Gelding Leads Field in Eighth

A consistent 3-year-old gelding, Metamorphosis will try for his second win of 2003 in tonight’s eighth, a $13,850 allowance at 350 yards.

Owned by Francisco Viramontes and trained by Roberto Dominguez, the California-bred has been worse than third only once in his last 10 starts.

Since April 24, Metamorphosis has a victory, two seconds and two thirds, and he’s one of the top contenders in a field of six.

Guillermo Gutierrez will be aboard Metamorphosis for the first time against Pure Red Hot, who is shortening up after running 400 and 550 yards in his last two starts.

The picks: 1. Eyesa Comin. 2. Always Fighting. 3. Riggsmarolle. 4. Karat Snapper. 5. Secret Rockette. 6 Cindys Morningstar. 7. Frequent Strawflyer. 8. Pure Red Hot. 9. Highly Conceited.

Four! Lucinka and Eyesa Comin in the first, single Always Fighting in the second, all in the third and single Karat Snapper in the fourth.

Shots in the dark: Maudel gets jockey Alex Bautista for her local debut in the sixth. Point Lobos is stepped up in class in the ninth after being claimed by trainer Chuck Treece.

Post time: 6:20 p.m.

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