Axelrod points to Malibu Stakes

Axelrod, a two-time Grade 3 winner in the summer who was ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Nov. 3, is on schedule for a start in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes at seven furlongs for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita on Dec. 26.

“He’s training forwardly,” trainer Michael McCarthy said earlier this week. “He came out of his Breeders’ Cup in good shape.”

Axelrod was beaten eight lengths by winner Accelerate in the BC Classic at 1 1/4 miles, racing as close as fourth on the final turn.

The $300,000 Malibu Stakes is one of five stakes on the opening-day program of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting.

The Malibu is likely to have a solid field, including Kanthaka, the winner of two seven-furlong graded stakes for 3-year-old sprinters earlier this year, as well as Air Strike, Cool Bobby, Greyvitos, Nero, Pitino, and Yulong Warrior.

Air Strike was second as the 5-2 favorite in the $250,000 Zia Park Derby on Nov. 21 in his stakes debut. He is owned by a partnership that includes Slam Dunk Racing, which co-owns Axelrod. Air Strike is trained by Phil D’Amato.

“He’s a very progressive horse,” D’Amato said. “You get one (last) shot at a straight 3-year-olds race. I think seven furlongs with a pace to run at, he might love it.”

Neck surgery for Stevens

Retired Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens said last week that he is scheduled to undergo surgery on Dec. 27 to have three vertebrae fused in his neck.

“I’m anxiously awaiting that,” he said. “I’m comfortable right now.

“They expect me to be out on the 28th and the neck brace will come off at two weeks and I can start my therapy and getting back to normal.”

Stevens, 55, announced his retirement on Nov. 20, after he suffered a spinal injury in a post parade accident at Del Mar on Nov. 17. Stevens said he suffered numbness in his hands and discomfort in his neck and was told by an orthopedic surgeon that a fall could lead to a more serious injury.

Stevens said after his recovery he will be able to participate in some sports.

“My first question to the doctor was, ‘Will I play golf? and he said, ‘Yes,’ ” Stevens said.

“He said no contact sports. You’ll never sit on a horse again. I’m comfortable with that.”