Bluesthestandard Has a Lot on the Line Today

A year ago, Bluesthestandard finished second to Cajun Beat in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Whether or not the 7-year-old gets a chance to improve upon that performance on Oct. 30 at Lone Star Park depends on how he fares in today’s $250,000 Ancient Title Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Santa Anita.

A strong performance will earn the Georgia-bred a trip to Texas; he is the 5-2 second choice on the morning line in the Ancient Title, a Grade I at six furlongs.

Owned by Jeffrey Sengara and trained by Ted H. West, Bluesthestandard will be looking for his ninth win in his 16th start at Santa Anita against seven opponents. Mike Smith, who was aboard when the gelding finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in 2003, has the mount.

The 2-1 favorite on Jeff Tufts’ line is Pohave. Since joining the Doug O’Neill barn last fall, the 6-year-old Holy Bull gelding has finished worse than third only once in 10 starts. During that time, he has won four times, including two graded stakes wins at Hollywood Park.

Hombre Rapido, who is the one to catch for trainer John Sadler; Rojo Toro, During, Omega Code, Kamsack and Pt’s Grey Eagle complete the field.

Race of the day: Azeri will be heavily favored to earn her 17th win in 23 starts when she takes on six other fillies and mares in the $500,000 Spinster today at Keeneland. The Grade I at 1 1/8 miles also lured One For Rose, Tamwheel, Angela’s Love, Mayo On The Side, La Reason and House Of Fortune. The card at Keeneland also includes the $500,000 Winstar Galaxy, a Grade II for fillies and mares at 1 3/16 miles on the turf.

One for the road: Hymn Of Love can score in her U.S. debut for trainer Christophe Clement in today’s eighth at Belmont Park. John Velazquez will ride the 4-year-old daughter of Barathea in the $52,000 allowance at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. She is a first-time Lasix user.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Spring Festival in the fourth, Lotta Loot, Winning Hand and Fit And Tough in the fifth and Sonriente, Outraged and Atlas Peak in the sixth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/33. Money: Previous day/meet total: $24/$187.90. Total money bet: $156.