Familiar Duo Should Win

Two horses familiar to Southern California fans will be favored to win stakes on the road again today.

Congaree, who has won three of his four races in New York, will be in the vicinity of even-money to win for the 11th time in his career in today’s $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park.

Meanwhile in Texas, Bluesthestandard -- the former $10,000 claimer -- will try for his sixth victory in a row in the $300,000 Lone Star Park Handicap. The Grade III at 1 1/16 miles is the richest race of seven stakes at the Grand Prairie track.

Congaree’s opponents include Aldebaran, who has been the runner-up 12 times 20 starts, and Najran, who set a Belmont record and equaled the North American mark at a mile when winning the Westchester Handicap in 1:32.24 on May 7.

Four of Bluesthestandard’s victories during his streak came after he was claimed for $50,000 by trainer Ted H. West for owner Jeffrey Sengara. His last victory came in his first race at Lone Star Park -- a romp by four lengths in the Texas Mile on April 26. Among those he will be facing today are Pass Rush, who won the San Fernando Breeders’ Cup in January at Santa Anita, and the Steve Asmussen-trained entry of Fifty Stars and Private Emblem.

Race of the day: Hollywood Park’s fifth race is only for $25,000 maidens, but it is significant because it is the first leg of a pick six with a guaranteed pool of $1 million.

One for the road: Fickle Factor is a first-time starter in the 10th at Churchill Downs that has trained well for Bernie Flint, who wins his fair share with horses that haven’t previously raced. The race concludes the pick six, which has a carry-over of $342,497.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the eighth race keying Special Ring on top with Medecis, Redattore and War Zone in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/66. Money: Previous day/meet total: $12/$350.40. Total money bet: $430.