Kershaw aims for a first-pitch strike

CYPRESS, Calif. – The name alone indicates high expectations. No one names a racehorse Kershaw, unless he thinks the world of the colt.

Kershaw will have his debut in Friday’s fifth race at Los Alamitos, a maiden race for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs. Owned by Gary Hartunian’s Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller, Kershaw is named for Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher.

“We’ve liked him from Day 1,” Miller said of the colt.

Kershaw is one of seven firsttime starters in a field of eight. The only runner with race experience is Jonny Be Bueno, who finished eighth in an Aug. 13 maiden race at Del Mar in his first start.

The maiden race is the most

lucrative race on Friday’s eightrace program at Los Alamitos. The track will conclude its Los Angeles County Fair meeting Sunday. Santa Anita opens its autumn meeting Sept. 29.

KEY CONTENDERS

Kershaw, by Run Away and Hide

◗ Kershaw was bought for $135,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s auction of 2-yearolds in training in April.

◗ Kershaw has worked quickly for Miller at the San Luis Rey Downs training center in San Diego County, including five furlongs from the gate in 1:00.40 on Sept. 13.

“He’s got speed,” Miller said. “He should fit well. I thought the 5 1/2 would suit him better than six furlongs at Santa Anita.”

◗ Kent Desormeaux, who was perfect with his first four rides at Los Alamitos this month, has the mount.

Liberal Lunacy, by The Factor

◗ Liberal Lunacy was bought for $360,000 at the OBS April sale and races for Doubledown Stables and trainer John Sadler.

◗ The colt worked five furlongs in 59.40 seconds from the gate at Del Mar on Sept. 1, and has given Sadler indications that he can be effective in sprints.

“He’s quick,” Sadler said. “He’s working well. We haven’t asked him hard, and when we’ve asked him, he went. I think he’s good.”

Colonel Cash, by Colonel John

◗ Colonel Cash was bought for $150,000 at the OBS sale.

◗ Owned by Michael House, Colonel Cash may not be as effective at Friday’s short distance as he will be going longer, according to trainer Phil D’Amato.

“He’s pretty racing fit, and we’ll see where we stand,” D’Amato said. “He wants to go longer. We’ll come with a run and see what he does. If we can win, we’ll try. My gut tells me that he’ll need more ground.”

◗ D’Amato also starts Good Guy Bad Guy, a colt by Lookin At Lucky who breaks from the inside.

“I think he’ll show a bunch of speed,” D’Amato said.

Italiano, by Twirling Candy

◗ Owned by breeder Al Graziani and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Italiano may have a home-track advantage. He has been based at Los Alamitos and has worked quickly, including six furlongs in 1:12.40 on Sept. 8.