LAUREL, MD— The remarkable story of broodmare Zeezee Zoomzoom continued at Laurel Park on Friday, as her 4-year-old daughter, Somnium, rallied from off the pace to catch Precious Avary in the deep stretch of Friday’s featured eighth race, a $53,000 allowance heat for fillies and mares at 5 ½ furlongs on the Bowl Game Turf Course.

Zeezee Zoomzoom, a daughter of Congrats, was a maiden winner at Saratoga, but what happened after her retirement is what’s notable.

Her first foal, Caravel, won 15 of 26 starts, including Grade 1 wins against males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and Jaipur Stakes. Witty was born two years later, and he has compiled a record of 12 wins and 11 seconds from 35 starts, including eight stakes victories.

Not bad for a mare acquired for free.

“A girl who used to ride for me, a lady named Kim Brette, was an awesome horseperson. It was like riding with your best friend every day,” Merryman said after Witty won an off-the-turf allowance race two weeks ago. “She was in Florida working for a vet, and she had a friend who had the mare. The mare had bowed a tendon, and they were looking for a home for her, either as a broodmare or a riding horse. I thought I’d take a shot, sight unseen.”

Somnium is beginning to show her gaudy pedigree. A Pennsylvania-bred by Street Boss, Somnium broke from the far outside post in Friday’s seven-horse field and settled outside under jockey Jevian Toledo as Precious Avary pulled clear through an opening quarter in 21.64 seconds.

Precious Avary, the winner of the 2023 Maryland Million Ladies Stakes, still led into the stretch, but Somnium, despite losing ground on the turn, continued to gain with every stride.

Under the wire, Somnium won by a half-length over Precious Avary, with favored Noquestionaboutit another 1 3/4 lengths back in third. Golden Rocket, Spencerian, Sally’s Gold, and Gogo Chanel followed.

Somnium raced the distance in 1:01.54 on firm turf and returned $6.20 to win as the second choice in the betting. Three horses entered as Main Track Only all scratched.

“It was a perfect ride,” said Merryman, who admitted she was concerned about the high afternoon temperatures. “She needed every bit of the second wire. She’s game and loves the turf.”

Somnium has won four of 13 starts, earning $147,843. She has raced twice against stakes competition, finishing fourth in Aqueduct’s Glen Cove last fall and fourth in Laurel’s The Very One Stakes on May 15.

Merryman outlined several potential options for Somnium’s next start. They include Colonial’s $150,000 Andy Guest Stakes at 5 ½ furlongs, Monmouth’s $100,000 Incredible Revenge Stakes, and the Satin and Lace Stakes at Presque Isle Downs. The Andy Guest and Incredible Revenge are scheduled for August 1, with the Satin and Lace two days later.

*Around the track:

Four jockeys had two-win days on Friday.

Jockey Forest Boyce delivered two outstanding turf rides. In the third race, Pendar ($9.40) tracked the pace, turned up the pressure on the backstretch, took the lead, and rallied after being passed to score for trainer Madison Meyers. Boyce then placed Dairago ($7.80) in the pocket in the fifth race, eased out into the stretch, and drove past the leader for trainer Robbie Bailes.

Jorge Ruiz also booted home two turf winners. Stay in Tune ($5.80) settled just off a quickening pace and wore down the leader in the day’s opener for Kieron Magee. He then guided Belle of Liberty ($7) to victory in the sixth race for trainer Joanne Shankle.

Paco Lopez rode the impressive juvenile debut winner Harper’s Corner ($8.80) in the seventh race. Harper’s Corner is the first winner for first-crop sire Speaker’s Corner. Lopez also won the fourth race with Blessed Candy ($8.80) for trainer Antonio Machado.

Jevian Toledo swept the late double. After the winning ride on Somnium, he worked out a beautiful trip aboard Good Man Dan ($15.80) in the finale for trainer Henry Walters.

Live racing resumes Saturday with a 10-race card featuring two “Value Pick 5” wagers, each with a low 12% takeout rate. The first post time is 12 pm ET.

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. Saturday’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.