DeNikes Like Chances in La Primera del Ano

Carol and Edward DeNike appear to be in a good spot for the $113,000 La Primera del Ano Derby tonight at Los Alamitos. They own Her First Cin and Streakin Millie, the winner of one trial and third-place finisher in the other.

In the first La Primera trial, on May 14, Her First Cin defeated Jumpin Tac Flash--last year’s champion 2-year-old filly with earnings of more than $100,000--and Totally Illegal, both trained by Blane Schvaneveldt.

Her First Cin, at 12-1, won the 400-yard race in 20.06 seconds.

The second trial was a battle between Artesias Special Gal and Pretty Sensation, won by Artesias Special Gal in 19.91. Pretty Sensation was second in 20.05. Streakin’ Millie’s time was 20.18.

Edward DeNike, who lives in Seattle, watched the races, looked at the times and decided that the numbers didn’t tell the real story.

“I was worried about Jumpin Tac Flash and Totally Illegal, but now I feel we’re the one to beat,” he said. “The first race was better, even though the second time was better.”

As a 2-year-old, Her First Cin ran second to Totally Illegal in the Governor’s Cup Futurity.

The rest of the field and qualifying times: The Money Crunch, 20.09 seconds; Irish Effort, 20.14; Untamed Heart, 20.20; KC Dashing Deb, 20.24; Intimate Encounter, 20.26, and Beds Last Star, 20.34.