Florida Sunshine Millions Preview Day at Gulfstream Park West kicks off Saturday, November 12 in race 2 with the $100,000 Millions Distaff Preview with a competitive field of eight fillies and mares set to go one mile on the main track.
The classy and talented Devil’s Cave (5/2) makes her return from over a six month layoff for trainer Martin Wolfson to assume the favorite’s role. The grade 2 winning Devil’s Cave was last seen May 2 at Churchill Downs finishing third in the Grade 1 La Troienne. Earlier in the spring, Devil’s Cave won the Grade 2 Sabin and third in the Grade 3 Rampart – both at Gulfstream Park proper. Devil’s Cave started twice at the old Calder (recently renamed Gulfstream West) with one win and one second place finish. Martin Wolfson hits at a 20% clip with runners returning from layoffs greater than 180 days.
Wolfson also sends out the 7/2 third choice in Swinger’s Party, who is also returning from a layoff. Swinger’s Party last raced July 27 at Saratoga, finishing a dismal seventh and beaten by 28 lengths on a muddy track in the Grade 3 Shuvee. Swinger’s Party has excelled over the Calder/Gulfstream Park West strip with two wins and a second in three starts.
Puddifoot (3/1), will try to stretch out to a mile for trainer Edward Plesa after six career races between 5 and half and six furlongs. Breaking from post 1 Puddifoot is likely to be the early leader with a clean start.
The Grade 2 $1.25 million Pennsylvania Derby features the two biggest names from the Triple Crown trail September 24 at Parx as a field of 12 gathers in one of the most intriguing betting races of the year.
The $1 million Cotillion Stakes September 24 at Parx features a true clash of the titans as the six-horse field is headlined by the undefeated, five-time grade 1 winner Songbird who figures to face the most stern challenge of her career.
In a completely wide open renewal of the Presque Isle Mile September 18 at Presque Isle Downs, 13 runners including the also-eligible will contest the eight furlong trip over synthetic footing.
Champion Songbird is set to make her much-anticipated return to the races in the $200,000 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita on Saturday. The Grade 2 event will be run at a mile and a sixteenth and has attracted a field of seven.
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