NewzBY all indications this afternoon’s top-rated, $1.4-million Open Allowance contest is a two-horse war on paper, but at five furlongs (1,000m) on the round course — one of the trickiest trips at Caymanas Park — anything can happen from the gate. The race has attracted just five runners, but what it lacks in numbers it more than makes up for in quality, with the classy Desert of Malibu taking on speedster California Crown. Trained by Gary Subratie for owner Houston Stables, the seven-year-old, American-bred, daughter of Malibu Moon comes in as the horse to beat on class.
She has won two races this season from four starts — the Overnight Allowance Easter Sprint over 5½ furlongs (1,100m) on April 6, when she showed her customary tactical speed and quickened decisively to win by 3 ¾ lengths, and she was also impressive beating California Crown himself in the Hall of Fame Stakes on July 18. Although she finished off the board on last in a 5½-furlong contest during which California Crown came home in third place, Desert of Malibu, on back class, is better than these. Her biggest asset is versatility as she can press the pace from close range or settle just behind before launching her bid.
At exercise she has been very active and looking fit and sharp. Over five furlongs around the course she will need to be closer earlier than she usually likes, but on pure class she is the one they all have to beat. California Crown is the speed and the main danger.
Jason DaCosta’s four-year-old is expected to be sent straight to the lead — and over this trip that is a huge weapon. Don’t judge him by his last run over 5½ furlongs on August, when he was third behind Pack Plays and Dothriaki but also had Desert of Malibu behind him in sixth place. He has the early foot to clear this small field, and if he gets loose on the lead around the bend, he can steal it.
With Tevin Foster in the saddle he will be dangerous. The contest is positioned as the seventh event on the 10-race card with a post time of 3:45 pm. Another One is the closer not to be slept on.
The Anthony Nunes-trained colt loves these sprint races. He proved it when he won at this exact trip on August 1, beating the highly rated foreigner Gallant Groom by three parts of a length in 59.0 seconds. If Desert of Malibu and California Crown go at each other hard up front…
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