After a long hiatus from turf racing, Grade 2 winner Steal Sunshine has found his way back to the grass with a striking performance that has reignited hopes of future turf glory. Trained by Bobby Dibona, the six-year-old made a promising return to the green in June, coming within a neck of victory in a 1 1/16-mile optional claiming allowance at Gulfstream Park. That effort followed a fourth-place finish in the Godolphin Mile (G2) at Meydan and marked his first appearance on turf since his racing debut in 2021.
Dibona originally believed turf would suit Steal Sunshine, debuting him on grass. Although his first outing didn’t turn heads, it wasn’t a poor effort, and the colt soon blossomed on dirt, earning accolades and wins that validated the switch. For nearly four years, turf remained an afterthought as the colt compiled a strong resume on dirt tracks across the country, including victories in the Carry Back and Ellis Park Derby in 2022, and a win in the Gulfstream Park Mile (G2) in 2023.
His resume also includes several strong showings in graded stakes. Notably, during the 2024-2025 Championship Meet at Gulfstream, he held his own against top-tier company, placing third in the Harlan’s Holiday (G3), sixth in the Pegasus World Cup (G1), and second in a rematch of the Gulfstream Park Mile against eventual multiple Grade 1 winner Mindframe.
While the dirt has clearly suited Steal Sunshine, his trainer never fully dismissed the idea of a turf return. The decision to test him back on grass came after a need for a prep race, and the result was far more than satisfactory. Dibona expressed confidence in continuing on the turf route, calling the comeback race one of the gelding’s finest, especially given the context of the surface switch and the long layoff since Dubai.
Looking ahead, Steal Sunshine is being considered for a start at Ellis Park in early August. Two options are on the table: the Preview Mint Millions Turf Mile on August 2 or the Preview Turf Cup on August 3, which stretches to 1 ¼ miles. Both contests serve as qualifying events for the prestigious $2.5 million races at Kentucky Downs in September.
Owned by a partnership including Michael and Jules Iavarone, Carrie Brogden, Kevin Pollard, Ed Gorry, and David Menard, Steal Sunshine is in prime form ahead of his potential trip to Kentucky. His recent workouts at Gulfstream have been especially encouraging, clocking a sharp 47.44 seconds over four furlongs on June 28 and blazing five furlongs in 59.76 on July 5 — the fastest of the day.
His trainer noted a noticeable uptick in the horse’s training intensity, calling his finishing speed “unbelievable” and suggesting he’s showing a new level of energy. The decision to keep all his prep work at Gulfstream speaks to his adaptability and professionalism — attributes that have helped him excel while traveling to major racing circuits from Dubai to New Jersey.
With over $760,000 in earnings from 29 starts, Steal Sunshine is poised for another compelling chapter in his career — this time, perhaps, fulfilling his original turf promise. If his recent form is any indication, the future looks increasingly green.
