12/26 (SA): Sir Beaufort (Gr. III); Malibu (Gr. I)

[Stickhorse]

This certainly looks like a great Malibu this year. The Malibu is probably the only race in the Strub Series that still maintains it stature. The Strub Series consist of three races restricted to 4YOs and used to feature the cream of the 3YO crop of the prior year. Of course the Malibu's cast will consist of 3YOs since it is now run as the opening day feature at SA. The series then continues with the San Fernando Stakes at 1 1/16 in mid January then the Strub Stakes at 1 1/8 on the first Saturday in February.

This used to be a very special series every winter at SA. The San Fernando and the Strub have lost much of their lustre since SA was sold to Frank Stronach. MEC's creation of the Sunshine Millions has really changed the SoCal racing calendar. This year it takes place on Jan 24, right between the second and third legs of the Strub Series. That is probably the biggest issue I have with the Stronach's MEC. Seems like every year the San Fernando and Strub lose key players as owners and trainers focus CA and FL breds on a more lucrative target on the racing schedule. The fields of this very unique series are no longer as deep or talented as before the creation of the Millions.

[my miss storm cat]

Santa Anita Park - December 26th, 2008 - Race 8
Malibu S. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 3:52 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Purse: $250,000
Distance: Seven Furlongs
Surface: All Weather Track
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Into Mischief (KY) 3 Colt 119 Victor Espinoza
2 Colonel John (KY) 3 Colt 123 Garrett K. Gomez
3 Bob Black Jack (CA) 3 Colt 119 David Romero Flores
4 Golden Spikes (KY) 3 Colt 123 Joel Rosario
5 Nownownow (KY) 3 Colt 115 Joseph Talamo
6 Guns On the Table (KY) 3 Colt 117 Rafael Bejarano
7 Georgie Boy (CA) 3 Gelding 119 Edgar S. Prado

[cakes44]

I was just thinking that 7 furlongs against top-class horses is exactly what Nownownow needs.

[eajinabi]

I will go with BBJ. He will be a much better sprinter than anything.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by eajinabi

I will go with BBJ. He will be a much better sprinter than anything.

His last was super bad though and its not like it was a very good Underwood this year.

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Georgie Boy -Prado...Fits him great. Mischief is nice, but hate the 1 hole. Mandella is tough off a long rest like he had. With the 2 months rest, I don't think he is quite as tough. He can win it, but I think Georgi will take him late. I do think they will get to Blackjack in the stretch. He hasn't won a graded race(cuz he has only won CAL bred n' CAL/FLO bred races.) I expect to see the old mother hen trainer in the winners circle, but we'll see what happens. Pretty cool race.

Mystification to win the last. That's a pretty nice trying horse (for a maiden claimer.)

[2Hot4TV]

I'm taking a big look at Col. John. I don't think that the speed will need some class to win this one.

[eajinabi]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

His last was super bad though and its not like it was a very good Underwood this year.

Saying that his last was SUPER BAD is a hyperbole. He only lost by a length and a half in that race. He is an absolute need the lead type as evident from his three wins. He likes SA (I know the surface has changed since) but he did set a record in the Sunshines Dash last year going 6F 1:06 and two fiths.
Plus he has done better damage second off layoff.

On Paper, he is the speed and others will sit right behind him. If he hooks with a duel or trio then Into Mischief wins for fun.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by eajinabi

Saying that his last was SUPER BAD is a hyperbole. He only lost by a length and a half in that race. He is an absolute need the lead type as evident from his three wins. He likes SA (I know the surface has changed since) but he did set a record in the Sunshines Dash last year going 6F 1:06 and two fiths.
Plus he has done better damage second off layoff.

On Paper, he is the speed and others will sit right behind him. If he hooks with a duel or trio then Into Mischief wins for fun.

He could not even get the lead against Wirefortwenty when the pace was well below grade 1 level, that would never have happened this spring which to me says this horse is not right. He should get a clear lead but he does not have the ability to run these horses off their feet, especially if this track plays like October....and at 9/2 he is a horrible play.