Malibu Secret set for debut in Vandal Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Malcolm Pierce and owner-breeder Sam-Son Farm will unveil a pair of first-time starters in 2-year-old stakes on turf this weekend, and Malibu Secret could be live for his debut in the $150,000 Vandal Stakes over 6 1/2 furlongs for Ontario-bred juveniles.

On Saturday, Pierce and Sam-Son Farm were scheduled to debut Mythical Mission in the $150,000 Shady Well Stakes. Mythical Mission and Malibu Secret are from a family that has produced the graded turf-stakes winners Irish Mission and French Beret. Malibu Secret’s dam, Ain’t No Tellin’, is an unraced half-sister to Mythical Mission, Irish Mission, and French Beret.

Malibu Secret has been working regularly since June and recorded a five-furlong breeze in 59.80 seconds on the turf training track July 31. He’ll be the only first-time starter in the Vandal field.

“I’m going to put him in there and take a look,” Pierce said. “He’s trained very well. He’s worked on everything. He’s worked good on the turf, he’s worked good on the dirt, and he’s worked good on the Tapeta. I think he likes all three surfaces. That will be a bonus, if he’s versatile.”

Key Contenders

Malibu Secret, by Malibu Moon

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Saturday’s start by Mythical Mission was to be Pierce’s first 2-year-old first-time starter in a non-graded stakes race in the last five years. Overall, Pierce is 1 for 12 with 2-year-olds in non-graded stakes over the past five years.

Pachi Cruze, by Valid N Bold
Last 3 Beyers: 54-49-67

◗ Pachi Cruze will make his first start on turf after nosing out Lokinforpursemonee in the Frost King Stakes on June 26. Lokinforpursemonee has since come back to win the Victoria Stakes with a 68 Beyer Speed Figure.

Fleetway, by Creative Cause
Last Beyer: 59

◗ He won his career debut going six furlongs on grass here July 24 in front-running fashion. He’s likely to be part of the early pace scenario again here but could be compromised by the wide post.

State of Honor, by To Honor and Serve
Last Beyer: 66

◗ He was third with a 66 Beyer in his first start in the Victoria Stakes on July 17. Like stablemate Fleetway, he could be compromised by his wide draw.

Woodbridge, by Langfuhr
Last Beyer: 56

◗ He was second behind Fleetway in his first start July 24 after stalking that rival early and forcing the issue through the far turn. He’ll add Lasix for this start.