A Ransom Is the One to Watch
Two-thirds of the participants in tonight’s Vessels Maturity Trials will be back for the finals in two weeks.
The 10 fastest qualifiers among the 15 entrants in the two trials will return for the 400-yard Maturity on Aug. 10 and it will be one of the biggest surprises if A Ransom isn’t among the finalists.
The former world champion will be favored in the second trial while making his second start of 2002 for owners John or Kathie Bobenrieth and trainer Connie Hall.
In his first race as a 6-year-old, the California-bred gelding won the Spencer Childers Handicap, beating Whosleavingwho, who is among seven entered in the first trial, by half a length. It was the 18th win in 29 starts for A Ransom and he has now earned more than $912,000.
The picks: 1. A Secret Fly. 2. Shescape. 3. Lucks Flying High. 4. Be Nice. 5. Ride On Time. 6. Mystical King. 7. Reeking Havoc. 8. Whosleavingwho. 9. A Ransom. 10. Bdr Bug On The Dash.
Four! Use Ourenay, Really Western and Reeking Havoc in the seventh, Whosleavingwho and Habitual in the eighth, single A Ransom in the ninth and use Bdr Bug On The Dash, Western Waltz, Shake Um Up Baby and A Blurring Jet in the 10th.
Shots in the dark: Ourenay is a thoroughbred stepping up in class and trying quarter horses in the seventh after a big win on June 1. Maeve’s Summer Sun gets jockey Ramon Guce in the fourth as she makes her first start since Oct. 27.
Post time: 7:15 p.m.
On the Net: For entries and results from Los Alamitos, visit: www.latimes.com/horseracing/