Breeders’ Cup Watch Party Continues Saturday in Sports Book

LAUREL, MD – Gunpowder Farms and Millennium Farms’ 3-year-old filly Arrifana, racing around two turns for the first time, kept her perfect record intact with a popular half-length victory in Friday’s feature race at Laurel Park.

With regular rider Julian Pimentel aboard, Arrifana ($2.40) ran about 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.72 over a fast main track for her fourth win in as many starts for trainer Kelly Rubley.

Arrifana, a bay daughter of two-time Horse of the Year and 2014 Hall of Famer Curlin, was sent off the 1-5 favorite over five older rivals in the open $55,000 allowance for fillies and mares 3 and up. All four of her wins have come against her elders.

Pimentel settled Arrifana in second from her outside post stalking stakes-placed pacesetter Tweeting, making her 23rd career start, who went the opening quarter-mile in 24.28 seconds and a half in 48.16. Arrifana ranged up to challenge the leader on the turn, drew to even terms once straightened for home and steadily edged clear. Tweeting was a clear second, 4 ½ lengths ahead of Trolley Ride.

“I think she did great. She won by just enough,” Rubley said. “It was her first time going two turns, so I think it’s perfectly within her wheelhouse and we’re headed in the right direction.”

Arrifana, bred in Kentucky by Gunpowder Farms, debuted with a 10-length maiden special weight triumph Aug. 1 at Laurel. Rubley shipped her to Saratoga for an entry-level allowance win Aug. 31, also going seven furlongs, before returning to Laurel for a 5 ½-length victory Sept. 28 at one mile.

Breeders’ Cup Watch Party Continues Saturday in Sports Book

The second day of Laurel Park’s Breeders’ Cup Watch Party will take place Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. inside the state-of-the-art Sports Book located on the second-floor clubhouse.

Admission is free and seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Laurel will open its doors at 11 a.m.

First race post time for Laurel’s live 11-race card is 12:25 p.m. The first Breeders’ Cup race is scheduled to go off at 2:55 p.m. Saturday (Filly & Mare Sprint), with the $6 million Classic (G1) set for 8:44 p.m.

At the watch party, fans will be able to enjoy a Breeders’ Cup-themed menu, official Breeders’ Cup cocktails, and 74 feet of LED racing action. No reservations or registration is required, and seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, click here.

Notes: Fall meet-leading trainer Claudio Gonzalez captured both legs of the early double with Mucho Macho Danny ($12) in Race 1 and One Two Three Go ($10.80) in Race 2. Jockey Jorge Ruiz had back-to-back wins on Phantom Shot ($21) in Race 4 and Tappin Cat ($5.20) in Race 5.