LA Champions Day Kicks Off with Ladies in Race 4

Pacific Pink is the 8/5 morning line favorite after posting a dominant last-out victory in the El Raspberry Stakes September 19 at Louisiana Downs. The five length win was the Edward Johnston trainee’s fifth trip to the winner’s circle in 9 career starts, but discerning handicappers may point to the layoff and switch from turf to dirt as reasons to search for better value. Pacific Pink, who has never finished off the board, is two for three on dirt, but has posted her career-best Beyer on the grass. Robbie Albarado gets the mount breaking from post 3.

Front-runner goes second off layoff

Heatseeker Sharon (5/2) returned from nearly an eleven week layoff to run second in the Magnolia Stakes October 30 at Delta Downs. The front-running four year-old filly projects as the main speed in the race with jockey CJ Hernandez riding for the second straight start. Heatseeker Sharon has posted 4 wins in 17 starts including a 3 for 9 mark on dirt. Trainer Frank Leggio connects at a 15% clip with runners making their second start off similar layoffs.

Aliana switching surfaces

Aliana (3/1) is another logical contender, as she makes her second start off the layoff and transitions from turf to dirt as well. The Morris Nicks-trained filly finished second in a November 28 allowance race on grass and should be plenty fit for this effort. Aliana boasts competitive speed figures and has won her only start at Fair Grounds.