img HORSE

SANTA ANITA Race #8 (THE MALIBU STAKES (G1))

December 26, 2015
img3:55 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (RUN HAPPY) (7-5) - Colt is six-for-seven overall with his only poor effort coming in his only try racing beyond seven furlongs. Speed/stalker looked beaten last out in the Breeder's Cup Sprint (G1) Oct. 31st at Keenaland, but he re-rallied to prevail by a 1/2 length over the ultra tough 'Private Zone.' He's racing on the West Coast for the first time, but son of 'Super Saver' has won at five different tracks so far. Working fast locally, and he's the horse to beat.

2nd pick: #3 (Watershed) (3-1) - One of two sent West by trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, both are lightly raced, talented, and has room for up-side. This son of 'Bernardini' is two-for-three and finished a troubled' 4th to 'Run Happy' in his only defeat. Strong finisher ships from Florida where he's been training at Palm Meadows.

3rd pick: #2 (Marking) (5-1) - The second of the McLaughlin pair, colt is a perfect two-for-two and gets a big class test today. He was reported to be a runner earlier this year, but did not race until late Sept. at Belmont. Working fast in New York before heading here, and we'll find out a lot more about his talent level today.

4th pick: #5 (El Kabeir) (8-1) - Very consistent sort has gone 11-5-2-2 to date with all of those starts coming on real dirt. No speed type is two-for-three at this distance, and he would love a fast and/or contested pace to develop.

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