Le Mans to Try Longer Distance

Unable to win in three starts last year, Le Mans has been perfect in two races this year for owner Hal Oliver and trainer Gary Mandella.

A 4-year-old son of Memo and a full brother of the talented La Feminn, Le Mans will try two turns and something other than Cal breds for the first time in today’s seventh at Hollywood Park.

Le Mans will have six opponents going 1 1/16 miles in the $51,000 allowance. David Flores, who has been aboard for his two victories, remains.

In beating pacesetter Noble Silence by three-quarters of a length nearly six weeks ago, Le Mans finished more than five lengths in front of Shadow Of Illinois, who won a turf sprint here last week.

Today’s race includes three other horses coming off wins: maiden victors Classy Fella and Firetruck and Jack’s Silver, who won a seven-furlong contest at 9-1 on May 30.

The rest of the field includes Suffire, Marina Minister and Encino Ump.

Race of the day: Solar Echo, a promising 3-year-old daughter of Spinning World, will make her first start against winners in today’s second, a $48,000 optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs.

One for the road: Vicki Vallencourt won impressively on June 8 for trainer Eddie Kenneally and could come right back in today’s eighth at Churchill Downs, a $62,000 optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Thisgigsover in the first and Solar Echo in the second and using all in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/125. Money: Previous day/meet total: $12.40/$669.20. Total money bet: $792.