Paul Pompa Jr’s 3-year-old Florida homebred This Ones for Phil collared the leaders at the top of the stretch in Saturday’s $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash at Gulfstream Park, and drew clear to win by 2¼ lengths over Kramer Stables’ 6-5 favorite You Luckie Mann in the six-furlong test.

With Edgar Prado aboard, This One for Phil was making his first start since Nov, 8 at Calder and first since being purchased privately and placed with trainer Rick Dutrow. The chestnut gelding by Untuttable was twice stakes-placed last year for trainer Kathleen O’Connell. He paid $25.40 to win and was timed the six furlongs on a fast track in 1:09:10 to give Prado his third winner of the afternoon.

Blahut Racing’s Florida-bred, California shipper Kelly Leak finished third, 5¼ lengths behind the runner-up in the field of 10 3-year-olds with Robert Cole Jr’s Ju Jitsu Jax another three-quarters back in fourth after dueling for the lead early with You Luckie Mann.


Winning Jockey Quotes

Edgar Prado:

“It set up beautifully for us from the start. I didn’t have to work too much. Once I hit the turn, all I was concerned with was making sure nothing out of the ordinary would happen. We knew we pretty much had it at the turn. Everything went according to plan as they say. We had a lot left at the end. This is a strong horse.”


Winning Connection Quote

Nick Sallusto (New Jersey bloodstock agent):

“I bought this horse for Paul Pompa (Jr.) privately at Calder. I can speak for Paul and we picked out this horse with this race especially in mind. Today he showed us everything he’s been doing in the morning. He’s been freshened and he ran like it. Maturity and the shorter distance also helped. Since the Fountain of Youth has been shortened to a mile (Feb. 28) we’ll consider that race. I think a one-turn mile would suit him about perfect.”

Fractions:

22:23, 44:96 & 1:09:10