BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Stonehedge LLC homebred Sunny Breeze kept his three-race record unblemished with a tenacious score in the $99,000 Concern at Laurel Park Sunday. Defeating five other 3-years-old going seven furlongs, Florida-bred Sunny Breeze won his stakes debut under regular rider Jaime Rodriguez.
Sunny Breeze started quickly from post three but was quickly passed on his outside by 5-2 favorite El Capi. El Capi sprinted to a four-length lead on Sunny Breeze in second for the run down the backstretch and finished the first quarter mile in :23.29. Sunny Breeze and Celtic Contender circled El Capi in the turn where Celtic Contender momentarily took a three-quarter-length advantage past the quarter-mile marker.
Sunny Breeze fought back on the inside at the top of the lane and those two raced heads apart until Sunny Breeze separated nearing the wire. Longshot Willy D’s came with a furious late run on the outside but finished second, a head shy of Sunny Breeze in a time of 1:24.30 on the fast track. Celtic Contender was third, followed by Play Harder. El Capi did not finish and Barksdale was scratched.
Sunny Breeze paid $12.60 to win.
Trainer Edward T. Allard saw the promise in Sunny Breeze after the chestnut gelding thrashed a Delaware Park maiden special weight field by seven lengths in May. He was then a clear winner of a first condition, $75,000 optional claiming in his last race going six furlongs at Delaware Park on July 8. Sunny Breeze has now earned $108,600 in his three victories.
Sunny Breeze is by Stonehedge Farm South stallion Cajun Breeze out of Love My Sunshine, by Journeyman Stud’s Khozan. Sunny Breeze is the first foal for Love My Sunshine, who was bred in Florida by Stonehedge LLC. Sunny Breeze has an unraced 2-year-old full-sister, Aero Sar; and an unnamed weanling full brother. Love My Sunshine was bred to Cajun Breeze again in 2024. Gilbert Campbell, purchased her dam, Sunny Again, from breeder and consignor Adena Springs at the 2002 Adena Springs Two Year Old In Training Sale.
