Belief’ Works; Malibu Still Possible

Jungle Racing LLC, KMN Racing LLC, Hollendorfer, Litt, Solis II and Todaro’s champion Shared Belief (Candy Ride {Arg}) registered his first workout since a troubled fourth-place finish as the favorite in the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic Tuesday morning, working three furlongs in :36.80 at Golden Gate Fields. 

“He came out of the race a little banged up, and that’s to be expected, but he got through it and [Hall of Fame Trainer] Jerry [Hollendorfer] said the last couple of days he’s been galloping very strong, and the rider said that it’s time to do some more with him,” said part owner Alex Solis II. “He did it really well and Jerry was very pleased.” 

Solis noted that Shared Belief could possibly make one more start this year, but acknowledged that a decision is highly contingent upon how the gelding trains in the interim. 

“We’re going to wait until he really tells us he’s ready,” he offered. “He’s training like he’s going forward, but you want to make sure he’s 100% before you run him again.” 

The logical spot for Shared Belief, according to Solis, is the seven-furlong GI Malibu S. at Santa Anita 
Dec. 26. 

“I’m definitely not going to rule the Malibu out,” Solis said. “We want to get him a couple more works and see if we can go. Opening day at Santa Anita is always a fun day to run.” 

Since recovering from a pair of injuries that prevented him from racing early in 2015, last year’s champion 2-year-old has raced five times this year, notching Grade I wins against older horses in the TVG Pacific Classic S. at Del Mar Aug. 24 and the Awesome Again S. at Santa Anita Sep. 27. Sent off as the 5-2 choice in the Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 1, the gelding was roughed up at the start and rallied belatedly to finish fourth. It was Shared Belief’s first defeat in eight career starts.