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| Staff Writer |
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Steal Sunshine is set to return to the work tab on March 15 ahead of his planned tilt at the US$1 million Gr.2 Godolphin Mile on the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup undercard at Meydan Racecourse on April 5.
The 6YO son of Constitution was last seen finishing a closing second to Mindframe in the Gr.2 Gulfstream Park Mile on March 1, a performance that prompted connections to target the Dubai contest.
"He's going to work Saturday," confirmed Gulfstream-based trainer Bobby Dibona. "We're doing all the preparations. He's doing good, and he's a good shipper. I'm not worried about that. I shipped him to Ellis Park and won (the 2022 Ellis Park Derby) with him. Hey, maybe we can pull it off."
Dibona believes his charge was unfortunate not to successfully defend his Gulfstream Park Mile crown last time out, having endured a troubled passage.
"If I don't get destroyed leaving the gate, I beat Mindframe that day. I spotted the field 20 lengths. He ran hugely. After that race, they extended the invitation for the Mile," Dibona said.
"He's a good horse. He needs a hot pace, and I think we'll get it. I think he'll have the pace he needs out there, and Paco Lopez says he's doing so, so good right now."
Lopez, who has partnered Steal Sunshine to two victories from eight rides since December 2023, will maintain their successful association both for the upcoming workout and in Dubai.
"This horse, he's great but you've got to know how to ride him, and he does, so it's all good," Dibona said. "He'll leave on (March 22) and we'll get out there and get a chance to maybe blow him out a little bit before the race."
Owned by Michael Iavarone, Jules Iavarone, Carrie Brogden, Kevin Pollard, Ed Gorry and David Menard, Steal Sunshine has compiled a career record of 7-3-7 from 27 starts with purse earnings of US$700,960. The consistent performer has made 21 appearances at his home track of Gulfstream, with his Ellis Park success representing his only victory away from Florida.