Live racing, Maryland crabs, gift card giveaways and a dunk tank to help raise money for disabled jockeys – there's something for everyone on the final Saturday of July at Laurel Park.
A program of 10 races is set for July 30 featuring five stakes worth $400,000 in purses, among them four $75,000 events restricted to Maryland-bred/sired horses – the Star de Naskra and Miss Disco for 3-year-olds on dirt and Ben's Cat and Jameela for 3-year-olds and up on turf.
Undefeated Super Love goes for a fourth straight win in his stakes debut in the Star de Naskra, while Grade 1-placed Divine Huntress shortens up to seven furlongs for the Miss Disco. Jaxon Traveler, winner of the Maryland Sprint (G3) May 21 at Pimlico, seeks his first win on grass in the Ben's Cat, and Can the Queen chases a third career stakes victory in the Jameela.
The last of three summer stakes Saturdays in July at Laurel totaling 11 stakes worth $1.05 million is anchored by the $100,000 Deputed Testamony for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles, where Grade 3 winner Magic Michael looks to improve on his runner-up finish from a year ago. First race post time is 12:40 p.m.
Laurel's Summer of Stakes began July 2 when Old Homestead took the $100,000 Concern and Hybrid Eclipse captured the $100,000 Caesar's Wish. July 16 saw Beren upset a trio of graded winners in the $150,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash as well as wins by Chub Wagon in the $100,000 Alma North, Bellagamba in the $100,000 Big Dreyfus and Eons in the $100,000 Prince George's County.
As with previous stakes Saturdays in July, the Maryland Jockey Club will once again be giving away five $100 VISA gift cards to fans in attendance at Laurel. Fans can enter for a chance to win at guest services in the grandstand, and winners will be chosen at random. Fans must be on site to claim their prize.
Saturday will also mark the return of the MJC's Crackin' Crab Feast with a menu that includes all-you-can-eat steamed Maryland blue crabs with Old Bay, fried chicken, potato and garden salads, corn on the cob, fresh fruit, cornbread and chocolate sheet cake.
Crackin' Crab Feast will take place in a tent on the track apron and is limited to on-site consumption only. The cost is $85.
In conjunction with Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund Day Across America being celebrated at racetracks from coast to coast, the MJC will help raise funds for the PDJF with a dunk tank featuring members of Laurel's jockey colony including Kevin Gomez, Victor Carrasco, Angel Cruz and Charlie Marquez.
The tank will be set up throughout the racing day near the racing office adjacent to Laurel's historic paddock. The cost is $5 for three tosses, with proceeds going to benefit the PDJF.
The PDJF is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial assistance to 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Since its founding in 2006, the fund has disbursed nearly $11 million dollars to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or brain injuries.
For more information on Saturday's festivities, visit www.laurelpark.com
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