Tue | Dec 24, 2024

Desert Of Malibu to romp Christmas Eve feature

Published:Friday | December 20, 2024 | 12:13 AMAinsley Walters/Gleaner Writer
DESERT OF MALIBU, ridden by Raddesh Roman, wins the None Such Sprint Trophy over six furlongs at Caymanas Park on September 14.
Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer
DESERT OF MALIBU, ridden by Raddesh Roman, wins the None Such Sprint Trophy over six furlongs at Caymanas Park on September 14.

CHECKED and taken in hand, between COMMANDANT and FUNCAANDUN, exactly three and a half furlongs out, DESERT OF MALIBU’s checkered race record played true to form in the Mouttet Mile.

Considered one of the local-based hopefuls against a squadron of American invaders led by LEGACY ISLE, United States-bred DESERT OF MALIBU never recovered from Raddesh Roman dropping back into his saddle, causing the five-year-old mare to lose all momentum on the far turn.

It was just another day at work for DESERT OF MALIBU, who, some pundits believe, would boast a perfect win record, locally, had she not suffered unfortunate events such as her Mouttet Mile run after dismissing rivals with ease in the warm-up Port Royal Sprint a month earlier.

After two disqualifications, one reinstated on appeal - plus rearing at the gate in February, the first of only two occasions she has not passed the winning post in front - DESERT OF MALIBU, who missed last year’s Mouttet Mile due to management bungling, had her second chance go up in smoke.

Returning for Tuesday’s Chris Armond Sprint, tackling PACK PLAYS, a fellow American, who locked horns with Mouttet Mile runner-up LEGACY ISLE to the two and a half marker, DESERT OF MALIBU should get her revenge at five and a half furlongs.

PACK PLAYS, who finished sixth in the Mouttet Mile, also has a score to settle with DESERT OF MALIBU. Dick Cardenas lost his stirrup in the Port Royal Sprint in the mud on November 9.

Dialled back in training after posting 1:14.1 for six furlongs at exercise on November 30, PACK PLAYS’ game is to try making all against DESERT OF MALIBU, who, at times is a bit slowly away. However, DESERT OF MALIBU’s Mouttet Mile warm-up, 1:12.0 for six furlongs, should have her younger rival running scared.

Though allowing PACK PLAYS nine pounds and BOOTYLICIOUS a whopping 22lb, one of DESERT OF MALIBU’s most destructive performances was 1:10.4 for six furlongs on September 14. Should she return in that form with Roman out to prove a point, the Chris Armond will be over in a blink.