Desert Of Malibu to romp Christmas Eve feature

CHECKED and taken in hand, between COMMANDANT and FUNCAANDUN, exactly three and a half furlongs out, DESERT OF MALIBU’s checkered race record played true to form in the Mouttet Mile.

Considered one of the local-based hopefuls against a squadron of American invaders led by LEGACY ISLE, United States-bred DESERT OF MALIBU never recovered from Raddesh Roman dropping back into his saddle, causing the five-year-old mare to lose all momentum on the far turn.

It was just another day at work for DESERT OF MALIBU, who, some pundits believe, would boast a perfect win record, locally, had she not suffered unfortunate events such as her Mouttet Mile run after dismissing rivals with ease in the warm-up Port Royal Sprint a month earlier.

After two disqualifications, one reinstated on appeal - plus rearing at the gate in February, the first of only two occasions she has not passed the winning post in front - DESERT OF MALIBU, who missed last year’s Mouttet Mile due to management bungling, had her second chance go up in smoke.

Returning for Tuesday’s Chris Armond Sprint, tackling PACK PLAYS, a fellow American, who locked horns with Mouttet Mile runner-up LEGACY ISLE to the two and a half marker, DESERT OF MALIBU should get her revenge at five and a half furlongs.

PACK PLAYS, who finished sixth in the Mouttet Mile, also has a score to settle with DESERT OF MALIBU. Dick Cardenas lost his stirrup in the Port Royal Sprint in the mud on November 9.

Dialled back in training after posting 1:14.1 for six furlongs at exercise on November 30, PACK PLAYS’ game is to try making all against DESERT OF MALIBU, who, at times is a bit slowly away. However, DESERT OF MALIBU’s Mouttet Mile warm-up, 1:12.0 for six furlongs, should have her younger rival running scared.

Though allowing PACK PLAYS nine pounds and BOOTYLICIOUS a whopping 22lb, one of DESERT OF MALIBU’s most destructive performances was 1:10.4 for six furlongs on September 14. Should she return in that form with Roman out to prove a point, the Chris Armond will be over in a blink.