Claiming Race Full of Talent

The race immediately following tonight’s main event, the $125,000 Vessels Maturity, isn’t a bad contest in its own right.

Just Down The Lane and A Secret Account, who have combined for 25 wins, will take on Runahalf and Texas Classy, among others, in the 350-yard race for $100,000 claimers.

Just Down The Lane, a 5-year-old Lanes Leinster gelding owned by Mark Smith and trained by Blane Schvaneveldt, was second to Classic First when that one set a track record for 220 yards in the Firecracker Handicap on July 4. Before that, he had won three of four to begin 2002, including the Irvine Handicap on March 15.

A Secret Account, who is owned and trained by Rodney Hart, is trying to regain his 2001 form. He won six of 15 last year but is winless in six starts this year.

Owned and trained by Juan Aleman, Runahalf will be trying to start a new win streak in the evening’s penultimate race. He had taken four in a row before finishing third as the 3-2 favorite in the Firecracker.

The picks: 1. Delusively. 2. Alota Traffic. 3. Shescape. 4. Brisco Lamb. 5. Issues Falstaff. 6. The Royal Music. 7. La Yahualiea. 8. Stings. 9. A Ransom. 10. Just Down The Lane. 11. First Royal Princess.

Four! Use Delusively, Perry Nelson and Bys Bug in the first, Breaking Up, Azure Royal Treasure and Alota Traffic in the second, single Shescape in the third and Brisco Lamb and Costly Chic in the fourth.

Shots in the dark: Storm Run is a first-timer in the sixth for a trainer, Harry Nelson, who has had a solid meet. JD Pesky switches to jockey Eddie Garcia in the 11th.

Post time: 6:30 p.m.

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