Bernier: How I'd play Los Alamitos for Saturday, Dec. 19
The final Saturday card of this Los Alamitos meeting is highlighted by the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Futurity, scheduled as the eighth race on a nine-race card. I’ll play two doubles on the day – one early, one late.
RACE 1
SHORT MEMORIES (6) debuts for Mike Puype against a field that is far from spectacular. She doesn’t need to be much to win at first asking, and the fact that Tyler Baze is willing to ride her in the debut makes one think that she can run a bit (relatively speaking). If she’s anything near the 4-1 she’s listed at on the morning line she becomes playable on the win end. As is, she’ll be used as the first half of the early double.
RACE 2
SWEETRAYOFSUNSHINE (6) appears to have a significant edge on this field, both from a running style standpoint and from a Beyer Speed Figure standpoint. She gets serious class relief in this spot, and if she’s able to replicate her effort from Sept. 20 she’ll be extremely difficult for the rest of these to handle. The downside is she’s likely to offer no value, which is ultimately why I’m choosing to play an early double.
EARLY DOUBLE: 6 – Short Memories / 6 – Sweetrayofsunshine
RACE 8
MOR SPIRIT (5) is the horse to beat for a number of reasons. First and foremost, he’s the fastest horse, according to the Beyer Speed Figures. Secondly, he has a tremendous tactical advantage, having shown the ability to sit off runners and overtake them. That being said, he’s unlikely to offer any value and I’ll take a small shot against him. I’MALREADYTHERE (7) was beaten fair and square in the Bob Hope by TOEWS ON ICE (4), but the added distance may be the great equalizer. I’malreadythere galloped out very nicely that day, and the additional real estate could be the difference maker.
RACE 9
PEE WEE REESE (2) and EDDIE HASKELL (10) are two first-time starters that come from high percentage barns when it comes to these types. Pee Wee Reese will be piloted by Victor Espinoza for trainer Phil D’Amato, and based on D’Amato’s numbers at this Los Alamitos meeting you would have to think this one will be ready to fire at first asking. Eddie Haskell debuts for Doug O’Neill, and while he was a vet scratch on Nov. 28, it’s hard to deny that his workouts look enticing on paper. I’ll use both of them to round out the late double.
LATE DOUBLE: 7 – I’malreadythere / 2 – Pee Wee Reese, 10 – Eddie Haskell