Z WP Stable, Inc. and Non Stop Stable’s Malibu Beauty left no doubt on Saturday at Delaware Park, seizing the lead from the start and never looking back to capture the $150,000 Obeah Stakes in a decisive gate-to-wire performance.
Under a confident ride from jockey Paco Lopez, the 7-year-old Maryland-bred mare broke sharply from post position eight and immediately established command. The daughter of Buffum dictated the terms of the race, setting measured fractions of 23.72 for the opening quarter-mile and 47.36 for the half.
The 3-2 betting favorite Gun Song, with Hall of Famer John Velazquez aboard, tracked the leader from second position, poised to strike. But as the field of six rounded the far turn after three-quarters in 1:12.13, the challenge never materialized.
Lopez asked his mount for her best run at the top of the stretch, and Malibu Beauty responded with authority. She kicked clear of her rivals, extending her advantage through the lane and hitting a convincing three lengths in front of the wire. The final time for the one and one-sixteenth miles over a fast main track was 1:44.61.
“The plan was always to go to the front if she broke well,” said winning trainer Gary Capuano. “She’s the kind of mare that loves a fight, and she loves to be in control of the race. Paco gave her a perfect ride, rationing out her speed, and when he asked her, she just re-broke. We’re incredibly proud of her effort today.”
Gun Song, the highly regarded filly for trainer Mark Hennig, held on for second but was no match for the winner’s sheer determination. Further back, Ragtime Belle trailed the field early and put in a mild rally along the inside to secure third place.
The victory marked a triumphant return to the winner’s circle for Malibu Beauty, which has proven to be a force in the Mid-Atlantic region. The $100,000 win boosted her career earnings to an impressive figure, solidifying her status as a top-class competitor. For her connections, the victory was a sweet reward for their durable and consistent mare.
Scratched Horse(s): Done Enough (Trainer), Into Amore (Trainer)
Fractional Times: 23.72, 47.36, 1:12.13
Final Time: 1:44.61
Winning Connections
Winner: Malibu Beauty
Jockey: Paco Lopez
Trainer: Gary Capuano
Owner: Z WP Stable, Inc. and Non Stop Stable
Breeder: ZWP Stable & Non Stop Stable
Bloodline: Bay Mare, by Buffum out of Slow and Steady, by Malibu Moon. Foaled Apr 27, 2018 in Maryland.
Stallion Info: Buffum (Passed away in 2019)
Payouts
1st – (8) Malibu Beauty – Win: $22.00, Place: $7.60, Show: $5.00
2nd – (5) Gun Song – Place: $3.40, Show: $2.60
3rd – (2) Ragtime Belle – Show: $10.60
Exotics: $1.00 Exacta (8-5) Paid: $34.40 | $1.00 Trifecta (8-5-2) Paid: $323.90 | $1.00 Superfecta (8-5-2-7) Paid: $1,229.20
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