Racing News

Defending Champ Hibiscus Punch Among Barbara Fritchie G3 Nominees

G3 Winner Wondrwherecraigis Tops Noms to $250,000 General George (G3)
Headline Six Stakes Worth $900,000 in Purses Saturday, Feb. 19 at Laurel

BALTIMORE – Defending champion Hibiscus Punch and fellow graded-stakes winners Leader of the Band, Sharp Starr and undefeated R Adios Jersey are among 27 accomplished older female sprinters nominated to the $250,000 Barbara Fritchie (G3) Saturday, Feb. 19 at Laurel Park.

Laurel Park Cancels Saturday’s Live Nine-Race Program

Eight-Race Card Scheduled for Sunday Starting at 12:25 P.M.

BALTIMORE – Lingering effects from winter storm Landon have forced the Maryland Jockey Club to cancel Saturday’s live nine-race card at Laurel Park.

In addition to the winter storm, which passed through the Mid-Atlantic region Thursday and Friday, freezing temperatures and wind chill were contributing factors to the cancellation.

Laurel’s planned partial ARC simulcast presentation from San Isidro has also been cancelled.

Homebred Stakes Winner Joe May Take Different Path to Preakness

General George (G3), Dubai in Conversation for Wondrwherecraigis

BALTIMORE – The 147th running of the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes (G1), Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, is the long-range goal for The Elkstone Group’s stakes-winning Maryland homebred colt Joe.

Named for President Biden, a longtime family friend of owner-breeder Stuart Grant, and trained by Mike Trombetta, Joe extended his win streak to three races with a popular 2 ½-length triumph in his sophomore debut Jan. 23 at Laurel Park.

Laurel’s Final Four Races Friday Cancelled Due to Weather

Nine-Race Card Scheduled for Saturday Starting at 12:25 P.M.

BALTIMORE – Due to deteriorating weather conditions, Laurel Park was forced to cancel the remainder of its live program Friday following the third race.

Winter storm Landon brought steady rain through the Mid-Atlantic region overnight and throughout the day Friday. Laurel’s first three races were contested over a sloppy and sealed main track.

Debut Winners American Icon, Iron Works Highlight Friday Stronach 5

Races from Laurel, Gulfstream, Santa Anita & Golden Gate
Low 12-Percent Takeout

BALTIMORE – Gulfstream Park’s feature race, highlighted by several promising 3-year-olds including debut winners American Icon and Iron Works, will highlight Friday’s Stronach 5.

The Stronach 5 will also feature races from Santa Anita Park, Laurel Park and Golden Gate Fields along with a low 12-percent takeout.

Jockey Rosario Montanez Finishes Sixth in Comeback Race


First Mount in 1 ½ Years for Journeyman Rider Following Spill

BALTIMORE – Journeyman rider Rosario Montanez launched his comeback Sunday at Laurel Park, more than 1 ½ years after being involved in a spill that required surgery to repair multiple back fractures and rehabilitation for brain injury.

Wondrwherecraigis wins Fire Plug, Witty Takes Spectacular Bid

Part of Winter Carnival

BALTIMORE - Wondrwherecraigis wired the $100,000 Fire Plug Stakes for trainer Brittany Russell, wrapping up the slate of six stakes on Laurel Park’s Winter Carnival Day Saturday.

Jockey Jevian Toledo sent the 5-year-old gelding by Munnings to the lead after breaking sharply from the 2 post, winning the six-furlong race for 4-year-olds and up over the Laurel’s dirt surface and putting Russell’s doubts about the track’s play to rest.

Stronach 5 Returns $4,648

BALTIMORE – Friday’s Stronach 5, featuring races from Santa Anita Park, Laurel Park, Gulfstream Park and Golden Gate Fields and a low 12 percent takeout, returned $4,648.10.

There were 17 winning tickets.

Laurel Park Hosting Stakes-Filled Saturday Program

Six Stakes Worth $550,000 in Purses on Winter Carnival
Trainer Ness, Jockey Rodriguez Register Friday Hat Tricks

BALTIMORE – Grade 3 winner Hibiscus Punch, multiple stakes winners Wondrwherecraigis and Cordmaker, and promising 3-year-old H P Moon are among the horses to watch on Laurel Park’s stakes-filled Saturday program.

Six stakes worth $550,000 in purses help comprise Laurel’s 10-race card, which begins at 12:10 p.m.

Cordmaker Looks to Keep Rolling in $75,000 Jennings

Good Life Cider Staying Home for $75,000 Geisha

BALTIMORE – After ending last season with a flourish, Hillwood Stable’s multiple stakes winner Cordmaker looks to carry that momentum into his 7-year-old season when he faces six rivals in Saturday’s $75,000 Jennings at Laurel Park.