LOS ALAMITOS : Blurr ForSure to Risk Clean Slate Saturday

BCR A Blurr ForSure puts her undefeated record on the line Saturday night at Los Alamitos Race Course when the speedy quarter-horse filly faces nine of the nation’s top sophomore sprinters in the $111,300 Los Alamitos Derby.

The Grade I Los Alamitos Derby highlights a 12-race program with opening post set for 7:25 p.m.

After stepping off the fastest qualifying time for the 37th running of the Los Alamitos Derby, BCR A Blurr ForSure is the strong favorite to walk off with the $58,000 winner’s share. The Blane Schvaneveldt trainee came out on top of 21 hopefuls who faced off in three quarter-mile trial divisions May 2. With Roman Figueroa in the saddle, BCR A Blurr ForSure drew off to a three-quarter-length victory in 21.73 seconds.

It was the third consecutive win this year for the daughter of thoroughbred Murrtheblurr.

Come Azure Are, a daughter of Azure Request trained by Bob Baffert, is the likely choice to pull off an upset. The Oklahoma-bred miss won her trial division with the second-fastest clocking of the 10 finalists. Kip Didericksen, Los Al’s leading rider, loads into the No. 7 post aboard Come Azure Are.

Dashin Dee Dee breaks next door in the eight hole under veteran reinsman Danny Cardoza. The chestnut filly will be seeking to avenge her loss as the even-money favorite in the West Texas Derby at Sunland Park this spring. She finished second in that stake after being bumped around considerably in the early going.

Merriette deserves mention after winning four of her five starts this year for trainer Bob Baffert, including the Redwood City and Debutante Handicaps at Bay Meadows.

The field for the 440-yard Los Alamitos Derby (in post-position order with jockey assignments): Dadburn Swift, Steve Treasure; Middock, John Creager; Special Elan, Henry Garcia; Here Comes The Band, Ralph Seville; Newmont, Jesse Godinez; Come Azure Are, Kip Didericksen; Dashin Dee Dee, Danny Cardoza; Merriette, Bruce Pilkenton; and Hugo Streakin, James Lackey. Dadburn Swift and Middock race as an Ed and Collette Lisenby-owned entry.