Mike Tarp’s 3-year-old filly American County went wire-to-wire to capture Saturday’s $250,000 Sunshine Millions Oaks at Gulfstream Park by 1¼ lengths over Robbies and Emmas Stable’s late-running Robbie’s Gal. Edgar Prado, who captured the Sunshine Millions Sprint in the race before aboard Benny the Bull ,  was aboard American County. 

A Florida-bred daughter of Gibson County, American County has been consistent throughout her career with a 9-2-3-3 record, and was making her first start since posting an allowance victory at Churchill Downs on Nov. 24. Circle C Group Stable’s Validain finished third in the field of 10 3-year-old fillies, 1½ lengths behind the runner-up,  as the winner was timed in 1:10:38 over the ‘fast’ track.

Winning Jockey Quotes

Edgar Prado:

“She was strong the whole way.  She went easy on the backside and really picked it up coming for home.  Dale Romans said just to let her have her head in front and see if they can catch her. I just got back from my mom’s two-year memorial service (in Peru).  There was a lot of family there.  It was bittersweet.”

Winning Trainer Quote

Dale Romans:

“It was easy. She went so fast early, and everybody was trying to keep up, she just put them away. She trained well and we were always pointing for this race. The rail is the place to be today. The fence is two-for-two in big races. Blitzing (favorite) has beaten us before, but I guess she didn’t show up today (ninth).”

Fractions:  21:81, 44:62 & 1:10:38