Trainer Phillip Capuano nets first Maryland win(s)

Louis Ulman’s 3-year-old colt Imagine a Cure ($12) dug in again after being passed by Bubba Chrome in mid-stretch and surged late for a half-length victory in Race 2 Saturday at Laurel Park to give trainer Phillip Capuano his first career winner in Maryland.

Capuano, 29, took over the stable from his uncle, Dale Capuano, a winner of 3,662 races who retired effective Jan. 1 following a 41-year training career based in Maryland.

Imagine a Cure’s win came less than 16 hours after Capuano, the son of fellow Maryland-based trainer Gary Capuano, registered his first career winner with Neil Glasser’s 6-year-old mare Thunderturtle Friday night at Charles Town.

Glasser and Ulman were both longtime clients of Dale Capuano. Imagine a Cure, a Maryland-bred by Imagining, was making his sophomore debut after going winless with a second and a third in three tries at 2.

“It’s a blessing. I’m so happy that Lou decided to stay on with me and give me a shot,” Phillip Capuano said. “It’s just a tremendous opportunity.”

Capuano, who also ran fourth in Race 2 with Bruce Yarwood and Renee Latour’s Hopperness, picked up his second winner of the day with Steve Newby’s Vance Scholars ($9.80) in the Race 8 feature, a third-level optional claiming allowance for 4-year-olds and up. Mopo Racing’s Walk Away Joe was fifth for Capuano in Race 7.

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