Last-out stakes winners Quint’s Brew, Celtic Contender, and Prince of Jericho return to the spotlight this Saturday, leading a competitive field in the $200,000 General George Stakes at Laurel Park. Open to 4-year-olds and up, the seven-furlong race is one of four stakes events on the nine-race card.

Joining the General George on the stakes lineup are the $200,000 Barbara Fritchie for fillies and mares at seven furlongs, the $100,000 Nellie Morse for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles, and the $100,000 John B. Campbell for older horses at 1 1/8 miles. First post is 12:10 p.m. ET.

Quint’s Brew Returns in Top Form

Maryland-bred Quint’s Brew made a dazzling return last month after a 203-day layoff, rolling to an six-length victory in the Jennings Stakes at a mile. The 4-year-old gelding, owned by Paul Berube, Karen Linnell, and Heather Hunter, clocked a career-best 98 Beyer Speed Figure in his first start for trainer Ned Allard.

“I thought he’d run big,” said Allard. “How big? I had never run him before. All I know is that he really enjoys being a racehorse. The ones that enjoy it can run.”

Quint’s Brew drew post position two in the General George and will be ridden by Mychel Sanchez.

Celtic Contender Thrives on Competition

After winning the Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial Stakes in December, Celtic Contender was slated for a well-earned break. But the Lewis Family Racing Stable’s runner had other plans. The 4-year-old son of Irish War Cry has been sharp in morning workouts, capping off preparations with a bullet six-furlong move in 1:12 flat last Saturday.

“He’s been training great,” said trainer Hamilton Smith. “He went back to the barn playing on the rein after his work, so he was within himself.”

Smith expects Celtic Contender to be forwardly placed in the General George under Victor Carrasco, ideally leading or tracking second early.

Prince of Jericho Seeks Another Laurel Victory

Trainer Brittany Russell won last year’s General George with 2024 Top Midlantic-bred winner Post Time and now looks to repeat with Prince of Jericho. The consistent 4-year-old has finished in the top three in 16 of 19 starts and is coming off a strong Fire Plug Stakes victory on January 18.

Following that race, Russell credited owners Michael Dubb and Morris Bailey for giving Prince of Jericho the necessary time between races to stay fresh.

Usually a tracking sort, Prince of Jericho showed good speed from the rail in his gate-to-wire Fire Plug win.

“He broke good. It just worked out from the first jump,” Russell noted.

Prince of Jericho will break from post five under Sheldon Russell.

Also entered is Circle P, a restricted stakes winner as a juvenile, who rallied for second in the Bender Memorial and third in the Jennings. The Flint Stites trainee will be ridden by Ricardo Chiappe from post six, and his late-running style could benefit from a fast early pace.

Mr. Antonelli, making his stakes debut, turned heads in a high-level allowance victory on January 31 at Laurel. Jockey Xavier Perez was thrilled with the performance, remarking, “He did that so easy.” The Diane Morici trainee has won four of nine starts and looks to continue his rise.

Rounding out the field is Union Fleet, a stakes-placed gelding trained by Jose Magana for Pepe Stable and J L M Jacona Stable.