On Trust Might Be a Popularity Contest

Two of the most popular horses in California will race each other in the $100,000 On Trust Handicap on Sunday at Hollywood Park. Megan’s Interco, an 8-year-old who has won 15 of 31 races, and 9-year-old Letthebighossroll, who surpassed $1 million in earnings in last month’s Cal Cup Sprint, top the field of 10 California-breds in the 7 1/2 furlong race.

Both veterans are also Hollywood Park specialists. Megan’s Interco has won five of seven on the track and Letthebighossroll is eight for 14.

Also in the field, from the inside out, are Mateo, Saylo, Busy Little Beaver, Surachai, Fearless Pirate, Canyon Crest, Just Call Me Bob and Awesome Daze. Surachai and Canyon Crest, both owned by Edmond and Sharon Hudon and trained by Randy Bradshaw, will be coupled in the betting.

Embraceable You, beaten by a nose in the Carleton F. Burke Handicap in his U.S. debut Nov. 1 at Santa Anita, is the 5-2 morning line choice in today’s feature, the $75,000-added Political Ambition Handicap at 1 1/4 miles on turf. The original field of 12 was reduced when Puissant and Old Chapel were scratched Friday morning.