Late ‘n Left likely to show the way in allowance sprint

CYPRESS, Calif. – Late ‘n Left frequently gives trainer Anthony Saavedra positive vibes.

“She’s got a ton of energy,” he said on Wednesday. “She never gets tired.”

Saavedra would know. He frequently rides Late ‘n Left in morning exercise.

Claimed for $16,000 in November 2016, Late ‘n Left has since won 2 of 8 starts and finished second or third in three stakes for California-bred fillies and mares. On Friday at Los Alamitos, Late ‘n Left tries to win for the sixth time in her career in a first-level allowance with a $40,000 claiming option.

The distance of 5 1/2 furlongs suits Late ‘n Left, said Saavedra, who trains the 4-year-old filly for Steven and Sabina Zolotas and David Hamilton. Late ‘n Left frequently shows speed and is likely to set the pace.

“We’ve had to rate a bit to get 6 1/2 furlongs or seven-eighths,” Saavedra said. “Once you’re committed to go, you go.”

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KEY CONTENDERS

Late ‘n Left, by Lucky Pulpit
Last 3 Beyers: 80-85-81

◗ Late ‘n Left, who has earned $116,250 since being claimed, is winless in five starts since winning a $32,000 claimer at Santa Anita in February.

◗ Earlier this fall, Late ‘n Left was second in the California Distaff Handicap on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita and third in the Betty Grable Stakes at seven furlongs at Del Mar on Nov. 12. Both races were for California-bred fillies and mares.

◗ Late ‘n Left raced without blinkers in the Grable Stakes but will be fitted with the equipment on Friday.

“When she went seven-eighths, I took them off to stretch her out a little bit,” Saavedra said. “She’s a better filly with them on.”

◗ Stewart Elliott has ridden Late ‘n Left in her last three starts and earlier in her career, and retains the mount.

C. C. Zipp, by City Zip
Last 3 Beyers: 77-74-82

◗ Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, C. C. Zipp has not raced since finishing sixth in an optional claimer at a mile on turf at Santa Anita last January. C. C. Zipp’s only win in 13 starts was on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita in October 2016.

◗ C. C. Zipp has had a series of fast workouts at Los Alamitos, including five furlongs in 58.40 seconds on Nov. 24. She is likely to be part of the pace.

Meet and Greet, by Tribal Rule
Beyers: 75-71

◗ Trained by Phil D’Amato, Meet and Greet is unbeaten in two starts – a maiden-race win by 7 1/4 lengths at 5 1/2 furlongs at Los Alamitos on Sept. 15, and a win in an optional claimer for California-bred fillies and mares at six furlongs at Del Mar on Nov. 1.

◗ Meet and Greet has led or disputed the pace in both of her starts. Evin Roman, the leading rider at the Los Alamitos meetings in July and September, has the mount.