Runahalf to Make First Start of Year Tonight

Runahalf, who finished second to co-world champion Whosleavingwho in the Champion of Champions last Dec. 14, will make his 2003 debut in tonight’s $15,000 Imperial Beach Handicap.

Owned by Juan R. Aleman and trained by Juan G. Aleman, Runahalf, a 6-year-old Runaway Winner gelding, has been idle since he was the runner-up in the Champion of Champions, beaten three-quarters of a length.

Runahalf, who could have been claimed for $20,000 last March 30, has won 10 of 39. He won by 1 1/4 lengths the last time he ran 350 yards, the distance of the Imperial Beach.

His opposition includes Dinastia Toll, a winner of six of 10 lifetime; Miami Cartel, who prevailed at 9-2 in the Kaweah Bar Handicap in his last start April 5; Gotabenuts, a winner of four of nine, including an allowance victory May 29, and Takin On Spoon Man, who is also trained by Aleman.

The picks: 1. Cash Eleventh Wonder. 2. Illumine. 3. Cash For Casey. 4. Corona Magic. 5. Highly Rated. 6. Mirobolant. 7. Oh So Susie. 8. Runahalf. 9. Nicoles Chick.

Four! Use Betuitscold, Mirobolant and Brite F X in the sixth, Quick Moon Rising and Oh So Susie in the seventh, Runahalf and Dinastia Toll in the eighth and single Nicoles Chick in the ninth.

Shots in the dark: Dat Kip is a first-timer for trainer Carlos Lopez in the second. Chispiro shortens up and needs a quick takeoff in the third.

Post time: 7:15 p.m.

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