Fan Favorite Ben's Cat Back at the Track
Fan Favorite Ben's Cat Back at the Track
Jockey Russell Could be Back May or June
Racing Returns Friday Through Sunday at Laurel
LAUREL, MD - The Jim Stable's Ben's Cat, the popular, Maryland-bred fan favorite who has won 30 of 53 starts for $2.4 million, is back at Laurel in light training for his Hall of Fame conditioner King Leatherbury after taking the winter off at Stephanie Nixon's farm in Virginia.
The son of Parker's Storm Cat could start his 10-year-old campaign during Preakness Week at Pimlico in May.
"He's come back, routine type of thing right now," Leatherbury said. "So far, so good. I got my people who watch him and I have other trainers tell me how good he's doing. I get their opinion and it doesn't cost me a penny.
"My objective is the Jim McKay [Turf Sprint]," added Leatherbury. "If I can get a race in him before that, I will."
Ben's Cat won the McKay last May by a neck after a memorable stretch drive that resulted in the gelding being applauded when he returned to the winner's circle by a crowd of more than 42,000 fans on Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico.
Ben's Cat, who also won the Mister Diz Stakes at Laurel last year and finished second in the Maryland Million Sprint and Pennsylvania Governor's Cup, has won the Jim McKay Turf Sprint the past three springs.
"He's gone out every winter and come back and raced at Pimlico every year of his life, so we're following the same format," Leatherbury said.
Russell Could be Back May or June
Jockey Sheldon Russell, who tore his labrum and fractured his shoulder in two places during a training accident in November, continues therapy in preparation for his return to riding, according to agent Marty Leonard.
"He had surgery in December and began therapy around January 1," Leonard said. "Physical therapy is supposed to be around 16-to-20 weeks, and I'd say he's about halfway through therapy."
Leonard said Russell is starting to lift light weights and also has been keeping fit running, recently competing in a 5k road race.
"He's staying in shape and just working on getting healthy," he added. "He wants to make sure everything is done right and he gives himself proper time. Right now, I'd say we're looking at him getting back late May or June."
Racing Returns Friday Through Sunday at Laurel
Racing returns to Laurel Park this weekend with an eight-race program Friday and nine-race program Saturday.
First race post time is 1:10 p.m. Laurel offers free admission and free parking.
Saturday's program will be highlighted by the $75,000 Private Terms for 3-year-old colts at 1 1/16 mile and the $75,000 Caesar's Wish for 3-year-old fillies at a mile. Laurel will also play host Saturday afternoon to the Champions Handicapping Tournament and St. Paddy's Day Party.
