Familiar Face Returns

Bluesthestandard, arguably one of the most popular horses to run on the local circuit in many years, will make his first start as a 9-year-old in today’s sixth at Santa Anita.

Now owned by Debi and Edward J.Brown Jr. and trained by Bill Spawr, the Georgia bred will be looking for his 18th lifetime victory against seven opponents in the $40,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

Successful in eight of 22 previous starts at Santa Anita, Bluesthestandard will be making his first start since he won by three lengths for the same claiming price Nov. 9 at Hollywood Park. Kerwin John, his rider in his two most recent starts, will ride the bay, who has started 44 times and earned $1,014,218.

Bluesthestandard is going up against Pointe Birds, a 6-year-old gelded son of Russian Courage also coming off a victory.

The California bred whipped $25,000 claimers Dec. 18 in Inglewood and is bumped two levels in search of a repeat after being claimed by trainer Jeff Mullins for Bob Bone. Bone and Mullins had Bluesthestandard for four races last year, winning once.

Race of the day: Beautiful Racket, who beat maidens by three lengths Dec. 7 at Woodbine, will make her U.S. debut and first start for trainer Jeremiah Englehart in today’s eighth at Aqueduct. Alan Garcia will ride the 3-year-old Twining filly for owner William Lageman in the $45,000 optional claimer at six furlongs.

One for the road: Wild Wes is up a notch after being claimed by trainer Art Sherman and can graduate in his second career start in the third race today at Bay Meadows. David Lopez will ride the 3-year-old Wild Gold gelding in the $16,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A place pick all using Bella Magic in the first, Dixie Glow in the second, All Circuits Go and Fresh Squeezed in the third, Harriett Lane in the fourth, Deputy Spy and Where’s My Halo in the fifth, Pointe Birds and Bluesthestandard in the sixth, Lazzeri, Richebourg and Kewen in the seventh and Beau Geni in the eighth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 0/17. Money: (previous day/meet total): $11/$111. Total money bet: $136.