Nashville, Charlatan clash in Malibu

Nashville, Charlatan clash in Malibu
By the New York Hot List Staff // Tuesday, December 22, 2020

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A seven-furlong stakes for 3-year-olds in late December usually does not generate much fanfare, but Saturday’s Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Park is the exception to that rule. Though only six horses were entered, two of them figure to put on a great show when the unbeaten Nashville, who was a dazzling winner on the Breeders’ Cup undercard, meets up with Charlatan, whose only loss came when he was disqualified from first in the Arkansas Derby due to a drug violation.

Here’s the Hot List picks for the Malibu:

The $300,000 Malibu Stakes, Santa Anita Park, Saturday, Race 10.

(4) Charlatan hasn’t raced since May, but rates an edge here because he’s been training over a deep, tiring track at Santa Anita that should have him fit for today’s big test. Trainer Bob Baffert is an expert when it comes to winning a big race off a layoff, giving Charlatan the edge in a great matchup. Drawing outside of Nashville also helps his cause. (3) Nashville has won his three starts by a combined 24 ¾ lengths and will be on top early. Anyone hoping to beat him will need to be on their A+ game. (2) Thousand Words has not raced since a disappointing try in the Preakness. He should benefit most from  a brutal pace. (6) Independence Hall had a great prep for this race and cannot be ignored.