LOS ALAMITOS : Tracy’s Comet, Lepton Favored in Sires Stakes

Lepton and Tracy’s Comet are expected to be the top contenders in a field of nine entered in the $20,000 California Sires Stakes for sophomore pacing fillies tonight at Los Alamitos.

In post position order, the field for tonight’s main attraction is as follows: Red Pepper, Jim Grundy in the sulky; Magna Amber, Jim Morand; Lepton, Ross Croghan; Preciosa, Ken Williams; Cheryl Andy, Gene Vallandingham; Tracy’s Comet, Tim Maier; Equus Ronni, Steve Desomer; Linda J, Jim Butler; and March Victory, Rick Kuebler.

The Sires stakes goes as the eighth wagering event on the 12- race program.

Lepton, from the barn of Ross Croghan and Tim Diliberto, got back on the winning track on Jan. 11 after failing as the heavy choice in the Breeders Championship for her division one month prior. The sophomore daughter of Egyptian Dancer looked good as ever in her easy triumph over a C-2 C-1 handicap field.

Lepton cruised home with 3 1/2 lengths to spare over Miss Surmo while stopping the clock in a lifetime best 1:57 3/5.

Tracy’s Comet could be the Rodney Dangerfield of the sophomore pacing filly set. The daughter of Spicy Charlie upset the heavily favored Lepton in the Dec. 22 Breeders Championship and did the trick in the new track record clocking of 1:57 3/5. She was heavily favored in the California Platinum Series Final on Jan. 11, but could only get fourth place money after being parked most of the way and in poor position in the race.