Los Al Race Track made it through Days 1-3 of its 7 day Winter afternoon thoroughbred program which is running through December 12.
The Los Al meet followed the fall meet at Del Mar, and precedes the winter/spring season at Santa Anita Park.
Fifty-six horses were entered in eight races on opening day, an average of seven horses a race. Maiden races, claiming races, and starter allowances comprise the Friday card
Trainer Bob Baffert made it five consecutive victories in Saturday’s Grade I, $300,500 Starlet as 11-10 choice Eda showed tenacity to turn back a pair of challenges in the stretch Saturday at Los Alamitos.
This week’s final four days, which begins Dec. 9, will have some post-time adjustments. The Dec. 9-10 program will start at 12:30 p.m., a half-hour earlier than the first week. The Dec. 11-12 post time will be noon, also 30 minutes earlier than the previous weekend.
There will be three stakes races during the final three days of the winter season, topped by the $300,000 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles Dec. 11.
The Dec. 10 program will be highlighted by the $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for 2-year-old fillies bred or sired in California and a winner’s circle ceremony honoring trainer Art Sherman, who is retiring after an illustrious career of more than 65 years in racing as an exercise rider, jockey, and trainer. Sherman, 84, who has been involved in racing as an exercise rider, jockey, and trainer for more than 67 years, had his greatest success as a conditioner with two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome .
