Soul Mate Tries to Restore Favored Status

Soul Mate, a troubled fifth as the even-money favorite Dec. 14, will try to make amends with a new rider in tonight’s eighth, a $7,500 allowance at 4 1/2 furlongs for Arabian fillies and mares.

Owned by Helen Shelley and trained by Warren Shelley, the 5-year-old, Florida-bred mare broke her maiden easily Nov. 16, then was compromised by a slow start against nine rivals in her first try against winners.

Soul Mate switches to jockey Adolfo Rodriguez as she takes on six rivals, including recent winner Sey Ella Proof.

Completing the lineup are Cal Flaming Gala, Paitan, Wma Radiance, Seraph Wings and Pastures New.

The picks: 1. Cash For Cucu. 2. Glitterbend. 3. Rubys Diggity Vet. 4. Rate Me Royal. 5. Cassella. 6. Miss Saga. 7. Enuffofasecret. 8. Soul Mate. 9. A Choice Effort. 10. Rileys Moon.

Four! Cash For Cucu and Twaynas Red Bid in the first, Glitterbend in the second, Rubys Diggity Vet and Cos Im Free in the third and Lessor Flamingo, Bandolen and Rate Me Royal in the fourth.

Shot in the dark: Goodbyesisterdisco makes her Los Alamitos debut in the sixth.

Post time: 6:30 p.m.

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