Santa Anita news: Axelrod tries something new in Malibu Stakes

Axelrod, a 3-year-old Florida-bred son of Warrior’s Reward who has raced at a mile or longer nine times in an 11-race career, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic last out on Nov. 3, shortens up to seven furlongs in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita on Wednesday.

He has never run at that distance.

“Obviously seven-eighths is something new for him,” said Michael McCarthy, who trains Axelrod for owners Slam Dunk Racing, Madaket Stables LLC or Michael Nentwig. “They’ll run every step of the way (referring to the speed in the Malibu), and I don’t see that as a problem for him.

“It’s the last Grade 1 one of the year exclusively for 3-year-olds and we need to take advantage of it.”

Axelrod worked four furlongs Thursday, as did Pegasus World Cup-bound Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner City of Light. Axelrod was clocked in 48:20, City of Light in 47.40.

“I’m very happy with both horses,” McCarthy said.

Malibu contender Copper Bullet worked four furlongs Friday for Steve Asmussen in 49.80, breezing, while Ax Man and Solomini went four furlongs in 47.80 and a bullet 46.80, respectively, for Bob Baffert.

SPICED PERFECTION STEPS UP IN GRADE I LA BREA  

Spiced Perfection, a three-time stakes winner against California-breds, ventures into open company in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on opening day.

“It’s the last chance this year to run with 3-year-olds and we hope to get some graded type for her,” explained Brian Koriner, who trains the bay daughter of Smiling Tiger for the Dare To Dream Stable, LLC.

Spiced Perfection has a 5-4-2 record from 13 career starts, with enviable earnings of $442,405, most coming from victories against state-breds in the Generous Portion, the Evening Jewel and the Betty Grable.

She also has a win and a second from three races at seven furlongs.

Undefeated La Brea favorite Dream Tree, with Joe Talamo up, worked four furlongs Friday in 48 flat for Bob Baffert.

TALAMO MAKES HAY AT BAFFERT BARN WITH DABSTER  

The unflagging initiative of youth has paid dividends for Joe Talamo.

The Louisiana native, who turns 29 on Jan. 12, has achieved gainful employment with Bob Baffert, joining Mike Smith, Drayden Van Dyke and other elite riders who have ready access to the two-time Triple Crown winning trainer’s blueblood stock.

One of Joe’s current mainstays is Dabster, a consistent and hard-hitting son of Curlin who runs in the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes opening day. Talamo has ridden Dabster in his last four races, winning two stakes and finishing a close second in two others.

“He’s a fun horse to ride,” Talamo said. “He shows up every time, and even when he loses, he really tries hard. It should be a good race with him and Battle of Midway.

“They’re two good horses. Hopefully, we can flip the page this time.”

Battle of Midway defeated Dabster by a neck last out in the Grade 3Native Diver Stakes.

Added Talamo’s agent, Scotty McClellan: “Joe’s put a lot of time in at the Baffert barn. He’s been over there two, three breaks a day for four months putting his name in and Baffert’s given him a good shot.

“Riding for Baffert is due 95 percent to Joe’s efforts.”

Dabster worked four furlongs Friday in a bullet 46.60 in company with Malibu entrant Solomini, also trained by Baffert.

DESERT STONE EYES UPSET IN MATHIS BROTHERS MILE  

Desert Stone will be an outsider in the Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile on turf opening day, but Richard Baltas says the Irish-bred colt is not without a longshot’s chance.

“It seems like he runs good for (Giovanni) Franco and he runs good at Santa Anita,” the trainer said.

Owned by Zayat Stables, Desert Stone has two wins and a third over Santa Anita’s grass course and a victory going a mile on turf at The Great Race Place with Franco aboard.