Wet track could affect Friday juvenile races

Two maiden races for juveniles at Los Alamitos on Friday, a one-mile race for fillies and an open sprint, offer a glimpse into horses who could run in graded stakes in the coming months.

There are nine fillies entered in the fourth race and 12 colts entered in the sixth race, although both races could have smaller fields if an expected rainstorm materializes early Friday. All of the fillies have raced at least once, while six colts will be starting for the first time.

RACE 4

KEY CONTENDERS

One Gun (Beyers: 52-56)

◗ Trained by Simon Callaghan, One Gun was third as the 8-5 favorite in a seven-furlong maiden race at Santa Anita on Oct. 12.

“She didn’t scope very well after the race,” Callaghan said. “We gave her some time off to get her back in good condition. We expect a decent run.”

◗ Callaghan said One Gun is likely to start, but he expressed concern about a possible wet track.

“They either love it or they hate it,” Callaghan said.

Meta Mu (Beyers: 74-51)

◗ Meta Mu closed with interest when second in a maiden race over 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on Nov. 2. Gary Stevens rides Meta Mu for the first time in the longest race of her career.

Indian Princess (Beyers: 64-58)

◗ Indian Princess has drawn the outside post. The filly was beaten 5 1/2 lengths by Lady Lake on Nov. 2 and was 4 1/4 lengths behind runner-up Meta Mu. Trained by Mike Puype, Indian Princess is by Indian Charlie.

RACE 6

KEY CONTENDERS

Ultra Sharp (Beyer: 59)

◗ Ultra Sharp was fifth in a field of 10 in a five-furlong maiden race at Del Mar on July 19 in his career debut. Friday will be his second start and his first with Stevens aboard.

“He had a minor setback, and he’s trained forwardly,” trainer Craig Dollase said. “Gary came out and worked him a few works back and liked him. He’s matured, and this looks like a good spot.”

Keep Me Grounded (first-time starter)

◗ Keep Me Grounded is by First Samurai and trained by Bob Baffert. He was a $90,000 yearling purchase at Keeneland in 2013. “I think he’ll need one,” Baffert said.

New Summit (Beyer: 79)

◗ New Summit was third in a productive maiden race at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. Race winner Alright Alright was later second in the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar on Nov. 15. Runner-up Firing Line returned to win.

◗ New Summit is trained by Ted H. West, who cautioned that the weather could disrupt plans. “I don’t think we’ll run if it rains,” he said.