Thankfully, the Laurel Park winter meet comes to a close on Saturday so that live Maryland racing shifts to Pimlico Race Course on Thursday, April 4th. I happily say, “Good Riddance” to Laurel Park as my Saturday BEST BET and LONGSHOT selections were woeful to say the least, as the record below indicates. It was great meet for the Maryland Jockey Club, but it’s time to pack up the wagons and move the troops to Baltimore for the next two months.

With Pimlico’s 36-day spring meet (Apr. 4^th thru June 8^th), it’s a new beginning. A chance to redeem myself as the plan is to post selections for all 36 live racing days. Here’s what the Maryland Jockey Club is doing at Pimlico on Opening Day to entice fans to enjoy nine (9) exciting chase scenes…

On the national scene, with the Kentucky Derby just five (5) weeks away, there are 3 Derby prep races on Saturday… G2 UAE Derby at Meydan Race Course (Dubai) at 10:22am EDT, G1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park at 6:19pm EDT and the G2 Louisiana Derby Fairgrounds at 6:44pm EDT. To read HOW I SEE IT, click here.

Recapping the previously posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Mar. 23rd had 8 winners from 9 races (6 Top Selection; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $4.00 (1st race), $3.00 (2nd), $9.00 (3rd), $3.20 (4th), $4.00 (5th), $5.80 (6th), $7.60 (7th) and $2.20 (8th).

This past Saturday was a perfect illustration of how “snake bit” the BEST BET and LONGSHOT picks were during the Laurel Park meet. Despite having 6 Top Pick winners from 9 races, both BEST BET and LONGHSOT selections were off the board (OTB).

The BEST BET of the Day (12 2-1-0) Nacho Earl (5-1 PT; 7-2 M/L) trailed in the early stages, swung wide at the eighth pole and rallied strongly in deep stretch but was no match for the winner, setting for a runner-up effort and returning $5.60 to PLACE and $2.40 to SHOW.

The LONGSHOT PICK (12 0-0-3) Willieslittletrick (6-1 PT; 12-1 M/L) dueled early with a rival, setting a pressured pace along the rail and tired when entering the stretch, finishing a distant 5th.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for a clear skies, meaning the track will be FAST at Laurel Park on Saturday Mar. 30^th, Closing Day. Selections for all races posted are handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $38,000 Maiden Special Weight for 2 y.o.– 4½ furlongs
#3 – Take Time to Pray (5-2)
#6 – Debt Ceiling (4-1)
#1/1A – New Zone / Searchparty Dolly (7-2)

2nd race – $5,000 Claiming N1Y for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#3 – Prime Mistress (5-1) *** BEST BET ***
#1 – Super Nova Desert (5-2)
#7 – Harbor Fox (2-1)

3rd race – $10,000 Claiming 3 y.o. fillies – 7 furlongs
#1 – Go Money Go (3-1)
#3 – Oxford Lass (3-1)
#5 – Lost Yer Number (8-1)

4th race – $10,000 Claiming 3 y.o.– 5½ furlongs
#5 – Monacacy Warrior  (8-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#4 – Video Storm (4-5)
#1 – Chi Chi’s Pride  (5-1)

5th race – $5,000 Claiming N3L for 4 y.o. & up – 7 furlongs
#3 – Ram (3-1)
#8 – Singing My Way (2-1)
#4 – Rio Samba (15-1)

6th race – $25,000 Allowance Optional Claiming for 4 y.o.& up – 5½ furlongs
#2 – Regal Revenge  (7-5)
#6 – Never Stop Looking (5-1)
#3 – Itsnottheright (9-2)

7th race – $38,000 Maiden Special Weight for F&M 3 y.o.& up – 5½ furlongs
#8 – Litigious (3-1)
#3 – Smart n Smokin (8-1)
#7 – South Andros (6-1)

8th race – $50,000 Allowance Optional Claiming N1X for 3 y.o. – One mile
#3 – Arrive (9-2)
#8 – Hanky Doodle (5-2)
#7 – Torchrunner (10-1)

9th race – $5,000 Claiming for 4 y.o.& up – 5½ furlongs
#7 – Tennis Racket  (3-1)
#6 – Kincaid  (5-2)
#5 – By Your Side (15-1)

GOOD LUCK!

This is the final entry of my 4 part series to provide thoroughbred horse racing fans a glimpse at the four (4) candidates the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) has selected to be Frank Carulli’s replacement as the on-air television host during Laurel Park and Pimlico Meets. If you read “Part 1”, feel free to skip down to “Now let’s meet…”. If not, the candidates are Ryan Fogelsonger, Dylan Smith, Jacqueline “Jackie” Savoye and Gabrielle “Gabby” Gaudet. Kudos to MJC for seeking to allure the “Gen Y” crowd as the average age of these four finalists for the job is 25½.

Since 2002, Carulli has been the Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park handicapper and racing analyst, but will leave MJC at the conclusion of the Pimlico spring meet (June 8th), relocating to Las Vegas. Considered one of the best in the business in making the Morning Line (Odds), those duties will be handed over to Equibase chart caller Keith Feustle, when live racing resumes in September at Laurel Park. Feustle can be seen on the “Today At The Races” pre-race show on the Maryland simulcast signal with his co-host, track announcer Dave Rodman.

The brain-trust at MJC decided to give each candidate the opportunity to showcase their talent on-air as part of the interview process. So this week (March 20-23) at Laurel Park, each has one day to prove themselves worthy of filling Carulli’s shoes. Gabby Gaudet gets the final on-air say Saturday (Mar. 23rd) as the other 3 preceded her this week. Ryan Fogelsonger did the duties on Wednesday (Mar. 20^th), Dylan Smith followed suit on Thursday (Mar. 21^st) and Jackie Savoye provided her insight on Friday (Mar. 22^nd).

This past Saturday at Laurel Park, I spent a few moments with each of the contenders, to get to know a bit more about them, so I could introduce them to you. All were very impressive and enthusiastic to face the on-air challenge ahead of them. One shared, “It’s kind of weird, this live on-air audition and knowing the other applicants that you’re up against for the job. It feels like American Idol”.

Not quite American Idol because the decision on who will be hired as the new on-air racing analyst is solely an internal (MJC) one. There will be no fan voting, but your feedback is welcomed and should be directed to Mike Gathagan, MJC’s V.P. of Communications at mike.gathagan@marylandracing.com.

I don’t envy the MJC decision-makers. It will certainly be a tough call. I wonder if they would entertain a co-host format? It seems to work at other tracks having two people banter about versus one speaking directly into the camera. Just food for thought.

Now let’s meet…

… Gabby Gaudet, the 22-year-old daughter of longtime conditioners Eddie and Linda Gaudet and younger sister of trainer Lacey Gaudet, is on track (no pun intended) to graduate this Spring from Towson University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Graphic Design.

When your last name is immediately associated with Maryland racing, it’s only natural to feel the pressure to be involved in the family business. ”My Mom and Dad have definitely been extremely influential in my life, not only in horse racing but growing up in general. When I was younger, my Mom home schooled me and my sister throughout middle school, in between the hectic demands of (horse) training. I decided to go back to (a traditional) school for 8th grade, got my exercise riders license when I was 16 to help my parents out during the weekends and summer vacation, and I continued to do that as a part-time job throughout college”, explained Gabby.

Riding horses wasn’t her only athletic talent. Gabby was quite the soccer player and received offers from multiple D-1 schools, but home was where her heart was, which opened doors to combine her college major with her love for horses. “I would say that last winter was really the turning point for me when I decided to get really involved, especially in the media side of horse racing. I began interning for Maryland Horse Radio on Tuesday nights, contributing to Maryland Horse newsletters and participated in a lot of events throughout Preakness season”, recalled Gaudet as she reached into her memory bank of accomplishments.

Stepping out of the shadows of being Lacey’s “little sister” as well as her comfort zone (Maryland), Gabby was able to establish her own identity in New York. “This past summer I got the opportunity of a lifetime to move to Saratoga for the meet and write for The Saratoga Special newspaper. There, I made some really great racing contacts and got to experience racing from a new perspective. I had to interview trainers, owners and jockeys daily and then write articles on them (e.g. pre-stakes/post-stakes interviews, race recaps, and human interest stories). I loved every minute of it”, then added with a snicker, “When my sister (Lacey) came up to visit, people were referring to her as, Gabby’s big sister”.

Recently the petite brunette spoke with ESPN/ABC Sports reporter Jeannine Edwards about facing the camera, saying “Jeannine gave me some really good advice… I can provide my personal insights. The way I see it is that every horse, every trainer, every race has a story. For example, some may look at the program and see a horse that has been laid off for 6 months and wonder why? Having a journalistic background, I‘ll find out as much information about the “story” and report it to the fans”.

Admittedly, when this 55-year-old @HorseRacingNut read about Frank Carulli’s planned departure via MJC’s MArch 13th press release, I was miffed that the conditions of this competition seemed, to use a horse racing term, “restricted”. Quickly convincing myself that ol’ GQ was about 30 years too old to be considered for the on-air Racing Analyst position, and couldn’t agree more with Gabby who stated, “I love that the MJC is getting young people into the sport. I really think it’s a great idea. I’m very passionate about horse racing and I want to bring all ages and all backgrounds (as many people as possible) in and show them what makes this sport so special”.

To describe Gabby Gaudet in one word, it would be Charm. She possesses an infectious smile that can light up a room. Not a bad quality to have when thousands of horseplayers will be hanging on every word you utter before they head to the betting window.

This is Part 3 in my 4 part series to provide thoroughbred horse racing fans a glimpse at the four (4) candidates the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) has selected to be Frank Carulli’s replacement as the on-air television host during Laurel Park and Pimlico Meets. If you have already read “Part 1”, feel free to skip down to “Now let’s meet…”. If not, read on. The candidates are Ryan Fogelsonger, Dylan Smith, Jacqueline “Jackie” Savoye and Gabrielle “Gabby” Gaudet. Kudos to MJC for seeking to allure the “Gen Y” crowd as the average age of these four finalists for the job is 25½.

Since 2002, Carulli has been the Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park handicapper and racing analyst, but will leave MJC at the conclusion of the Pimlico spring meet (June 8th), relocating to Las Vegas. Considered one of the best in the business in making the Morning Line (Odds), those duties will be handed over to Equibase chart caller Keith Feustle, when live racing resumes in September at Laurel Park. Feustle can be seen on the “Today At The Races” pre-race show on the Maryland simulcast signal with his co-host, track announcer Dave Rodman.

The brain-trust at MJC decided to give each candidate the opportunity to showcase their talent on-air as part of the interview process. So this week (March 20-23) at Laurel Park, each has one day to prove themselves worthy of filling Carulli’s shoes. On Friday (Mar. 22^nd), Jackie Savoye will put her personal handicapping touch on display as will Gabby Gaudet on Saturday (Mar. 23rd). Ryan Fogelsonger and Dylan Smith completed their on-air “audition” on Wednesday (Mar. 20th) and Thursday (Mar. 21st), respectively.

This past Saturday at Laurel Park, I spent a few moments with each of the contenders, to get to know a bit more about them, so I could introduce them to you. All were very impressive and enthusiastic to face the on-air challenge ahead of them. One shared, “It’s kind of weird, this live on-air audition and knowing the other applicants that you’re up against for the job. It feels like American Idol”.

Not quite American Idol because the decision on who will be hired as the new on-air racing analyst is solely an internal (MJC) one. There will be no fan voting, but your feedback is welcomed and should be directed to Mike Gathagan, MJC’s V.P. of Communications at mike.gathagan@marylandracing.com.

I don’t envy the MJC decision-makers. It will certainly be a tough call. I wonder if they would entertain a co-host format? It seems to work at other tracks having two people banter about versus one speaking directly into the camera. Just food for thought.

Now let’s meet… 

… Jackie Savoye, currently an assistant trainer for Dale Capuano. The 25-year-old South River High School graduate did on-air work a couple years ago at Gulfstream Park with Alyssa Ali and Caton Bredar. She followed that by teaming up with TVG’s Paul Lo Duca and Christina Oliveras (now with HRTV with last name of Blacker via marriage) at Monmouth Park during their Million Dollar Meet, conducting off-camera interviews.

Horses have been a big part of Jackie’s life for as long as she can remember, “I started riding at a young age at pony camps then got involved in the Annapolis pony club and took up foxhunting almost full time. That’s such a fun event. At 18, I went to work for Jason Cole in southern Maryland breaking babies. That provided such a great foundation of learning the racehorses and bringing them up. Jason sent me to Bowie (race track training center) to learn to gallop and from there I worked for Gary Capuano and the Gaudet’s (Eddie and Linda). I was hired by Dale in the spring of 2008 and he sent me all over the east coast with strings for him”. 

The handicapping aspect of the job does not intimidate her in the least, “I can apply my knowledge of horse racing and what I have learned in the claiming game to handicapping. I work for a top claiming trainer and one of the best horseman and businessman I know in this business. I see a lot of different horses come in and out of the barn, so I’ve learned how to train and understand why and where Dale enters them”.

Savoye isn’t shy when it comes to expressing her thoughts on how to attract her peers to the Sport of Kings, pointing out, ”Being young and involved in thoroughbred racing is such a great opportunity for anybody. It’s a fun sport and the young crowd doesn’t realize it, which is where one of us comes in. I can relate to college kids who want to come out and enjoy a day at the races. Show them maybe a small bet and why they would pick that horse. We need fun things at the track to attract a younger group. Things like live bands, contests, and let’s face it… beer drinking!”.

The horse racing community is filled with hard working individuals and families whose work day begins long before the sun comes up and ends long after it sets. For ”Gen Y” individuals like these four (4) applicants, that means not much of a social life outside of their horse racing family. There also seems to be a special bond among them, as they are all “in the same boat’, but enjoying every minute of it.

“It’s a very exciting job opportunity and I do hope I get it”, Jackie said with guarded optimism, then revealed, “Gabby (Gaudet) is actually my roommate. She’s a great person and very smart. So if she got the job I would be very happy for her”. Talk about being in a tough situation, well that’s only half of it, as she continued, “My other roommate is my best friend, Lacey, who happens to be Gabby’s big sister”.

To describe Jackie Savoye in one word, it would be Poise. Seeing her ability to handle her equine “children” in the paddock and immediately refocus her attention to the anxious owner, indicates to me that the lights and camera will not test her nerves, but rather make her shine.

This is Part 2 of my 4 part series to provide thoroughbred horse racing fans a glimpse at the four (4) candidates the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) has selected to be Frank Carulli’s replacement as the on-air television host during Laurel Park and Pimlico Meets. If you’ve already read “Part 1”, feel free to skip down to “Now let’s meet…”. If not, on read. The candidates are Ryan Fogelsonger, Dylan Smith, Jacqueline “Jackie” Savoye and Gabrielle “Gabby” Gaudet. Kudos to MJC for seeking to allure the “Gen Y” crowd as the average age of these four finalists for the job is 25½.

Since 2002, Carulli has been the Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park handicapper and racing analyst, but will leave MJC at the conclusion of the Pimlico spring meet (June 8^th), relocating to Las Vegas. Considered one of the best in the business in making the Morning Line (Odds), those duties will be handed over to Equibase chart caller Keith Feustle, when live racing resumes in September at Laurel Park. Feustle can be seen on the “Today At The Races” pre-race show on the Maryland simulcast signal with his co-host, track announcer Dave Rodman.

The brain-trust at MJC decided to give each candidate the opportunity to showcase their talent on-air as part of the interview process. So this week (March 20-23) at Laurel Park, each have one day to prove themselves worthy of filling Carulli’s shoes. On Thursday, Dylan Smith gets her chance to wooo Maryland horseplayers with her handicapping prowess. Then on Friday (Mar. 22nd) it’s Jackie Savoye’s turn and Gabby Gaudet completes the on-air superfecta on Saturday (Mar. 23rd). Ryan Fogelsonger completed his “audition” on Wednesday (Mar. 20^th).

This past Saturday at Laurel Park, I spent a few moments with each of the contenders, to get to know a bit more about them, so I could introduce them to you. All were very impressive and enthusiastic to face the on-air challenge ahead of them. One shared, “It’s kind of weird, this live on-air audition and knowing the other applicants that you’re up against for the job. It feels like American Idol”.

Not quite American Idol because the decision on who will be hired as the new Racing Analyst is solely an internal (MJC) one. There will be no fan voting, but your feedback is welcomed and should be directed to Mike Gathagan, MJC’s V.P. of Communications at mike.gathagan@marylandracing.com.

I don’t envy the MJC decision-makers. It will certainly be a tough call. I wonder if they would entertain a co-host format? It seems to work at other tracks having two people banter about versus one speaking directly into the camera. Just some food for thought.    

Now let’s meet…

… Dylan Smith, 24, has been working as an assistant for trainer Dickie Small since graduating from Kennedy High School in the Washington D.C. suburbs in 2006.

“(I’m) definitely a track-oholic and horse-oholic”, Smith proudly declared. “I am at the races all day, every race day. I gallop in the morning, then shower in the girl’s jocks room where I then get scratches, study, and make my final picks for the day. Next I listen to Talking Horses in NYRA then watch Dave (Rodman) & Keith (Feustle) at Laurel and jot down their opinions. I’m at the races for the full card. Afterwards I go home where I watch more races from across the country until I fall asleep”.

When asked at what age did she catch the horse racing bug, Dylan reflected, “I learned when I was very young, couldn’t have been older than 6 or 7, how to read a program and (Daily Racing) Form from my Dad. He started bringing me to the track when I was little…and I was obsessed even then. My Dad really gets the credit for bringing me to the track and getting me hooked. He always answered questions and just watching what he looked at on paper and how he bet taught me so much”.

Not only does Smith understand horses physically and the art of handicapping, but she also has strong opinions on what horseplayers want from a track handicapper. With The Form tucked under her arm, the slender blonde explained, “I hang around and learn from the people that bet a lot of money. I see firsthand where they like to put their dollars and what they look for when making their selections. I think it is a huge advantage to know how to bet because the ultimate goal for the track handicapper is to get money into the bettor’s pockets (giving them the ability to play more races, which increases the tracks handle). I can dig up useful information that I know a lot of people would be interested in hearing when putting together a ticket. People don’t want a repeat of what you can see in The Form. They want you to go the extra mile to find what they can’t see”.

Though she’s short on media experience, Dylan has certainly done her homework in preparation for Thursday’s on-air debut. “I watch Frank (Carulli) very closely and have been working with him for months trying to pick up on everything he does. He’s very good at morning line odds, and he really takes a lot of time and does lots of research when making his picks”. Smith sought assistance outside of Maryland, adding, “I also got to spend a day with NYRA’s Andy Serling who was great. He is just fantastic and does all his homework. He’s prepared every day and gave me some good pointers”.

To describe Dylan Smith in one word, it would be Horse-oholic. By her own admission, “It’s a little obsessive, but I literally watch all tracks and all types of horses (Harness and Quarter, too). I don’t like to miss any action at any track in the country. I have a non-existent social life outside of the track because I am so wrapped up in the racing world. It may sound pitiful, but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way”. Not so pitiful from my point of view because she seems to be a terrific asset to the Maryland horse racing community.

This is Part 1 in my 4 part series to provide thoroughbred horse racing fans a glimpse at the four (4) candidates the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) has selected to be Frank Carulli’s replacement as the on-air television host during Laurel Park and Pimlico Meets. They are Ryan Fogelsonger, Dylan Smith, Jacqueline “Jackie” Savoye and Gabrielle “Gabby” Gaudet. Kudos to MJC for seeking to allure the “Gen Y” crowd as the average age of these four finalists for the job is 25½.

Since 2002, Carulli has been the Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park handicapper and racing analyst, but will leave MJC at the conclusion of the Pimlico spring meet (June 8^th), relocating to Las Vegas. Considered one of the best in the business in making the Morning Line (Odds), those duties will be handed over to Equibase chart caller Keith Feustle, when live racing resumes in September at Laurel Park. Feustle can be seen on the “Today At The Races” pre-race show on the Maryland simulcast signal with his co-host, track announcer Dave Rodman.

The brain-trust at MJC decided to give each candidate the opportunity to showcase their talent on-air as part of the interview process. So this week (March 20-23) at Laurel Park, each will have one day to prove themselves worthy of filling Carulli’s shoes. First up on Wednesday (Mar. 20^th) is Ryan Fogelsonger. Dylan Smith will tackle the Thursday (Mar. 21^st) card, Jackie Savoye will be on-air Friday (Mar. 22nd) and Gabby Gaudet gets a crack at the Saturday (Mar. 23rd) card.

This past Saturday at Laurel Park, I spent a few moments with each of the contenders, to get to know a bit more about them, so I could introduce them to you. All were very impressive and enthusiastic to face the on-air challenge ahead of them. One shared, “It’s kind of weird, this live on-air audition and knowing the other applicants that you’re up against for the job. It feels like American Idol”.

Not quite American Idol because the decision on who will be hired as the new on-air racing analyst is solely an internal (MJC) one. There will be no fan voting, but your feedback is welcomed and should be directed to Mike Gathagan, MJC’s V.P. of Communications at mike.gathagan@marylandracing.com.

I don’t envy the MJC decision-makers. It will certainly be a tough call. I wonder if they would entertain a co-host format? It seems to work at other tracks having two people banter about versus one speaking directly into the camera. Just food for thought.

Now let’s meet…  

… Ryan Fogelsonger, 31, currently a journeyman jockey, winner of 1,303 races in his career, captured eight (8) riding titles at the Maryland tracks, and was the 2002 Eclipse Award winning apprentice. He has not ridden since early November when he suffered a concussion during a spill. But this gig does not require riding skills, and Ryan is thankful for that, as he views this opportunity as his chance to start a second career.

“Let’s face it. I’m 31, I don’t have a college degree and this (horses) is all I know.”, Fogelsonger stated with a boyish grin.

Well no sheepskin can compare to the energy level and love he has for horses, which didn’t start until age 18. Ryan explained, “I was a track star in high school. One day a buddy of mine said, “You’re the perfect size to be a jockey. I know a trainer… maybe you should talk to him…”. So he agreed and added, “What was supposed to be a 15 minute talk turned into two (2) hours… and the rest is history”. The trainer who met with him that day was Dale Capuano.

When asked what his favorite riding memory is, Ryan took a few moments to search into his memory bank, shook his head and stated, “Just riding horses who loved to run and being a part of it”.

Ok, so we know he can ride and loves horses. So do the other three (Dylan, Jackie and Gabby). But can he command the attention of the horseplayer, looking for “short-term investment” (aka wagering) advice? The answer: No doubt! His confidence borders on cockiness, and he expressed his fondness for being in the spotlight, something he’s ready to tackle on Wednesday as the on-air guest handicapper at Laurel Park.

To describe Ryan Fogelsonger in one word, it would be Confident. After all, when first asked about this opportunity to showcase his on-air and handicapping talent, he exclaimed, “I’m going to kill it”!

Today I proudly unveil my very own “Funnie”, which obviously has a Maryland theme. This equine drawing masterpiece was a collaborative effort of yours truly and Marcy “Mel” Leonard of Daily Racing Funnies. The turnaround time on my order was amazingly quick, her attention to detail is first-rate, and willingness to let you “have it your way” results in a unique piece of horse racing memorabilia, one can call your own.

Mel’s work has been featured in many areas of HRN as well as on her Twitter account @dailyracefunies. Her drawings are timely, especially during this rapid fire time of year (i.e. Derby Trail), and guaranteed to bring a smile to all who see them. They are certainly a welcome diversion from the stress of keeping up with this fast-paced industry, while also being informative by capturing a major storyline in a single frame drawing. Thanks Mel for bringing the “funnie” side of horse racing to life. 

Recapping the previously posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Mar. 9th had 8 winners from 11 races (4 Top Selection; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $3.00 (1st race), $5.00 (2nd), $3.80 (3rd), $15.60 (4th), $4.00 (5th), $6.80 (8th), $5.60 (10th) and $18.20 (11th).

The BEST BET of the Day (10 2-0-0) Star Destiny (7-2 PT; 3-1 M/L) was three-wide chasing the leaders early, but failed to threaten as he weakened under strong encouragement, finishing 4th.

The LONGSHOT PICK (10 0-0-3) Pool Party (3-1 PT; 6-1 M/L) set a pressured pace along the rail, held on gamely when entering the stretch, but yielded in the final furlong, salvaging SHOW and returning $2.40.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for a overcast skies with 70% chance of showers, which makes handicapping  this card tricky. It’s guess-work on whether the track will be FAST or SLOPPY at Laurel Park on Saturday Mar. 16th . As of 10am, the track is listed as FAST. Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

——————————————————————————————————-

1st race – $5,000 Claiming for F&M 4 y.o.& up – 1 1/16 miles
#5 – Forty Days  (7-5)
#4 – My Name Is Ralphie  (15-1)
#2 – Angels Concerto (5-1)

2nd race – $7,500 Claiming N3L for F&M 4 y.o.& up – 6 furlongs
#2 – True Chick  (9-2)
#4 – She’s Behaving (5-2)
#7 – Time Marches On  (20-1)

3rd race – $7,500 Claiming N3L for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 1 1/16 miles
#5 – Trippi’s Wish (8-5)
#1 – Lady Geegee (2-1)
#7 – Skips Prospect (6-1)

4th race – $25,000 Starter Allowance for 3 y.o. fillies – 7 furlongs
#1 – Ek Haseena (8-5)
#4 – Sea Lady  (6-1)
#5 – Curly (8-1)

5th race – $50,000 Optional Claiming N1X for 3 y.o.– One mile
#4 – Keep Momma Happy (6-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
 #2 – Indian Bucks  (3-1)
#6 – Wry Me  (10-1)

6th race – $25,000 Optional Claiming N2X for F&M 4 y.o.& up – 6 furlongs
#1 – West Coast Lady (4-1)  *** BEST BET ***
 #7 – Zero Yield (7-2)
#2 – Grammy Pat  (7-2)

7th race – $5,000 Claiming N1Y for 4 y.o.& up – 1 1/8 miles
#8 – Changing Funds (3-1)
#1 – Hurricane Creek (7-2)
#6 – Silent Shot (15-1)

8th race – $125,000 Harrison E. Johnson Memorial Stakes for 3 y.o & up – 1 1/8 miles
#4 – Norman Asbjornson (4-1)
#3 – Koh I Noor (9-5)
#1 – Eighttofasttocatch (9-2)

9th race – $8,000 Maiden Claiming for F&M 3 y.o. & up – 7 furlongs
#6 – Pure Anticipation  (7-5)
#7 – Tale of the Dragon  (6-1)
#2 – Nashly Love  (3-1)

On the Derby Trail… Rebel Stakes @ Oaklawn Park, Race 10:
#1 – Tresaury Bill   -  #10 – Super Ninety Nine   – #2 – Carve

GOOD LUCK!

Youth springs eternal and stars are on the rise this weekend the national horse racing spotlight will be on Florida and Louisiana as Kentucky Derby prep graded stakes races are on tap Saturday at Gulfstream Park (Hallendale, FL) and Fairgrounds (New Orleans, LA). These two (2) races are the first two of the eight (8) Championship Season “First of Two Legs” of the Derby Point System races. Each of the eight (8) races, the last being the Sunland Derby on March 24th offers the following Derby points… 50 points to the winner, 20 to runner-up, 10 to third and 5 point to fourth place finishers. The second of the two legs have 7 races worth 100-50-20-10 points.

First up will be the $400k G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park (GP), race 11 (Post Time 5:35pm EST) on the card at 1 1/16 miles over the main dirt surface. In 70 runnings (first in 1945) the Fountain Of Youth has produced just four (4) Kentucky Derby winner s… Tim Tam (1958), Kauai King (1966), Spectacular Bid (1979), and Thunder Gulch (1995).

The Morning Line favorite is #3 – Violence (8-5), a perfect 3-for-3 makes his 3-year-old debut. Top contenders looking to derail the prohibitive favorite are CA invader #9 – He’s Had Enough, the G3 Sam F. Davis winner #10 Falling Sky and a slew of newcomers making their stakes debut.

Interesting stats at GP: Proportion of 8.5 furlong (i.e. 1 1/16 mile) dirt races since 2010 won gate-to-wire: 24% (104 races); At the current meet, 33% have won gate-to-wire going this distance (43 races) while that percentage this past week stands at 54% (13 races).

So with the speed bias of the Gulfstream Park dirt course this time of year (year after year), one should lean towards a speed horse in here. It should be noted that the heavy favorite (Violence) has never shown early speed in any of his 3 career races.

HOW I SEE IT: GP 8.5f races have been very kind to early speed types (54% in the past week; 42% for the meet). This bodes well for Majestc Hussar, Falling Sky, #5 – Elmutahid (20-1) and #8 – Speak Logistics (12-1). This leaves #1 – Orb (12-1) and Violence to take up the chase from mid-pack. Now do you really think that TAP has Violence cranked-up for this one?! I think not!

The Fountain Of Youth Play: $2 Tri Part-Wheel 4, 5, 8 w/ 3 w/ 1, 4, 5, 8, 9
That’s Majestic Hussar, Elmutahid and Speak Logistics w/ Violence w/ Orb, Majestic Hussar, Elmutahid, Speak Logistics and He’s Had Enough ($24)  

About 20 minutes later in NOLA, a field of 13 will break from the gate in the $400k G2 Risen Star Stakes at Fairgrounds Race Course, race 10 (Post Time 4:57pm CST) on the card at 1 1/16 miles over the main dirt surface. Fifteen (15) were entered but #12 – He’s Had Enough will run in the Fountain Of Youth at GP and #15 – Sunbean will instead run in race 3 at FG.

Previously known as the Louisiana Derby Trial Stakes, in 1989 it was renamed to honor locally-owned Risen Star who won the race in 1988, ran 3rd in the Kentucky Derby, and went on to win the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. In 42 runnings (1973-2012) of this race, the winner has never gone on to win the Kentucky Derby.

The Morning Line favorite is #9 – Normandy Invasion (5-2), last seen losing a head-bob decision to Overanalyze in the G2 Remsen at Aqueduct in November. Among the highly touted making their stakes debut are #1 – Proud Strike (8-1), #2 – Code West (6-1), #5 – Mylute (6-1) and #14 – Departing (12-1).

HOW I SEE IT: This is a tough race because of the way FG is playing (Speed bias) and fact it will be OFF (Sloppy). I typically love Closers (Proud Strike and Normandy Invasion), but it ain’t happening here. Since there is plenty of early speed, it’s a crap shoot as to who gets a clean break and first run into the clubhouse turn. Jockey Rosie Napravnik takes off #5 – Mylute to ride #8 – Palace Malice (8-1) for Todd Pletcher. Palace Malice he should get a nice Stalking trip, and love the stretch out and OFF track, just as his Daddy (Curlin) did, getting first jump on the leg weary early speed in mid-stretch while holding off a furious late charge by Normandy Invasion.

Risen Star PLAY: $2 #6 – $10 WIN, $20 PLACE; $1 Tri Part-Wheel 2, 6 w/ 9 w/ 1, 2, 6, 10

Recapping the previously posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Feb. 16th had 7 winners from 9 races (4 Top Selection; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $3.20 (1st race), $3.80 (2nd), $5.20 (3rd), $7.60 (4th), $17.00 (6th), $3.00 (7th), $2.80 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day (7 1-0-0) Adirondack King (2-1 PT; 5-2 M/L) broke inward bumping the eventual winner. Though he raced forwardly in the early stages, he could not keep pace with the top 3 finishers, settling for 4th as the second-choice at Post Time.

The LONGSHOT PICK (7 0-0-1) Tyler’s Smile (9-1 PT; 6-1 M/L) received a cold reception at the betting windows and proved the betting public correct, as he was wide throughout the race and offered no threat to his rivals, finishing a distant 7th.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for a chance of mixed precipitation (snow & rain), meaning there’s strong possibility the track will be OFF (i.e SLOPPY or MUDDY) at Laurel Park on Saturday Feb. 23rd . Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

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1st race – $12,000 Maiden Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#3 – Scipion’s Girl (8-5)
#2 – Gracious Gracie (2-1)
#1 – Sacred Hope (6-1)

2nd race – $5,000 Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 7 furlongs
#5 – Sweet Yulianna (5-2) *** BEST BET ***
#4 – Social Statement (2-1)
#6 – Cambria Queen (10-1)

3rd race – $16,000 Maiden Claiming for 3 y.o.– 6 furlongs
#7 – Rainbowappears (3-1)
#1 – Southern Partner (5-2)
#2 – True Compass (3-1)

4th race – $7,500 Claiming for 4 y.o. OR 5 & up N3L – One mile
#4 – Self Destruct (3-1)
#5 – Last Laugh Now (7-2)
#1 – Dinos Romance (9-5)

5th race – $38,000 Maidens for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#6 – Libertytown Lass (10-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#10 – Northern Curlew (4-1)
#5 – Magic Fire (6-1)

6th race – $7,500 Claimng.for 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#5 – City Genius (9-2)
#1 – Peaceadaaction (5-1)
#6 – Dancing Roman (10-1)

7th race – $25,000 Optional Claiming N2X for 4 y.o.& up – 6 furlongs
#1 – Itsnottheright (5-2)
#8 – Manito (2-1)
#7 – Pryce’s Posse (8-1)

8th race – $125,000 Maryland Racing Media Stakes for F&M 3 y.o.& up – 1 1/8 miles
#7– Moon Philly (8-5)
#6 – Touch the Birds (6-1)
#8 – Blessed Soul (30-1)

9th race – $8,000 Maiden Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 7 furlongs
#8 – Spicer Cub (8-1)
#4 – Someones Lion (4-1)
#7 – Roccamo (2-1)

GOOD LUCK!

During this 3-day President’s Day weekend the national horse racing spotlight will be on California and Arkansas as. Kentucky Derby prep graded stakes races are on tap Saturday at Golden Gate Fields (Albany/Berkeley,CA) and on Monday at Oaklawn Park (Hot Springs, AR). These two (2) races are the final ones of the first (Prep Season) of two series of the Derby Point System races. Races in the first series were worth 10 points to the winner, 4 to runner-up, 2 to third and 1 point to fourth place finishers. The second (Championship Season) series consist of two legs. There are 8 races in the first leg, worth 50-20-10-5 while the second leg has 7 races worth 100-50-20-10 points.

First up will be the $200k G3 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, race 9 (Post Time 6:18pm EST) on the card at 1 1/8 miles over the main synthetic Tapeta surface. In 31 runnings (1982-2012) the El Camino Real Derby has produced just one Kentucky Derby winner (Charismatic-1999) and two Kentucky Derby runners-up (Cavonnier-1996 and Casual Lies-1992).

The Morning Line favorite is #3 – Manando (9-5), one of two Bob Baffert runners, finished 3rd in the G3 Sham Stakes behind Goldencents, a top Derby contender. His main rival is #5 – Zeewat (5-2) who goes for a GG stakes race natural hat trick having previously won the Cal Derby and Gold Rush Stakes here. There is plenty of early speed among this field of nine (9), which sets up nicely for one who can possesses the ability to come off the pace as well as the pedigree to “get” 9 furlongs.

HOW I SEE IT: There will be a mad dash to the first turn from #1 Wildcat Moon (6-1), #2 – Rush In (12-1), #3 – Counting Days (30-1) and #4 – Manando, all wanting to be on the lead. #5 – Zeewat (5-2), #6 – Nina’s Dragon (12-1), #7 – North Pacific (30-1) and #8 – Carving (3-1) will be content to stalk the leaders while longshot #9 – Dice Flavor (20-1) will likely be the trailer throughout the early stages. Based on what should be a very fast first quarter, half and three-quarter fractions, most will be getting leg weary as they enter the stretch. The one who will have plenty left in the tank for a big stretch run we be #9 – Dice Flavor. Though all four of his starts have been on turf, the southern CA shipper has improved in each of those starts even when encountering trouble in his last two, breaking his maiden then 3rd in a $80k optional claimer.

El Camino Real Derby PLAY: #9 – $5 WIN, $10 PLACE, $20 SHOW; $2 Exacta Box 4-8-9

Due to entries for the Southwest Stakes not being drawn until Saturday afternoon, analysis and selection for this race cannot be published at this time.

Recapping the previously posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Feb. 2nd had 7 winners from 9 races (2 Top Selection; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $7.80 (1st race), $4.80 (2nd), $3.20 (3rd), $14.60 (4th), $3.60 (6th), $4.60 (6th), $5.40 (8th) and $2.80 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day (6 1-0-0) Walkwithapurpose (8-5 PT; 5-2 M/L) dominated this field with a noice stalking trip then took over at the 1/8th pole to win in convincing fashion returning $5.40 to WIN, $3.00 to PLACE and $2.40 to SHOW.

The LONGSHOT PICK (6 0-0-1) Dino Dinosaur (4-1 PT; 10-1 M/L) was bet down early in the wagering, but failed to demonstrate the ability in which his backers showed at the betting windows. He disputed the early pace, but quickly packed it in after 4 furlongs of the 6 furlong sprint, finishing 5th, 9 lengths behind the winner.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for a chance of mixed precipitation (snow & rain), meaning there’s strong possibility the track will be OFF (i.e SLOPPY or MUDDY) at Laurel Park on Saturday Feb. 16th . Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $25,000 Maiden Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#1 – Turnout (6-5)
#4 – Mindfulness (4-1)
#2 – J.P.’s Friend (15-1)

2nd race – $7,500 Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#5 – Banner Elk Lady (9-5)
#1 – Needadrink (6-1)
#2 – Cat Wiesel (2-1)

3rd race – $15,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. or N3L 5 y.o. & up – One mile
#4 – Color Cam (6-1)
#5 – War Fleet (9-2)
#3 – Power Emblem (2-1)

4th race – $7,500 Claiming N2L for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#3 – Pique Out (3-1)
#8 – Badon (7-2)
#6 – Count On Hope (9-5)

5th race – $5,000 Claiming N2L for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 1 1/16 miles
#7 – Tyler’s Smile (6-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#3 – Financier (4-1)
#9 – Thunder Feet (5-1)

6th race – $125,000 John B. Campbell Hcp. for 3 y.o. & up – 1 1/8 miles
#3 – Adirondack King (3-1) *** BEST BET ***
#4 – Service for Ten (6-5)
#2 – Concealed Identity (8-1)

7th race – $50,000 Allowance Optional Claiming N1X for 3 y.o. – 5½ furlongs
#5 – Silver Morgan (7-5)
#6 – Hurler (5-2)
#1 – Why Me (10-1)

8th race – $250,000 Barbara Fritchie Hacp. for 3 y.o.& up – 7 furlongs
#3 – Onepointthreekarats (5-1)
#1 – My Wandy’s Girl (7-2)
#5 – Nicole H (8-5)

9th race – $5,000 Claiming N2Y for 4 y.o. & up – 1 1/8 miles
#4 – Today’s Man (8-5)
#1 – Silent Shot (20-1)
#5 – Not Too Tacky (5-1)

GOOD LUCK!

Everyone is an expert these days. Every network has a panel of “experts” willing to offer their two-cents worth of analysis and prediction on who win the Super Bowl. When I was a kid growing up during the single-digit Super Bowl era, there was just one expert, Jimmy “The Greek” Synder.

Over the past few years (YouTube era), there have been various animals whose handlers attempt to become famous with a correct prognostication of NFL’s big game. Here are my favorites for this year’s match-up between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers.

Jimmy Fallon Puppy Predictors

Teddy Bear the talking porcupine

NFL Network’s Jamie Dukes on July 3rd, that’s correct, JULY!

On Saturday, the eve of Super Bowl XLVII RAVENS FEVER HITS LAUREL PARK. The Laurel Park racing office showed its support for the Baltimore Ravens by naming the first six races on Saturday’s card with a Ravens-related theme…

The T Sizzle (race 1)
Heydiddlediddle, Rice up the Middle (race 2)
Wacco for Flacco (race 3)
Ray’s Last Ride (race 4)
Ed Reed’s Two Tickets to Paradise (race 5)
Go Ravens Purple Pride (race 6)

For the last three weeks, the virtual finish line on Laurel Park’s simulcast signal has featured a “Go Ravens” logo.

Also on Saturday the national horse racing spotlight will be on Florida, New York and California as Kentucky Derby prep graded stakes races are on tap at Tampa Downs (FL), Aqueduct (NY) and Santa Anita (CA). Of the three, the (Withers Stakes) race in New York may have the least impact on the Derby picture.

Let me explain. The powers-to-be at Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) developed a new “Derby Point System” that will determine the pecking order as to which colts, geldings and/or fillies are given the chance to “Run For The Roses”, if more than 20 are entered in the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby. This “system” anointed specific races where points would be awarded to the first, second, third or fourth place finishers. Of the 3 traditional prep races run this weekend, only the Sam F. Davis (@ Tampa) and Robert B. Lewis (@ Santa Anita) are designated “point system” races. Therefore, one would think these two races would attract the most interest, leaving the Withers to play second (or in this case third) fiddle. Not quite, eight (8) are scheduled to run in the Withers, while the Robert B. Lewis only attracted four (4) Go figure?!

First up will be the $200k G3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct, race 9 (Post Time 4:18pm EST) on the card at 1 1/16 miles over the inner dirt course. The prohibitive Morning Line favorite is #2 – Revolutionary (3-5) who broke his maiden by 8½ lengths in his fourth career start. On paper this Todd Pletcher trainee appears to be a standout, but we know races aren’t run on paper, so he’ll need to turn back 7 rivals on the track. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin will start a pair of talented colts #1 – Long River and entrymate #1A – Valid (7-2 M/L). The former ran 4th in the G2 Jerome last out while the latter was broke his maiden at Laurel Park in a convincing manner on last day of 2012. Other contenders here are #3 – Escapefromreality (6-1) will be the likely pacesetter as he stretches out to two-turns from two career sprints; #4 – Amerigo Vespucci (15-1) still looking for respect after getting SHOW purse money at 39-1 in the Count Fleet Stakes as is #5 – Siete de Oros (8-1) who at 41-1 lost to Vyjack by a head in the G2 Jerome on Jan. 5th.

WITHERS PLAY: $10 WIN / PLACE #1/1A Entry and $2 Exacta box 1-2-4

Next up at Santa Anita is the $200k G2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, contested at 1 1/16 miles, the 4th race on the card. Post Time is set for5:03pm EDT. Really?! Only 4 horses… really?! Hard to believe with all the so-called Derby candidates on the west coast, this race came up so short. Even more pathetic, only 2 horses were nominated by the Jan. 24th deadline. Only one of them was entered, #2 – Flashback (9-5). Trainer Bob Baffert always has his horses Road to the Roses well mapped out. So my thoughts are this son of Tapit has been prepping for for the Lewis since winning his career debut on Dec. 8th. I envision a gate-to-wire victory. Looming the biggest threat is #4 – He’s Had Enough (7-5) for the connections who sent out I’ll Have Enough. Both #1 – Little Jerry (8-1) and #3 – Den’s Legacy (4-1) will fight it out for the minor shares and points.

ROBERT B. LEWIS PLAY: $30 WIN #2

Lastly on Saturday is the $200k G3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Downs,11th race on the card, Post Time 5:23pm EST). The 9-5 Morning Line favorite is the Mark Casse entry of #1 – Northern Lion and #1A Dynamic Sky. The latter won the $100k Pasco Stakes over this course on Jan. 12th. His stablemate exits a 5½ length maiden score at Gulfstream Park travelling today’s distance of 1 1/16 miles. Other of note are #4 – My Name Is Michael (4-1) recently turned over to the capable hands of Graham Motion after 4 lifetime starts over the synthetic surface at Woodbine; #5 – Speak Logistics (3-1) last seen finishing 7th in the G1 BC Juvenile last November and #8 – Falling Sky (5-1) who was purchased for $425k this month, after ending his 2 year old campaign with a victory in a tough Optional Claimer at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 15th. The rest of the field comprises of 3 Also-Rans from the Pasco Stakes, a Nick Zito maiden winner at Tampa and a turf winner who broke his maiden in a $12,500 Claiming race.

SAM F. DAVIS PLAY: $10 WIN / PLACE #8 and $1 Trifecta P/W 4,5, 8, 9 w/ 1 w/ 4, 5, 8, 9

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Recapping the previously posted pathetic selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Jan. 26th had just 4 winners from 9 races (2 Top Selection; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $5.40 (2nd), $4.60 (6th), $3.60 (8th) and $6.40 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day (5 0-0-0) Ciguaraya (4-1 PT; 5-1 M/L) raced 4-wide in the early stages, loomed a serious threat while being asked at the 5/16th pole, but was unable to sustain that drive, flattened out and finished 5th of 10.

The LONGSHOT PICK (5 0-0-1) Mister Dish (7-1 PT; 8-1 M/L) was unhurried early but then moved into contention, splitting foes and looked like a threat at the head of the stretch, but flattened out in the final furlong, salvaging 3rd place purse money, returning $4.80 to SHOW.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for Sunny skies with no chance of precipitation, meaning the track will be FAST at Laurel Park on Saturday Feb. 2nd . Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $10,000 Maiden Claiming for 3 y.o. – 5½ furlongs
#5 – Dublin Gulch (6-1)
#1A – Whatsthequestion (2-5) note: POE #1 – Light of My Life *** SCRATCHED ***
#4 – Mountain Bird Song (8-1)

2nd race – $5,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#5 – Flavor (9-2)
#3 – Ninety Five South (8-1)
#2 – It’s Never Too Late (2-1)

3rd race – $15,000 Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#4 – Monster Sleeping (5-1)
#1 – Vicarious Won (8-5)
#7 – Changingoftheguard (6-1)

4th race – $14,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#1 – Dinny Dinosaur (10-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#6 – Lemon Juice (8-1)
#2 – Azicharmyou (5-1)

5th race – $5,000 Claiming N2L for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 7 furlongs
#4 – Miss Bad Girl (7-5)
#1 – Sicut Quercus (5-1)
#8 – Brightlingsea (4-1)

6th race – $50,000 Optional Claiming for 3 y.o. fillies – 1 mile
#4 – Seven Stars (5-2)
#3 – Majestic Marquet (2-1)
#7 – Sea Lady (10-1)

7th race – $25,000 Claiming N2L for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#1 – Jim the Dancer (9-5)
#4 – Mendassity (3-1)
#8 – Lady Geegee (9-2)

8th race – $125,000 Wide Country Stakes for 3 y.o. fillies – 7 furlongs
#5 – Walkwithapurpose (5-2) *** BEST BET ***
#1 – Dear to All (2-1)
#7 – Power Lady (7-2)

9th race – $5,000 Claiming N2L for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 7 furlongs
#3 – Friendly Princess (5-1)
#7 – Smoky Opal (6-5)
#1 – Saratoga Notes (10-1)

GOOD LUCK!

LAUREL, MARYLAND (February 1, 2013) – The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) President and Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Chuckas, Jr., released the following statement on MJC’s preliminary capital improvement plan for Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park.  The preliminary plan was submitted to the Maryland Racing Commission and the Maryland Department of Budget & Management today pursuant to legislation passed during the 2012 special session.   Under the 2007 Video Lottery Gaming Legislation, portions of the video lottery proceeds are dedicated to the Racetrack Facility Redevelopment Account for racetrack development and improvement.

“The Maryland Jockey Club is pleased to submit its preliminary capital improvement plan to the Maryland Racing Commission and the State of Maryland.  Building on the recent 10-year agreement for sustained racing in Maryland, the plan outlines MJC’s commitment to the thoroughbred horse racing industry and willingness to make significant capital improvements at Pimlico and Laurel Park.

“While MJC will move quickly to address short term needs of the industry, including planning, design and permitting for the construction of 300 new stalls at Laurel Park and 200 new stalls at Pimlico, this is the beginning of a collaborative planning process to reinvest and redevelop these facilities.

“In the weeks ahead, MJC looks forward to engaging with our colleagues in the racing industry, the Maryland Racing Commission, state and local officials, and our community partners to finalize the capital improvement plan and strengthen Maryland’s proud thoroughbred horseracing tradition.”

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