Ryland Puts Streak on Line in Paul Ford

The lengthy meeting comes to an end tonight, but there is not much rest for the weary.

Los Alamitos’ new season begins on Thursday and racing will continue through Dec. 21, 2003 on the usual Thursday through Sunday basis.

The main events this evening are two divisions of the $27,350 Paul Ford Memorial Handicap at the seldom run distance of 550 yards.

In the first division, the streaking Ryland will try for his fourth win in a row and fifth in his last six outings for the Donald Ryan Revocable Trust and trainer Jesus Enriquez.

A 3-year-old gelding, Ryland ran the fastest 550 yards of the meet (26.80 seconds) when winning the Cerritos Handicap on Sept. 20.

In the second division, He Doll, who has won six of seven at 870 yards, will shorten up for owner Margarito Farias and trainer Jorge Farias. Ramon Sanchez will ride the gelding, who hasn’t run down the straightaway in more than a year.

The picks: 1. My Little Trixie. 2. Casual Smile. 3. Chrom Illusion. 4. Bobbin Lee. 5. Faster Than Cash. 6. Raise A Brewski. 7. Ryland. 8. He Doll. 9. Bdr Bug On The Dash.

Four! Use My Little Trixie and She Is Classic in the first, Casual Smile and Sure Is Exclusive in the second, all in the third and single Bobbin Lee in the fourth.

Shots in the dark: Not Much Color is better than his last would indicate and should go better in the fifth. Catchmeinyourdreams could improve at the trip for trainer Chris O’Dell in the eighth.

Post time: 5:30 p.m.

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