Guidry, longshot Mula Gula nearly pull big surprise

By Mike Spellman, Chicago Daily Herald, August 20, 2000

As he reached the top of the stretch in the 18th running of the Arlington Million, images of grandeur crossed jockey Mark Guidry’s mind as he swung 24-1 longshot Mula Gula outside and headed down the lane to the finish line.

“Turning for home, I thought we had it,” said Guidry, who competed in the Million for the first time. “He tried real hard.”

Mula Gula made a big move down the stretch, but he couldn’t chase down eventual winner Chester House or hold off the late running Manndar, settling for a third-place finish. Not bad for a horse virtually ignored by the betting public.

“I kept him clear and kept him in the running,” Guidry said. “I really thought I had it.”

Guidry is hoping he’ll get plenty more chances of reaching the winner’s circle in the Million.

“It was great,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the next one.”