Los Alamitos calls off final program of season

Los Alamitos canceled its Sunday evening program, the final night of the 2010 meeting, as a result of Hollywood Park’s decision to cancel its afternoon program because of torrential rain.

Los Alamitos had a 10-race program of Quarter Horse and Thoroughbreds scheduled to run from 5:30 p.m. Pacific until shortly after 9 p.m.

Without a core of simulcast customers in California and other parts of the nation following Hollywood Park and then staying to wager on the Los Alamitos program, Los Alamitos management decided to cancel the program.

“It wouldn’t have been a good night,” said Los Alamitos spokesman Orlando Gutierrez.

Rain fell throughout Southern California beginning Friday and is expected to continue until Wednesday.

Gutierrez said Los Alamitos would be open for simulcasting from Australia on Sunday evening and that a pick six carryover of $7,693 from Saturday’s program would carry to the opening day of the 2011 meeting, on Jan. 1.

Los Alamitos completed a 10-race program on Saturday despite sloppy conditions and concern from some riders about the condition of the course. Track owner Ed Allred met with the riders early Saturday evening before the card continued.

Harems Last Dash ($43.60) upset the Grade 1, $202,500 Southern California Derby by a half-length over his uncoupled stablemate, Sparky E Boy, the 3-5 favorite. Harems Last Dash covered the 400 yards in 19.70 seconds.

Eduardo Nicasio, who rode Apollitical Jess to victory in last weekend’s Champion of Champions, was aboard Harems Last Dash for trainer Adan Farias and co-owners Vessels Stallion Farm. Vessels and Farias combined to win the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity last week with the longshot One Quick First Down.