Ventana Gamely Captures Maryland Sprint

Photo: Eclipse Sportswire

Ventana dueled with Delong Road and held off Immortal Eyes to capture Saturday's Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Handicap at Pimlico Race Course.

There was plenty of pace in the paper race and Ventana was expected to sit a nice stalking trip. However, his jockey Martin Garcia had other plans and after a sharp break Ventana was battling up front through fractions of :22.84 and :45.75. He put away longshot Delong Road but was not out of the woods.

Immortal Eyes sat the aforementioned stalking trip and boldly challenged the leader in the lane. Ventana would not be denied a won by a neck for Bob Baffert. He stopped the clock in 1:09.88 and paid $5.20 as the betting favorite.

China oufinished Nathan's HQ for the show. Heritage Hall was next, followed by Delong Road, Safety Check, My Cuz CJ, and Gattopardo. 

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