In My Memories showed sharp speed from the start, shrugged off pace pressure, and drew away to win Friday’s Opening Day feature at Laurel Park.

Trained by Anthony Farrior for owner James C. Wolf, In My Memories blasted out from the rail post in the first-level allowance with a $62,500 claiming option for 3-year-old fillies at 5 ½ furlongs.

Ridden by jockey Julio Hernandez, In My Memories completed the opening quarter in 22.72 and 47.03 seconds while hounded from the outside by Rapido Rosa.

In My Memories shook clear at the three-sixteenths pole and held off favored Shkhara Fire to prevail by 2 ½ lengths in 1:06.59 over the fast track.

Esroh was third, 5 ¼ lengths behind the runner-up. Then came Pocket Sand, Rapido Rosa, Prancing Spirit, and My Dear Antonia. In My Memories returned $32.20 to win as the sixth choice in the betting.

By Jimmy Creed out of seven-time winner Be a Lady, a full sister to multiple stakes-winner Wake Up Nick, In My Memories was bred in Kentucky by Jason Hall, Mike Riordan, and Steinmetz Equine Holdings.

Purchased for $40,000 at public auction last year, In My Memories won two of five starts for trainer Andrew Simoff before being claimed by her current connections for $40,000 out of a runner-up effort at Laurel on Dec. 1.

In her final start at two, In My Memories finished fifth when entered for the $62,500 claiming option. She received Lasix for the first time on Friday.

The first race of the season at Laurel Park, appropriately titled “The Maryland Jockey Club New Era,” was captured by favored Carroll Girl. Piloted by Jaime Rodriguez for trainer Michael Gorham, Carroll Girl scored by 11 ¼ lengths, completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:50.73, and returned $4.80 to win.

Rodriguez, last year’s leading rider in Maryland by total victories, booted home three winners on the card.

Racing resumes Saturday with a nine-race program featuring four stakes totaling $350,000 in purses. The first post time is 12:25 p.m. ET.  On-track patrons receive a free 2025 Maryland Racing Calendar in the grandstand lobby. There will be two “Value Pick 5” wagers with a low 12% takeout.

After the third race, 2024’s leading owner, The Elkstone Group, leading trainer Brittany Russell, and leading jockey Jaime Rodriguez receive crystal trophies for their year-end accomplishments.

Following the fifth race, groom Cesar Cruz and trainer Hugh McMahon receive engraved plaques for leading the “Best Turned Out” categories in 2024.

Horses groomed by Cruz won the most “Best Turned Out” awards in 2024, and McMahon saddled the most “Best Turned Out” award winners. Cruz also receives a $300 prize.

There will be a carryover of $4,264.19 into Saturday’s Late “Value Pick 5” wager. The “Value Pick 5” comprises the final five races on the program and boasts a low 12% takeout rate with a 50-cent minimum wager.  

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