LAUREL, MD. 10-19-13---Taking Risks Stable LLC’s Vianney Lane attended the pace, pressed to the front and drew away to win the $50,000 Maryland Million Starter Handicap at Laurel Park.

Claimed last time out by trainer Ben Feliciano Jr., the 5-year old daughter of Partner’s Hero carried Julian Pimentel to his second victory on the Million day card. Longshot Centripetal Motion rallied to take second, while another longshot, Touring Hong Kong, finished third. Defending champion Motherload Hipster finished fourth.

“We got away well from the break and from there it was all good,” said Pimentel. “Benny always has his horses ready to go. You always have a great chance when you ride one for him. When I asked her, she took off.”

The winner, who had not won since a start on the turf at Pimlico Race Course in May, completed the one- mile distance in 1:39.16 and paid $9.20.

“I’ve been watching this horse a long time,” said co-owner Cindy Miccio. “I love this filly. She’s very versatile. She can win on grass, dirt and all weather surfaces. Before claiming her we had this all planned out.”

“My wife is excellent at doing the research,” added co-owner Chris Miccio. “We’ve been doing the Maryland Million for many years. We really want to support the Maryland Million. It’s important for racing in this state.”

Taking Risks teamed up with Feliciano to win the Maryland Million Turf Sprint with Namequest (2004) and Natural Seven (2009).
 

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.