LRL: Meet the Miracle Wood field
Seven sophs contest Saturday feature
The Biz
February 17, 2026
Seven sophomores are signed up for Saturday’s $100,000 Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel Park. The one-mile fixture is the next local step towards the Grade 1 Preakness May 16; coming in March is the 1 1/16-mile Private Terms and then, in April, the 1 1/8-mile Federico Tesio Stakes.
The most recent Miracle Wood winner to enter the Preakness starting gate was 2023 champ Coffeewithchris, who finished seventh in that year’s Middle Jewel. Last year’s Miracle Wood runner-up, Pay Billy, then won both the Private Terms and Tesio Stakes before also finishing seventh in the Preakness.
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The Miracle Wood is joined on the card by the seven-furlong Wide Country for three-year-old fillies. Here’s the field:
- No More Calls — Owner: B and C Stable | Trainer: Charles A. Frock | Jockey: J. G. Briceno
Lightly accomplished colt who just broke his maiden going long at Laurel after several sprint tries. Needs another big step forward but showed improvement stretching out. This looks like a heavy lift. - Higher Sense — Owner: Lyno E. Maraspin | Trainer: Miguel Penaloza | Jockey: C. E. Lopez
Speedy type who wired a maiden field at a mile in his first start at Laurel. He clearly benefited from getting away from two-time stakes winner Mailata, whom he’d tangled with twice previously. Competitive figures and tactical ability make him a logical contender if he handles class rise. - G Q Worthy — Owner: Mens Grille Racing | Trainer: John J. Robb | Jockey: Xavier Perez
Consistent grinder with three stakes placings and strong earnings. Often closes late but tends not to get the money; reliable underneath type with minor-award profile. Not inclined to hold fourth-place finish in latest against him, as it came on a slow, sticky track some horses didn’t relish. - Close the Gate — Owner: Bird and Grady LLC | Trainer: J. E. Salzman Jr. | Jockey: I. Villalobos
Rapidly improving gelding with only three starts. Won maiden impressively and then narrowly missed in the Feb. 4 Spectacular Bid. Early speed and upside make him dangerous. - Taj Mahal — Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket | Trainer: Brittany Russell | Jockey: TBA
Expensive purchase who rallied impressively to win debut sprint going away. Bred for distance and trained by a high-percentage barn; major unknown with high ceiling. - Balboa — Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket | Trainer: Brittany Russell | Jockey: TBA
Most accomplished runner. A stakes winner who is graded-stakes placed and runner-up in the Jerome after pressing pace. Fast figures and class edge make him the one to beat. Question: will the barn run both Taj Mahal and Balboa? - Let’s Go Lando — Owner: Eagle Up Stables & London Reid Thoroughbreds | Trainer: Gary Capuano | Jockey: Yedsit Hazlewood
Sharp recent allowance winner at this distance over a wet track. Consistent record and strong local form suggest he fits well against these.
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