Hard-hitter Embarr won the Brookmeade Stakes for Virginia-bred distaffers, while Rose Brier won the Bert Allen, on Virginia-bred day at Laurel Park.
Two Notch Road dusted his Punch Line competition, and Heaven Knows What trounced her Oakley rivals to take the two Virginia-bred sprints at Laurel Park.
First starter Moon River shone at Laurel Park, taking one division of the Jamestown Stakes, while Hooligan posted a popular win in the other.
In our weekly feature, Maryland Jockey Club analyst Gabby Gaudet shares her late Pick 4 ticket, and we dig into the day’s featured Bert Allen Stakes.
Apprentice rider Michael Ritvo — son of Mucho Macho Man trainer Kathy and Gulfstream Park president Tim — won on Winter Lady, his first Maryland mount.
On tap: Laurel hosts a day for Virginia-breds, Delaware celebrates its owners, and one member of the top Midlantic-bred Poll is in action.
Tomorrow’s state-bred racing at Laurel Park — instead of Colonial Downs — gives Virginia breeders something they’re used to: an out-of-state chance to shine.
Embarr, who’s won two editions of the Brookmeade among four stakes wins, and Grade 3 winner Hard Enough top Saturday’s Virginia-bred stakes at Laurel Park.
Markakis, a Greek Sun colt named for the Baltimore Orioles rightfielder, won his debut today to polish off the Laurel Park card.
The five Virginia-bred stakes slated for Laurel Park on Saturday could include three of last year’s winners, as well as a 2014 graded stake winner.