Flashback: Looking back on 4 magnificently memorable Malibus
Although the Malibu (G1) is a 7-furlong sprint, it’s not uncommon for high-class route runners and classic types to target the prestigious race. Historically held in late December or early January, the Malibu long has served as a starting point for established stars embarking on elite winter campaigns.
The 2020 Malibu is set to take place on Saturday, opening day of the Santa Anita winter meet. In celebration, let’s look back on four memorable renewals of the Malibu.
Buckpasser rides the rail to victory (1966)
The great Buckpasser was best known for his talent running long. In his final start prior to the Malibu, he cemented his 1966 Horse of the Year credentials with a confident victory in the 2-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup.
But Buckpasser’s talents knew few boundaries, and by the end of 1966, he was in such brilliant form that cutting back to 7 furlongs presented no serious obstacle. After breaking slowly, the 2-5 favorite stayed glued to the rail under regular rider Braulio Baeza, rallying steadily up the inside to win by three-quarters of a length. Given Buckpasser’s tendency to ease up after taking the lead, he might have been more dominant than his bare margin of victory implies.
Spectacular Bid sets a track record (1980)
You can argue Spectacular Bid didn’t run his absolute best in the 1980 Malibu, held just after the start of the year. The champion 3-year-old of 1979 was cutting back sharply in distance and didn’t seem completely engaged in the early going, breaking slowly before advancing gradually to challenge on the turn.
But when Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker asked Spectacular Bid for his best run, the great gray responded with a fresh burst of speed. Leaving multiple Grade 1 winner Flying Paster in his wake, Spectacular Bid drew off to win by five lengths in 1:20, breaking the track record while missing the world record by just a fifth of a second.
Rock Hard Ten beats Lava Man (2004)
On his best day, Rock Hard Ten could be brilliant. Runner-up behind Smarty Jones in the 2004 Preakness (G1), the Richard Mandella trainee secured his first top-level victory against a tough field in the Malibu. Trailing the field early under jockey Gary Stevens, Rock Hard Ten unleashed a terrific stretch rally when called upon, boldly splitting rivals to surge and defeat future Hall of Fame inductee Lava Man in a driving finish.
Twirling Candy breaks Spectacular Bid’s record (2010)
In 2010, the main track at Santa Anita returned to dirt after several years of racing over a synthetic surface. Opening day arrived with great fanfare, and the new track didn’t disappoint. The Malibu saw the talented and versatile Twirling Candy secure his signature victory, rallying to beat multiple Grade 1 winner Smiling Tiger by a head. The final time of 1:19.70 broke Spectacular Bid’s 30-year-old stakes record and remains the track standard to this day.
Looking back, which editions of the Malibu rank as your favorites?
J. Keeler Johnson is a writer, videographer, handicapper, and all-around horse racing enthusiast. A great fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. You can follow him on Twitter at @J_Keelerman.