Racing News

Grade 1 Winner Force the Pass Seeks Feature Score Sunday at Laurel

Multiple Graded Winner Glorious Empire Making Progress in Comeback
Escapade Ends Layoff with Win, Rainbow 6 Carryover Reaches $18,258

LAUREL, MD – Grade 1-winning millionaire Force the Pass, seeking the first win of his 7-year-old season, finds himself the narrow program favorite in a competitive spot that serves as Sunday’s feature race at Laurel Park.

53 Winners Each Take Home $1,837 in Stronach 5

LAUREL, MD – There were 53 winning tickets in Friday’s Stronach 5 with each ticket worth $1,837.70.

Friday’s sequence began with two races at Laurel Park. Zitarrosa ($7.40) won the opening leg of the Stronach 5 and Mice and Men ($12.60) the second leg. After heavy favorite Slingin Sammy B ($3.40) won the third leg from Gulfstream, 11-1 shot Bandito ($25.40) lit up the board at Laurel in the fourth leg. The final leg, a scratch-filled affair from Gulfstream taken off the turf, was won by 1-5 favorite Vinnie Van Go.

King of Egypt Headed to Stakes Following Maiden Triumph

Stakes Winner Majestic Reason May Try Open Company Next Out
Wonderful Light, My Sistersledge Earn Friday Feature Victories
Rainbow 6 Carryover Reaches $16,313 for Saturday

LAUREL, MD – Alex G. Campbell Jr.’s homebred King of Egypt is likely headed to stakes company for his next start after the juvenile son of 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah’s professional debut victory at Laurel Park.

American Pharoah Firster King of Egypt Rules in Career Debut

Arrifana Romps, Epic Idea Rallies for Maiden Victories
Links: Stronach 5 All Star Ticket, Free PPs
Rainbow 6 Carryover Jackpot Stands at $13,508 for Friday

LAUREL, MD – Alex G. Campbell Jr.’s King of Egypt, a homebred son of 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah, made a triumphant race debut Thursday, shaking loose from a three-way duel up front and pulling away for a 1 ¼-length victory at Laurel Park.

Beat the Heat Handicapping Tournament Entering Second Week

Weekly Event Continues with Saturday, Aug. 3 Program at Laurel

LAUREL, MD – The second installment of the Maryland Jockey Club’s weekly Beat the Heat handicapping tournament continues Saturday, Aug. 3 at Laurel Park.

Beat the Heat’s four-week format kicked off Saturday, July 27 and continues Saturday, Aug. 10 before concluding on the final Saturday of Laurel’s 43-day summer meet, Aug. 17, Maryland Pride Day featuring four stakes for Maryland-bred/sired horses worth $300,000 in purses.

Apprentice Whisman Applying Horsemanship to Thoroughbreds

Leading Eventer Turned Promising Jockey Finding Success in Maryland

LAUREL, MD – People, like horses, can stray from their pedigree. In much the same way a horse bred for turf excels on the dirt, or vice versa, Laurel Park-based apprentice jockey Avery Whisman is gradually proving his success in showing horses can translate to riding Thoroughbreds.

Friday’s Stronach 5 Wraps Up with Two on the Turf

$100,000 Guaranteed Pool, Free Past Performances, Industry-Low 12-Percent Takeout
Races from Laurel Park and Gulfstream Park

LAUREL, MD – The Stronach 5, featuring a $100,000 guaranteed pool, will feature races from Laurel Park and Gulfstream Park Friday afternoon with the last two legs on the turf.

Claudio Gonzalez Heating Up at Laurel Summer Meet

The Magical One Gives Leading Trainer Seventh Win in Four Days
Triple Carryovers for Return of Live Racing Thursday, Aug. 1

LAUREL, MD – Even-money favorite The Magical One powered to an eight-length victory in his career debut Sunday at Laurel Park, putting an exclamation point on a torrid weekend for summer meet-leading trainer Claudio Gonzalez.

Filly Displays Heart to Remain Unbeaten Saturday at Laurel

Gifted Heart Beats the Boys in Juvenile Feature
Rainbow 6, Super Hi-5 Carryovers for 11-Race Card Sunday

LAUREL, MD – Gifted Heart, the lone filly in a field of six juveniles – all of them coming off wins – forged a short lead after a quarter-mile and held it all the way to the wire, withstanding a furious late run from favored shipper Mischevious Alex to remain unbeaten Saturday at Laurel Park.

The Stronach 5 Rewards 43 Winners with $2,764

LAUREL, MD – Despite the longest shot paying $10.80, the Stronach 5 still rewarded 43 bettors each with $2,746.20 Friday evening.   

Friday’s Stronach 5, featuring an industry-low 12-percent takeout, free past performances and a $100,000 guaranteed pool, started with three consecutive races from Laurel Park with the longest price being $6.60. The last two legs of the Stronach 5 – both from Gulfstream Park – produced winners that returned $10.80 (Gossip Isle) and $7.20 (All D’ Hype).