Jean Valjean redeems himself in the co-featured seventh race

LAUREL, MD—Xavier Perez experienced the full gamut of emotions at Laurel Park on Friday afternoon.

As Costa Linda cruised under the wire 7¾ lengths in front in the second race, the first 2-year-old heat of the year in Maryland, Perez pumped his right fist and let out a whoop.

By the time Costa Linda returned to the winner’s circle, Perez hid his face in his forearm, tears of joy streaking down his cheeks.

Paco the Taco Man repeats in the co-featured seventh race

LAUREL, MD— “She’s spicy,” co-owner Nancy Rizer said in the winner’s circle Sunday afternoon after Nick’s Notion made a strong late run to win Laurel Park’s co-featured eighth race, a $48,000 state-bred or state-sired allowance for fillies and mares at one mile on the All Along Turf Course.

Nick’s Notion can be a bit temperamental sometimes, but she kindly provided jockey Jeiron Barbosa with a smooth ride at a great price.

Forest Boyce rides two winners

LAUREL, MD—Tim Keefe has shown great patience with Too Many Kisses, and the seasoned mare rewarded her trainer on Friday with a solid 2 ½ length victory in Laurel Park’s ninth race, a second-level allowance for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

Too Many Kisses broke well from the rail and was guided to a pocket position on the first turn under Forest Boyce, who rode her second winner of the day.

Special pool opens at noon ET on April 24

LAUREL, MD—The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC), in conjunction with 1/ST Racing, today announced the field and morning line odds for the Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager. This separate wagering pool offers “WIN” wagers on the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 16.

There are 40 betting interests in the Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager, with the 40th being the pari-mutuel field, or “all other 3-year-olds.”