Fine Wines Could Uncork Another Big Effort

Unable to break her maiden in five starts as a 2-year-old, Fine Wines has aged well for owner Vessels Stallion Farm and trainer Danny Cardoza.

The daughter of First Down Dash is two for two in 2003 and is a main contender tonight in the $155,400 La Primera Del Ano Derby at 400 yards.

After breaking her maiden in her first start in nearly seven months, Fine Wines returned three weeks later to win a trial for the La Primera Del Ano.

Three trainers have two starters in the Derby -- Laura Pinelli, who will send out the entry of Grateful Heart and Night Lines; Dennis Ekins, who will saddle Whispering Lies and A Tempting Chick; and Felix Gonzalez, who will have Ipomea and Classic Sassy Chic.

The picks: 1. Fra Amici. 2. Latest Version. 3. Talking Tactics. 4. Proud And Lucky. 5. Takin On Spoon Man. 6. Flying Jeb. 7. With Reflections. 8. I Ought To Be First. 9. Fine Wines. 10. Justa For Fun.

Four! Single Fra Amici in the first, use all in the second, Bolt Ta Fame and Talking Tactics in the third and Pomona Lisa, Proud And Lucky and My Whole Enchilada in the fourth.

Shots in the dark: Virtuous Victory can threaten with a clean start in the sixth. Red Lipstick had excuses in her comeback and could rebound in the seventh.

Post Time: 6:30 p.m.

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