Stronach Stable’s 5-year-old mare Ginger Punch ran like a champion in her 2008 debut to capture the $500,000 Sunshine Million Distaff Saturday at Gulfstream Park, drawing clear to score by 6¾ lengths under regular jockey Rafael Bejarano.

It was Ginger Punch’s first start since a memorable victory in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Monmouth Park on Oct. 27, a race that sealed an Eclipse championship season.

Ginger Punch is a Florida homebred chestnut by owner-breeder Frank Stronach’s 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) hero Awesome Again .  Saturday’s victory pushed her career record to 15-8-5-1 with earnings of more than $2.2 million.

J. Paul Reddam’s 42-1 longshot Peach Flambe held well for second after setting the pace through most of the race while Ginger Punch stalked from third along the rail. Betty Currin’s Memorette finished third, two lengths behind the runner-up as Ginger Punch was timed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49:14 over the fast track, returning $2.60.

Winning Jockey Quotes

Rafael Bejarano:

“I tried to get in position behind the horse on the lead (Peach Flambe).  I tried to put her in second.  She broke slow so I had to use her a little bit to get her to go.  When I came into the far turn my horse exploded.  This horse is very special in my career.  She really gives me a special feeling.  I’ve ridden her so many times; Bobby doesn’t give me any instructions.”

Winning Owner-Breeder Quote

Frank Stronach :

“I had no anxious moments, but horses aren’t machines. You always pray. You can’t take it (winning) for granted. She seemed to come out of the race fine, and the jock (Rafael Bejarano) said he never used the whip.”

Fractions:  22:92, 46:09, 1:10:32, 1:35:84 & 1:49:14