Omaha Beach was sent off the odds-on favourite to win Saturday’s Gr1 Malibu Stakes (7 fur) at Santa Anita and didn’t disappoint backers with a smooth success.
Faced by just four rivals for the $300,000 dirt contest, Omaha Beach was settled second last by Mike Smith as the outsider Much Better (Pionerrofthenile) set a fast early pace.
Easing up alongside before the home turn, Smith allowed Omaha Beach (War Front) a little more rein in the home straight and the bay was untroubled in the run to the line to defeat Roadster) by 2-3/4 lengths.
MIKE SMITH – HISTORY MAKER!
Omaha Beach is back with a bang and Mike Smith sets an all-time record of 217 G1 wins!
The 2019 Runhappy Malibu Stakes at @santaanitapark – a race for the history books! pic.twitter.com/LzU2euLweK
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 28, 2019
Slated to stand at Spendthrift Farm after his run in the Pegasus on January 25, Omaha Beach has now won five of his 10 starts, only missing a place once, and earned $1.65 million.
A half-brother to Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Take Charge Brandi (Giant’s Causeway), Omaha Beach is out of Charming (Seeking The Gold), a winning half-sister to Champion 3YO and Gr1 Travers Stakes winner Will Take Charge (Unbridled’s Song) and Gr1 Florida Derby winner Take Charge Indy (A P Indy).
The granddam Take Charge Lady (Dehere) won the Gr1 Ashland Stakes and was named US Broodmare of the Year in 2013.