Promising Man Among Men Tries for First Stakes Victory

A 2-year-old son of Gentlemen, Man Among Men did not distinguish himself in his debut June 22 at Hollywood Park.

Dispatched at 14-1 in the field of eight, Man Among Men was last, 11 1/2 lengths behind winner Kafwain in the five-furlong race.

Sent long on the turf a little more than two months later, the chestnut looked like a different animal.

Reserved off the early pace by jockey Alex Solis, Man Among Men took over early in the stretch after making a bid three-wide and drew off to win by 5 1/2 lengths at a healthy 8-1.

Don’t expect anywhere near that price today as the promising colt tries for his first stakes win in the $50,000 Pinjara at one mile on the grass. Trained by Gary Mandella, Man Among Men is the 6-5 favorite in the field of eight and will break from Post 2.

The second choice at 8-5 on Jeff Tufts’ morning line is the Ed Gann-owned and Bobby Frankel-trained entry of Bis Repetitas and Peace Rules.

Pine Java, Stylish Account, Gohalo, Jimmy O and Luzern make up the rest of the field.

Race of the day: Ocean Drive, two for two on the turf for trainer Todd Pletcher, will try to stay unbeaten against eight other 2-year-old fillies in the $100,000 Green River at Keeneland.

Who’s hot: Richard Mandella. The trainer is winning at a 30% clip for the Oak Tree meet.

Who’s not: Felix Hernandez. The trainer is 0 for 57 this year.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Bring Homethegold and Truly A Judge in the fifth; Fab Do, Ruling Monarch, Kings Cross, Le Matin and Majestic Blaise in the sixth; singling Man Among Men in the seventh; and Why, Only Way and Gamblin Mimi in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/40. Money: Previous day/meet total: $14.40/$234. Total money bet: $294.