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Los Alamitos Race Course – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the June 27, 2026 card

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The Pick Pony Handicapper's Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

 

This is a deep, nine-race daytime card at Los Alamitos built around the Los Alamitos Derby, with several maiden sprints and competitive claimers that offer good wagering opportunities across the program. Handicappers have focused particularly on the late card, where Dragon Kat (2) in Race 7 and Start The Ride (3) in Race 9 stand out as strong anchors for multi-race wagers.

Race Day Overview

Today's Los Alamitos thoroughbred program features nine races, highlighted by the 1 1/8-mile Los Alamitos Derby for three-year-olds in Race 9, worth 100,000 dollars. The undercard is composed primarily of short dirt sprints at 5.5, 6, and 6.5 furlongs, along with a pair of two-turn routes, with multiple maiden special weight and maiden claiming events that should produce honest pace scenarios and some vulnerable favorites.

The Derby field of Southern Melodee (1), Sabino Canyon (2), Start The Ride (3), Fionello (4), and Fuego Del Sol (5) is small but interesting: Start The Ride (3) enters with the best established speed figures, while Sabino Canyon (2) offers upside for a Hall of Fame barn trying to extend a remarkable consecutive-win streak in this race. Southern Melodee (1), Fionello (4), and Fuego Del Sol (5) were supplemented to this spot, suggesting connections see a realistic chance to earn graded-caliber black type despite their lighter résumés.

Handicappers' consensus leans strongly toward Dragon Kat (2) in Race 7 off a promising comeback and class drop, while Just Mendelssohn (6) and Kambree's Flyer (4) have attracted attention as key players in the maiden claiming sprints of Races 8 and 8 respectively. Overall, the card sets up well for constructing rolling doubles, Pick 3s, and a late Pick 4 that leans on a couple of apparent standouts without ignoring live alternatives at square prices.

Weather and Track Conditions

Weather services and overseas betting menus list today's Los Alamitos conditions as overcast with a firm track, consistent with a dry, well-maintained daytime surface. Southern California's late-June climate typically yields mild temperatures and limited precipitation, and there is no published indication of rain or significant wind expected to affect today's racing.

The dirt track is expected to play as a standard fast or near-fast surface, with maintenance reports indicating normal preparation for the daytime thoroughbred program rather than any special harrowing or watering pattern. That combination usually produces reliable early pace, with front-runners able to carry speed if not pressured, but without an extreme bias against off-the-pace runners.

Track Bias and Post Position

Recent meet summaries and handicappers' notes continue to describe the Los Alamitos daytime dirt as generally fair, with a mild but consistent preference toward horses that secure tactical position within the first flight rather than deep closers. Sprints at 5.5 and 6 furlongs often reward horses breaking cleanly from inside and middle posts who can either make the lead or sit just off it; overly wide trips tend to be inefficient given the relatively short stretch.

At 1 mile and beyond, the track configuration and generous home stretch make it possible for stalkers and pressers to wear down the speed, and there is less evidence of strong post-position bias in two-turn routes at this meet. Rail draws can be advantageous if the horse has enough tactical speed to avoid getting shuffled, but there is no strong statistical penalty attached to outside gates in fields of this size.

Across recent cards, there has been modest success for horses rallying two to three paths off the rail rather than trying to knife through inside traffic, a pattern worth monitoring in today's early races as a guide for how aggressively to lean on pace types vs. finishers later on.

RACE 1 — Post 4:00/3:00/2:00/(1:00) — 1210f | D | C | Clm 20000 | BUM | Purse 28,000

Pace Analysis

Race 1 is a 5.5-furlong claiming sprint where handicappers expect multiple pace elements and a genuinely contested early lead. Several of these mares have shown front-running tendencies in prior starts at the Southern California circuit, and the combination of the short trip and daytime fast surface should ensure a strong first quarter.

Consensus analysis notes that the apparent abundance of speed may set the race up for a stalker or closer who can sit three to four lengths off the lead and launch outside in the lane. Inside speed from Blessed Angel (1) and Oveta's Hobby (2) can force the issue heading to the turn, while Neezer Dalton (5) and Eltonsingsanother (6) figure to be among the main pace players pressing from outer gates.

Key Contenders

Oveta's Hobby (2) has been highlighted by several handicappers as the most appealing combination of tactical speed and finish in this group. Drawn just off the rail at 5.5 furlongs, she is well-positioned to track the inside speed, angle outside turning for home, and capitalize if the duel up front takes its toll late.

Neezer Dalton (5), the morning-line favorite, brings consistent form at or near this level and appears capable of either showing the most speed or taking a pressing role depending on break. Her prior efforts at similar trips suggest she can withstand pressure and still respond in the stretch, making her very tough if she clears early without being hounded.

Blessed Angel (1) has the rail and enough gate speed to secure a forward spot quickly, which is crucial at this distance. If she breaks cleanly and the rider can ration her energy rather than getting drawn into a prolonged duel, she has every right to stick around for a share.

Secondary Choices

Eltonsingsanother (6) fits as a logical secondary contender, with enough speed to be in the first flight and the outside draw offering options to either send or sit just off the top pair. The Alvarez barn has done solid work with sprinting mares in this claiming range, and this mare's form suggests she can hold her position around the turn and keep grinding.

Tiz The Prospect (4) is more of an under-the-radar player, but her inside-mid draw and likely stalking style could prove ideal if the anticipated pace meltdown materializes.

Longshots

Princess Daddy (7) is the main longshot, but she is not without scenario-based appeal if the inside horses collide and the outside bias proves favorable. She will need a career-best performance, yet a clean outside trip and a collapsing pace could put her into the trifecta at a big number.

Selections

Win: Oveta's Hobby (2) Place: Neezer Dalton (5) Show: Blessed Angel (1)

From a wagering standpoint, Race 1 can be approached with Oveta's Hobby (2) and Neezer Dalton (5) as A-level horses in daily doubles and the early Pick 3, with Blessed Angel (1) and Eltonsingsanother (6) as B-level backups. Win bets on Oveta's Hobby (2) are attractive if she floats above her 5-1 morning line, and exactas keying Oveta's Hobby (2) over Neezer Dalton (5), Blessed Angel (1), and Eltonsingsanother (6) offer a good blend of coverage and value.

RACE 2 — Post 4:30/3:30/2:30/(1:30) — 1100f | D | S | Md Sp Wt | AOF | Purse 50,000

Pace Analysis

Race 2 is a 5.5-furlong state-bred maiden special weight for fillies, featuring a mix of first-time starters and lightly raced runners. With several well-bred debutantes and one or two who showed speed in their initial outings, the pace projects to be lively but not necessarily chaotic; inexperienced horses can be erratic away from the gate, so tactical decisions will be important.

The primary speed figures to come from the outside and middle posts, with Vonntastic (6) expected to show good early foot for a sharp barn, while Princess Luna (1) must overcome the rail draw but has trained forwardly enough to be involved early if she breaks. Shemakesmemad (3) already owns racing experience and can sit close from a mid-pack position, giving her a strategic edge over the debutantes if the pace gets messy.

Key Contenders

Vonntastic (6), from a barn that has long excelled with debut sprinters, is the clear key contender. Handicappers have singled her out based on strong morning work, pedigree suited to short dirt sprints, and high-percentage connections, making her a likely pace factor who can sustain pressure and finish strongly.

Shemakesmemad (3) benefits from having already faced race-day pressure, giving her an experience edge over most of this field. She showed ability in her debut and should move forward in her second start, particularly if she can relax a couple of lengths off the leaders and pounce turning for home.

Princess Luna (1) has impressed in the morning and hails from a barn that has already sent out a winner at this meet from limited starters. Her biggest obstacle is the rail draw, which can be tricky for an inexperienced filly at 5.5 furlongs, but if she breaks cleanly and secures position, her talent is sufficient to win.

Secondary Choices

Lipstick Lies (2) and Smokem Jeannine (5) both rate as secondary contenders capable of cracking the exotics with the right trip. Lipstick Lies (2), another from the Miyadi operation, could show improved speed in her second start or offer late punch if the more fancied runners duel too hard early. Smokem Jeannine (5) has worked steadily and may offer better value than the top trio if overlooked on the board.

You Trust Me (4) is a bit more enigmatic but fits as a mid-range threat; her connections are capable of producing live firsters, and the drawn-to-the-middle position offers flexibility to either stalk or press.

Longshots

Estrella Esmeral (7) is a longshot but should not be dismissed entirely. The outside post can be an asset for a debutante, and if she breaks sharply and floats into a comfortable pressing trip, she could hold on for a minor share at generous odds.

Selections

Win: Vonntastic (6) Place: Shemakesmemad (3) Show: Princess Luna (1)

Race 2 sets up well for keying Vonntastic (6) in daily doubles and early Pick 3s, with Shemakesmemad (3) and Princess Luna (1) as backups. Win bets on Shemakesmemad (3) may provide overlay value if the market over-bets the flashy debut barns. Exacta and trifecta structures can emphasize Vonntastic (6) over Shemakesmemad (3), Princess Luna (1), Lipstick Lies (2), and Smokem Jeannine (5).

RACE 3 — Post 5:04/4:04/3:04/(2:04) — 1760f | D | C | Clm 16000n2l | BUN | Purse 22,000

Pace Analysis

Race 3 is a two-turn 1 1/16-mile claimer for non-winners of two, and the pace picture is more nuanced than in the shorter sprints. The key pace types are Pacer (4) and Fix It Quick (6), both of whom possess enough early speed to vie for the lead while being capable of stretching that speed around two turns.

Audible Silence (5) can show tactical speed, and Millbo Baggins (3) may also be placed closer than usual in a field lacking blazing front-end specialists. Overall, the race looks likely to unfold with a moderate, controlled tempo where tactical position and finishing stamina carry more weight than raw early speed.

Key Contenders

Pacer (4), representing a high-profile barn with a strong record in Southern California routes, is a central contender. His prior efforts suggest he can sit just off the lead or take command if nobody else insists on the front, and his class and conditioning point to a sustained run through the lane that should be difficult for this level to match.

Fix It Quick (6) goes first off the claim for a capable trainer noted by handicappers for improving horses in their initial start for the barn. He comes off a sharp runner-up effort and now stretches out, a profile that often yields immediate dividends when the horse has shown sufficient stamina and the new connections place him aggressively.

Zagreus (2) has back-class and a running style that can adapt to the pace scenario; drawn inside, he should secure a ground-saving trip in mid-pack and look for a seam turning for home. His connections have had success with this type of claiming router, and his figures place him squarely among the main threats.

Secondary Choices

Millbo Baggins (3) is a logical secondary contender; he projects to save ground from his post and may benefit if Pacer (4) and Fix It Quick (6) engage one another a bit too early. Audible Silence (5) fits this condition and could respond positively to any minor class relief or pace advantage, especially if he secures a good position stalking the leaders.

Longshots

Tiger Strength (1) is the main longshot; he must improve to contend but does gain an inside trip and could clunk up for a minor share if the race turns into a stamina test.

Selections

Win: Fix It Quick (6) Place: Pacer (4) Show: Zagreus (2)

Race 3 can be played with Fix It Quick (6) and Pacer (4) as co-keys for win and exacta wagering, leaning slightly toward Fix It Quick (6) given the positive claim angle. Daily doubles into Race 4 can use Fix It Quick (6) as an A horse and Pacer (4) and Zagreus (2) as Bs. Trifectas boxing Fix It Quick (6), Pacer (4), Zagreus (2), and Millbo Baggins (3) offer attractive coverage without excessive cost.

RACE 4 — Post 5:36/4:36/3:36/(2:36) — 1430f | D | S | Md Sp Wt | BUN | Purse 50,000

Pace Analysis

Race 4 is a 7-furlong state-bred maiden special weight featuring several blue-blooded three-year-olds from top barns. With Sudeikis (4) and Faran (6) both showing strong morning works and projecting natural speed, the pace should be honest, though seven furlongs often allows jockeys a bit more time to settle compared to shorter sprints.

Carolina Legacy (1) and Jetway (3) can contribute to the early tempo from inside and middle gates, while Noble Testament (5) and After Dawn (7) are more likely to settle and make sustained late runs. The race shape appears to favor horses with tactical speed who can avoid being pinned on the inside yet still finish strongly.

Key Contenders

Faran (6) and Sudeikis (4), both from a powerful barn, are widely viewed as the key contenders. Faran (6) appears slightly more advanced, with indications of stakes-level talent and sharp drills leading into this debut, making him a strong candidate to flash speed and finish with authority. Sudeikis (4), by a high-class sire and also training sharply, may sit just off the leaders and deliver a strong closing punch if the pace is taxing.

Noble Testament (5), trained by a Hall of Fame conditioner, brings an elite pedigree and a foundation of steady works that suggest readiness for a strong debut effort. His connections often aim their horses for longer sprints and routes, making seven furlongs a natural starting point that should play to his strengths, especially if the early fractions are honest.

Secondary Choices

Jetway (3), from the same barn as Carolina Legacy (1), offers tactical speed and experience, making him a viable secondary player should the more glamorous pedigrees fail to deliver immediately. Carolina Legacy (1) has the rail and may take advantage of it if he breaks sharply and secures a forward position without being hard-pressed.

After Dawn (7) could improve dramatically with racing maturity and might be best suited to sitting off the pace and making one run, a style that sometimes produces surprising results at this distance.

Longshots

Carolina Legacy (1) is perhaps the longest on paper among the notable barns but should not be ignored entirely, particularly for minor exotics given his inside position and connections.

Selections

Win: Faran (6) Place: Noble Testament (5) Show: Sudeikis (4)

Race 4 offers a chance to lean on the high-profile barns for multi-race wagers, using Faran (6) and Noble Testament (5) as primary keys in doubles and Pick 3s, with Sudeikis (4) as a critical backup. Straight win bets on Noble Testament (5) may produce better value if Faran (6) attracts heavy play. Exactas boxing Faran (6), Noble Testament (5), and Sudeikis (4), with small savers including Jetway (3), can balance risk and reward.

RACE 5 — Post 6:09/5:09/4:09/(3:09) — 1100f | D | C | Clm 8000n2x | BUN | Purse 15,000

Pace Analysis

Race 5 is a 5.5-furlong claiming sprint at the 8,000 non-winners of two level. The pace picture is relatively straightforward: multiple runners have shown early speed, but none appear overwhelmingly faster than the others, suggesting a contested yet manageable pace.

Summer Haze (1), Westport Captain (4), Cultural (5), and Nijinsky Halo (6) all have the capacity to be forwardly placed, and the race may come down to who breaks best and secures the optimal path into the turn. With several pace types drawn inside and middle, outside posts may need to work to avoid being hung wide.

Key Contenders

Summer Haze (1) is a key player from the rail, with form and connections that indicate he can either take the lead or sit just off it and make a sustained run. His inside draw makes trip management crucial, but it also offers the possibility of saving considerable ground if he avoids early traffic issues.

Cultural (5), from the Morfin barn, is another main contender, combining decent speed with enough staying power to resist late challengers. His post gives the rider tactical flexibility, and he should be prominent throughout.

Nijinsky Halo (6) has drawn outside and brings finishing ability that may prove decisive if the inside pace gets heated. He can press the leaders from just off their flank and potentially enjoy the best of both worlds: clean air and a favorable stalking position.

Secondary Choices

Westport Captain (4) is a logical secondary choice, particularly for exacta and trifecta inclusion. He should be up close, and if his rider times the move well, he can certainly hold on for a piece.

Talisker Bay (2) and Seige The Day (7) both have minor appeal in the vertical exotics; they may be a step below the top trio on raw speed, but they could pick up pieces if the pace scenario proves unpredictable.

Longshots

Mongolian Master (3) appears to be the longest on paper, needing a significant turnaround to contend for the top slot, but he could sneak into the back end of the superfecta if several of the speed horses falter.

Selections

Win: Nijinsky Halo (6) Place: Cultural (5) Show: Summer Haze (1)

In wagering, Race 5 offers a chance to press Nijinsky Halo (6) as a win bet if his price stays above the co-morning-line favorite level, and to key him in exactas with Cultural (5) and Summer Haze (1). For multi-race plays, Nijinsky Halo (6) and Cultural (5) can be A-level horses in the middle Pick 4, with Summer Haze (1) and Westport Captain (4) used as backups.

RACE 6 — Post 6:42/5:42/4:42/(3:42) — 1430f | D | M | Md 40000 | BUM | Purse 25,000

Pace Analysis

Race 6 is a 7-furlong maiden 40,000 claiming event, and handicappers expect a reasonably honest but not blistering pace. Queen Kimbe (1), Swimmingly (3), Tonakitty (4), and Springline (6) can all be forwardly placed, while Isntsheloverly (2) and Sugar Lovin (5) may prefer slightly off-the-pace positions.

The configuration at seven furlongs rewards horses who can maintain their speed through the turn rather than simply posting fast opening fractions, so trips and stamina will be crucial.

Key Contenders

Sugar Lovin (5) is widely regarded as the key contender, coming from a strong barn with good records in maiden claiming events and showing enough talent in prior efforts to suggest she can dominate at this level. She projects to sit in mid-pack or just behind the leaders, then launch a decisive run three wide into the stretch.

Swimmingly (3) has attracted positive attention as a strong alternative, with indications of improving form and a running style that fits well with today's pace scenario. She should secure a good stalking position and offers solid upside if Sugar Lovin (5) encounters traffic or fails to reproduce her best.

Springline (6) has shown enough ability to be considered a legitimate win candidate, especially from a good outside post that allows her rider to choose the best lane early.

Secondary Choices

Queen Kimbe (1) can show speed from the rail and may hold on longer than expected if she secures a comfortable early rhythm. Isntsheloverly (2), with an inside-mid draw, may enjoy a ground-saving trip and be in position to pick up pieces late.

Tonakitty (4) is not without appeal, especially if she can sit behind the first wave of speed and produce one sustained run rather than being used too hard early.

Longshots

None of these fillies are hopeless, but Queen Kimbe (1) and Tonakitty (4) may be somewhat overlooked in the wagering relative to their realistic chances of hitting the board.

Selections

Win: Sugar Lovin (5) Place: Swimmingly (3) Show: Springline (6)

Race 6 is an excellent spot to lean on Sugar Lovin (5) as a single in the late Pick 4 or Pick 5 for many players. Bettors wary of singling can treat Sugar Lovin (5) and Swimmingly (3) as co-anchors, using Springline (6) as a backup in multi-race tickets. Straight win and exacta bets keyed around Sugar Lovin (5) over Swimmingly (3), Springline (6), and Queen Kimbe (1) make strategic sense.

RACE 7 — Post 7:14/6:14/5:14/(4:14) — 1320f | D | M | Md 12500 | BUM | Purse 15,000

Pace Analysis

Race 7 is a 6-furlong maiden 12,500 claiming race, and the pace projects to be strong courtesy of Dragon Kat (2), Stylish Colleen (7), Smokem Hot Girl (6), and Dame It Dani (8). Dragon Kat (2) showed sharp speed in her recent return from a long layoff, setting the pace before tiring late, and now drops in class while adding Lasix, a profile that strongly suggests another aggressive forward ride.

With multiple outside-speed elements, the field should be strung out early, and the race may favor the filly who can clear or secure a pressing spot without getting caught in a prolonged three-way duel.

Key Contenders

Dragon Kat (2) has been singled out by handicappers as the best bet on the card. In her latest start, she set a strong pace on return from a nine-month break, held well until the final furlong, and now gets both a class drop and the addition of Lasix for her second start off the layoff. That combination, along with her proven speed, makes her extremely dangerous against this level.

Dame It Dani (8) is a strong alternative, drawn outside with enough speed to either press Dragon Kat (2) or sit just off the pace and launch around the turn. Her connections have done well in maiden claiming sprints, and she should benefit from a clean, outside trip.

Stylish Colleen (7) is another key contender, offering a blend of tactical speed and potential improvement. She should be in the first flight and might be best suited to sitting just behind the top pair and making a sustained run through the lane.

Secondary Choices

Smokem Hot Girl (6) has enough speed to be a factor on the front end and may offer value underneath if Dragon Kat (2) proves too strong. Susan Yvonne (3) and Long Legged Babs (4) are mid-range threats who can benefit if the pace scenario becomes chaotic and the primary speed horses tire.

Cote Blanc (5) is somewhat of a wild card; she may not possess the same speed as Dragon Kat (2) or Stylish Colleen (7), but could work out a stalking, ground-saving trip that helps her pick up a minor share.

Longshots

E Z Reward (1) is the longest shot on paper, but the rail draw and potential for a rail-skimming ride could put her into the frame if others falter.

Selections

Win: Dragon Kat (2) Place: Dame It Dani (8) Show: Stylish Colleen (7)

Race 7 is a prime spot to anchor multi-race wagers with Dragon Kat (2) as a stand-alone single in many strategies. Win bets on Dragon Kat (2) are workable even at relatively short odds, given her strong profile, while value hunters may focus on exactas and trifectas keying Dragon Kat (2) over Dame It Dani (8), Stylish Colleen (7), and Smokem Hot Girl (6). Rolling doubles into Race 8 can lean heavily on Dragon Kat (2).

RACE 8 — Post 7:45/6:45/5:45/(4:45) — 1320f | D | M | Md 12500 | BUM | Purse 15,000

Pace Analysis

Race 8 is another 6-furlong maiden 12,500 claiming event, with Just Mendelssohn (6), Kambree's Flyer (4), and She's Back (3) expected to be central to the pace and finish. Just Mendelssohn (6) has attracted heavy handicapping interest as a horse receiving a complete equipment and placement makeover, suggesting a more aggressive or more effective run today.

Kambree's Flyer (4) finished a much-improved third in her second start and should be poised for another forward run in this third outing, a classic pattern for a young filly finding her form. She's Back (3) has had multiple tries but exits a race in which she stumbled at the start and still finished respectably, hinting at untapped potential if she breaks cleanly.

Key Contenders

Just Mendelssohn (6) is the key contender, with handicappers noting significant changes aimed at producing a form reversal today. The makeover could include equipment adjustments, distance tweaks, or surface changes, and when such wholesale changes are made by a competent barn, they often signal confidence that the horse is sitting on a much-improved effort.

Kambree's Flyer (4) is a strong second choice, having finished a solid third in her second start and now making the crucial third start of her career. She has shown the ability to sit close and finish, and today's field appears well within her capabilities.

She's Back (3), despite making her tenth career start, still has appeal after a troubled trip last time when she stumbled at the break yet closed into fourth. If she leaves the gate smoothly today, her experience and resilience can make her a serious threat.

Secondary Choices

Sky At Sunrise (1) and Courtsdream (5) are secondary players, each with the potential to improve and take advantage of any misfires by the top trio. Southern Riff (2) projects as a deeper-longshot type but could show pace from the inside. Polly Purebred (7), from a high-profile barn, is also worth respect; even if her published form is modest, she may step forward significantly with minor equipment or placement changes.

Despite (8) has the far outside post and may require a fortunate break and trip, but could be included underneath in exotics.

Longshots

Southern Riff (2) and Sky At Sunrise (1) appear longest on paper but can play spoiler roles in trifectas and superfectas if the favored runners disappoint.

Selections

Win: Just Mendelssohn (6) Place: Kambree's Flyer (4) Show: She's Back (3)

Race 8 provides another strong opportunity to use Just Mendelssohn (6) as an A-level single or co-key in late multi-race wagers. Bettors who fear volatility can structure tickets with Just Mendelssohn (6) and Kambree's Flyer (4) as co-anchors, with She's Back (3) as a backup. Win bets on She's Back (3) are interesting if she is dismissed due to her number of starts. Exactas and trifectas keyed around Just Mendelssohn (6) over Kambree's Flyer (4), She's Back (3), and Polly Purebred (7) should pay nicely if the market concentrates too heavily on only one of the top trio.

RACE 9 — Post 8:16/7:16/6:16/(5:16) — 1980f | D | N | LosAlDbyL100k | BON | Purse 100,000

Pace Analysis

The Los Alamitos Derby at 1 1/8 miles features a compact field of five, and the pace is projected to be controlled rather than blazing. Southern Melodee (1) has speed and the rail and is widely expected to go forward early, likely attempting to wire the field or at least secure a clear lead through the first turn.

Start The Ride (3) has shown the ability to press the pace and may sit just off Southern Melodee (1), while Sabino Canyon (2) figures to track in mid-pack, saving ground early and looking to make one run. Fionello (4) is a stakes-winning sprinter stretching out, which could mean he contributes speed early but may face stamina questions late, while Fuego Del Sol (5) steps up in distance dramatically and might be ridden more conservatively.

Key Contenders

Start The Ride (3) is the clear horse to beat, having posted an 84 Beyer Speed Figure in his recent allowance optional claiming win at Santa Anita at one mile on dirt, the best last-out figure in this field. In that race, he pressed the pace and finished strongly, demonstrating both tactical speed and stamina, and he has already proven effective at or around today's trip.

Sabino Canyon (2) offers the most upside among the challengers, representing a powerhouse barn that has won the Los Alamitos Derby nine consecutive times. After a poor turf debut, Sabino Canyon (2) improved when switched to dirt, finishing fourth with a respectable 79 Beyer while saving ground and running evenly. With further improvement possible in this third lifetime start, he is a serious threat to extend the trainer's streak.

Southern Melodee (1) brings speed and the rail, along with a prior allowance route win at Santa Anita on March 20 that stamps him as capable at two turns. If he gets loose on the lead and is allowed to dictate pedestrian fractions, he could be very tough to reel in, particularly if the main closers underestimate his stamina.

Secondary Choices

Fionello (4) is a stakes-winning sprinter, and his connections have opted to test him at 1 1/8 miles for a nice purse and potential black type. His sprint foundation could allow him to sit just off Southern Melodee (1) and apply pressure, but the critical question is whether he can carry his speed the full nine furlongs.

Fuego Del Sol (5) has never raced beyond six furlongs and appears to be facing a significant class and distance challenge. Nevertheless, his presence ensures that the pace will not be entirely sleepy, and he could spice up the exotics if he handles the stretch-out better than expected.

Longshots

Fuego Del Sol (5) is the deepest longshot in terms of established form, but if the race collapses or becomes strangely run tactically, he could clunk up for a minor share.

Selections

Win: Start The Ride (3) Place: Sabino Canyon (2) Show: Southern Melodee (1)

The Derby is a race where many serious bettors will lean heavily on Start The Ride (3) as a single or key horse in the late Pick 4 and Pick 5. Win bets on Start The Ride (3) may be short, but exactas and trifectas mixing Start The Ride (3) over Sabino Canyon (2), Southern Melodee (1), and Fionello (4) can provide reasonable returns. For those seeking a mild upset, Sabino Canyon (2) offers the best alternative and could be used as an aggressive hedge in exactas and doubles.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Armando Ayuso has mounts on several key runners today, including Neezer Dalton (5) in Race 1, Millbo Baggins (3) in Race 3, Westport Captain (4) in Race 5, Swimmingly (3) in Race 6, Stylish Colleen (7) in Race 7, and Start The Ride (3) in the Derby. His presence on multiple live runners, especially Start The Ride (3), means his riding decisions may heavily influence the outcome of both the Derby and several multi-race wagers.

Tiago Pereira, who has shared riding titles at Los Alamitos in prior meets, is aboard Jetway (3) in Race 4, Westport Captain (4) in Race 5, Tonakitty (4) in Race 6, Dame It Dani (8) in Race 7, Kambree's Flyer (4) in Race 8, and Fionello (4) in Race 9. His familiarity with the track and ability to judge pace effectively are especially important in longer sprints and routes, making his mounts attractive in exotics even when not favored.

Ricardo Gonzalez rides Vonntastic (6) in Race 2, Fix It Quick (6) in Race 3, After Dawn (7) in Race 4, Sugar Lovin (5) in Race 6, Stylish Colleen (7) in Race 7, and Sabino Canyon (2) in the Derby. These mounts place him at the center of several key races, and his track record with lightly raced horses and high-profile barns makes his presence a strong positive.

Kyle Frey has notable assignments on You Trust Me (4) in Race 2, Zagreus (2) in Race 3, and Carolina Legacy (1) in Race 4, bringing aggressive early tactics that can benefit speed or stalking types.

Edgar Payeras, a regular at this circuit, rides Blessed Angel (1) in Race 1, Estrella Esmeral (7) in Race 2, Tiger Strength (1) in Race 3, Summer Haze (1) in Race 5, Queen Kimbe (1) in Race 6, E Z Reward (1) in Race 7, and Courtsdream (5) in Race 8, giving him multiple chances to impact the pace from rail draws.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Bob Baffert sends out Faran (6) and Sudeikis (4) in Race 4, and Sabino Canyon (2) in the Derby, reinforcing his longstanding presence as a dominant figure at Los Alamitos. His attempt to extend a nine-year win streak in the Los Alamitos Derby with Sabino Canyon (2), a lightly raced colt with improving dirt form, is a major storyline.

Richard Mandella counters in Race 4 with Noble Testament (5) and After Dawn (7), both well-bred and prepared for seven furlongs, while also having After Dawn (7) as a potential sneaky player in the exotics.

Peter Miller, represented by Vonntastic (6) in Race 2, brings his trademark debut speed and conditioning, making Vonntastic (6) a central figure in early multi-race strategies.

Leonard Powell appears with Zagreus (2) in Race 3 and Isntsheloverly (2) in Race 6, both of whom should appreciate the trip and may benefit from his patient training style.

Craig Dollase has Princess Luna (1) in Race 2, Queen Kimbe (1) in Race 6, and Southern Melodee (1) in the Derby, indicating a focused presence across the card. Southern Melodee (1), in particular, gives him a live shot to grab a piece of the Derby with a horse that has already shown route ability.

Local conditioners like Sergio Morfin and Edwin Alvarez are well-represented: Morfin saddles Oveta's Hobby (2) in Race 1, Estrella Esmeral (7) in Race 2, Cultural (5) in Race 5, and Courtsdream (5) in Race 8, while Alvarez has Eltonsingsanother (6) in Race 1, Smokem Jeannine (5) in Race 2, E Z Reward (1) in Race 7, and Sky At Sunrise (1) in Race 8. These barns often produce price horses who outrun their odds, especially in lower-level claimers and maiden claimers.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The card presents several coherent wagering structures. An early Pick 3 from Races 1 through 3 can be built around Oveta's Hobby (2) and Neezer Dalton (5) in Race 1, Vonntastic (6), Shemakesmemad (3), and Princess Luna (1) in Race 2, and Fix It Quick (6) and Pacer (4) in Race 3. This sequence leverages strong handicapping consensus on the most reliable early runners.

A mid-card Pick 4 including Races 3 through 6 can treat Fix It Quick (6) and Pacer (4) as co-keys in Race 3, Faran (6), Noble Testament (5), and Sudeikis (4) in Race 4, Nijinsky Halo (6), Cultural (5), and Summer Haze (1) in Race 5, and Sugar Lovin (5) and Swimmingly (3) in Race 6. This plays to the strength of the better barns and acknowledges the potential for mild upsets without over-spreading.

The late Pick 4 from Races 6 through 9 is particularly attractive for serious bettors. One balanced approach:

Race 6: Sugar Lovin (5) as A, Swimmingly (3) and Springline (6) as Bs. Race 7: Dragon Kat (2) as a strong single, with small backups including Dame It Dani (8) and Stylish Colleen (7). Race 8: Just Mendelssohn (6) and Kambree's Flyer (4) as co-anchors, with She's Back (3) and Polly Purebred (7) for coverage. Race 9: Start The Ride (3) as A, Sabino Canyon (2) and Southern Melodee (1) as Bs.

This structure concentrates bankroll on races where handicapping consensus is strongest (Races 7 and 9), while still capturing value possibilities in the maiden claiming events of Races 6 and 8.

For straight wagers, several value-oriented plays stand out if odds hold near the morning line:

Vonntastic (6) in Race 2, particularly if she offers around 2-1 or higher, as a win and exacta key with Shemakesmemad (3) and Princess Luna (1). Fix It Quick (6) in Race 3, leveraging the first-off-claim angle for a barn known to improve new acquisitions, as a win bet and multi-race anchor. Sugar Lovin (5) in Race 6 as a win and key exacta horse if her price does not collapse below even money. Dragon Kat (2) in Race 7 as both a win bet and an aggressive single in the late sequences, given her class drop, recent pace effort, and Lasix addition. Just Mendelssohn (6) and Kambree's Flyer (4) in Race 8 as dual value plays, especially if the market over-focuses on just one of them. Start The Ride (3) and Sabino Canyon (2) in Race 9 as a logical exacta combination, with small trifecta tickets adding Southern Melodee (1) and Fionello (4) underneath.

Throughout the day, emphasis should be placed on exploiting the relative reliability of the elite barns in maiden and stakes events while remaining open to price plays from local conditioners in lower-level claimers. Watching how the track plays in the first two races will help refine decisions about how heavily to weight speed vs. off-the-pace types in the key later races.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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