In a performance similar to her only other start, Malibu Moonshine came from behind to win the Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship for Maryland-bred and/or sired fillies at Laurel Park on Saturday, Dec. 3.

 

Based in New York for trainer Charlie Baker, the Bourbon Courage filly shipped to Pimlico for her debut on Sept. 11. After a slow break, she made a swooping five-wide move on the turn and drew away to a six-length victory over a sloppy track. Baker planned to send her to Maryland again for the Maryland Million Lassie on Oct. 22, but was forced to scratch after she fell ill the morning of the race. She returned to the worktab a few weeks later and was ready for her return in this spot. She had plenty of backing and went off the 6-5 favorite in the field of 10. Once again, Malibu Moonshine got to compete on an off track, as morning rain left the surface muddy.

 

Much like in her debut, Malibu Moonshine was forced to check at the start and was away last. She quickly settled in and drafted near the back of the pack early, which proved beneficial as early leaders Skylar’s Sister and Maryland Million Lassie winner Chickieness set fast early fractions. They splashed their way through an opening quarter of :22.26 and a half in :45.81. 

 

As they rounded the turn, Angel Cruz took Malibu Moonshine off the rail and moved her towards the middle of the track to commence her rally. Much like she did first time out, she moved easily towards the front and was in serious contention at the top of the stretch. The early leaders had no response, and Malibu Moonshine quickly pulled clear. Fast Tracked, a half-sister to 2022 multiple stakes winner Malibu Beauty and five other stakes performers, gave game chase in her second career start, but Malibu Moonshine held clear and won by two lengths. Fast Tracked held second while Gormley’s Gabriela closed for third. The final time for seven furlongs was 1:24.95.

 

Malibu Moonshine pushed her career earnings to $95,880. She’s owned by Happy Face Racing Stable and was bred by Dr. Ronald Harris Parker.

 

Malibu Moon's winning daughter Sunday in Malibu is the dam of Malibu Moonshine and nine other foals. She’s had seven starters, all winners, including the stakes-placed full sister to Malibu Moonshine, Maxine’s Tap Room, who sold for $135,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale, as well as stakes-placed $226,295-earner Faze the Nation (by Cal Nation). Sunday in Malibu’s 2019 foal named Brokester (by Holy Boss), a $100,000 May 2-year-old sales horse, is unraced. The 16-year-old mare has a yearling colt by Holy Boss named Malibu’s Boss Man and produced a full sister to Malibu Moonshine named Malibu Hooch this year. She was bred back to Bourbon Courage for 2023. 

 

Malibu Moonshine continues an impressive year for Anchor & Hope Farm’s stallion Bourbon Courage. She is her sire's fourth stakes winner this year, joining Kelso Handicap-G2 winner Double Crown, Fortheluvofbourbon, a four-time stakes winner this year including the Maryland Million Sprint, and recent Cornucopia Stakes victress Bourbon Bon Bay. Bourbon Courage currently ranks sixth among Maryland stallions and ninth among Mid-Atlantic stallions, with 34 winners and more than $2.5 million in earnings as of Dec. 5.