Hollywood Park long shot in today's eighth race

Like betting long shots? Well, I got one for you to consider in today's eighth race at Hollywood Park, a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds on the grass. I think Preemo, a 2-year-old Vindication colt, is going to show big improvement over his debut at Oak Tree on Oct. 4. He ran evenly in his first start, finishing seventh in a 14-horse field, and has two mediocre works since. Joel Rosario, who has established himself as one of the top riders in Southern California in the past year, retains the mount for trainer Jenine Sahadi, who has won only four races in 2008 but is a capable conditioner. I think this guy is going to be closing in the stretch in the six-furlong event and, at 15-1 on the morning line, he's an across-the-board play in this spot.