Laurel Park unveils winter stakes schedule

by | Dec 5, 2016 | Breaking, Maryland, MD Racing, Racing

Awesome Speed and Governor Malibu.

Governor Malibu (outside) and Awesome Speed in the 2016 Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park. Photo by Laurie Asseo.

From a Maryland Jockey Club release

A schedule of 22 stakes worth $2.2 million in purses will be offered during Laurel Park’s upcoming winter meet, highlighted by the $300,000 Barbara Fritchie (G2) and $250,000 General George (G3) on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Laurel Park’s 56-day winter meet at their updated and renovated facility runs Sunday, Jan. 1 through Sunday, May 7.

The Barbara Fritchie for fillies and mares 4 and older and the General George for 4-year-olds and up, both at seven furlongs, anchor a six-stakes program February 18 that also includes the $75,000 Miracle Wood for 3-year-olds at one mile and $75,000 Wide Country for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs, as well as the $75,000 John B. Campbell and $75,000 Maryland Racing Media for older horses.

There will be five stakes on Saturday, March 18 led by the $100,000 Private Terms for 3-year-olds at about 1 1/16 miles and the $100,000 Caesar’s Wish for 3-year-old fillies going one mile. The Private Terms and Caesar’s Wish serve as preps for the $125,000 Federico Tesio at 1 1/8 miles and $125,000 Weber City Miss at 1 1/16 miles April 22.

Both the Tesio and Weber City Miss return this year as ‘Win and You’re In’ events for the May 20 Preakness Stakes (G1) and May 19 Black-Eyed Susan (G2), respectively. As it was last year, the Tesio’s ‘Win and You’re In’ status applies to Triple Crown-nominated horses only.

“Thoroughbred racing continues to build momentum in the state of Maryland and Mid-Atlantic region,” said Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “Handle on Maryland racing continues to climb due to the great support of fans and horsemen across the country as well as the availability of our product at additional off-track betting facilities throughout the state. We believe the 2017 winter schedule affords horsemen some great opportunities and our fans some big days to look forward to. We’re also excited to bring back the ‘Win & You’re In’ races for the Preakness (G1) and Black-Eyed Susan (G2). It’s a great way to get our fans and horsemen ready for the spring and the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.”

The Tesio and Weber City Miss are among five stakes that close the winter meet stakes schedule April 22. They are joined by the $75,000 Primonetta for fillies and mares 3 and up at six furlongs, the $75,000 Henry S. Clark for 3-year-olds and up and $75,000 Dahlia for fillies and mares 3 and up, both at a mile on turf.

Laurel kicks off its winter meet stakes Saturday, Jan. 14 with the $75,000 Fire Plug for 4-year-olds and up and the $75,000 What a Summer for females 4 and older, both at six furlongs.