TWIRLING CANDY (Candy Ride [Arg]), NOBLE'S PROMISE (Cuvee) and ALCINDOR
(Unbridled's Song) are the big names expected for Sunday's $250,000 Malibu S.
(G1), the traditional opening-day feature at Santa Anita. The official field for
the seven-furlong test will be drawn Wednesday, and eight sophomores appear
likely to pass through the entry box.
Twirling Candy is one of two from the barn of trainer John Sadler, who will
defend his title at the winter/spring meet. A smashing 3 1/4-length winner of
the grassy Del Mar Derby (G2) two starts back, the dark bay colt sustained his
first career setback when a finishing fourth as the 3-5 favorite in the
nine-furlong Goodwood S. (G1) on October 2, but he's a strong candidate to
rebound while cutting back in trip Sunday. Four-for-five overall, Twirling Candy
will retain the services of Joel Rosario for his dirt bow in the Malibu.
Sadler will also send out DON TITO (Trippi), who exits a third in his stakes
debut, the Jimmy V. on Breeders' Cup Friday at Churchill Downs.
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