To the Penny looks tough in Northlands sprint

Trainer Robertino Diodoro will try to pad his lead in the trainer’s standings with To the Penny, who figures to be one of the favorites in the seventh race at Northlands Park on Sunday. The $10,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up going six furlongs drew seven horses and will serve as the feature for the eight-race card that begins at 1 p.m.

Diodoro has 34 wins at the meet, six more than his nearest pursuer, Jim Meyaard. To the Penny is coming off of a second-place finish to Stephanson in a $13,000 claiming race July 7 and figures to move forward in his second start at the meet. Prior to the July 7 race, he finished second in an $8,000 claiming race at Santa Anita on Jan. 27 and was claimed out of the race by Diodoro, who was acting on behalf of owner Rick Wiest.

To the Penny has good speed but can stalk, and with a race behind him and a bullet half-mile move in 47 seconds on Monday, he figures to be tough to handle. Stephan Heiler retains the mount.

The horse To the Penny will have to deal with early is Father Jones. Trained by Dale Greenwood, Father Jones set an honest pace and after taking a clear lead into the stretch, he tired late to finish a close third in a $10,000 claiming race July 25.

Alamada Slim just about got up in time in the same race, and if a duel develops between To the Penny and Father Jones, he could be the one to pick up the pieces.

Mocha John, an easy winner for $10,000 in his seasonal debut June 16, will try to get back on track following a couple of dull races.