Not a Bad Undercard to the Malibu Stakes

Although the Malibu is the main event on the opening card at Santa Anita, the seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds isn’t the only stakes on the program.

Before Midas Eyes, Buddy Gil and others get together in the first leg of the Strub Series, nine 3-year-olds will meet at a mile on the turf in the $75,000 Sir Beaufort and 11 2-year-old Cal-breds will face off in the $125,000 California Breeders’ Champion.

In the Sir Beaufort, Buckland Manor will try to remain perfect on the Santa Anita turf as he makes his first start since Oct. 23 for owner-breeders John Toffan and Trudy McCaffery and trainer Paco Gonzalez.

A chestnut son of Bien Bien, Buckland Manor beat older in his two wins on the local lawn during the Oak Tree meet and now he’s in with his age group in the mile race.

In the California Breeders’ Champion, California Cup Juvenile winner He’s The Rage will take on recent maiden winner Profuse, Cavonnier winner and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile also-ran Race For Glory and two-time stakes hero Don’tsellmeshort and others at seven furlongs.

Race of the day: Quick Action, an impressive debut winner for Bill Young’s Overbrook Farm and trainer Wayne Lukas, will take on five other 2-year-olds in the $60,000 Maria’s Mon today at Aqueduct. A son of Carson City, Quick Action won by 4 1/4 lengths on Nov. 15. Heberto Castillo Jr. will ride against Tale Of Woe, Manitoy, War’s Prospect, Scary Bob and Johnny Tornado.

One for the road: Mighty Berto makes his first start since Oct. 17 and first for trainer Gary Palmisano after failing to threaten against better on the Santa Anita turf course.

The Bertrando gelding should improve against the softer company as he moves to the dirt in today’s 10th at the Fair Grounds. Mighty Berto, who will be ridden by Robby Albarado, also is adding Lasix.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Oro Desert, Pointe Birds and Musique Toujours in the seventh, the Midas Eyes-Watchem Smokey entry in the eighth and Kirschwasser, Fort Point and Ring Of Friendship in the ninth.

Winners (final for Hollywood Park): Previous day/meet total: 2/93. Money: Previous day/meet total: $13.60/$511. Total money bet: $516.