Region’s Best

FIRST STAR: BARBADIAN RUNNER. This Maryland-bred son of Barbados picked up his second consecutive stakes victory on Saturday, when he captured the Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel Park by a nose. He drafted off the pace on the rail behind early leaders Crab Daddy and Pay Billy, then angled into the three-path in the stretch and made his move. It looked as if he as was going to roll by and win easily, but Pay Billy countered to his inside and engaged in a stretch duel. Ultimately, Barbadian Runner got his nose down and secured the victory. He’s now 3-2-3 in 10 career starts, with earnings of $197,445, including a win in the Spectacular Bid Stakes in similarly dramatic fashion in late January. He was bred by Shamrock Farm and is owned by AJ Will Win Racing Stables, trained by Henry Walters, and ridden by Forest Boyce.

SECOND STAR: ONYX TEN. One race prior, 3-year-old fillies took to the track in the Wide Country Stakes. Onyx Ten, a Maryland-bred homebred for Frank Sample, prevailed by a length for her second consecutive stakes victory. Much like she did last time out in the Xtra Heat Stakes, she rated off the early pace, while Safe Trust set the pace with Field of Roses pressing her. As they turned for home, J.G. Torrealba angled Onyx Ten off the rail, and she wore down Safe Trust for the win. This Gary Capuano trainee has won three times in 10 starts, and has earned $191,065.

THIRD STAR: GRAN ANDREWS. This 6-year-old gelding won his 11th race in a row at Charles Town on Friday, taking a starter allowance contest by three-quarters of a length. He went off at 1-10 in the three-horse, seven furlong contest, and rated off a duel between Ozone and Smooth Rico. Ozone pulled clear around the far turn, while Gran Andrews moved wide up the backstretch. Despite not changing leads, Gran Andrews got up to defeat Ozone and preserve his Charles Town winning streak. He’s owned by Ultra Championship Racing LLC, trained by Anthony Farrior, and ridden by Arnaldo Bocachica.

Laurel Park

FIRST STAR: BARBADIAN RUNNER. He once again showed heart and dug in to earn another stakes victory.

SECOND STAR: ONYX TEN. Continued a strong season both for herself and her trainer, who has a solid contingent of Maryland-bred 3-year-olds.

THIRD STAR: SECRET ZIPPER. Made it three in a row on Friday with a victory in a third-level route.

Charles Town Races

FIRST STAR: GRAN ANDREWS. The king of Charles Town continues to sit on his throne.

SECOND STAR: NANCY MADE MY DAY. Rated just off the pace and got up to win a first-level event on Friday; he’s now finished in the exacta in his last six starts.

THIRD STAR: GOLDEN KEY. Sat off the leaders and converted to beat starter optional claiming rivals on Wednesday.

Parx Racing

Racing at Parx was cancelled last week due to weather and track conditions.