Yedsit Hazlewood with another triple

LAUREL, MD—A horse named Hard as Life has overcome numerous trials and tribulations, but the Gun Runner colt enjoyed good fortune’s kiss in Sunday’s featured fourth race at Laurel Park, a first-level allowance for 4-year-olds and up over 1 1/16 miles.

Trained by Fair Hill-based Michelle Nihei, Hard as Life returned from a 309-day layoff to post a gritty nose victory over Badge of War. It was his first start since a poor break and a last-place finish in Keeneland’s Grade 3 Lexington Stakes on April 12.

“He was sitting down in the gate in the stake, and it was one of those mass confusions,” Nihei said. “The gate opens, and he’s still on the ground, so we break slowly, and we never had any opportunity.”

If you thought that was bad luck, it was nothing compared with what Hard as Life went through next.

“I was thinking about what’s next when he got pneumonia,” Nihei added. “We sat in the clinic for almost a month and a half. After a few more roadblocks and speed bumps, we finally got to where we needed to be.”

Hard as Life received a nice closer’s trip under hot-riding Angel Cruz, while favored Night Time Nap, stakes-winner Tony Eclipse, and Badge of War battled for the lead through hot fractions of 23.87, 47.67, and 1:13.38.

“I asked Angel to make sure he took him back,” said Nihei. “This horse wants to run from behind. He doesn’t like being in the thick of things up front. It’s too much for him to be a front-runner. Mentally, he wants to take a bead and run at horses.”

The leaders showed signs of fatigue on the second turn, and Cruz expertly angled his mount three wide to split rivals. Hard as Life confronted Badge of War and, despite lugging in during the stretch drive, outlasted his game rival in 1:47.65 on the fast track.

Tony Eclipse finished third, 3 ½ lengths behind the runner-up. Amy’s Music, Missouri River, Devil’s Cay, and Night Time Nap completed the order of finish.

Owned by Circle 8, Hard as Life returned $11 as the fourth choice.

“Angel said he does what he did before. He likes to play with them down the lane,” Nihei added. “That has to stop, but he’s still maturing. I know he’s four, but we missed a year growing up.”

Bred in Kentucky by Tropical Racing, Hard as Life is a Gun Runner half-brother to stakes-winning dirt sprinter Probably Dreaming and is out of Dreaming as Always, by Broken Vow.

His second dam is the multiple stakes-placed turf runner Leonor Fini, from the family of French 2,000 Guineas winner Riverman. Those bloodlines influenced Nihei’s decision to race Hard as Life exclusively on turf and synthetic before the ill-fated Lexington run.

“He always trained like he could run on any surface,” Nihei explained. “But given what we were dealing with pedigree-wise, I felt he deserved an opportunity to run on the turf. Our plan was always to transition to dirt when he got bigger and stronger because he’s a late-maturing horse, both physically and mentally. Dirt presents its own set of circumstances, whether it’s getting dirt in the face or running through traffic.”

A maiden winner on turf at Churchill Downs in 2024, Hard as Life has a record of two wins from eight starts, earning $126,637.

*Yedsit Hazlewood with another riding triple

For the second consecutive day and the third time in the last four days at Laurel Park, apprentice jockey Yedsit Hazlewood won three races.

Hazlewood, the runner-up in the 2025 Eclipse Award voting for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, won two races for trainer Jamie Ness. They combined for Laysen ($4) in the second race and Sassafrassness ($5.40) in the seventh.

Hazlewood, who turns 18 on March 10, also guided Girvinized ($5.80) to a front-running victory in the third race for trainer Kieron Magee.

The top rider in Maryland by races won in 2025, Hazlewood, currently leads the Laurel Park winter meet standings. Hazlewood has 22 wins, 10 more than Cruz.

*Around the track:

Live racing resumes Friday. The first post for the seven-race program is at 12:00 pm ET, and there are two “Value Pick 5” wagers, each with a low 12% takeout. There will be a $7,097.39 carryover into Friday's LATE Value Pick 5.

The FREE “Laurel Park Handicapping Guide” is available every racing day. Get picks, analysis, trainer stats, trip notes, horses to watch, track bias information, and more from The Maryland Jockey Club’s team of handicappers. Friday’s guide is available Thursday evening. Click here to view it.

Reserve your spot for our weekly “Bubbly Brunch Sundays.” Kick back with friends over delicious brunch favorites and bottomless mimosas at our vibrant Stone Bar Restaurant and Bar. Sunday Brunch begins at 11:00 am ET.

Join us for belated Mardi Gras festivities as Laurel Park presents “Flavors of the Bayou” on Saturday, February 21, from noon to 4 pm. Your ticket includes authentic Cajun dishes, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and a free betting voucher. For the full menu and ticket prices, visit here.

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