Maryland Million Lassie winner Shkhara Fire faces unbeaten shippers
Two “Value Pick 5” wagers with a low 12% takeout
2025 Maryland Racing Calendar giveaway Friday and Saturday at Laurel Park
LAUREL, MD – Live action resumes Friday at Laurel Park with a nine-race Opening Day program highlighted by the seasonal debut of Maryland Million Lassie winner Shkhara Fire in the featured eighth, a first-level allowance with a $62,500 claiming option for 3-year-old fillies at 5 ½ furlongs.
Owned by Barak Farm and Dino’s Thoroughbreds, and trained by Jose Corrales, Maryland-bred Shkhara Fire rallied from last of twelve to capture the restricted Lassie by a neck at 8-1 odds on Oct. 12.
“Jose Corrales took his time with her,” jockey Angel Cruz said in the winner’s circle following the Lassie. “We took her to the gate, we schooled her, she was better today. She broke a step slow, but it didn’t matter. Every time I hit her, she responded, so I knew there was a bit of time for me to get there, and I got there.”
Stretched to a mile nineteen days later, Shkhara Fire utilized a different running style, setting the pace before faltering to finish last of eight in a first-level allowance. After that race, the Friesan Fire filly was freshened and drew the outside post in the seven-horse field.
Trainer Todd Pletcher counters with Prancing Spirit, a front-running debut winner of a six-furlong maiden special weight at Aqueduct on Nov. 24. Owned by Starview Stable, Prancing Spirit sold for $225,000 as a yearling and is a Practical Joke half-sister to Grade 3-placed sprinter Ultimate Badger. Mychel Sanchez pilots from post five.
Pocket Sand invades from Penn National for trainer Tim Kreiser. Perfect from two starts there, including a seven-length victory in a first-level allowance on Dec. 19, Pocket Sand is a New York-bred half-sister to stakes-placed sprinter Ernie Banker. She breaks from post three under Carlos Lopez and entered for the $62,500 option.
In My Memories, Rapido Rosa, Esroh and My Dear Antonia complete the field.
Laurel Park will offer two “Value Pick 5” wagers with a low 12% takeout. The first five races comprise the early “Value Pick 5” with a mandatory payout structure. Players can also take advantage of the bettor-friendly takeout in the late “Value Pick 5,” which encompasses the final five races on the program and has carryover potential.
On Friday and Saturday, on-track patrons at Laurel Park will receive a 2025 Maryland Racing Calendar. The calendars will be distributed in the Grandstand Lobby while supplies last.
The Spectacular Bid Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs on Jan. 25 attracted 33 early nominations, including stakes-winners Crab Daddy, Do It For Michael, Global Steve, Guns Loaded, One Man Team, Sacred Thunder, Studlydoright, Tony Eclipse, and War Humor.
Multiple stakes-winner Caprice is among the 25 early nominations to the $100,000 Xtra Heat Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs, also on Jan. 25. Stakes-winners Grace On Grace and Hollywood Beauty were also nominated along with Shkhara Fire, Rapido Rosa and In My Memories.
