It’s Heros Call in What Could Be a Close Call

Three of the five geldings entered in tonight’s $15,000 La Playa Handicap have something in common.

Oak Canyon, Coolmore and Heros Call are all trained by Laura Pinelli, and the latter may be favored to win the 870-yard race.

Owned by the Laura Pinelli Trust, Heros Call, a 3-year-old son of the thoroughbred Grand Slam, has blossomed since stretched out to the La Playa distance. A winner only once in his six races down the straightaway, Heros Call has won three of four at 870 yards, including a victory in the Gold Rush Derby on May 2.

Also a son of Grand Slam, Oak Canyon broke his maiden in his 17th start on June 13. Coolmore, a son of Carson City, has won three of 17. Available Credit, who is trained by Paul Jones, and Splashn Joe, who was eliminated at the start six nights ago in his first for trainer Adan Farias, complete the field.

The picks: 1. Simonize. 2. Mr. Mezo. 3. Red Ida Go. 4. Virama. 5. On A Nitro High. 6. Sun An Silver. 7. Steam. 8. Apollitician. 9. Heros Call. 10. With Regrets.

Four! Use Steam and the Reckless Judy-Acoloredlady entry in the seventh, Apollitician, Slew Buck and Whata Snowbound in the eighth, single Heros Call in the ninth and With Regrets, Rhythm With Rhythm and Good As Good Bye in the 10th.

Shots in the dark: Moms Cashtaker steps up two levels after a claim in the first. Elvia Six tries for two in a row in the third.

Post time: 6:30 p.m.

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