Mid-Atlantic Three Stars: February 5 * The Racing Biz

MID-ATLANTIC THREE STARS: february 5

John Piassek
February 5, 2024

Plenty of racing action took place throughout the Mid-Atlantic this past week.

Here’s a look at the “three stars” of each track:

Region’s Best

Classier, shown after winning the Henry S. Clark Stakes last April, was impressive in his 2024 debut Saturday. Photo: jerry Dzierwinski

FIRST STAR: CLASSIER. Some of the top sprinters on the Laurel Park grounds met Saturday in a six-furlong open allowance. Classier, in his first start since mid-November, won by two lengths after sitting a nice stalking trip. He rated off in fourth place early on, sitting off an early duel between favored Brother Conway and Cowan, then moved between horses in the stretch and took advantage of the embattled pacesetters. He covered six furlongs in 1:10.28, for owner Super C Racing, trainer Kieron Magee, and jockey Carlos Lopez.

SECOND STAR: OFFALY COOL. Tuesday’s feature at Parx was a third-level race at a mile and 70 yards. Offaly Cool, who won the M.P. Ballezzi Appreciation Mile in October and was second in the Robert T. Manfuso Stakes last out, won this one by 4 1/4 lengths. He went to the front under Kendrick Carmouche, lasted through early pressure, and drew off late. He ran the distance over a muddy track in 1:47.28 for owner Lawrence Rebbecchi and trainer Jacinto Solis.

THIRD STAR: OURNATIONONPARADE. Laurel hosted a third-level feature on Friday, theirs at six furlongs. Ournationonparade, in his 2024 debut, split horses late after rating towards the back of the pack to win by two lengths in a 10-1 upset. It was the first victory for the 2022 Maryland Million Classic champion since last April, and was his tenth victory from 36 lifetime starts. Jaime Rodriguez was up for owners Morris Kernan Jr, Yo Berbs Racing, and trainer Jamie Ness’s Jagger Inc.

Laurel Park

Dean Delivers seeks return to winning ways in Dave’s Friend
Dean Delivers, winner of July’s De Francis Dash, returns to Laurel Park Saturday to headline the Dave’s Friend Stakes.

FIRST STAR: CLASSIER. Looked sharp first off the layoff in victory Saturday.

SECOND STAR: OURNATIONONPARADE. Took a positive step towards a strong 7-year-old season in his 2024 debut.

THIRD STAR: ARDEN’SLUCKYTOBE. He’s turned a corner in his last three starts; he went gate-to-wire in a Maryland-bred allowance on Friday with a big figure (89 Beyer, 102 Equibase).

Charles Town Races

FIRST STAR: DULCIMER DAME. A winner of seven in a row to start 2023, she began 2024 on a winning note Saturday with a hard-fought win over Dial Her in a first-level contest.

SECOND STAR: RIDICULOUS. Got up late to run down Masai Man and win a starter allowance on Friday; he’s now won three times in his last four starts and has hit the board 12 times in a row.

THIRD STAR: ELLE’SBIGSECRET. Made it four in a row with a win in a starter allowance dash on Wednesday; he’ll try to make it five straight at Laurel on Friday.

Parx Racing

FIRST STAR: OFFALY COOL. Could be bound for stakes company again after a sharp front-end win.

SECOND STAR: WINDSOR GOLD. Cruised on the lead in a second-level race Wednesday for his second win in his last three starts.

THIRD STARS: BUMP N RUN. Made it two in a row on Tuesday, rallying late to win a non-winners of three allowance sprint.

“Bittersweet moment” as Hessica hits retirement
Two-time WVBC Cavada winner Hessica couldn’t get one last win, settling for second November 9, but she’s had quite a career for owner-trainer Kristy Petty.