Goodluck Road, Pinky Swear, earn Maryland Million Maiden Bonus

LAUREL, MD— It’s been 175 days since Mrs. Ellen Charles, Brittany Russell, and Sheldon Russell bid farewell to the popular Maryland-bred Post Time, who concluded his excellent career that December afternoon by winning the $100,000 Robert T. Manfuso Stakes.

Today, as Post Time frolicked in his new home at Northview Stallion Station, the trio that masterminded his racing success returned to the Laurel Park winner’s circle after Saturday’s featured eighth race, a $53,000 allowance heat for Maryland-bred or -sired 3-year-olds and up on the Bowl Game Turf Course.

Daring Venture, wearing the brown-and-white silks of Mrs. Charles’s Hillwood Stable, secured a head victory over Hillwood homebred Brightshininglight, trained by Eveline Kjelstrup.

“That was so cool,” Brittany Russell said. “Of course, I wanted to win, but I thought at least Ellen would win the race either way. That’s what was important.”

Virginia Fitz finished another two lengths back in third, followed by Sinetic, favored Rye Diggitydog, Enzo, Jessica’s Eyes, and Magical Mondays. Zio Lino and Easy Action scratched.

Daring Venture paid $12.40 to win as the fourth choice in the betting. He ran the distance in 1:02.23 on the firm course.

Daring Venture, bred by Matt Dorman’s Determined Stud, was bought by Hillwood Stable for $275,000 as a yearling. He is by Maclean’s Music and comes from the family of 11-time Grade 1 winner Wise Dan.

Daring Venture raced three times without success as a 2-year-old, then won his sophomore debut, a six-furlong maiden race at Laurel.

The owner, trainer, and jockey each contributed special touches that led to Daring Venture’s victory.

Mrs. Charles showed patience, as the 4-year-old gelding hadn’t raced since finishing fifth in his first start against winners, his turf debut at Pimlico on May 10, 2025.

“Ellen is the most patient person in the world,” Brittany Russell said. “She [gives] her horses everything they need, so that part is easy. It’s just rewarding because it’s been a long time [since Daring Venture raced].”

Brittany Russell and her team provided the foundation needed for Daring Venture to succeed after such a long break.

“Kudos to my team at Fair Hill for doing an unbelievable job getting him back to the races,” she said. “Unfortunately, a lot of the dirt running he did was over a tough winter track. I think that chewed him up a little bit. It was hard on him.”

Jockey Sheldon Russell delivered a masterful ride.

Daring Venture broke from the far outside post position, but Russell expertly guided his mount to the inside and to the back of the pack as Sinetic carved out an opening quarter in 22.40 seconds.

Brightshininglight sat in the pocket position under Tais Lyapustina and slipped through the inside of Sinetic in the upper stretch. Daring Venture followed Brightshininglight’s cover, ducked inside that foe, then rallied boldly for the win.

“Awesome ride,” Brittany Russell said. “[Sheldon] had confidence in this horse when he rode him back at Pimlico last May. He came back and told me this horse would win. We were probably unlucky that day because it was five-eighths. He needed the 5 1/2 furlongs here.”

Given Daring Venture’s pedigree and performance, turf appears to be in his future.

“We always thought he was grass,” Brittany Russell concluded. “I think this will be better for him going forward.”

*Goodluck Road, Pinky Swear earn Maryland Million Maiden Bonus

Maryland-bred maiden winner Goodluck Road earned a 5% bonus on Friday. The bonus program, which began on March 1, rewards Maryland Million-eligible horses that win maiden races in Maryland.

Only horses sired by Maryland Million stallions, conceived in Maryland, and fully nominated and certified for the Maryland Million program qualify. Stallions must have been nominated in the year the horse was conceived.

Goodluck Road is a 3-year-old gelding by Blofeld, out of Neo’s Grand Finale by Rimrod. He is a homebred owned by James Edwin Bryant and Linda Page Davis’s Jalin Stable. Trained by Kevin Boniface, he was ridden this afternoon by Matilda Burnham.

Pinky Swear is a 3-year-old filly by Engage, out of Pink Tights, by Let Goodtimes Roll. She was bred by Lemon Creek Farm and is owned by Michael DeHaut Jr., Daniel Spotts, and 7 8 9 Racing Stable. Hamilton Smith trains Pinky Swear, who was ridden home by Taylor Kingsley.

*Around the track:

Jockey Xavier Perez tallied two wins on Saturday’s program. “The X-Man” rated Sticktothesystem ($8.40) in a beautiful front-running ride to win the fifth race for trainer Billy Campbell. Two races later, Perez waited patiently aboard Itsamonstamash ($4.80), angled out to split rivals turning into the stretch, and rallied for trainer Jerry Robb.

Live racing resumes Sunday with an 8-race card featuring the $100,000 Stormy Blues Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 5 ½ furlongs on turf. There are two “Value Pick 5” wagers, each with a low 12% takeout. The first post time is 12 pm ET. Read the stakes advance here.

The free “Laurel Park Handicapping Guide” is available on every race day. It provides picks, analysis, trainer stats, trip notes, horses to watch, track bias info, and more from The Maryland Jockey Club’s team of handicappers. Sunday’s guide is available. Click here to view it.

Enjoy live racing action and fine wine at Laurel Park’s “Rosé on the Rail” celebration on Sunday at 12 pm. Join for an afternoon crafted for rosé lovers, race fans, and summer Sundays done right. Rosé on the Rail pairs live horse racing with a curated tasting of refreshing wines, light bites, and scenic rail-side views. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Celebrate Father’s Day at Laurel Park with an unforgettable afternoon of live horse racing, hospitality, and prime race views. Treat Dad to a day at the races on Sunday, June 21, with an all-inclusive Father’s Day experience featuring thrilling live racing, great food, a wager voucher, and a complimentary Old Fashioned upon arrival. For ticketing and more information, visit here.

Never miss a second of the action on the Laurel Park YouTube channel. Click here to watch full pan and head-on replays.

Watch “Today at the Races,” the Maryland Jockey Club’s morning handicapping show every racing day at 11 am ET on the Maryland Jockey Club X account. Click here to watch.