Hot Cartel Tries to Get on the Winning Track

Hot Cartel, who failed as the favorite Feb. 14, will try to make amends in tonight’s seventh race, a $16,215 allowance at 350 yards.

Owned by Ramich Farms and trained by Paul Jones, Hot Cartel, a 3-year-old Corona Cartel filly, was the 9-10 choice in her latest on the strength of a half-length maiden victory in her first start of 2004 on Jan. 16.

Breaking from the rail, Hot Cartel missed by a neck when third, beaten by Fast Pay Check, a 23-1 longshot who is also in tonight’s race, and Chamon. Saul Ramirez Jr. will ride Hot Cartel, who will break from post five in the field of seven.

Jones also will send out Honor And Cherish, who will be ridden by Ramon Sanchez. Quick She, recent maiden winner Twaynas Red Bid, Halfpast Ahearbreak and Katies Wildn Special complete the field.

The picks: 1. Mamas Family. 2. Gambling Hope. 3. First Alarm. 4. Heart Commander. 5. Scuba Steve. 6. Legal Romance. 7. Honor And Cherish. 8. My Son Jeremy.

Four! Mamas Family and Terrasena in the first, Gambling Hope in the second, First Alarm, Ib Dazzling and Star Of Corona in the third and Virgil, Heart Commander and Foot Loose Too in the fourth.

Shots in the dark: Katies Wildn Special makes her first local start for trainer Mark Skeen in the seventh. Quick Switch makes his first start since Oct. 12 for trainer Don Smith in the eighth.

Post time: 7:15 p.m.

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