Galleon Mast Edges to Sunshine Millions Turf Victory

Anne D. Scott's Galleon Mast returned to his winning ways Jan. 20 in the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

The 5-year-old Mizzen Mast  gelding saw a three-race win streak in black-type stakes halted by a runner-up finish Nov. 11 when Enterprising ran him down in the Millions Turf Preview, but it was his turn to rally over rival Our Way to secure the victory in Saturday's event.

While 12-1 shot Charlie Mops set opening fractions of :24.03, :47.61, and 1:11.25 for the 1 1/16-mile test, 6-5 favorite Galleon Mast took a rail-skimming trip racing sixth in a field of seven. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and the gray gelding followed the bold three-wide run of Our Way, who launched his huge move around the far turn and assumed command under Jose Ortiz through a 1:34.62 mile.

Galleon Mast arrived on the scene four-wide and still reserved turning for home, inched closer with a sixteenth to go, and was set down by his rider in the final strides to get up by a head for the score. 

The final time was 1:40.68 on turf rated firm.

Galleon Mast returned $4.60, $2.60, and $2.20, Our Way brought $3.40 and $2.60 as the 2-1 second choice, and Second Mate, who completed the trifecta three lengths back, was worth $3.80. The order of finish was completed by Spring Up, Swagger Jagger, Charlie Mops, and Manchurian High.

Galleon Mast was bred in Florida by H & A Stables out of the Eskimo mare P. J.'s Eskimo. He improved his record to 8-6-4 from 22 starts, for earnings of $404,655.

Later on the card, Kevin Attard and Soli Mehta's former claimer Starship Jubilee took the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf under Jose Lezcano.

"She ran a tremendous race, put a gritty effort into it today, and Jose just gave a tremendous ride," Attard said. "Obviously, you would never imagine to be here today, but she's been a tremendous horse for us. What can I say? She tries hard every time."

Starship Jubilee was a $16,000 claim by Tino Attard in February of 2017. The 5-year-old Indy Wind mare immediately won five in a row, including the Nassau Stakes (G2T) and Dance Smartly Stakes (G2T) at Woodbine. She came in off a third in the Dec. 2 Claiming Crown Tiara Stakes to earn her latest victory.