Purses to Increase $1 Million in Early 2004

When the new year begins, purses at Los Alamitos will be increased $1 million in an attempt to bolster field size.

The supplement means that during the first 12 weeks of 2004, purses for quarter horse races will be upped $750,000 and the remaining $250,000 will be spread among the other breeders -- thoroughbreds, Arabians and paints.

“This increase is a sign of our commitment to offer quality quarter horse racing during the winter season,” said Ed Allred, owner of Los Alamitos and its chief executive officer.

In tonight’s eighth, Fit Right In will try for his second consecutive victory against six other 2-year-olds in the $11,850 allowance at 350 yards.

Owned by Jose Gimenes and trained by Dan Luna, Fit Right In will be ridden by Eddie Garcia and will break from post four. Karas Knud Chick, Irish Bag, Almost Never Late, Prankster Cf, Bonos Luv and Brandy And Candles complete the lineup.

The picks: 1. Fresno Jazz. 2. Invisible Queen. 3. Bedazzling Surprise. 4. Baltana. 5. Hi Patriot. 6. Matty’s Encore. 7. A Choice Effort. 8. Almost Never Late. 9. Knud Thru Traffic.

Four! Eternally Irish, Matty’s Encore and Icey Gambler in the sixth, A Choice Effort in the seventh, Almost Never Late, Bonos Luv and Prankster Cf in the eighth and Jolter, Knud Thru Traffic and Jess Lookin Back in the ninth.

Shots in the dark: Im Joe Daddy makes his first start at Los Alamitos in the first. Best Chicks Effort gets jockey Ramon Sanchez for her debut in the third.

Post Time: 5:30 p.m.

On the Net: For entries and results from Los Alamitos, visit: www.latimes.com/horseracing/