The Santa Anita winter-spring meeting opened on Wednesday, December 26, 2007. The day after Christmas is called 'Boxing Day’ in the Commonwealth. In America, it is simply called the day after Christmas.
The opening day's feature was the Grade I Malibu Stakes for three year-olds over 1,400 metres. Johnny Eves, David Flores up, won the $250,000 stakes in decisive fashion. Flores had Johnny Eves third until the final turn and took command as the field turned for home and ran on to win by a length. Carrilero made up considerable ground to be second. Another length and a half away was Horse Greely who took third.
This was the Graded Stakes debut for Johnny Eves, trained by Jay Robbins. Johnny Eves returned $24.00. The 1,400-metre trip was covered in 1 21.08 seconds on the cushion track. Fourteen three year-olds went postward.
The weather could not have been better. The temperature was in the balmy 60s and a crowd, 30,000-strong, was in attendance.
Jockey David Flores rode three winners including Johnny Eves.
The cushion track favoured front-runners. Rain is forecast for Friday. Rain will offer evidence whether the cushion track drains well. It may also provide conducive conditions for off-the-pace horses.
Jockey Aaron Gryder commented, "The track was fair. It will get better in the days to come."
Here are the numbers at the end of December 25, in the international jockeys' race. Jorge Ricardo was at 9,976. Russell Baze stood at 9,947.
