Two stakes races Saturday at Los Alamitos, where 61 runners entered nine races. Preview …

Race 1 – The distance is a reach for Very Thankful (1), but recent blowout wins at four, four and a half make her a 7-2  “must use” in this $6,250 claiming sprint at five and a half. Herunbridledpower (6) and favorite Blooming Hannah (2) shorten from Del Mar races.

Races 2 – This one’s easy. The favorite Tiz Clever as Ever (6) is a likely winner based on her last-out third, and class drop to a predictable level. Since the start of 2016, favorites in Los Al maiden-20s for fillies and mares are 14 for 22.

Race 3 – Gold Rush Dancer (3), romping winner of the Grade 3 Longacres Mile, is the one to beat in the $75k E. B. Johnston Stakes for state-breds at a mile. But he’s no cinch. Soi Phet (4) loves the track, He Will (5) faced better, and Lucky J Lane (1) earned speed figures recently that give him an upset chance. Bottom line: “spread” race.

Race 4 – Another maiden-20 for fillies and mares, a split of race 2. Sassy Rose (1) is favored, though perhaps less reliable than Tiz Clever as Ever in race 2.

Race 6 – Trumper (1) worked a fast five furlongs from the gate Aug. 31, which lands the first-time starter horse-to-beat-status in this 2-year-old maiden sprint. The “house horse” is owned by Los Alamitos owner Edward Allred, and trained by Art Sherman. Program odds 5-2 no bargain, but alternatives are limited.

Race 7 – Faypien (3) finished second last out in the Grade 1 Test at Saratoga, which makes her a veritable standout in the $75k Beverly Lewis. Want to back a G1-placed filly at odds-on, dropping in class? Didn’t think so. Front-runner Chalon (6) and comebacker Queen Laila (1) are threats at 4-1 and 9-2 respectively.

First post Saturday is 2 p.m.