Hollywood Park Race Track -June 13, 2008 R7King Glorious Stakes The key race of interest here is the Los Angeles Handicap. I went back and watched this race and noted the following. Sailor's Sunset and High Standards dueled it out on the front end going a little faster than average for that distance, although for a stakes it was probably about right. Sailor's Sunset did break from the 6 post whereas High Standard's broke from the rail, and furthermore, Sailor's Sunset drifted out about a length in the stretch but High Standards kept a straight path the length of the stretch. Sailor's Sunset still outfinished High Standard's by 1 1/2 lengths. High Standard's is 3-1 ML with Sailor's Sunset being 5/2, so it would seem Sailor's Sunset is the better play - my only concern is the trainer of Sailor's Sunset is not quite as reliable as Martin Jones who trains High Standard's, and Sailor's Sunset has been a bit inconsistent. At any rate, 6 1/2F is probably a 1/16 longer than the optimal distance for either of them. El Manuel and Barber finished close together in the LA Handicap, El Manuel losing by 3 3/4 and Barber by 4 1/4, however, these two were about even at the quarter pole and only about a 1/2 length apart at the wire. El Manuel seemed to make his run first and Barber somehow lost position to him, and the jockey on Barber didn't seem to move when El Manuel first made his move turning into the stretch, but then Barber came on late in the race. This makes me think that despite being the longest shot on the board, Barber at 12-1 is the value play, perhaps not for the win, but he may likely outrun his odds. Compared to El Manuel at 7/2 ML, I'll take Barber. A decision about both Northern Soldier and Jungle Prince has to be made, who are both coming off long layoffs. Jungle Prince last raced in 2006 and Northern Soldier in July of 2007. They are both drilling very well, and I think are both good enough to win if they bring their top race - the question is, will they? I am going to stand against Jungle Prince because he has never tried synthetic and the trainer isn't a wiz at getting them ready off the long break. Northern Soldier I prefer a bit more, and is trained by solid trainer Brian Koriner. I could give him a shot. Sailor's Sunset is obviously a contender but given his inconsistency, if Brian Koriner has Northern Soldier ready enough, he could overtake him late. Cesc's last speed figure was a little too low, but does have the A+ best connections of the field. Still, haven't seen enough talent by the horse itself! Again, I think Barber will outrun his odds, so maybe wheel in a trifecta or put underneath in an exacta, or maybe just a place or show bet. Good luck. Exacta Place
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