By Jarrod Horak
In this horse racing handicapping article and video, I analyze the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Park using the Today’s Racing Digest Race Header.
Malibu field (race 10): 1 – Modus Bestia (15-1), 2 – Spenard (30-1), 3 – Madaket Road (5-1), 4 – Speedy Wilson (15-1), 5 – Midland Money (7-2), 6 – Berlin Wall (20-1), 7 – Smooth Cruisein (30-1), 8 – Cornucopian (7-2), 9 – Barnes (3-1), 10 – Goal Oriented (5-1).
The Malibu is for 3-year-olds traveling seven furlongs on the main track. It is the 10th race at Santa Anita on Dec. 28 and the scheduled post time is 6:49 PM ET.
Malibu Stakes Analysis
Modus Bestia should attend the pace from the inside post. His winning rider Flavien Prat jumps over to Cornucopian.
Spenard exits a show finish in a flat mile event at Zia Park. He is overmatched.
Madaket Road is still eligible for an entry level allowance event. He was part of the trifecta in five stakes races and should save ground chasing the pace under Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Speedy Wilson is a California-bred colt with a 3-for-3 record at seven panels. He should be finishing at a price.
Midland Money puts blinkers back on and might try to get involved early under Juan Hernandez. He was part of the exacta in four of five starts.
Berlin Wall exits a romping optional-claiming win vs. California-bred sprinters at Del Mar. This is a tough spot for the Steve Knapp trainee.
Smooth Cruisein is probably in too deep. The 2-time local winner is 0-for-2 at seven panels.
Cornucopian is lightly raced and still has upside. This is his first start since April and he is training forwardly for this.
Barnes owns a pair of graded wins at seven furlongs. His early-pressing versatility should serve him well and Jose Ortiz should have him in a contending spot from the outset.
Goal Oriented turns back in distance after finishing up the track in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). He completed the trifecta in the Haskell (G1) and PA Derby (G1).
Malibu Stakes Video