Hot Storm Returns to Gulfstream for More Sunshine

Robert Adams' 5-year-old mare Hot Storm is making herself at home at Gulfstream Park ahead of her title defense in the $300,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint Saturday. The Florida homebred daughter of Stormy Atlantic was stabled at Gulfstream last winter, but was flown to Santa Anita to capture the six-furlong test last year.

This season trainer Dallas Stewart is based at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, but Hot Storm has had little trouble reacquainting herself with the Gulfstream track, according to assistant trainer Clay Brittle.

“She's been galloping the last two days here. She worked last week (five furlongs in 1:02 on Jan. 20) before making the trip, so she's pretty much ready to go.” Hot Storm won the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Oaks in 2005 at Santa Anita.

Stabled next to Hot Storm in the barn is West Point Thoroughbreds' Felonious Monk, a Stewart-trained stable mate entered in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash.

The 3-year-old son of West Acre won an allowance race on Jan. 1 at the Fair Grounds in his most recent start. He is 2-for-5 on his career and will be ridden by jockey John Velazquez in his first career stakes attempt.

Five California Jockeys to Ride at Gulfstream Saturday

A total of 20 horses shipped to South Florida from California for the Sunshine Millions races to be run Saturday at Gulfstream Park and will be followed by five California-based riders led by Garrett Gomez and Russell Baze along for the rides.

Only nine stakes runners went the other way for the rich races at Santa Anita and Eddie Castro is the lone jockey currently based at Gulfstream that will make the trip west as well. Jockey Eibar Coa also rides at Santa Anita, but is splitting his time this winter between New York and Gulfstream, depending on business.

Four other invaders for the Gulfstream races came from other racing centers. Trainer Dallas Stewart will be represented by Hot Storm and Felonious Monk and were flown in from New Orleans.

Rich in Spirit was due Thursday afternoon by van from Tampa Bay Downs for trainer Tom Proctor and Getcozywithkaylee arrives from trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr.’s Aqueduct division.