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Home / News / Baffert’s Quintet Brings Speed, Talent to Malibu Stakes 2025

Baffert’s Quintet Brings Speed, Talent to Malibu Stakes 2025

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We’ve been working on a new approach to the AnglePicks that involves shifting the spotlight to Expected Value (EV+) plays, powered by our advanced algorithm and a pari-mutuel-aware EV calculator that accounts for dynamic odds and late-money shifts. Unlike our traditional rankings, detailed selections, and multi-pronged wagering strategies, this new focus delivers precise model win probabilities for each horse, paired with realistic live EV estimates to highlight mathematically profitable bets—ensuring you wager with a proven edge for long-term success. Dive into our data-driven picks below and see how we’re redefining smart betting at the track.

The rescheduled Grade 1 Malibu Stakes ($300,000, 7 furlongs, dirt, 3-year-olds) headlines Santa Anita’s opening day card, drawing a competitive field of 10. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert saddles half the runners, seeking his seventh Malibu victory in this prestigious year-end sprint that often launches horses toward stallion stardom in the breeding shed and on progeny dominance on the track.

Key Contenders Breakdown

Barnes (3-1 morning line, Jose Ortiz) – The standout with dominant form at this distance. This $3.2 million Into Mischief colt crushed the Perryville Stakes (G3) by 8¼ lengths at Keeneland, earning top Apex Pulse Ratings in recent outings. Proven at Santa Anita (San Vicente G2 winner), he pairs speed with tactical versatility—our model flags him as the highest-probability winner, with strong EV+ potential if odds drift above fair value.

Cornucopian (7-2, Flavien Prat) – Lightly raced and highly talented, this $1.1 million yearling returns off an eight-month layoff after a disappointing spring. Baffert calls him the most gifted in his arsenal; blinkers off and sharp workouts signal a rebound. Elite Dominance Score suggests upside—monitor for overlay EV+ as a fresh closer.

Midland Money (7-2, Juan Hernandez) – Progressive type adding blinkers after strong allowance runner-ups (107 figures). Debut winner here by six lengths; late pace projects dangerously in a speed-heavy field. Prestige Tier Index ranks high for improvement—prime EV+ candidate if overlooked.

Madaket Road (5-1, Irad Ortiz Jr.) – Consistent graded stakes performer, freshened for this spot. Multiple near-misses at elite level; Distance Mastery Figure shines at seven furlongs. Solid underneath play with live EV estimates.

Goal Oriented (5-1, Joel Rosario) – Best suited stretching out but dangerous if pace melts down. Debut winner at Santa Anita; could rally into exotics.

Non-Baffert Threats:

  • Modus Bestia (15-1, Edwin Maldonado, Richard Baltas) → In peak form with back-to-back wins; Baffert praises him highly—potential upsetter.
  • Speedy Wilson (15-1, Armando Ayuso, Phil D’Amato) → Perfect 3-for-3 at seven furlongs.
  • Berlin Wall (20-1, Tiago Pereira, Steve Knapp) → Romped last out; strong Santa Anita record.
  • Smooth Cruisein (30-1, Kyle Frey, Karen Headley) & Spenard (30-1, Tyler Baze, Dan McFarlane) → Longer shots but capable on best day.

The Angle Picks algorithm projects a pace duel up front, favoring closers like Barnes and Cornucopian. Live EV+ alerts will target value as odds fluctuate—focus on overlays in exactas and trifectas keying Baffert runners over the field.

Traditional Top Rankings: 1. Barnes, 2. Cornucopian, 3. Midland Money, 4. Madaket Road.

Multi-Pronged Strategy: Win/Place on Barnes; Exacta boxes Barnes-Cornucopian-Midland Money; Trifecta wheels with Baffert top over field.

Stay tuned for live updates and EV+ flashes as post time approaches—smart money starts here!

Get Free PPs for the Malibu Stakes courtesy of DRF’s Race of the Day