Desert of Malibu prime to see off rivals
Desert of Malibu, a five-year-old American-bred chestnut mare, will face six challengers in today’s $1.4-million Reggae Month Trophy feature race in another opportunity to further cement herself as one of the current top runners at the ‘Park’.
Desert of Malibu has been nothing short of amazing since her local debut on September 24, 2023. Trainer Gary Subratie watched as his foreigner won six successive races in a row, all of them were remarkable runs. However, the Malibu Moon – Lady Digger offspring had her number taken down two starts back in the Bruceontheloose Trophy over six-and-a-half furlongs (1,300m) on December 2, 2023.
Desert of Malibu won the race by 2 ½ lengths in a time of 1:19.0, but was later disqualified for causing interference to fellow American-bred Madelyn’s Sunshine going into the half-mile turn (800m).
Desert of Malibu, owned by Houston Stables, returned in the St Catherine Cup over six furlongs (1,200m) on January 13, and although rearing at the start of the race, was able to beat down competitors to win by a length in a time of 1:12.3.
Desert of Malibu, who was in last position of seven runners by 13 lengths at the half-mile (800m), gained great ground to be fourth by 7 ½ lengths at the two-furlong (400m) point, then second by 4 ½ lengths at the furlong (200m) pole before catching Madelyn’s Sunshine close home for the win.
Going five furlongs (1,000m) straight for the Reggae Month Trophy, Desert of Malibu should have no problems putting away rivals here. In fact, her first two outings were over today’s distance in which she won in times of 59.4 and 59.0, respectively.
Desert of Malibu has been training well coming into the race and is expected to continue on her winning ways. Raddesh Roman, who board her for her first career victory, has been called upon to replace Dane Dawkins for today’s assignment.
Looking at the rest of the runners in the seven-horse field, Madelyn’s Sunshine and Emperorofthecats are the likely runners to provide some threat to
Desert of Malibu here.
The Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward is positioned at the seventh event on the nine-card with a post time of 3:55 pm with the first race at noon.
Madelyn’s Sunshine ( Joe’s Son Joey – Madelyn’s Finest) ran a brave race to finished second by a length behind the talented Desert of Malibu in the St Catherine Cup on January 13.
Madelyn’s Sunshine led the race for most of the way before she was caught close home by the winner. With the distance reduce and although facing Desert of Malibu again, Jason DaCosta-trained American-bred Madelyn’s Sunshine could go all the way.
Emperorofthecats, bred, owned, and trained by Carl Anderson, is one of the most improved horses from last season where he won five races from eight starts. Emperorofthecats faces a tough Desert of Malibu here, but should be very competitive throughout the race. One thing
Emperorofthecats has on his side here is that fact that he has not lost a race out of the straight.
The field is completed by Press Conference, Sensational Move, Yellowstone, and A Gift From Ben.
Ones to watch
Race 1)
Kings’s Crown/Mack and Rome/Ruby’s Light
Race 2) Sensational Satin/Sabina/Tequila Blue
Race 3) Secret Traveller/Crimson/Kay Boy
Race 4) KP Choice/Unruly Boss/Prince Marshall
Race 5) Edina Marsh/Sir Ganga Jamuna/Crafty Zella Zeen
Race 6) Oasis Jak/Bazinga/Flybluejet
Race 7) Desert of Malibu/Emperorofthecats/Madelyn’s Sunshine
Race 8) Blitz Strike/Sugar Sugar/Veliki Vicki
Race 9) Slam Dunk/Brown Skin Girl/MPRS Links