The Colonial Downs meet closed Saturday with five Virginia-bred races, including a rare visit by Kent Desormeaux to New Kent to win the Camptown.
The powerful barns of Graham Motion and Michael Stidham squared off on Virginia Derby night, winning three each, while firster Four Wheel Drive dazzled.
It was like old home week as familiar faces thrived in several Virginia-bred stakes Saturday at Colonial Downs.
Doctor Mounty, a 7-1 shot, upset G1 winner Divisidero to take the Prince George’s County Stakes at Laurel Park.
With new whip rules – and a whipless day of racing – under consideration in California, Maryland jockeys cast a skeptical eye westward.
Two runners repeated this Maryland Million day, and a half-brother of last year’s Nursery won this year’s running of that event.
A 25-1 longshot, Doctor Mounty upset the Grade 3 BWI Turf Cup over a yielding Laurel Park course.
The expected showdown between Crabcakes and Shimmering Aspen fizzled, while Crabcakes sizzled en route to a decisive score at Laurel Park.
Riders based at Laurel Park swept the day’s seven stakes, a natural result, they said, of the many good riders in the room.
The connections of Maryland Pride stakes winners Crabcakes and Just Howard were feeling the absence — and presence — of the late breeders of their stars.
