Ben's Cat Might Switch to Dirt in MD Million Sprint
Next Saturday at Laurel Park, Ben’s Cat is looking to become the first horse to win four Maryland Million races. Owner/trainer King Leatherbury pre-entered his star into both the $125,000 Turf and the $100,000 Sprint earlier this week.
Leatherbury said Saturday afternoon that he is “leaning towards the Sprint” for Ben’s Cat though he has not finalized his decision until he handicaps. If it is clear cut, the 81-year-old indicated will not cross-enter as he did last year.
After victories three straight years (2010-2011-2012) in the Turf Sprint, the son of Parker’s Storm Cat finished second by a neck in the Turf a year ago after the Turf Sprint was eliminated.
Though he is famous for being one of the top turf sprinters in the country, Ben’s Cat is no slouch on the main track with 10 victories in 14 races on the dirt, including five stakes wins, and is 6-for-7 at the 6-furlong distance.
Overall, the 8-year-old has won 27-of-43 lifetime for earnings of $2,175,990.
Hall of Famer Safely Kept (Distaff-1989-90-91), Countus In (Ladies-1989-90-91), Mz. Zill Bear (Ladies-1993-94-95) and Docent (Sweepstakes-2001 & Classic-2002-03) are the only other runners to win three times on Maryland Million day. Eighttofasttocatch (2011, 2013 Classic) and Roadhog (2012-13 Turf) are looking to join the exclusive club next weekend.
The post-position draw for the 29th Jim McKay Maryland Million will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 in Laurel Park’s Tips Restaurant.
POTTS, BARR SADDLE A PAIR OF WINNERS SATURDAY
Trainer Wayne Potts and apprentice jockey Carlos Gutierrez teamed up for a pair of victories on this afternoon’s 11-race program, visiting the winners’ circle with Alworth ($75.20-race 2), who outdueled Muggsy down the stretch and Lovmeister ($6-race 3), who rallied to beat Last Heartbreaker in the final strides.
Donald Barr scored back-to-back maiden victories with 2-year-olds. First-time starter E Dubai ($15.20) was a driving winner in the sixth then Savvy Street ($12.20) was impressive in beating the boys’ one race later.
Source: Maryland Jockey Club