Five-year-old American-bred chestnut mare Desert of Malibu gets another opportunity to showcase her talent when she lines up against six rivals in the $1.4-million St Catherine Cup feature race at Caymanas Park today.

The Gary Subratie-conditioned Desert of Malibu has the distinction of passing the winning post in front in her five starts on local soil to date. However, the Malibu Moon – Lady Digger offspring had her number taken down on last in the Bruceontheloose Trophy over six-and-a-half furlongs (1,300m) on December 2, 2023.

Desert of Malibu won the race by 2 ½ lengths in a time of 1:19.0, but was later disqualified for causing interference to fellow American-bred Madelyn’s Sunshine going into the half-mile turn (800m).

Desert of Malibu‘s previous four wins have been nothing but impressive, winning over the five-straight twice in 59.4 and 59.0, respectively, over five-and-a-half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:05.2, and over one mile (1,600m) in 1:38.2. Based on those runs, it will take something special from her other competitors to deny Desert of Malibu a win here. Dane Dawkins remains in the saddle aboard Desert of Malibu.

Just Emperorofthecats, the other runner in the seven-horse field, has the ability to truly test Desert of Malibu here, as the others are just in the race to compete for prize money.

The Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward, the first major sprint race for the 2024 racing season, is positioned as the eighth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 3:50 pm. First race is at 11:30 am.

Emperorofthecats, bred, owned, and trained by Carl Anderson, has been one of the most improved horses in training at present. The five-year-old bay gelding comes into this race on the backend of three consecutive victories and his last two wins were impressive efforts coming off a seven-month break.

Emperorofthecats won going 6 furlongs in a time of 1:13.0 on December 10 before outsprinting rivals at 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m) in a time of 1:06.0. He has been working well coming into this race and based on his form, Emperorofthecats is going to make a bold bid here.

Press Conference, Sistren Treasure, Luksol, and Freedom Street are the other runners in the race.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Anika Belle/Sir Ganga Jamuna/Crafty Zella Zeen

Race 2) Lord Caesar/Affair/First Offense

Race 3) Fault Line/Zabratone/Delay The Game

Race 4) Gilbert/Whisky/Phoenix Risen

Race 5) Princess Akilah/Flybluejet/Aria’s Reign

Race 6) Sweet Victory/Veliki Vicki/Ertugrul

Race 7) Don Vincenzo/Just Move In/Diamond Rock

Race 8) Desert of Malibu/Emperorofthecats/Freedom Street

Race 9) Prince Marshall/Unruly Boss/Daddy Jones

Race 10) Anonymous/Wow How/Strike Smart