McCann's Mojave claims Sunshine Millions Classic

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01/28/2007 - Hallandale Beach, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - McCann's Mojave, the oldest member of the field, pulled off the upset in Saturday's $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park. The seven-year-old covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.89 on a fast track.

The Classic is the featured stakes race in the annual Sunshine Millions series. This is the fifth edition of the series which features Florida and California bred horses.

Lava Man won the Classic last year when it was held at Santa Anita Park. He remained in California on Saturday and impressively won the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf.

McCann's Mojave, sent off at odds of better than 33-1, pressed the pace that was set by Del Mar Derby winner Get Funky. Running in third was 2-1 favorite Sweetnorthernsaint with Summer Book racing fourth in the 12 horse field.

With Frank Alvarado in the saddle, McCann's Mojave took the lead entering the final turn as Sweetnorthernsaint moved into second place. Joining the leaders was Silver Wagon.

Sweetnorthernsaint and McCann's Mojave dueled briefly down the stratch, but the older runner drew clear as the challenger faded. McCann's Mojave hit the wire 3/4's of a length to the good over Summer Book. Silver Wagon held on for third.

Rounding out the order of finish was Dry Martini, Sweetnorthernsaint, Papi Chullo, Rehoboth, Armenian Summer, Texcess, Bob's Proud Moment, Blazing Rate and Get Funky.

Owned by Alix Nikke Hunt and Mike Willman, McCann's Mojave scored in his first start of the year and notched his third straight victory. Last year he was sixth in this race at Santa Anita Park.

McCann's Mojave is trained by Steven Specht and has now won 10 of 24 career starts for better than $1.2 million.

McCann's Mojave returned $69.80, $30.60 and $14.80. Summer Book paid $36.20 and $16.60, and Silver Wagon paid $4.80 for show.

Next Saturday at Gulfstream Park will be the $500,000 Donn Handicap which will feature Horse of the Year Invasor.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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