LRL: Spidey Man slings to victory
The Biz
December 12, 2025
Spidey Man remained unbeaten in two starts with a sharp victory in Friday’s fourth race at Laurel Park, a $49,000 allowance/optional claimer for 2-year-olds at six furlongs.
The Maximus Mischief colt was bumped hard at the break when Bonsai Warrior veered out and bumped him twice, but jockey Sheldon Russell quickly righted the favorite and allowed him to settle three wide in a tracking position.
This article contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a commission at no extra charge to you.
Pick up reliable and rewarding tickets for major events!
By the far turn, Spidey Man had crept closer, confidently ranging up to confront the pacesetter while still well in hand. He gained a narrow advantage near the quarter pole, responded when set down past the three-sixteenths, and kicked clear before drifting outward late under left-handed urging.
Ihaveanappforthat, on the far outside, and Lundi Loot mounted late charges but Spidey Man was able to hold on. He finished a half-length in front in 1:13.04 and added a dirt win to his Sept. 13 turf debut score at Colonial Downs.
Ihaveanappforthat made a strong late bid after breaking a step slowly and saving some ground early. He swung seven wide into the lane and closed steadily to secure second. Lundi Loot chased three wide early, dropped inside for a spell, then angled back out and kept grinding to finish third. Bonsai Warrior, the early leader, weakened after being hounded throughout, and Prince of Darkness faded after a wide trip.
“I was a bit worried, because I could see [Ihaveanappforthat] was coming flying and like, when they’re that far, especially if it gets close, he’s not going to see until he’s too late,” said winning rider Sheldon Russell.
Spidey Man, a son of Maximus Mischief, was a vet scratch prior to an Oct. 26 race.
“At the end of the day, I’m glad we took a step back and regrouped, because I think he’s a better horse from it,” said winning trainer Brittany Russell, who laughingly called Spidey Man “ornery.”
Wagering returns included a $3.80 win payoff. The $1 exacta (4-6) paid $26.50, the $1 trifecta (4-6-5) returned $61.70, and the $1 superfecta (4-6-5-7) paid $148.80.
Brittany Russell also said that James F. Lewis, III Stakes winner Balboa had come out of his most recent race in good order. The two-year-old Not This Time colt ran a game third at 29-1 odds in the Grade 2 Remsen at Aqueduct Dec. 6. Balboa has now earned four Kentucky Derby points, which currently places him 18th on the Derby points leaderboard.
Pick up reliable and rewarding tickets for major events!
LATEST NEWS
