Cooper, Jones Are Again at the Forefront

Chances are John Cooper or Paul Jones will saddle the winner of tonight’s third race at Los Alamitos, the first 2-year-old race of 2002.

The two trainers will send out two-thirds of the six-horse field in the 300-yard race for juveniles.

Jones, the meet’s leading trainer, will be represented by Shell Ha and Ima Ham; Cooper’s entrants are Loves That Gold and BW Annihilator.

A chestnut daughter of Holland Ease, Shell Ha has impressed in her workouts and will be ridden by Ramon Sanchez. She went 220 yards in 12.70 seconds on March 9 and came back two weeks later to run the same distance in 12.40.

The other youngsters in the field are Rock N Race, who is trained by Chuck Treece, and Amover, a gelding trained by Blane Schvaneveldt.

Both Rock N Race and Amover were both sired by thoroughbreds. The former’s dad is Apollo, while the latter’s father is Red, a stakes-winning sprinter who was trained by Henry Moreno.

The picks: 1. Grim Fandango. 2. Velte. 3. Shell Ha. 4. Royal Ladys Reward. 5. DDF De Great Saiga. 6. Mr Sunset Saint. 7. Kitas Weapon. 8. Stylish Manner. 9. Hitarun.

Four! In the first, let’s use Grim Fandango, Kid Charismatic and Shamrock Mint, single Velte in the second, use Shell Ha and BW Annihilator in the third and Royal Ladys Reward, Boy Hero and Valerio in the fourth. Total cost: $18.

Shots in the dark: Shamrock Mint will get Lasix after a disappointing try in his debut, but keeps Alex Bautista and is eligible to improve second time out while Valerio switches to Joe Badilla Jr. as he makes his second start for Schvaneveldt after a long layoff.

Post Time: 7:15 p.m.

On The Net: For entries and results from Los Alamitos, please visit: www.latimes.com/horseracing/