Multiple graded stakes-winning sprinter Damon's Mound is bound for California for an expected start in the $300,000 Malibu Stakes (G1) Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park.
Trainer Michelle Lovell told BloodHorse that the 3-year-old son of Girvin was on the van headed to the airport early Sunday afternoon and is expected to arrive in California Dec. 18. Damon's Mound will join Gotham Stakes (G3) winner Raise Cain as the second Kentucky-based contender to target the Malibu.
A homebred for Cliff and Michele Love, Damon's Mound, a grade 2 winner last year as a 2-year-old, has enjoyed a successful second half of the year into his sophomore season. The colt captured the Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes and Gallant Bob (G2) Stakes before settling for second behind Ryvit in the Nov. 20 Steel Valley Stakes at Mahoning Valley Race Course.
"He's coming into the (Malibu) really well," Lovell said. "He had two nice wins and a good second last time out.
"His owner (Cliff Love) has had his eye on the Malibu for quite some time so that was the goal. We're facing very stiff competition obviously but I think he's worthy of the try and give a good account of himself. He never disappoints."
Lovell said that it's unlikely Damon's Mound would breeze again for the Malibu. He worked five furlongs in 1:00 Dec. 16 at Churchill Downs, clocking the second fastest time of the morning.
"He's fit. He had a really nice breeze yesterday with a huge gallop out," Lovell said. "He galloped out six furlongs under wraps so he just needs to get out there and get moving after he gets a day or two to rest. He gets pretty stiff gallops anyway so he'll be ready."
Saturday's work was the second for Damon's Mound since his Steel Valley effort. In his return to the work tab Dec. 8, the Florida-bred blazed five furlongs in a bullet :59.
Although Damon's Mound has never ventured as far West as California, Lovell doesn't believe the long trip should affect the colt's performance, considering the travel miles he's logged thus far in 2023.
"He's a good shipper," Lovell said. "The last three races he had to ship a pretty good ways each time—not to California of course—but he ships well and recovers well and runs. He's got plenty of days to recover and then get on the track out there and stretch his legs."
Awaiting Damon's Mound and Raise Cain in California are possible Malibu starters Fort Bragg , National Treasure , Speed Boat Beach , Sharp Aza Tack , and Two Rivers Over .
The Malibu, a seven-furlong contest for 3-year-olds, will draw Dec.22.