Laurel Stakes Action: Private Terms and Caesar’s Wish
In the words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friend!” This weekend is loaded with fantastic races across the country. The racing world will be focused on the 2016 Kentucky Derby preps, the Tampa Bay Derby and San Felipe Stakes, but there are a pair of three year old stakes here in Maryland that you dare not overlook.
Laurel returns to action after a mini-renovation break. I am thrilled to be making my first trip to the track this Saturday just in time for the Private Terms and Caesar’s Wish Stakes. If there was a direct road to the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan, these races would definitely be on it. Just recently, The Private Terms has been a stepping stone for Kid Cruz and Bodhisattva. While no winner of the race has gone on to claim the second jewel of the triple, they have come close. In 2002, Private Terms champion Magic Weisner gave War Emblem a run for his money in the Preakness. The longshot came within feet of pulling off a major upset.
Trainer Michael Trombetta, who trained Sweetnorthernsaint to a place finish in the 2006 Preakness, has a talented pair of runners entered in this year’s edition, Marengo Road and Flash McCaul. I love the storyline between these two. Marengo Road is out of Quality Road, who was the early Derby favorite in 2009 until injury knocked him off the trail, while Flash McCaul is sired by Friesan Fire, who went off as the Derby favorite in 2009. Then Mine That Bird came charging up the rail and punched me in the gut at 50-1! Anyway, both of these three-year-olds are rapidly improving and seem to be coming into form. I am looking at these two to pay me back on Saturday. I think the winner of this race will more than likely be pointed towards Pimlico that third Saturday in May.
On the fillies side, the Caesar’s Wish Stakes also drew a great field of six. The headliner is Sophia’s Song trained by Todd Pletcher. She has improved with each start and could take a giant leap forward in this race. Competition lurks all around her though, with Great Soul and Prognosis. With Songbird dominating the 3yo lady circuit, it will be interesting to see how things shape up for the Black-Eyed Susan. It is highly unlikely that she will race two weeks after the Kentucky Oaks, so the Black-Eyed Susan will be a prime target for many fillies across the country. A dominating performance in the Caesar’s Wish can certainly help get you there.
This really is one of the best times of the year. There is great racing everywhere you look and it only gets better from here! Hope y’all have a great and winning weekend!