Tackleberry springs upset in Sunshine Millions Classic
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Montbrook's Tackleberry outran his 27-1 odds to win the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Classic by 2 1/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park Jan. 29 (VIDEO).

Florida-bred Tackleberry went to the lead and never relinquished the top spot though he was pressured throughout by Duke of Mischief. Tackleberry set sensible fractions of :24.41, :48.78, and 1:12.13 for a final time of 1:48.52.

The winner has now finished first in six of 10 lifetime starts, including the Fred Hooper H. (G3) at Calder.

“He loves to run and wants the lead. Last time he stumbled and broke bad at the start and didn’t get to run his race. He’s a fighter. He looks like he’s dead at the top the stretch and he fights back," owner-trainer Luis Olivares said. "I might run him back next weekend. This is the biggest purse I’ve won."

A 4-year-old gelding out of Box of Joy, by Concerto, Tackleberry most recently ran fourth in the Hal's Hope H. at Gulfstream, ending a four-race winning streak. Olivares bought the dark bay privately as a 2-year-old from breeder Ocala Stud Farm, where Montbrook stands.
Tackleberry's victory, worth $275,000, increased his earnings to $487,225. 

Stallion Roster