Tooth N Claw Arrives Late at Laurel

Richard F. Blue’s Tooth N Claw was the last one on the scene, rallying from last to win the $50,000 Maryland Million Starter Handicap at Laurel Park.

Apprentice Chelsey Keiser was aboard the son of Gators N Bears, who covered the one mile distance in 1:37.14 and won by 1-1/2 lengths over Spicer Cub, with Who Dat Boy taking third. Defending champion Varborough finished sixth.

“The first time I rode for Ann was on this horse at Delaware (Sept. 5),” said Keiser. “We finished second and we just clicked. Getting the second wire today really helped us get it done. I knew we had it when we got that clear shot to the outside. It worked out and away we went.”

The winner, who is trained by Ann Merryman, paid $27.60.

“It’s a really fun day,” said Merryman, who has two Maryland Million victories. “People love this event and we won with a horse we claimed. It’s just fun to win a big purse like this with a claimer. He was a long shot. We took a shot and he’s improved every race.”

This was Keiser’s first stakes victory.

“I love the way she rides,” added Merryman. “She has nerves of steel. She takes a horse back further than I’ve ever seen but the horses love her and they come running.”

Tooth N Claw broke his maiden at Laurel on the last day of last year.