Talking Tactics Is an Old Pro

Talking Tactics is showing no signs of slowing down at age 10.

Owned by Felix Gonzalez and trained by Adan Farias, the First Down Dash gelding is perfect in two starts in 2003 and has won six of his last 10. A 14-time winner in his career, Talking Tactics is one of six $20,000 claimers who will to go 350 yards in tonight’s fifth.

A race later, another old pro will be run. Mucho Caliente, a 7-year-old Arabian, will be seeking his 13th win in 27 race in a $6,000 allowance at 4 1/2 furlongs.

Trained by Felix Payne for the Town and Country Farms Corp., the Florida-bred has won two of three this year and was a troubled second in his lone loss at the Oasis on Jan. 10.

Alex Bautista, who escaped serious injury in a training mishap Thursday morning, has the call on Mucho Caliente.

The picks: 1. Zack Again. 2. Wilyacrossmyvalle. 3. Kr Sir Lopesalot. 4. Blue Warrior. 5. Talking Tactics. 6. Mucho Caliente. 7. Sell Short. 8. Chicks Jet Set Baby. 9. He Roves.

Four! Use Bys Memories, Zack Again and Masculinity in the first, single Wilyacrossmyvalle in the second, Heza New High, No Mas Delor and Kr Sir Lopesalot in the third and Star’s Wild, Blue Warrior and Wayne’s Choice in the fourth.

Shots in the dark: Bubba Be Gone makes his local debut for trainer Blane Schvaneveldt in the fifth. More Red is moved up in class in the seventh after a very easy win.

Post Time: 5:30 p.m.

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