{"id":17568,"date":"2013-12-26T08:52:56","date_gmt":"2013-12-26T13:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=17568"},"modified":"2013-12-29T13:53:54","modified_gmt":"2013-12-29T18:53:54","slug":"very-ironic-leads-a-competitive-group-in-the-g1-malibu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=17568","title":{"rendered":"Very Ironic Leads a Competitive Group in the G1 Malibu"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Grade 1 Malibu Sprint <\/strong>is an exciting feature on the California Stakes schedule with many of the top west coast trainers aiming their top three year old sprinters for it each season.\u00a0 This year\u2019s edition promises to be no less exciting <\/strong>with nine Graded winners\u00a0entered including the #3 ranked VERY IRONIC<\/b> (stormboot2)<\/i> as well as the speedy AL KHARI<\/b> (tihsho)<\/i>.\u00a0 The sun will be shining and the track dry and fast. Without further delay let’s handicap this\u00a0field and make our selections.\u00a0 Good luck to All!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VERY IRONIC<\/b><\/p>\n

Distorted Humor x Storm Cat x A.P. Indy\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 stormboot2<\/em>\u00a0 (8-1)<\/p>\n

This handsome son of Distorted Humor comes out of the highly competitive G1 Breeders Bowl Sprint in which he faced older opponents for the first time.\u00a0 Although gaining at the end it was clear he was overmatched and this spot is easier in comparison.\u00a0 In New York three starts back he squared off with several that are in here today over seven panels.\u00a0 Using a stalking style he closed with vigor but missed \u00a0by less than a length on the wire. That day BOUNCING BETTY<\/b> got the measure of him but he\u2019ll be looking to turn the tables this time around.\u00a0 I expect a similar stalking trip while staying more forward as he keeps the leader in his crosshairs culminating with an explosive closing move.\u00a0 A strong contender!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MOONLIT TRAIL\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>Malibu Moon x Seeking The Gold x Northern Dancer (CAN)\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner<\/strong>:\u00a0 ticketman3<\/em>\u00a0 (9-1)<\/p>\n

A son of Malibu Moon this strapping chestnut colt keeps getting better and better.\u00a0 Today\u2019s distance is right in his wheel house and I expect him to have a say in the outcome before it\u2019s all said and done.\u00a0 He comes out of a series of Graded New York events in which he accounted himself well with him just missing most recently in a Grade 3 by a mere head.\u00a0 You can see that he\u2019s starting to figure it all out and it\u2019s only a matter of time before he breaks through for his first Graded win.\u00a0 Would not be a surprise to me here!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

MARTIAN SEA<\/b><\/p>\n

Dansili (GB) x Diesis (GB) x Kingmambo\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0mrbigb<\/em>\u00a0 (9-1)<\/p>\n

With thirteen career turf starts to his credit it\u2019s no surprise to see this Dansili colt here on the dirt today as he boasts a perfect 3 for 3 record on the dirt with his most recent foray coming in the Grade 3 Camelot Road Stakes.\u00a0 In each of these impressive dirt wins he\u2019s closed rapidly to easily corral his opponent and win going away at distances up to six and half furlongs.\u00a0 Today he gets an extra half panel to work with and that will only help his cause as will the services of top jockey B. Scott who rode him to victory last time out.\u00a0 A serious contender to take it all and may be the one to beat!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

PEGLEG PARROT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fusaichi Pegasus x Kingmambo x Deputy Minister (CAN) \u00a0\u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 jrouge<\/em>\u00a0 (10-1)<\/p>\n

Like another in here this son of Fusaichi Pegagsus simply relishes both surfaces and comes in to this race having won three of five on the dirt including the Grade 3 Bluegrass Sprint Cup over six furlongs three starts back.\u00a0 Most recently he finished\u00a0 off the board in a mad scramble as a mere two lengths separated the top eight finishers.\u00a0 Wow!\u00a0 Today he gets an extra furlong to work with and his style suggests that he may be able to capitalize as a result.\u00a0 He rarely gets respect on the tote board and represents tremendous value on the morning line.\u00a0 Hard to keep off your exotic plays!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

ELECTION DAY<\/b><\/p>\n

Henny Hughes x Malibu Moon x Allen\u2019s Prospect\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0dynamformer<\/em>\u00a0 (11-1)<\/p>\n

One of my favorite stallions offers this robust son who is just starting to figure it all out.\u00a0 He comes in to the G1 Malibu on a two race win streak with the most recent one coming in Grade 3 JFK Street Stakes over six furlongs of sloppy track.\u00a0 With not a cloud in the sky he won\u2019t move up with weather however he has demonstrated a liking for seven furlongs in the past and that in combination with employing the services of top jockey H. Harzheim have indeed made his connections positively giddy.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

OF HAMILTON<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hussonet x Ghostzapper x Nijinsky 2nd (CAN)\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 newastin5<\/em>\u00a0 (12-1)<\/p>\n

Like for another in this field you can throw that last one out as it came against older horses in the G1 Breeders Bowl Sprint.\u00a0 Prior to that effort this robust son of Hussonet\u00a0 had a tremendous summer campaign which included a victory in the seven furlong Grade 2 The Stephen Woody where he posted his career high 112 as well as another Grade 2 event.\u00a0 Well rested now he\u2019ll be coming from out of it like several others in this field so it should make for a wildly exciting finish as they scramble for the wire.\u00a0 Sound the charge!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

AL KHARI<\/b><\/p>\n

Dubawi x Storm Cat x Mr. Prospector\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 tihsho<\/em>\u00a0 (6-1)<\/p>\n

This striking son of Dubawi is looking for his first taste of success at the Graded level.\u00a0 AL has had two attempts in the past where he simply was not good enough but the most recent one was in August.\u00a0 He has now shown signs that he\u2019s grown into his large frame and has matured given his most recent results.\u00a0 He comes in to this race off a minor Stakes win at today\u2019s distance over which he performed spectacularly posting a 115 while wiring the field.\u00a0 Given the lack of genuine speed in this edition of the Malibu this has to bolster his chances to steal it all and must be respected.\u00a0 His connections have engaged high percentage jockey J. Piotrowski to help bring him home a winner.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

TOO MUCH MIKE<\/b><\/p>\n

Too Much Bling x Dixie Union x A.P. Indy\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0gmen\u00a0<\/em> (10-1)<\/p>\n

This handsome roan son of Too Much Bling may be indeed too much to handle at least that what his connections are hoping for.\u00a0 He has improved his race rating with successive start with his most recent race earning a new high of 112 in the Grade 2 The Bettis Handicap over a mile of ground.\u00a0 In that event he chose to stalk and ran evenly to finish third beaten by two lengths.\u00a0 Three starts back he won a minor Stakes event over today\u2019s distance winning by a measured head so we know he can get the distance.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

HUNTERS FOLLY<\/b><\/p>\n

Zabeel (NZ) x A.P. Arrow x Fusaichi Pegasus\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner<\/strong>:\u00a0 whippinboy<\/em>\u00a0 (11-1)<\/p>\n

This son of Zabeel comes back on only twenty days rest after competing in the Grade 3 Uncle Vernon Stakes over six furlongs.\u00a0 Though he finished fourth in that event he was beaten on a length and a quarter while only posting a 105.\u00a0 More telling is his second start back where he won a minor KY Stakes over today\u2019s distance while putting up a 110 and looking good doing it.\u00a0 Though I can\u2019t be sure of which horse we\u2019ll get on race day what I can say with certainty is that he\u2019ll give it his all as this fella has heart!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ZA AH TABAI<\/b><\/p>\n

Zabeel (NZ) x Mizwaki x Mill Reef\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 dannejaka5\u00a0<\/em> (18-1)<\/p>\n

After a less than enthusiastic start to his career on the lawn this son of Zabeel \u00a0was switched to the dirt where he discovered success quickly.\u00a0 Reeling off four consecutive wins with ever increasing race ratings he stumbled slightly in the Grade 3 Fall Midweight Handicap where he surrendered the lead late at six panels.\u00a0 Two starts back in a minor Stakes he took a lead that he never relinquished over seven furlongs while putting up an impressive 113.\u00a0 If he can repeat that performance he will have a big shot today at tasting the bubbly.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

PAR PAR BOGEY<\/b><\/p>\n

Pulpit x Silver Train x Gone West\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>whocares<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong> (10-1)<\/p>\n

Aside from having a cool name this son of Pulpit is no stranger to competing in Graded company.\u00a0 Prior to his last start he reeled off nine consecutive Graded appearances of which four were Grade One\u2019s however today he\u2019s trying to do something he\u2019s never done before and that\u2019s sprinting.\u00a0 He has enjoyed success running over a distance of ground but today cuts back to seven furlongs having never tried less than a mile ever.\u00a0 He comes in to this event off eleven furlongs and just three starts back won a Grade 3 event over nine furlongs.\u00a0 He will need to reconsider his racing tactics in this spot and the outcome will sure to be of interest to all as he is the wild card in this affair.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

TAX SUMMARY<\/b><\/p>\n

Redoute\u2019s Choice (AUS) x Storm Cat x Forty Niner\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong> \u00a0debsestate\u00a0<\/em> (10-1)<\/p>\n

After enjoying success sprinting on the dirt the connections of this son of Redoute\u2019s Choice tried him on the lawn over which he accounted himself well.\u00a0 However that experiment is now over and he finds himself back in Graded company navigating seven panels of dirt.\u00a0 Back in the Spring he won the Grade 3 Lazaro Stakes at today\u2019s distance and comes out of a six furlong minor Stake in which he wanted more ground and gets it here today.\u00a0 He would be no surprise here and just may be ready to show that he belongs on the dirt to stay.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

BOUNCING BETTY<\/b><\/p>\n

Empire Maker x Storm Cat x Alydar\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong> \u00a0chloedawg\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>(10-1)<\/p>\n

This handsome son of Empire Maker makes a beautiful appearance but he\u2019s a tale of two horses of late.\u00a0 Just three starts back he won the Grade 32 Princes Knight\u2019s Stakes at today\u2019s distance leaving three Grade 1 winners in his wake while posting a sharp 116.\u00a0 Prior to that one he ran second in the seven furlong Grade 2 The Stephen Woody behind only OF HAMILTON who he meets again here. \u00a0The other tales starts and stops with is last two races and he is clearly not the same horse he was earlier in the year.\u00a0 Perhaps getting back to his preferred distance is the tonic he needs to get untracked.\u00a0 On the fence over him.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

BZZT CADET<\/b><\/p>\n

Buzzword (GB) x Mizwaki x Capote\u00a0 \u2026\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 tazula\u00a0<\/em> (12-1)<\/p>\n

Now here\u2019s a horse who unlike the balance of the field is looking to prove he belongs.\u00a0 This son of Buzzword has never competed at a level higher than a minor Stake but takes the plunge today and has not found an easy spot to do so.\u00a0 This group though young is seasoned and will prove difficult for him to handle right out of the box.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be one to tab for later and the experience will do him a great deal of good in the long run.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hladun’s Selections\u00a0…<\/strong><\/p>\n

1<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0 AL KHARI\u00a0<\/strong> (tihsho)<\/em>\u00a0 6-1<\/p>\n

2<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0 MARTIAN SEA \u00a0<\/strong> (mrbigb)<\/em>\u00a0 9-1<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0VERY IRONIC\u00a0 <\/strong>(stormboot2)\u00a0<\/em> 8-1<\/p>\n

LONGSHOT PLAY:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 OF HAMILTON\u00a0<\/strong> (newastin5)\u00a0<\/em> 12-1<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Grade 1 Malibu Sprint is an exciting feature on the California Stakes schedule with many of the top west<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":211,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17568","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/211"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17568"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17568\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17705,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17568\/revisions\/17705"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17568"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17568"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17568"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}