Excess Summer Heats Up for Millions' Classic

Excess Summer, gearing up for a start in Saturday's $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic, worked six furlongs in 1:12 over Santa Anita's fast main track Sunday morning with Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens in the saddle.

The move was the fourth fastest of 22 who went the distance on the day.

"It was a good work," trainer Jeff Mullins said. "Gary said he thought he went in 1:16."

Four-year-old Excess Summer, who won the restricted On Trust Handicap against older horses in his last start at Hollywood Park Dec. 13, will be one of several expected speedsters in the nine-furlong featured event on the Sunshine Millions card.

Mullins said he can't be too concerned about the pace scenario, however, as the bay gelding is the type of horse who is going to do exactly what he wants to.

"I can't worry about it," Mullins said. "They're going to be going his pace, he won't be going their pace. He's going to go the way he wants to and there's nothing anyone can do about it. If he doesn't win you can blame the trainer."

Excess Summer, a California-bred son of In Excess--Summer Ruckus (by Bold Ruckus) was claimed for $40,000 out of his first start last April and has now banked $294,261 with a record of 10-6-2-0. He also won the El Cajon Stakes, Real Good Deal Stakes and Pomona Derby last year.

Also working in preparation for the Sunshine Millions Classic Sunday was grade 1 winner Peace Rules, who went 1:12 3/5 for trainer Bobby Frankel across town at Hollywood Park.