Pride of Maryland
Saturday is Maryland Pride Day at Laurel Park with eleven awesome races loaded with Maryland-bred talent. From a bow-tie to shorts, I wear the Maryland flag proud. I may not be a native but I am darn proud to be a resident now! Maryland racing is alive and well with older stars, as well as some speedy up-and-comers. Saturday’s card showcases the best that Maryland has to offer. Here are four horses that are set to make Maryland proud on Saturday.
Ben’s Cat
Seriously, how could he not be at the top of the list? Ben's Cat is a Maryland legend! He will be going for seventh straight Mister Diz Stakes win and thirty-third overall! Loser in his last two races, he returns home to Maryland where he is always dangerous. I was there for his win in the Turf Sprint at Pimlico in May and it was something special. I would love to see a repeat performance on Saturday.
Just Jack
Same race, different horse. I think Ben’s Cat’s biggest threat in the Mister Diz will be from this guy. Just Jack is a rapidly improving three-year-old. Unlike his foe, his career is just beginning. This gelding has taken to the Laurel turf like Old Bay on a crab leg. He is out of Great Notion who also sired the brilliant sprinter Havelock. I am expecting big things from this guy down the road.
Monster Sleeping
This seven-year-old mare is one of the best female sprinters in the state. On Saturday, she will be taking on a solid field in the Jameela Stakes. Monster Sleeping has eclipsed the $500,000 earnings mark and still has plenty of fuel left in the tank. She is FAST, if you don’t believe me just take a look at her recent works. I like that Dale Capuano is cutting her back to a one turn race, which seems to be where she performs at her best. If speed holds on the turf like it did last week, she may go out early and never look back.
Ski
The new kid on the block! Of the 17 Maryland-breds making their racing debut on Saturday, Ski is the one that I am most excited about. This gelding is out of Bodemeister and has flashed some his daddy’s speed in morning works. Meanwhile, his mom is out of European Champion Sprinter Stravinsky. These bloodlines give me hope that Ski is destined become the next Maryland star. Look for him in Race 4 on Saturday and in the winner’s circle shortly after!