A fever kept the Malibu Moonshine out of the Maryland Million, but she came from off the pace again to capture the seven-furlong Maryland Juvenile Fillies Dec. 3 at Laurel, contested over a muddy track.

“She came out of the race good,” Baker said. “I like her chances here. It’s a little tougher competition, but I think she’s a little tougher coming out of that last race and she should move forward from that.”

For the second straight race, Malibu Moonshine will break from the rail in the Gin Talking, this time under Dylan Davis, who was aboard in debut. Baker feels the post should suit her late-running style.

“I thought she put herself a little closer [last time], but it seems like she breaks and kind of tries to get herself together and then she makes her run, and that’s OK/ She’s been successful doing that and I don’t mind. The seven-eighths is a good distance for her,” Baker said. “She’s a very good shipper Nothing really bothers her. She’s like an old pro when it comes to everything.”

Malibu Moonshine is one of two Maryland-breds and three horses bred in the Mid-Atlantic in the Gin Talking. Also in the contest are the improving Gormley’s Gabriela, a Maryland-bred who finished third in the Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship Dec. 3 for trainer Hamilton Smith; and Tappin Josie, a Pennsylvania-bred that trainer Brittany Russell and owners S B Stables LLC and GenStar Thoroughbreds recently claimed for $62,500 out of a win in an allowance/optional claimer.