Mooji Moo, Bear Fan Square Off in Sprint Event

Mooji Moo is back to defend her Sunshine Millions title in the $300,000 Padua Stables Filly and Mare Sprint Saturday at Gulfstream Park against five rivals that include multiple grade II winner Bear Fan.

The two met in last year's event when Mooji Moo sprang a 17-1 upset at Santa Anita Park. Bear Fan was third that day.

Mooji Moo has lost four straight since that win but appears to be coming around to a top effort after finishing second in the Born Famous Stakes at Calder Jan. 2. Timothy Hills trains the Florida-bred daughter of Jeblar.

The California-bred Bear Fan, trained by part owner Wesley Ward, has not raced since she was second to Ema Bovary in the Princess Rooney Handicap (gr. II) at Calder in July. She had a four-race winning streak before that, including a track record for 6 1/2 furlongs (1:14.46) at Belmont Park in the Vagrancy Handicap (gr. II). She also captured the Barbara Fritchie (gr. II) and Genuine Risk (gr. II) handicaps during that period.

Another California-bred, Double Scoop, comes into the race off a 10 1/4-length triumph at Calder in the Silver Belle Dec. 24 at seven furlongs.

$300,000 Padua Stables Filly and Mare Sprint (Race 7, 4:15 p.m. ET), California and Florida-bred fillies & mares 4 & up, 6 furlongs
PP. Horse, Jockey
1. Mooji Moo, Manuel Aguilar
2. Double Scoop, Jorge Chavez
3. Really Royal, Eddie Castro
4. Bear Fan, John Velazquez
5. Alix M, Cornelio Velasquez
6. Cyber Slew, Jon Court
All carry 122 pounds.