Southern Policy Scores Upset at Los Alamitos

Jockey James Lackey rode Southern Policy to victory over favorite Knights Wheeler in Thursday night’s 350-yard feature at Los Alamitos Race Course.

Southern Policy, the second choice in the $40,000 claiming event, battled Villas Charger for 200 yards and then fought off a strong closing charge from Knights Wheeler to win by a nose in 17.79 seconds.

Villas Charger, who held a half-length advantage on Knights Wheeler in the early stages of the sprint, checked in a nose behind the favorite to earn third-place money under rider Jim Lewis.

Southern Policy, trained by Blane Schvaneveldt, returned $6.80, $3.20 and $2.40. Knights Wheeler, ridden by Kip Didericksen, paid $3.00 and $2.20. Villas Charger returned $2.20.