SAN MATEO, Calif. - Short fields have become common in northern California, and as trainers continue to move their horses elsewhere, the likelihood grows that the number of races run in the region, particularly at Bay Meadows, might have to be reduced.

The strain on the area's horse population intensified beginning on May 9, with Bay Meadows scheduled to conduct racing on 22 of 26 days. And it may get worse as the track faces head-to-head competition for horses with the San Joaquin County Fair at Stockton, Calif., beginning June 13.

AUBURN, Wash. - Fleet Pacific displayed the courage of a champion in winning last Sunday's 6 1/2-furlong, $35,000 Hastings Park Handicap at Emerald Downs.

And well she should, as Fleet Pacific was voted the top filly or mare of last year's Emerald Downs meet after winning the final four stakes in her division.

Keeneland Race Course received permission Monday from the Kentucky Racing Commission to open its fall meeting a day earlier than scheduled, on Friday, Oct. 5. That date, track officials say, is ideal for preps for the Oct. 27 Breeders' Cup at Belmont Park.

Keeneland normally opens its fall meet on the first Saturday of October. But even though the meet normally is front-loaded with Breeders' Cup preps on the opening Saturday and Sunday, officials wanted to have an additional day of racing.