National Thoroughbred League Kicks Off Season at Pimlico on May 10

LAUREL, MD – As Brittany Russell saddled odds-on favorite Derbyness in Friday’s featured eighth race at Laurel Park, a $48,000 state-sired allowance for 3-year-olds and upward at one mile, she couldn’t help but focus on a gray horse schooling in the paddock.

Even after Derbyness headed onto the track and trotted up the chute to the starting gate, Russell concentrated on the well-dappled colt, who completed his exercise without incident.

Russell exhaled a sigh of relief.

You never know what you’ll get with Post Time, the cantankerous Maryland-bred Horse of the Year who is almost as well-known for his grouchy demeanor as he is for his talent.

“He’s usually good schooling,” Russell said about Post Time, who begins his 2025 campaign in tomorrow’s sixth race, a high-level allowance at 1 1/16 miles. “When he shipped in [from Fair Hill today], [assistant trainer Emma Wolfe] had galloped him this morning, and he was all kinds of wild back in the barn.”

Post Time was never off the board from nine starts in 2024, capturing the Grade 2 Carter at Aqueduct and the Grade 3 General George at Laurel. He also placed in three Grade 1 races, including the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar.

Post Time will race with blinkers for the first time on Saturday.

“Last year, there were a couple of times when [jockey Sheldon Russell] felt like he had to hold onto him longer than you would have liked,” Brittany Russell continued. “He has that tendency to lean on horses a bit. It’s a new year. Maybe it helps him step forward to what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Derbyness, for his part, was unfazed after playing second fiddle. The Maryland-bred gelding settled back in last, advanced along the inside under Sheldon Russell, angled to the far outside into the long stretch, and drove past Carvellian Quest to prevail by 3 ¼ lengths in 1:38.02 over the fast track. It was only appropriate that he won on Kentucky Derby eve.

Derbyness ($2.80), claimed by Russell for $40,000 on behalf of Stuart Grant’s The Elkstone Group out of a third-place finish on April 20, 2024, immediately emerged as a dependable horse in the stable, hitting the board in seven of his first eight starts for the barn, but with only one victory.

“He was a Maryland-bred with conditions,” Russell said about the claim.

Shipped up to Aqueduct for an allowance race at seven furlongs on April 13, Derbyness was bumped at the start and wound up far behind the pace, an unfamiliar position for a gelding that had never been worse than third at the pace call in his first six starts with blinkers.

Derbyness and jockey Katie Davis looked hopelessly beaten at the three-sixteenths pole, but they unleashed a furious late rally to score by a nose.

“Thanks, Katie,” Brittany Russell joked when asked whether Derbyness transformed into a one-run closer overnight.

“Katie, who?” Sheldon Russell retorted as he dismounted in the winner’s circle, relieved after coming up short in his first five mounts aboard Derbyness.

“It’s funny. Sheldon said he actually intended to put him a little closer, but he just wasn’t ready yet, so he parked him back there,” Brittany Russell said. “He’s matured in the time we’ve had him. He’s a useful horse to have around, for sure.”

*National Thoroughbred League Kicks Off Season at Pimlico on May 10

The National Thoroughbred League (NTL) season officially kicks off Preakness Week at Pimlico Race Course.

The NTL is an innovative concept that reimagines America’s oldest spectator sport by creating a team-based professional league. This format allows fans to root for their favorite teams. The NTL is also a lifestyle brand, with food, fashion, and fun events akin to the Kentucky Derby or a significant Formula 1 race.

The activities begin on Friday, May 9, with the NTL VIP Kickoff Party and Forever Dreamers Fundraiser. Hosted by two-time NFL MVP – and Maryland Colts lead owner - Lamar Jackson, the fundraiser helps cover costs for Baltimore Community Day on May 10. Pimlico will host thousands of local children on Baltimore Community Day for Jackson’s Forever Dreamers Initiative.

On Saturday, Pimlico presents the NTL team series races and meet-and-greet photo opportunities with Jackson, jockeys, and other celebrities. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. ET, with the first post time at 12:10 p.m. ET.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the 2025 season after witnessing such an incredible surge in fan engagement, wagering activity, and race attendance last year,” said Philadelphia Stallions owner Julius Erving. “The energy around the sport is at an all-time high, and we’re eager to build on that momentum with our stable and give fans even more unforgettable moments on the track.”

All ten teams enter one horse from their roster in each participating race, accruing points throughout the afternoon. Teams compete for 3,000 points.

The team with the most points on the day wins, and the team with the most points for the year wins the NTL Championship.

For more information, please click here.

*Around the track:

Trainer Graham Motion and jockey Jorge Ruiz combined for two turf winners on Friday’s card…Apprentice rider Yan Rodriguez netted a consecutive double by booting home the winners in the fifth and sixth races…Live racing resumes on Saturday. The first post time is 12:10 ET with two “Value Pick 5 wagers” boasting a low 12% takeout rate …Watch and Wager on the Kentucky Derby with our “Kentucky Derby Day Party” at Laurel Park. Elevate your Derby Day experience with our exclusive buffet featuring Kentucky classics and Maryland favorites. A general ticket purchase includes admission, access to the Terrace Dining area, complete buffet service, non-alcoholic beverages, and an official racing program. For ticket information and more details, click here…Laurel Park is proud to partner with Silver Branch Brewery in offering the new Laurel Park Lager. This light and crisp golden lager is perfect for spring and summer. It has a floral aroma with a clean finish…Own a piece of Pimlico history! Several items from Pimlico Race Course will go through the auction ring at govdeals.com/mdgs starting on Preakness Day.