Edgar Prado?s return to Laurel Park was a victorious one. The jockey put on an impressive performance by winning the Grade I $250,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash on favorite Benny the Bull on Saturday.
Prado, 40, had been one the most accomplished jockeys at Laurel, as he won 10 meet riding titles at track between 1989 and 1999 before becoming one of the leading riders in the country.
On Saturday, Prado guided Benny the Bull to a stirring showing. After Talent Search stormed to an eight-length lead, Prado?s 4-year-old colt rallied on the turn by sprinting along the outsidelane to win by a length.
Benny the Bull was fourth in the Breeders Cup Sprint last month behind winner Midnight Lute, but was unstoppable on Saturday, completing the six-furlong race in 1 minute, 9.86 seconds. Talent Search finished second, two lengths in front of filly Miraculous Miss, who closed from last place in the field of eight to take third.
Benny the Bull took home $150,000 for owner IEAH Stables, a racing syndicate based in New York, and part-owner James Pegasus Holding. It was Benny the Bull?s fifth win in 13 lifetime starts, as the dark brown colt has earned $468,550.
“He broke good in the gate and sat behind the speed, and he just took off,” Prado said. “I had fun with him.”
But Prado wasn?t finished. He also rode Stonerside Stable?s Cowboy Cal to victory in the $125,000 Laurel Futurity, a race that featured 2-year-old colts.
Cowboy Cal finished the 1-1/16th-mile race in 1:42.80 and won by 6-1/4 lengths. Casanova Jack took second, with Titan of Industry finishing third.
SELIMA STAKES
Bsharpsonata, owned by Cloverleaf Farm II Inc., claimed $125,000 for winning the 1-1/16th-mile race in 1:43.66. Grace of Power took second and Fareena placed third in the event for 2-year-old fillies.
MARYLAND MILLION STARTER
HANDICAP
Sanford Robbins? Fire Hero claimed $50,000 for winning the one-mile race by 4 3/4 lengths in 1:39.63. Pacesetter Oorah took second with Irish Colony placing third.
The Associated Press and Maryland Jockey Club contributed to this story.
