$2-Million Futurity Trials

The Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity is the richest race in California (of any breed) and one of the richest races in the country. Tonight's trials feature 89 horses going a distance of 400 yards trying to secure one of the ten spots in the starting gate for the final on December 14. There are a total of 11 trials with the first race getting underway at 5 p.m.

Picks:

Race 1:  2-4-8

#2 Flash N Bling didn't get away all that well but still rallied for the win in his most recent start. That was his second race at Los Al since arriving from New Mexico and he looks to be getting better.

Race 2:  6-4-8

#6 Senor Gianni had a tough trip in the PCQHRA Futurity where he had his three-race win streak snapped. He's been given some time off and has a good workout in preparation for tonight.

Race 3:  5-1-8

#5 Walk Thru Crystal is a two-time futurity winner that looks to have too much class and experience for this field.

Race 4:  3-6-7

#3 Rite Regal is a lightly raced gelding that is a perfect 2-for-2 since arriving to this barn. He looked ultra sharp in his last win when posting fast final time. The only question is the distance but he definitely has talent.

Race 5:  7-3-2

#7 Thru the Night has qualified to two futurities but has not had much racing luck in some of his outings. I think he can post a mild upset with a clean break.

Race 6:  1-8-6

#1 Docs Best Card ran too-good-to-lose last time after getting fractious and breaking thru the gate in the Golden State Million Futurity. He was reloaded into the gate and missed the win by a neck. A clean start should give him a good chance from the rail post.

Race 7:  5-7-6

#5 Bookish has shown talent at times and has been given some time off since early October. I think he's going to like the extra distance tonight.

Race 8:  3-2-1

#3 Rip Tide ran on nicely despite a troubled start in his Los Al debut. There is plenty of upside in his second local start for a sharp barn.

Race 9:  8-5-3

#8 Sale Topper is a two-time futurity finalist that has been the betting favorite in five of his six career starts. He has a good outside post and has been given some time off since September. He won his debut impressively so he should be able to fire fresh off the layoff.

Race 10:  1-8-6

#1 Roll Tide ran on for a good second place finish in his first try at this distance. I like the inside post and this trainer and jockey combination have been doing great all year long.

Race 11:  6-8-2

#6 Big Lew looked to have plenty more left in the tank in his local win. He should improve in his second local start under the lights. He's proven at this distance.