X Y Jet unstoppable in Sunshine Millions Sprint; Dubai on deck
By Christine Oser
The $100,000 Sunshine Millions Sprint served as nothing more than a paid workout Saturday for dominant winner X Y Jet at Gulfstream Park, with the runaway victory a prep for the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen in Dubai.
“I always knew he was a runner,” said trainer Jorge Navarro. “I always thought he was one of the best sprinters two years ago. Hopefully, he comes back clean.”
The 6-year-old Kantharos gelding has returned from knee surgery three times now. A month ago, he made his first start back after a 13-month layoff to win the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector Stakes.
Off as the 4-5 favorite in the Sunshine Millions Sprint, X Y Jet broke from the one-hole and had his way up front. Jockey Emisael Jaramillo used the rail to his advantage and ushered the gray speedster past the other horses, cruising through fractions of :22.56 and :45.28. Sheik of Sheiks, Bold Envoy and Storming My Way ran side by side behind X Y Jet, with Mo Cash, Quijote and Sweetontheladies rounding out the field.
The rest of the Florida-breds were no match for X Y Jet as he turned for home. The winning margin continued to widen and X Y Jet finished off the six furlongs in 1:09.86, winning by 5 ½ lengths. The win was worth $3.60, $2.40 and $2.10.
“His race was excellent,” said Jaramillo. “My horse was not explosive at the start, but he has good speed and he responded well to take the lead. I was told to take the lead from the beginning, because his best weapon is his speed and uses it.”
Mo Cash, Sweetontheladies, Storming My Way, Quijote, Bold Envoy and Sheik of Sheiks completed the order of finish.
“He was capable of working twice [after the Mr. Prospector], so that was a big score,” said Navarro. “The times he came back to me before, there wasn’t even a workout. I’m training him now. He hasn’t taken a bad step or anything, so hopefully he stays that way.”
The Sunshine Millions Sprint marked X Y Jet’s eighth victory in 19 career starts, with earnings of $920,813. He finished second in the 2016 Dubai Golden Shaheen, and after his impressive victory, owners Rockingham Ranch and Gelfenstein Farm will have to decide if they want to return for another shot.
Navarro mentioned the Grade 3 Gulfstream Park Sprint set for March 3 should mark X Y Jet's final race before a trip to Dubai.