Laurel Park Set for Exciting Stakes Day: Quint’s Brew and Takethemoneyhoney Headline
Laurel Park is gearing up for a compelling day of racing this Saturday, featuring the $100,000 Not For Love Stakes and the $100,000 Conniver Stakes. Both races are exclusively for Maryland-bred or -sired, and Virginia-bred or -sired runners, promising a showcase of regional talent.
Quint’s Brew Aims to Rebound in Not For Love
All eyes will be on Quint’s Brew, the even-money morning line favorite for the Not For Love Stakes. The 5-year-old gelding, a three-time stakes winner with career earnings exceeding $441,220, is looking to bounce back after a third-place finish in the General George Stakes last month. Trainer Ned Allard attributes that performance to a disrupted training schedule due to inclement weather.
“I really think I possibly ran a short horse that day,” Allard explained. However, Allard is confident Quint’s Brew is now primed for a strong showing. A jockey change sees Forest Boyce taking the reins, replacing previous riders Yedsit Hazlewood and Mychel Sanchez. Allard noted Boyce’s patient approach suits the horse’s style, as Quint’s Brew doesn’t respond well to aggressive urging.
Blue Kingdom Presents a Familiar Challenge
Quint’s Brew is expected to face stiff competition from Blue Kingdom, a frequent rival. The two horses have traded wins recently, with Blue Kingdom finishing a nose behind Quint’s Brew in the Jennings Stakes before reversing the order in the General George. Trainer Jamie Ness acknowledges the rivalry and believes the six-furlong distance of the Not For Love, coupled with Blue Kingdom’s outside post position, will be advantageous.
Conniver Stakes: Takethemoneyhoney Looks Unbeatable
In the Conniver Stakes for fillies and mares, Takethemoneyhoney is the clear 3/5 morning line favorite. The 5-year-old mare has an impressive record of six wins and three second-place finishes in nine starts, consistently proving difficult to defeat. Even in defeat, she’s only been beaten by narrow margins.
Grayson’s Girl and Dwelling Legacy Pose Threats
While Takethemoneyhoney appears formidable, challengers are emerging. Grayson’s Girl, the 3/1 second choice, is coming off a successful seasonal debut, while Dwelling Legacy has won two of her last three races. Dwelling Legacy’s story is particularly noteworthy, as she was born during a challenging situation for her mother, requiring a nurse mare.
Suremeanttoobe and Twisted Ride Add Depth to the Fields
Suremeanttoobe, benefiting from throat surgery last year, has been on a winning streak, while Twisted Ride, a multiple stakes winner with nearly $800,000 in earnings, returns to Laurel after a recent race at Parx. S S Sinatra, a past runner-up in this race, and All the Hardways as well entered the Not For Love, adding further depth to the competition.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Stakes’ Namesakes
Both the Not For Love and Conniver Stakes honor legendary Maryland horses. Not For Love was a 13-time Maryland Stallion of the Year, siring 91 stakes winners and serving as the broodmare sire of Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome. Conniver was the Champion Older Female of 1948 and a Hall of Fame inductee.
FAQ
Q: What is the distance of the Not For Love Stakes?
A: Six furlongs.
Q: What is the distance of the Conniver Stakes?
A: Seven furlongs.
Q: Are there any wagering options available beyond standard bets?
A: Yes, there are two “Value Pick 5” wagers, each with a low 12% takeout rate.
Q: What type of horses are eligible to run in these stakes races?
A: Maryland-bred or -sired, and Virginia-bred or -sired runners.
Did you know? Not For Love, the namesake of the stakes race, is also the broodmare sire of Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the track conditions. Twisted Ride’s trainer emphasized that the gelding will not run on an off track.
Don’t miss the action this Saturday at Laurel Park! For more information on the races and participating horses, visit Laurel Park’s website.
