Desert of Malibu’s victory in the $1.4-million Clovis Metcalfe Trophy, an Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward going 7 ½ furlongs on Saturday, July 5, was proof of her trainer’s (Gary Subratie) patience and expertise.

After a disappointing last effort on May 17, when she finished down the track over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m), Subratie and his team went back to the drawing board, re-evaluating their approach to training the talented American-bred mare.

“I was disappointed with her last run, so we started over with her,” Subratie told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

The change in approach seemed to pay off, as Desert of Malibu trained well and showed impressive form on race day.

With Raddesh Roman guiding her through the field, Desert of Malibu drew clear in the final stretch, crossing the finish line, 8¼ lengths ahead of rivals. The mare stopped the clock in 1:32.3, as Run Julie Run, ridden by Reyan Lewis, finished second, while Divine Force, piloted by Ian Spence, took third place.

“She trained a little lightly coming into this race because I noticed whenever I pressured her much too she never gives me a good run.

“Returning to little training for this race, more stamina training than fast work and she worked well,” Subratie explained.

Subratie believes that Desert of Malibu is “almost back on top of her game.” He expects her to improve further in her next outing, although he hasn’t finalised plans as yet.

“She is good, I think she is almost back on top of her game and the next one [run] she should be better. I have nothing in my mind right now about her next race as I just wanted to see how she’d perform today,” Subratie shared.

Roman was also pleased with the effort from Desert of Malibu.

“Well, she is a very nice horse from a long while. She has her issues, but she is getting over it and I think she is a pretty nice horse,” he said.