LAUREL, MD. 10-11-14---Next Saturday at Laurel Park, Ben’s Cat is looking to become the first horse to win four Maryland Million races. Owner/trainer King Leatherbury pre-entered his star into both the $125,000 Turf and the $100,000 Sprint earlier this week.

Leatherbury said Saturday afternoon that he is “leaning towards the Sprint” for Ben’s Cat though he has not finalized his decision until he handicaps. If it is clear cut, the 81-year-old indicated will not cross-enter as he did last year.

After victories three straight years (2010-2011-2012) in the Turf Sprint, the son of Parker’s Storm Cat finished second by a neck in the Turf a year ago after the Turf Sprint was eliminated.

Though he is famous for being one of the top turf sprinters in the country, Ben’s Cat is no slouch on the main track with 10 victories in 14 races on the dirt, including five stakes wins, and is 6-for-7 at the 6-furlong distance.

Overall, the 8-year-old has won 27-of-43 lifetime for earnings of $2,175,990.

Hall of Famer Safely Kept (Distaff-1989-90-91), Countus In (Ladies-1989-90-91), Mz. Zill Bear (Ladies-1993-94-95) and Docent (Sweepstakes-2001 & Classic-2002-03) are the only other runners to win three times on Maryland Million day. Eighttofasttocatch (2011, 2013 Classic) and Roadhog (2012-13 Turf) are looking to join the exclusive club next weekend.

The post-position draw for the 29^th Jim McKay Maryland Million will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 in Laurel Park’s Tips Restaurant.

POTTS, BARR SADDLE A PAIR OF WINNERS SATURDAY

Trainer Wayne Potts and apprentice jockey Carlos Gutierrez teamed up for a pair of victories on this afternoon’s 11-race program, visiting the winners’ circle with Alworth ($75.20-race 2), who outdueled Muggsy down the stretch and Lovmeister ($6-race 3), who rallied to beat Last Heartbreaker in the final strides.

Donald Barr scored back-to-back maiden victories with 2-year-olds. First-time starter E Dubai ($15.20) was a driving winner in the sixth then Savvy Street ($12.20) was impressive in beating the boys’ one race later.

About Laurel Park
Laurel Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.