Gonzalez Moves into Tie for Top Spot in Trainer Standings Friday
Gonzalez Moves into Tie for Top Spot in Trainer Standings Friday
Jockey Carrasco Adds to Meet-Leading Totals with Victory
Plenty of Action On Track and Off for Maryland Pride Day Saturday
Rainbow 6 Carryover of $5,017 for Saturday
LAUREL, MD – Claudio Gonzalez won with both of his starters on Friday’s 11-race program to move into a tie with Kieron Magee for leading trainer of Laurel Park’s summer meet with two days remaining.
Gonzalez captured the third race with 2-5 favorite Goodbyeseeulater ($2.80) and the eighth with 8-5 top choice Balfe’s Corner ($5.40) to give him a brief 19-18 lead over Magee in the standings.
Magee responded by winning the ninth race with Stay Home ($4), the even-money favorite. Magee also claimed Goodbyeseeulater for $5,000 in a three-way shake.
“No matter what, you pay attention. People are always telling you, ‘Hey, you’re in front,’ or ‘You’re one behind,’” the 40-year-old Gonzalez said. “It’s nice, and it’s a good feeling, especially here. It’s not easy. People may think it’s easy, but it’s not.”
Magee has two horses entered Saturday and Sunday. Gonzalez has three in on Saturday and four on Sunday.
“I think I’m going to be tough,” Gonzalez said. “I have some new owners and they understand now that if we put them in the right spot, the horses are going to run good.”
Balfe’s Corner was the 35th win of the meet for jockey Victor Carrasco, extending his advantage to seven over runner-up Sheldon Russell, who was winless with four mounts and scratched from four others.
Plenty of Action On Track and Off for Maryland Pride Day Saturday
Laurel will celebrate Maryland Pride Day Saturday with a 12-race program featuring a trio of $75,000 stakes – the Find and All Brandy for Maryland-bred/sired 3-year-olds and up scheduled for 1 1/8 miles over its world-class turf course, and the six-furlong Miss Disco for 3-year-old fillies on the main track.
Saturday will also feature a baseball cap giveaway with each purchase of a racing program, while supplies last; food and drink specials from Flying Dog Brewery, Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyard, Jailbreak Brewing Company, Linganore Winecellars and Sagamore Spirit on the grandstand apron; as well as crafts from an array of local artisans.
The Maryland Jockey Club Champions Handicapping Tournament will also take place Saturday in the second-floor sports bar, with prize money and berths on the line for the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, National Handicapping Championship and BIG ONE. Entries, limited to two per person, are still available and registration begins at 10 a.m.
Notes: Jockey Alex Cintron rode winners in the sixth race with Intractable ($6.80) and the 10th with Jump Jive an Wail ($5.20), one of two winners saddled by trainer Mary Eppler, along with To Dare ($4.60) in the fourth.
Rainbow 6 Carryover: $5,017.48
