UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, trainer Bob Baffert has claimed his record-breaking seventh victory in the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita, just moments ago on December 26, 2023. This victory marks a significant milestone, as Baffert now stands alone with the most wins in this prestigious race’s history.
The race unfolded dramatically after two of Baffert’s initial five contenders were scratched. Just 15 minutes before the race, Cornucopian, the favorite, was scratched due to an incident in the paddock, leaving Baffert with only three horses to compete in the $200,000, Grade I event. The stakes were high, and the crowd of 41,962 fans buzzed with anticipation.
Despite the setbacks, Baffert’s new favorite, Goal Oriented, surged from the back of the pack to clinch victory, finishing just ahead of Baffert’s other runner, Midland Money. The final time of 1:20.99 for the 7-furlong race makes this the fastest Malibu Stakes since 2016, showcasing Goal Oriented’s impressive comeback after a four-race slump.
Baffert reflected on the challenges leading up to the race, stating, “There’s strength in numbers, you know?” His strategy to capitalize on the front-runners’ fatigue played out perfectly as the pacesetter, Modus Bestia, fell behind.
In a post-race discussion, Tom Ryan of SF Racing, which owns Goal Oriented along with Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables, expressed disappointment over Cornucopian’s incident but celebrated the win. “There’s no one to blame. It is what it is. We’re leading in another Grade I winner,” he said.
The race day was already notable for Baffert, who had earlier seen his horses dominate other events, including a 1-2 finish in the Grade II Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes and a strong performance by Usha in the Grade I La Brea Stakes. All three of these winners recorded faster-than-usual times, benefiting from a main track that dried out after recent storms.
Baffert’s victory today adds to his legacy, surpassing fellow Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, who trained Malibu winners between 1988 and 2019. Each of Baffert’s Malibu champions has had its own story, but today’s event stands out as one of the most unusual.
As the racing world reflects on this extraordinary day, all eyes will be on Baffert as he continues to train and prepare for future races. The excitement surrounding his victories is palpable, making it clear that Baffert remains a formidable force in thoroughbred racing.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
