Tackleberry upsets Millions Classic

Longshot Tackleberry led from the start and repulsed Duke of Mischief to win the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Classic by 2 1/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park Jan. 29. Odds-on favorite First Dude finished fourth after being taken back early by Kent Desormeaux and never regained his eagerness.

Florida-bred Tackleberry, sent off at 27-1 in the 10-horse marquee event, went to the lead as expected and never relented while being pressed throughout by Duke of Mischief, who became racing's newest millionaire in finishing second. Dream Maestro, another longshot, finished third.

The winner, who has now won six of 10 lifetime starts, including the Grade 3 Fred Hooper Handicap at Calder, set easy fractions of :24.41, :48.78, and 1:12.13 for a final time of 1:48.52. under Javier Santiago.