Notes on a Scorecard - Oct. 6, 1994

When Alex Solis began riding here in 1985, he sought help from his idol and fellow Panamanian, Laffit Pincay. . . .

“Please do me a big favor,” Solis asked Pincay. “When I do something wrong, tell me. Keep an eye on me.” . . .

Nice guy Laffit complied, but he hasn’t had to pass along many tips the past few years. . . .

Solis, 30, has become one of the most successful jockeys on the toughest circuit in America. . . .

He has won the last two riding titles at Hollywood Park and finished fourth at the most recent Del Mar, Santa Anita and Oak Tree meetings. . . .

About all he needs to achieve stardom is a big horse, and he might have one in Call Now, the 2-year-old filly who will be heavily favored in the $200,000 Oak Leaf Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita. . . .

“She’s very special,” Solis said. “I’ve never ridden one quite like her. She’s strong and smart. She does everything so easily. She doesn’t waste any energy.” . . .

Solis also rides another promising 2-year-old trained by Ron McAnally and owned by Verne Winchell, On Target. Three hours before Call Now’s race at Santa Anita on Saturday, On Target will be running in the $500,000 Champagne at Belmont Park in New York. . . .

“Ron made the decision that I will ride Call Now,” Solis said. “But he said On Target is still my horse too.” . . .

On Target should appreciate that. . . .

Solis is strong, disciplined, and virtually mistake-free. . . .

He has earned the reputation of being among the hardest workers in his profession, one who rides regularly in the mornings and studies tapes every night while atop a wooden horse at his home in Arcadia. . . .

“I’ve had Chris McCarron, Eddie Delahoussaye, Steve Cauthen and Craig Perret,” said Solis’ agent, Harry (the Hat) Hacek. “Alex will prove to be as good as any of them.” . . .

*

In a note sent out with season-ticket applications, Angel President Richard Brown virtually guarantees there will be a 1995 season. If there isn’t, buyers will get not only their money back, but 5% interest. . . .

It seems to me that the solution to the labor dispute is the same as it was weeks ago--eliminate arbitration and don’t create a salary cap. . . .

J.T. Snow, told by Manager Marcel Lachemann that he will be the Angel first baseman next season, will leave Tuesday to play in the Venezuelan Winter League. . . .

L.A. writers will miss Jim Gott, who was always honest and cooperative. . . .

Is there anybody who hasn’t been mentioned for the Baltimore Orioles’ managerial job? . . . It’s remarkable how well the Philadelphia Eagles are rushing passers without Reggie White, Seth Joyner and Clyde Simmons. . . .

The NFL trading deadline is Tuesday, but major deals during the season are rare. . . .

Larry Parker, a true freshman wide receiver from Bakersfield, is going to catch a lot of passes for USC. . . .

Expect the Trojans to be angry Saturday in Corvallis. . . .

UCLA outside linebacker Donnie Edwards is having a great season. He leads the team in unassisted tackles, tackles for losses, sacks and interceptions. . . .

The Bruins’ other outside linebacker, sophomore Phillip Ward, is quietly emerging as a star of the future. . . .

Colorado State’s high-powered offense should give the Arizona defense a good test Saturday in Tucson. These Rams can throw the ball. . . .

Boston College has the kicker, David Gordon, who beat Notre Dame last year, but not the quarterback, Glenn Foley, so don’t expect the Eagles to repeat the upset Saturday. . . . Don King is in Mexico trying to secure a site for Humberto (Chiquita) Gonzalez-Michael Carbajal III. . . .

CBS’ six-fight series will begin with Kenny Keene-Terry Ray on Saturday and end with Oscar De La Hoya-John Avila on Dec. 10 from the Grand Olympic. . . .

Long Beach State has passed the halfway mark of its goal of selling 1,290 season tickets for the first basketball schedule at the Pyramid. The opening game is Nov. 30 against Detroit Mercy. . . .

“Basketball Legends” will be the theme of the newsmakers’ luncheon Tuesday at the Anaheim Stadium Club that will feature Elgin Baylor, George Yardley and Jerry Tarkanian. . . .

John Lucas coaching Lloyd Daniels was a nice success story while it lasted, but Lucas is now coaching Philadelphia and Daniels has been cut by the San Antonio Spurs.