Malibu

The 54th running of the Malibu S. (G1) highlights Monday's opening day card

at Santa Anita and a contentious mix of 14 sophomores is set for the

seven-furlong test. A fast pace appears inevitable with the preponderance of

speed in the lineup, and we'll give the edge to the late-running WILKO (Awesome

Again) from the far outside.

Trained by Craig Dollase, Wilko captured the 2004 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1)

from just off the pace in his U.S. bow, earning a 110 BRIS Late Pace rating, and

did not disgrace himself when finishing a third in both the Hollywood Futurity

(G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) after that. In the latter, Wilko recorded

triple-digit BRIS Speed and Late Pace numbers, but the chestnut colt was dogged

by a quarter crack problem last spring and wound up being sidelined following

unplaced efforts in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1). Wilko returned

to the races in the six-furlong Larkspur S. at Golden Gate Fields on December 10

and raced in last down the backstretch before uncorking a furious rally, falling

just a head short after a wide trip. He notched another century-topping Late

Pace figure (107) and the Larkspur should serve as the perfect tightener. The

added ground is a benefit, and we'll look for Wilko to get there in time on

Monday.

ATTILA'S STORM (Forest Wildcat) is the quickest member of the field and is a

threat to lead wire to wire. The improving bay colt made his graded bow in the

Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) two starts back and battled gamely through wicked

fractions before weakening to fourth, beaten only 3 1/2 lengths. He received a

108 Speed rating for that effort and returned with a game victory in the Fall

Highweight H. on November 24. Attila's Storm has worked three times since then

for trainer Richard Schosberg, the last two coming at Santa Anita, and he

started his career on the West Coast, making his first two career starts in

Arcadia, California. Our biggest concern is that he'll face too much early

pressure, but jockey Pat Valenzuela might be able to nurse his mount's speed

throughout the seven-furlong affair.

SHAMOAN (Ire) (Monashee Mountain) ran well on the turf at Santa Anita earlier

this year and then transferred his form to the dirt, finishing second in the Lone

Star Derby (G3) before winning the Iowa Derby three starts back. He finished a

commendable fourth next out in the West Virginia Derby (G3) and we're willing to

overlook his poor finish in the grassy Del Mar Derby (G2) last out. The chestnut

gelding has had more success on the main track, earning excellent Speed and Late

Pace ratings, and turned in a sharp drill for this appearance, working five

furlongs in a bullet :59 last week (fastest of 61). Shamoan is an attractive

30-1 on the morning line and could have a say in the final outcome if he

continues to improve on dirt.

GREELEY'S GALAXY (Mr. Greeley) and OSIDY (Storm Cat) will run coupled due to

common ownership and we respect the chances of both. The former created a stir

earlier this year, romping over maiden special weight and allowance rivals at

Santa Anita prior to a brilliant 9 1/2-length score in the Illinois Derby (G2),

but the classics were probably too much too soon for the talented colt.

Greeley's Galaxy earned a lengthy vacation following a seventh in the Preakness

and has been training steadily for his return under the direction of Warren Stute. We would have liked to see a prep race for this tough seven-furlong race,

but Greeley's Galaxy still looks like a very dangerous presence from just off

the pace. Osidy could be a factor if he takes to the main track, but the Grade 3

winner has raced exclusively on the sod so far in his career. He has shown a

nice late turn of kick since arriving from Europe and could finish up for

a small share if the front runners falter.

UNBRIDLED ENERGY (Unbridled's Song) is an intriguing prospect for Richard

Mandella. Unraced since July, the gray colt showed some talent this spring,

recording a nice win in the Marine S. (Can-G3) at Woodbine prior to a second in

the Northern Dancer Breeders' Cup S. (G3) at Churchill Downs, and he received

very respectable Speed and Pace numbers for those efforts. We expect Unbridled

Energy to sit a favorable stalking trip under Garrett Gomez before offering a

rally, so consider for the top three.

FUSAICHI ROCK STAR (Wild Wonder) owns some appeal for the exotics given his

lone appearance over the track, a sharp one-length score in February's San

Vicente S. (G2), and we wouldn't be surprised to see the Bob Baffert colt return

with a sharp effort off the layoff. We'll include him on the bottom of some

gimmicks. DILIGENT PROSPECT (Diligence) reeled off three straight wins prior to

faltering as the favorite in the Perryville S. (G3) last out. The Doug O'Neill

charge will likely come out running off the brief freshening and we'll just

watch to see how he fares at this level.

YES HE'S A PISTOL (Yes It's True) may prove to be a wise claim for $80,000

two starts back, but the chestnut colt has class concerns here. JACK'S WILD (Lil

Tyler) will probably have a good pace to run at, but we doubt he's good enough

to challenge at this level. THOR'S ECHO (Swiss Yodeler) does his best running on

the front end and doesn't appear likely to make the early lead in this spot.

NINETY FINE (Event of the Year) faces a stiff class check and must overcome

an outside post. We'll pass. ALEXANDERSRUN (Sweetsouthernsaint) has raced mostly

around two turns and doesn't look fast enough to be competitive on the cut back

in distance. PROUD TOWER TOO (Proud Irish) could be in the early mix, but he

steps up to face open company and probably won't last.