King Leatherbury and the star of the show, Ben’s Cat. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
From a Maryland Jockey Club release
Next Saturday at Laurel Park, Ben’s Cat is looking to become the first horse to win four Maryland Million races. Owner/trainer King Leatherbury pre-entered his star into both the $125,000 Turf and the $100,000 Sprint earlier this week.
Leatherbury said Saturday afternoon that he is “leaning towards the Sprint” for Ben’s Cat though he has not finalized his decision until he handicaps. If it is clear cut, the 81-year-old indicated will not cross-enter as he did last year.
After victories three straight years (2010-2011-2012) in the Turf Sprint, the son of Parker’s Storm Cat finished second by a neck in the Turf a year ago after the Turf Sprint was eliminated.
Though he is famous for being one of the top turf sprinters in the country, Ben’s Cat is no slouch on the main track with 10 victories in 14 races on the dirt, including five stakes wins, and is 6-for-7 at the 6-furlong distance.
Overall, the 8-year-old has won 27-of-43 lifetime for earnings of $2,175,990.
Hall of Famer Safely Kept (Distaff-1989-90-91), Countus In (Ladies-1989-90-91), Mz. Zill Bear (Ladies-1993-94-95) and Docent (Sweepstakes-2001 & Classic-2002-03) are the only other runners to win three times on Maryland Million day. Eighttofasttocatch (2011, 2013 Classic) and Roadhog (2012-13 Turf) are looking to join the exclusive club next weekend.
