Total wagering on Laurel Park’s just-concluded winter meeting was up more than 20 percent versus 2016, with average daily handle up 15 percent.
Pimlico’s opening day Thursday will coincide with the return from injury of jockey Victor Carrasco, who missed about five weeks with a fractured scapula.
Jim McCue, Maryland track photographer for nearly 50 years, will receive the award Preakness week for his service to the racing industry.
Laurel Park’s winter meet began and ended with upset winners in maiden races. In between, trainer Linda Rice dominated, winning at a 53 percent clip.
Todd Pletcher, trainer of dominant Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, will bring his star to Baltimore for the May 20 Preakness Stakes.
Multi-millionaire 11-year-old Ben’s Cat breezed three furlongs in 36 2/5 seconds this morning at Laurel Park in preparation for next month’s Jim McKay Turf Sprint at Pimlico.
Jockey Sheldon Russell, back riding after missing seven months with an injury, earned his first win back on Saturday.
Wonder How took Maryland’s second baby race of the year this afternoon for owner Kenny Taylor and trainer John Salzman, Sr. – the team behind Xtra Heat.
Shimmering Aspen dazzled in an easy allowance victory Saturday at Laurel Park. Next up: possibly graded stakes company on Preakness weekend.
Contrarity scored a 15-1 in Saturday’s Laurel Park opener, the first two-year-old race of 2017 in Maryland.
