12/26/2025

   14  SA    Malibu Stakes (GI)
        $300.000     7f Dirt        3YO    122lbs 

We head out to the left coast where a large number of big stakes will take place during the holidays, so we will use a single article to cover everything, and we start the coverage with a six-pack of sprinters set to go seven panels in the Malibu Stakes (GI).

I am beginning and ending the selections with Aggravated Jung, fresh off of that third-place finish in the BC Sprint (GI).  He has five wins on the season, and over $1,000.000 in earnings, so his form is obvious.  He does have an off-the-pace form, which can be troublesome, but with only six in the gate, I think he finds clear sailing and get the job done.  We do see horses bounce after the BC, and that may be the only thing that stops him. 

Here’s The Field –

COZMAN Picks   2        Willie’s Green Card   2 / 4 / 1

   15  SA    La Brea Stakes (GI)
        $300.000     7f Dirt        3YO  F   122lbs 

If it’s good for the boys, it’s good for the girls, so we get another sophomore sprint, this time it’s the ladies going seven panels in the La Brea Stakes (GI).  Unlike the boys, this seems to be a bit more of a wide-open affair and could go any number of ways.  I’ll give Scrumdiddlyumptious the nod off of that near miss in the Dream Supreme effort at CD, in her most recent trip to the gate.  She did all of the heavy lifting that day, but she shows the need-for-speed… can she make it work here?  Black Regazze is another that can lay down swift fractions, and I’m looking for her to run big today.  She had a clear lead in the Comely (GIII) at AQU, but this is shorter and I think it fits her style perfectly.  I think she makes this interesting.  Dupixent had nothing to be ashamed of when fifth in the BC F&M Sprint (GI) and if she can repeat that effort from the Test (GI), she could find herself in the winner’s circle today. 

Here’s The Field –

COZMAN Picks  5 / 6 / 3         Willie’s Green Card    3 / 1 / 5

  16  SA    American Oaks (GI)
        $300.000     1 1/4m  Turf        3YO  F   122lbs 

We move to the sod for another group of sophomore ladies as we look at the field for the American Oaks (GI), a mile and a quarter test on the lush SoCal lawn… and will weather be a factor?  I know that RL SA has postponed opening day due to torrential rains, so it’s going to be interesting how this one goes.  I think my picks will stay about the same regardless of the weather, so with no further delay…  I’ll take Mami as the top pick.  She was second (DH) in the BC F&M Turf (GI) and she’s shown a ton of talent both on the grass and at a distance.  More of the same and she should be tough to get past.  Credit Crime is another class lady, and won her only turf effort, a huge purse at KD in the Dueling Ground Oaks (GIII).  She’s also undefeated on wet tracks… that is a POWERFUL combo!!  Let’s stick with that duo and try to get the exacta in our pockets.

Here’s The Field –

COZMAN Picks    6 / 3        Willie’s Green Card     3 / 6 / 2

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES