LAUREL, MD. 09-10-14---Horacio Karamanos had to hold on for dear life as first time starter Markakis dragged him through traffic to win his initial lifetime start in today’s finale at Laurel Park.

Markakis completed the 5-1/2 furlong distance over the turf course in 1:04.31 and paid $28.40. Caboppo took second, a length and a quarter behind the winner.

“All his brothers have been better on the grass,” trainer Robin Graham said. “He is my last foal from this mare (Alafair by Gentlemen) and at each junction he has been a little ahead of them even though he still doesn’t know what he is doing.”

The son of Greek Son is named after Baltimore Orioles RF Nick Markakis.

“Now I have to go get my Markakis shirt,” joked Graham.

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.