A Trial Run, for Most Part

Trials make up more than half of tonight’s card, with paints, appaloosas and distance horses in the spotlight.

Thirteen 870-yard specialists will compete in two trials for the $200,000 Marathon National, and there will be two trials for the $103,850 Masterpiece Futurity for 2-year-old paints and appaloosas and two more for the $51,250 Masterpiece Derby for 3-year-old paints and appaloosas.

The eight fastest qualifiers will move on to the finals for the $200,000 Marathon National, a Grade I to be run Dec. 15. Sign Of Lanty, who has won the last three runnings of the Marathon, will compete in the second trial against Dashin With Johnny, King Rick Rack, Gimme Glory, Diamond Cut Diamond and Coolmore.

The top 10 qualifiers will earn a spot in the two big-money races for paints and appaloosas on Dec. 7. In the first Futurity trial, Cha Cha Chickie will seek her sixth win in seven starts for owners Pam Maloney and Robin Moraga.

The picks: 1. Loves That Gold. 2. Cha Cha Chickie. 3. Final Return. 4. Reality Check. 5. Score One. 6. Zoneout. 7. Dakota Jackson. 8. Texas Wildcat. 9. Sterling Sport. 10. Sign Of Lanty. 11. Vels Silent Charger.

Four! Use the entry of Gingers Beauty-Texas Wildcat and Judys Silk in the eighth, single Sterling Sport in the ninth, use King Rick Rack and Sign Of Lanty in the 10th, and Vels Silent Charger, Prouduino, Bac To Streak, Lucky Colours and One Honest Heart in the 11th.

Shots in the dark: Smokin Colonel Jim debuts for a good barn (Jaime Gomez) in the first. Cal Flaming Gala gets a better post in the fourth.

Post time: 6:30 p.m.

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