Laurel’s Dec. 26 Stakes Card Postponed to Dec. 30

As a precaution, following winter storm Elliott which is expected to bring gusty winds, arctic cold and flash freeze threats to the mid-Atlantic over the weekend, the Maryland Jockey Club has postponed its Christmastide program Stakes Day at laurel park.

Originally carded for Monday December 26, the entire 11-race schedule has been moved to Friday December 30. Live racing is set to resume on Thursday, December 29, with the 48-day fall meet finale set for Saturday, December 31.

“Due to the weather conditions expected throughout the weekend, we have decided to cancel our Monday program early and welcome our fans and the riders who will be participating in this exceptional race day,” said said Mike Rogers, acting president of the Maryland Jockey Club.

Christmastide Stakes Day will feature six $100,000 stakes – the Heft Stakes for 2-year-old fillies and the Gin Talking Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, both sprinting seven furlongs; 6 1/2-furlong Willa On the Move Stakes and 1 1/8-mile Carousel Stakes for fillies and mares 3 years and older; and Dave’s Friend Stakes from six furlongs and Robert T. Manfuso Stakes at approximately 1 1/16 miles for children 3 and up.

Prince of Jericho winner of his last two races by a combined 17 lengths, is the program favorite 8-5 in the Heft (race 4). Malibu Moonshine undefeated in two starts, including the Maryland Juvenile Fillies on Dec. 3 in Laurel, returns as the top contender in the Gin Talking (Race 5).

Daughter of Spirit will be favored to lead his three-way winning streak with a sixth career victory in the Willa On the Move (Race 7). Hybrid Eclipse already a two-time stakes winner at Laurel this year, is aiming for a third for encounter-leading coach Brittany Russell in the Carousel (Race 9).

3rd year winner Jaxon Traveler will face the defending champion three out of two in Dave’s Friend (Race 8). Seven bet winners are listed in an overflow field of 12 for the Manfuso (Race 10), including graduated bet winners Ropemaker and Ride with Biden as well as Armand R. and Ournationonparade .