This Is a Field of Winners

The five horses entered in today’s $200,000 Potrero Grande Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Santa Anita have combined for more victories than defeats.

Bluesthestandard, McCann’s Mojave, Unfurl The Flag, Watchem Smokey and Casas Caballo, who make up the field for the Grade II at 6 1/2 furlongs, have 33 victories between them. They have lost 31 times.

A 7-year-old Georgia-bred gelding owned by Jeffrey Sengara and trained by Ted H. West, Bluesthestandard is the most accomplished member of the quality cast. He has won 15 of 29 while earning $897,185. Not bad for a horse who began his career in a maiden claimer and ran against $10,000 stock.

Among the others, McCann’s Mojave has won four of five, but this will be his first start in a graded stakes, Unfurl The Flag is coming off a record-tying performance in an optional claimer on Feb. 21, Watchem Smokey has won seven of 10, and Casas Caballo will be seeking his fourth victory in seven starts.

Race of the day: Some second-rate 3-year-olds will be running for a lot of money in the $500,000 Winstar Derby at Sunland Park in New Mexico today. The field includes California shippers Consecrate, Teton Forest, Perfect Moon, Hosco and Point Of Flight.

One for the road: A Familiar Face makes her first start since Oct. 18 at Calder and first for trainer Steve Margolis in today’s seventh, a $32,000 maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs, at Gulfstream Park. The barn has a good record with newcomers to the stable.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Whenthewindblows in the third, Smoken Feathers and Plus Three in the fourth, Alices Silver Lady, Shebeen, Spirit Of Nature and Minister Thatcher in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/194. Money: Previous day/meet total: $19/$1,030. Total money bet: $1,148.