Bob Black Jack strikes in wire-to-wire Malibu

Bob Black Jack reasserted himself as a major-league sprinter in the Malibu (Benoit Photo) BOB BLACK JACK (Stormy Jack) went straight to the lead and was never threatened in Friday's $250,000 Malibu S. (G1), winning Santa Anita's traditional opening-day feature by a cozy 2 1/4 lengths. Racing on a clear advantage, the James Kasparoff-trained sophomore set early fractions in a quick :22 2/5 and :44 4/5, and a trio of Grade 1 winners -- Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday), Georgie Boy (Tribal Rule) and Colonel John (Tiznow) -- appeared ready to challenge him approaching the conclusion of the far turn. But jockey David Flores had plenty left aboard Bob Black Jack, who kicked for home impressively. The California-bred colt passed the six-furlong mark in 1:08 1/5 with a two-length cushion and finished up seven furlongs over the Pro-Ride in 1:20 1/5. He returned $12, $5.20 and $3.60 as the 5-1 fourth choice in the seven-horse field.

"He cleared right away and threw his ears up. Nobody else seemed liked they

were in a hurry, and he was doing it so easily," Flores explained. "He finished

up really strong, and I just hope he stays good and sound and that we have

another big year with him."

"Today, it seemed like he really had it all his own way the whole way,"

Kasparoff said. "When challenged, it was nice to see him respond."

Into Mischief, who rated off the pace in midpack, rallied wide into

contention in the stretch and finished up well for runner-up honors, 1 1/2

lengths clear of third-placer Georgie Boy, who edged Colonel John by a nose on

the wire. A slight 2-1 favorite in his career finale, Into Mischief paid $3.40 and $2.80 for his

gallant effort. Georgie Boy, the 3-1 third choice, totaled $3.40. Colonel John

left the starting gate as the 2-1 second choice and was followed under the wire

by Guns on the Table (Carson City), Nownownow (Whywhywhy) and Golden Spikes

(Seeking the Gold).

Owned by Jeff Harmon and Tim Kasparoff, Bob Black Jack secured his first

graded victory. He captured the California Breeders' Champion S. and Sunshine

Millions Dash S. last winter over restricted rivals before joining the Kentucky

Derby (G1) trail with a third in the San Felipe S. (G2). In the Santa Anita

Derby (G1) next time out, Bob Black Jack turned in a big performance to miss by

only a half-length to Colonel John, earning a trip to Churchill Downs with his

second-place showing, and set the early pace in the Kentucky Derby before

weakening to 16th. The dark bay would not be seen again under silks for nearly

seven months, reappearing with a fifth in the six-furlong Vernon O. Underwood S.

(G3) that served as the perfect tightener for the Malibu. Bob Black Jack has now

earned $594,925 from a 10-4-2-1 line.

"He needed his last race, no doubt about it," Flores said.

Bred by Gary & Marlene Howard and Bruce Dunmore, Bob Black Jack hails from the

winning Native Prospector mare Molly's Prospector and counts the soon-to-be

juvenile filly Stormy Victory as a full sister. This is the female family of

Grade 1 winner, Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) runner-up and $1 million earner Taste

of Paradise (Conquistador Cielo) and 2003 Triple Bend Invitational H. (G1)

victor Joey Franco (Avenue of Flags).

The Malibu is the first leg of the Strub Series for four-year-olds of 2009.

The second leg is the 1 1/16-mile San Fernando S. (G2) on January 17, and the 1

1/8-mile Strub S. (G2) concludes the series on February 7.