaimed Eclipse champion of the division.

Dream Empress made one start after the Breeders Cup in the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 29, finishing fourth as the favorite. McPeek has indicated that Dream Empress is on schedule for a possible return to competition in late February or early March.

McPeek also has another accomplished 3-year-old filly prospect in Steve Stan Stables Striking Dancer, who also posted her first workout of the year Friday morning at Palm Meadows, timed a half-mile in 48 2/5. The daughter of Smart Strike ran well in all four of her starts last year, breaking her maiden on turf at Churchill by 5 3/4 lengths on Nov. 1 and finishing second last out in the Caressing Stakes over the course on Nov. 29.

Ju Jitsu Jax Ready to Kick Down Door in Sunshine Millions Dash.

Robert Coles 3-year-old colt Ju Jitsu Jax has an opportunity to keep his undefeated record intact Saturday when the Florida-bred sprints into action in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash at Gulfstream Park.

Three starts into the son of Tiger Ridges career trainer, Scott Lake feels the timing is perfect for a first attempt in a stakes race even though his charge still has plenty to learn.

Hes tremendous right now, said Lake Thursday morning, two days after a third successive bullet workout at Gulfstream. He worked really well again on Tuesday and hes still learning out there. He still goes out there and will stick his ears up, look around and wait for horses. If we can get him to stop that, this horse has a lot of talent.

So far the youthful exuberance hasnt kept Ju Jitsu Jax from winning. He rattled off three victories in Delaware and Maryland over eight weeks, starting with his Sept. 8 debut. He has yet to race over a fast track and his second start at Laurel Park on Sept. 27 was a debacle of a race according to Lake.

First he takes a total right-hand turn coming out of the gate, he said. Then he gets sent up around horses, gets to the lead and then does that thing with his ears and starts waiting again. Its part of the reason he didnt get a big (speed) number in the race, but hes still learning.

Since his last race, fate helped steer Ju Jitsu Jax to the annual clash of Florida-breds and California-breds. Lake and Cole have been dominant forces in the Mid-Atlantic by picking soft spots across the region. They had a similar plan with this colt, but both are happy Saturday will be the colts first stakes test.

Right after his last race we thought about coming down here, but we looked instead at a stakes at Charles Town that ended up getting canceled, said Lake. We would have been favored in a race at Penn National, but they were having problems with their track and weather. In the end, we decided wed be stupid not to make the Sunshine Millions for all the money it offers.

Orseno: Snow Cone Wont Melt in Sunshine Millions

Live Oak Plantations 5-year-old turf mare Snow Cone was doing too good to go on vacation, despite a disappointing finish in her last start, and trainer Joe Orseno convinced her owners she deserved another chance in Saturdays $500,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park.

The Florida-bred daughter of Cryptoclearance will again face the late Harry Aleos Wild Promises after falling too far behind the front-runner in the My Charmer Handicap (G3) at Calder Race Course on Dec. 6. Orseno says the scene shift should improve his charges chances.

I know Wild Promises is a tough filly and she ran a big race last time, said Orseno Thursday morning. I think this time theres more speed to go with her. She shouldnt get the same easy lead she got at Calder. She got loose on a turf course that was pretty chewed up and most of us had no chance to make up any ground.

Snow Cone went to Santa Anita for this same race last year and finished in a dead heat for fourth. She won just once in eight starts in 2008, but Orseno says there were plenty of excuses.

It looks like she hasnt been running very well, but shes been in some really rough races, he said. Honestly, we know now it looks like she needs to be on the outside. Shes been trapped in a lot of cases and hasnt been getting a chance to show her best.

Orseno will call on jockey Joe Bravo a fellow star on the New Jersey circuit to deliver the trip that will let Snow Cone show her best.

Ive known Joe for 20 years and I really trust him to put this mare where she belongs. I know hes going to understand what she needs to do and that shes going to run a big race, because shes doing really good right now.

McPeek Sets Plans for Talented 3-Year-Olds

Trainer Ken McPeek shipped into South Florida for the winter season with divisions at Gulfstream Park and Palm Meadows and high expectations after a good season in 2008. Thanks largely to promising juvenile talent, the Lexington-native has gotten the new campaign off to a fast start with eight winners, including impressive allowance victories by three different 3-year-old colts.

Lansdon Robbins III and Sam Delaneys Danger to Society and Silver Wing Stables Free Country each won a other than allowance races at 1 1/8 miles on Jan. 8 and Samotowka Stables and partners Theregoesjojo won his a other than allowance condition going seven furlongs two days later on Jan. 10. All won over several other highly-regarded young prospects.

Naturally, wed like to keep them apart for now, said McPeek Thursday morning. Right now were looking to run Danger to Society in the ($150,000) Holy Bull Stakes (G3) here (Jan. 31 at 1 1/8 miles), Theregoesjojo in the race at Fair Grounds ($200,000 Risen Star Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles on Feb. 7) and Free Country in the race at Tampa Bay Downs ($225,000 Sam Davis Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles on Feb. 14).

In addition to this accomplished trio of potential Kentucky Derby (G1) prospects, McPeek also has another highly-regarded 3-year-old colt in Marvin Delfiner and partners More Than Willing, although the son of More Than Ready is still a maiden after two starts. He finished a closing third in his debut at Churchill Downs on Nov. 8 and second as the favorite in a six-furlong maiden test on Jan. 3 behind highly regarded Checklist.

Hes entered for a race Sunday. Hes got to get past his maiden, but we certainly think he has the potential to go on to bigger objectives once he gets that (maiden) done. Its a nice problem to have (keeping the talented 3-year-olds apart).

McPeek picked out for purchase three of the four youngsters at different yearling sales: Danger to Society (by Harlans Holiday) for $300,000 at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July, Theregoesjojo (by Brahms) for $42,000 at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October and More Than Willing for $140,000 at Keeneland September. Free Country was purchased by his owner for $10,500 as a weanling at the Keeneland November sales.

While the colts in the McPeek barn are making most of the news so far this season, the stable also hopes to be well represented by 3-year-old fillies as the season unfolds with Live the Dream Racings Dream Empress and Steve Stan Stables Striking Dancer each about to begin serious training.

They both got a month off after their last races last year, so they are about 30 days behind the colts, said McPeek. Both are ready for their first breeze of the season in about a week and could be ready to run by late February or early March. Theyre both on schedule.

Dream Empress is a daughter of Bernstein who ranked among leaders of her division last year after winning the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 3 and finishing a game second three weeks later in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Santa Anita on Oct. 24. She subsequently finished fourth as the favorite last out in the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 29.

Striking Dancer is a chestnut daughter of Smart Strike that has shown her best on turf so far, breaking her maiden at Churchill Downs by 5 lengths on Nov. 1 in her third career start. She started with two good tries sprinting, and finished a fast-closing second in the Caressing Stakes over the Churchill course on Nov. 29.

In addition to running Danger to Society in the Holy Bull Stakes on Jan. 31, McPeek will send out Allen Paulson Living Trusts 7-year-old A.P. Arrow in the $500,000 Donn Handicap (G1) that afternoon as the son of A.P. Indy makes his first start since finishing seventh behind Curlin in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park on Sept. 27.

The homebred chestnut will be making his first start since being placed with McPeek after trainer Todd Pletcher guided his career through earnings of nearly $1.5 million with highlights including victory in the 2007 Clark Handicap (G2) at Churchill Downs and a half-length runner-up finish behind Spring At Last in the Donn last year.

Pitched Perfectly held off Cliffys Future by a head on Thursday to win the $46,000 allowance feature for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct.

Rajiv Maragh was aboard for trainer Gary Contessa as the chestnut colt posted his second win in five starts. The time was 1:41.07 for the one mile, 70 yards on the fast track.

Pitched Perfectly, the 2-1 favorite paid $6.90, $3.80 and $2.90. Cliffys Future returned $4 and $2.90. Tap Man earned $3.30 to show.

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Blue Exit wins at Santa Anita

Blue Exit rallied from last to win Thursdays $64,000 Altadena Purse by three lengths at Santa Anita.

Ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, Blue Exit covered 1 1-16 miles in 1:42.09 and paid $7.60, $3.80 and $3.20.

Star Nicholas returned $3.40 and $2.60, while Rocket Legs paid $3.40.

Blue Exit was coming off a three-month break after finishing fourth in his U.S. debut and 13th in the Oak Tree Derby at Santa Anita in October.

The victory, worth $36,000, increased Blue Exits career earnings to $128,178, with four wins in eight starts, including two stakes victories in France.

Sometimes you have to take one step back before trying to take two steps forward.

That pretty much sums up the decision trainer Ian Wilkes has made with his Kentucky Derby prospect Capt. Candyman Can, who will begin his 3-year-old campaign turning back to seven furlongs for the Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes on Jan. 30 after making his final three starts at 2 at distances of a mile or longer.

Capt. Candyman Can gained immediate fame following his impressive debut win last summer at Saratoga. He jumped immediately into a graded stakes, finishing a troubled sixth as the favorite in the Grade 3 Arlington-Washington Futurity. A son of Candy Ride, he rebounded in his next start with a popular three-length triumph going a mile in the Grade 3 Iroquois before concluding his season three weeks later with a close third-place finish behind the Beethoven in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs.

“He did too much wrong in his last start,” Wilkes said. “He was just too aggressive and didn’t relax like I thought he would. What he needs is a seven-furlong race where there is enough speed to get him back, a race that should be able to tell us what direction to take with him down the road.”

Wilkes should know what it takes to get a potential Derby candidate ready for battle. He was an integral part of trainer Carl Nafzger’s team that made all the right moves preparing Street Sense for his Kentucky Derby victory in 2007.

The Hutcheson is coming up relatively soft. The top two finishers from the six-furlong Spectacular Bid – Notonthesamepage and You Luckie Mann – are both heading elsewhere.

Notonthesamepage is not scheduled to run again until the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, while You Luckie Mann will likely be favored in Saturday’s Sunshine Millions Dash.

Capt. Candyman Can has had four works at Palm Meadows since his arrival in south Florida. The last two have been bullets, including a five-furlong drill in 59.80 seconds on Monday, which was matched on that morning’s work tab by Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Albertus Maximus.

“His works have been nice and comfortable,” said Wilkes. “The most important thing right now is not to get too far ahead of the game. We’ve still got to find out if he’s good enough to be a Derby contender. I think he is, and I also think he’ll handle the added distances. But right now what he needs is racing, some more experience, and, for him, the Hutcheson is the perfect place to start out.”

Atoned’s target race nears

At this time last winter, Atoned was on the Kentucky Derby trail after concluding his 2-year-old campaign with a second-place finish behind Court Vision in the Gradeo2 Remsen. Atoned’s reputation was further enhanced by another near miss, a neck loss, behind Big Truck, when Atoned began his 3-year-old season in the Grade 3 Tampa Derby.

Unfortunately, Atoned’s Derby dreams ended following disappointing performances in both the Illinois Derby and Lexington. In fact, he did not win a race at 3 until his season finale, in the Grade 3 Pegasus on Oct. 24 at the Meadowlands. But trainer Todd Pletcher is looking forward to bringing Atoned back to action on Saturday as one of the top contenders in the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic.

“We’ve been pointing for the Classic ever since the Pegasus,” said Pletcher, who trains Atoned for Cot Campbell’s Dogwood Stable. “We thought about running him in the Hal’s Hope as a prep for the Classic but decided it was a little too close. This is going to be a tough race, but I’m very pleased with the way he’s training – and his last three works indicate to me that he’s doing as well as he’s ever done.”

Atoned will break from post 8 in a field of 12 set to go in the 1 1/8-mile Classic. He’ll be ridden by Chris Decarlo, who guided the son of Repent to victory in the Pegasus.

Frolic’s Dream targets Forward Gal

Frolic’s Dream would likely have been the odds-on favorite had her connections opted to ship her to Santa Anita for Saturday’s Sunshine Millions Oaks. Instead, Frolic’s Dream will stay at home and await the Grade 2 Forward Gal here the following week. Frolic’s Dream suffered her first setback in four starts when finishing third, beaten two noses by Gemswick Park and Elusive Heat, in the six-furlong Old Hat Stakes on Jan. 4.

Frolic’s Dream had her first workout since the Old Hat, an easy half-mile in 50.40 seconds over her home base at Calder on Tuesday.

The Fort Erie, Ontario, Economic Development and Tourism Corporation has made a $35 million offer to purchase Fort Erie Race Track in Ontario from the track’s owner, the Nordic Gaming Corporation, and its parent corporation, the Israeli-based El-Ad Group.

Preliminary discussions on the sale between the two parties have already taken place.

The development and tourism company’s proposal is an attempt to ensure a 2009 racing season for the 112-year-old track. Nordic Gaming has announced that losses resulting from a serious decline in casino profits at Fort Erie have imperiled a 2009 season, and layoffs have already been announced.

The purchase would require a low-interest loan and $3.2 million advance from Ontario’s provincial government for a down payment. A Jan. 26 deadline has been set by Nordic Gaming for provincial approval.

Jockey Jake Barton had his 2,000th Thoroughbred winner when he rode the favored Song of Pirates ($3,40) to victory in the third race at Turf Paradise Tuesday.

Barton, 42, began his career at age 16, riding the bush tracks in New Mexico. From there he moved to Turf Paradise. He has also ridden in Northern California, at Assiniboia Downs, Hastings Park, Northlands Park and Stampede Park though the bulk of his work in recent years has been split between Turf Paradise and recently Woodbine, where he moved full-time in 2001.

Barton suffered serious back injuries in a spill at Golden Gate in 1999 that nearly forced his retirement.