From a Maryland Jockey Club release
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.”
(Featured image by Laurie Asseo.)
