LAUREL, MD. 10-19-13---Dennis J. Federico’s Maddy’s Dance closed resolutely and was up in the last jump to win the $100,000 Maryland Million Distaff.

Ann’s Smart Dancer finished second, only a neck behind the winner. Heavy favorite Ju Ju Eyeballs was third. The winning time for the seven furlong distance was 1:23.65.

Daniel Centeno rode the Dance With Ravens filly for trainer John Rigattieri. Now a three time winner at Laurel, this was her first stakes victory. 

“She broke well, but there was a lot of speed in the race and we let them go,” Centeno said. “In the middle of the turn, I was behind looking at Bravo’s horse (Ann’s Smart Dancer) moving so we started to go. Turning for home she got clear and made a big run at the end. When Bravo and Pimentel’s horse (Ju Ju Eyeballs) didn’t open up, I knew we had a shot to win.”

Maddy’s Dance paid $29.20.

“I felt good going into the race. I thought she’d close,” Rigattieri said. “She’s in good form and with her momentum thirty yards from the wire, I thought she had it. The jockey rode a good race. It was his first time on her. I told him she does not like to get hit, so he hand rode her and a did a very good job.”

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.