Bluesthestandard ends losing streak in Palos Verdes

ARCADIA, Calif. - Bluesthestandard ended a six-race losing streak in Sunday's $150,000 at Santa Anita, a span that covered the toughest sprints in California.

Making his first start since finishing second in the Breeders' Cup Sprint here last October, Bluesthestandard caught Marino Marini in the final furlong of the Palos Verdes and won by a length.

Ridden by Mike Smith for trainer Ted H. West, Bluesthestandard finished six furlongs in 1:08.13.

"It was important to win this," said West. "We've run in some tough races. I really feel good for the horse to get a win. For a competitor, it will do a lot for his confidence."

Breaking from the outside in a field of seven, Bluesthestandard raced wide on the backstretch, a length behind pacesetter Giovannetti, who ran the first quarter-mile in 21.08.

Marino Marini, close to the front on the backstretch, led after a half-mile in 43.58 seconds, but Bluesthestandard had closed to within a half-length of the front by then. Marino Marino maintained his lead to the eighth pole before being passed by Bluesthestandard.

"I knew at the top of the stretch they'd have a tough time outgaming him," West said. "When he has the lead, I don't know a horse that has a heart as big as him."

Our New Recruit rallied from sixth to finish third, followed by Boston Common, Captain Squire, Tough Game and Giovannetti.

Bluesthestandard was claimed for $50,000 by owner Jeffrey Sengara and West on Dec. 31, 2002. Since that race, Bluesthestandard has won 5 of 11 starts and $721,975. The richest Georgia-bred in history, Bluesthestandard, 7, has earned $897,185.

A gelding, Bluesthestandard will be pointed for the San Carlos Stakes on March 7.