The 53rd running of the Malibu S. (G1) has attracted a field of 12 and
highlights Sunday’s opening day card at Santa Anita. The 70-year-old track,
which is situated beneath the picturesque backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains
in Arcadia, California, will offer 85 days of racing during its winter/spring
meeting. It runs through April 18.
The seven-furlong Malibu is the first leg of the Strub series for
four-year-olds of 2005 that also features the San Fernando Breeders’ Cup S. (G2)
and Strub S. (G2). Top draws include Swaps Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) winner and
Preakness S. (G1) runner-up ROCK HARD TEN (Kris S.), who will make his first
start since an unplaced finish in August’s Haskell Invitational H. (G1). Now
trained by Richard Mandella, the dark bay will be re-united with former rider
Gary Stevens and breaks from post 11. To his outside is another Mandella
trainee, 2002 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) runner-up MINISTER ERIC (Old Trieste),
who will be ridden by Hollywood Park’s leading jockey Rene Douglas.
Breaking from the rail is Pennsylvania Derby (G2) hero LOVE OF MONEY (Not for
Love), who has shipped west for conditioner Richard Dutrow Jr. and will make his
first start since an unplaced outing as the favorite in the Jockey Club Gold Cup
(G1). Group 2-placed GRAND REWARD (Storm Cat), who is out of champion Serena’s
Song, will make his U.S. bow in the Malibu. Another contender is the Bobby
Frankel-trained MASS MEDIA (Touch Gold), who exits a 3 1/2-length romp in the
Sport Page H. (G3).
The Malibu contestants, from rail with riders and imposts, are Love of Money,
Victor Espinoza, 121; Mass Media, Javier Castellano, 119; HARVARD AVENUE (You
and I), Garrett Gomez, 115; STONE RAIN (Grindstone), Martin Pedroza, 115;
JEFFRIES BAY (Gone West), Jose Valdivia Jr., 117; Grand Reward, Tyler Baze, 115;
PERFECT MOON (Malibu Moon), Mike Smith, 115; SPELLBINDER (Tale of the Cat),
David Flores, 115; LAVA MAN (Slew City Slew), Jon Court, 115; QUINTONS GOLD RUSH
(Wild Rush), Edgar Prado, 121; Rock Hard Ten; and Minister Eric, 115.