BALTIMORE, 04-12-12---The first race for 2-year-olds in Maryland this year was won today at Pimlico Race Course by the promising filly Brenda’s Way, who is trained by John Salzman, Jr. This was the fourth year in a row that Salzman had won the first baby race of the season, following future stakes winners Gator Prowl, Twelve Pack Shelly and Bluegrass Atatude.

Brenda’s Way rallied from off the pace and drew off to a commanding 7 3/4 length victory in today’s third race, a maiden test for juvenile fillies. Jonathan Joyce was in the saddle as the bay daughter of Weigelia made an impressive debut for a trainer who specializes in getting his young horses ready for their debut.

“It is a lot of fun but there is a lot of pressure after doing it year after year,” Salzman said. “The field was much larger this time and you hear so many rumors about who has runners. I didn’t say anything. I knew  this filly was fast but actually thought my other one (sixth place finisher Stormy Adventure) might be  more talented. I was very impressed she won from off the pace.”

Brenda’s Way completed the 4-1/2 furlong distance in 54.78 seconds and paid $6.60, as the 2-1 betting choice. 25-1 shot Craftwell Belle finished second and Set to Smoke, a filly trained by John Salzman Sr.,  finished third. The trifecta paid $606.

Eleven of the last 13 years, the winner of the first juvenile race in the state has been conditioned by a Salzman (John Sr., Tim or John Jr.).

“We love the young horses,” added Salzman. “I like the claiming business but most of my owners come to me for the 2-year-old game. It is exciting to get them ready to run right out of the gate.”

Salzman will saddle Worldseriesatatude (4-1) and Knock Two Times (8-1) in the first two-year-old colt or gelding race of 2012 in tomorrow’s third. His brother and father also have runners in the race.