Black Ruby Might Get a New Challenger

Now that Black Ruby has gotten the better of Taz yet again in their latest match race last Friday night, it might be wise to find another opponent for the amazing 11-year-old.

Sarah Nelson, who won three races before Black Ruby did in the first mule contest at Los Alamitos, seems worthy.

An Oregon-bred owned by Roger Downey, Sarah Nelson has won nine of 10 starts and she was never seriously menaced six nights ago. Ridden by Victor Miranda, she won the 350-yard race by 1 3/4 lengths.

A veteran jockey who has ridden many mules on the Northern California fair circuit, Miranda already has campaigned for a possible match with Black Ruby. “This mare is the best [mule] I’ve ever been on,” he said. “She’s quick. I think she’d give [Black Ruby] a run for the money.”

The picks: 1. Bw Code Red. 2. Spanish Gypsy. 3. Mr Burnt Toast. 4. Wired To Win. 5. Talk About Me Oh My. 6. City Lights Sonata. 7. Winner Wants Cash. 8. Follow The Cash.

Four! Use Bw Code Red and A Silver Surprise in the first, Spanish Gypsy and Reasonforrejection in the second, Mr Burnt Toast, She Doll and Pals Okey in the third and Wired To Win and Zipolator in the fourth.

Shot in the dark: Shawnee Slade is better than her last would indicate and could rebound under jockey Rodrigo Aceves in the fifth.

Post time: 7:15 p.m.

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