Spud Spivens leads virtually gate-to-wire at Los Alamitos

Spud Spivens won for the third time in his last five starts, leading virtually gate-to-wire in the $31,620 feature Friday at Los Alamitos.

Able to wrest the lead from Malibu Mogul early in the race at one mile, the versatile 8-year-old wasn’t seriously menaced through the stretch, ultimately winning by 1 ¼ lengths in 1:36.31.

Ridden by Martin Garcia, the gelded son of Tizbud and the Cutlass Reality mare Oceans Reality earned his 10th victory in 50 starts and the $19,440 payday increased his earnings to $385,667.

Owned by Vincent and Audrey Marchionno and trained by Shelbe Ruis, who earned her initial victory at Los Alamitos, Spud Spivens paid $13.80, $6 and $5 as the 5-1 third choice in the field of nine .

Winless in seven 2015 starts, Spud Spivens, who was bred in California by Harris Farms, Inc., is 6-for-14 this year.

Indygo Bo, a 7-1 shot, rallied from last to defeat 21-1 outsider Deep Consideration by a neck for the place.

Making his first start for trainer Dean Pederson after being claimed for $25,000 Aug. 28, Indygo Bo, who was ridden by Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux, returned $7.40 and $5.40 while the show price on Deep Consideration was $7.40.

Out of Patience, Saint Dermot, the 11-10 favorite, Carlsbad Mountain, Above Board, Pacific Nights and Malibu Mogul completed the order of finish.

After a one-day Pick Six carryover, there were three winning tickets in the sequence Friday. Each was worth $20,183.40.

Racing resumes Saturday at Los Alamitos. Post time is 2 p.m.

The Los Alamitos Racing Association will play host Saturday to a live money handicapping contest.

There will be cash prizes and at least five seats – including airfare and hotel accommodations - to the Daily Racing Form/National Thoroughbred Racing Association National Handicapping Championship early next year in Las Vegas.

Players can sign up between 10 a.m-2 p.m. Saturday on the mezzanine level of the Los Alamitos grandstand. The cost is $400 with $100 going to the prize pool and the remaining funds on a live money wagering card.

Participants are required to wager $50 on at least six races at Los Alamitos. Win, place, show and exacta wagers are allowed.

If more than 120 players enter the contest, a sixth seat to the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship will be available.

Source: Los Alamitos Race Course