Ronsepi Looks To Repeat Strong Win

Main Entrance to Los Alamitos Race Course

A big week of racing at Los Alamitos kicks off tonight with a nine-race card that features a competitive field of runners sprinting 350 yards in race 8. The field of six is led by Ronsepi who comes off a strong win against $50,000 claimers. The John Cooper trainee pulled away late in his last win at the shorter distance of 300 yards. He looked great and has two previous wins at this longer distance of 350 yards which suggests he will be a tough competitor once again.

Other horses to watch in tonight's featured allowance event are Mister Michael, First Black Wagon and Consider who all have previous experience in stakes races.

The week of racing features a pair of Grade I events that are sure to provided a look into how the year will shape up for the three-year-olds and older-horse divisions. The Grade I Winter Derby will be run this Saturday and The Grade I Winter Championship will be run on Sunday.

We ended last week with a pick-4 score, let's try to begin this week with another score. Let's get to the selections.

Race 1:  5-9-7
Race 2:  2-6-5
Race 3:  1-6-8
Race 4:  2-5-6
Race 5:  6-4-3
Race 6:  5-1-4
Race 7:  1-4-2
Race 8:  2-5-4
Race 9:  1-2-5

My Plays:

Race 1 - $1 Early Pick-4 ($12):  5 / 2,5,6 / 1,6,7,8 / 2

Race 6 - $1 Late Pick-4 ($36):  5 / 1,4 / ALL / 1,2,5

Key Singles:

Race 1:  #5 Sumart Tizzy ran too good to lose last out after a slow start. She rallied for second and can defeat this field with a good start. So far she has a third and second place finish in two local starts, maybe the third time is the charm.

Race 4:  #2 Shifty looked strong in his maiden-breaking win last out. Jockey Rodrigo Aceves looked like he had more horse in reserve and trainer Scott Willoughby brings this gelding back at a good level. I like the post position draw and look forward to another strong performance.

Race 6:  #5 Cajun Gent is making his first start since December 29 when he showed early pace and tired to a third place finish at this same level. I like that his 8-year-old pro was claimed by Hanson, who is winning at 24% with the first-off-the-claim angle. Cajun Gent ran great when Hanson had him in 2011 & 2012. He once had sub-21 second speed and if he decides to fire tonight, it might be all over from the start for the rest of the competition.

Let's try to get some winners. Good Luck!