LAUREL, MD. 08-14-08---Baltimore Bob is the 9-5 favorite to win the Humphrey S. Finney Stakes on Saturday. He will face a half-dozen 3-year-old Maryland-breds in the 1-1/8th mile test on the Laurel Park turf. The nine-race card features five races on the grass.

Baltimore Bob has three wins on the grass, including a pair of victories on the Laurel turf last fall, and has been ridden exclusively by Horacio Karamanos. The son of Malibu Moon has raced in stakes company all year, including a pair of graded races at Colonial Downs.

“He’s doing fine,” said trainer Carlos Garcia. “He got a little tired after his last race, the Virginia Derby (July 19). I haven’t done much with him since. He had a hard time in his previous race, the Colonial Turf Cup (June 21). That was two hard efforts back to back, but I think he’ll run a good race on Saturday.”

Second choice on the morning line is Knight in Armour at 2-1. The son of Lion Hearted showed a turn of speed when he finished second in both the Stanton Stakes and the Nick Shuk Memorial at Delaware Park. Joe Rocco Jr. has been his regular rider and retains the mount for trainer Vincent Moscarelli.

Graham Motion will start lightly raced Benny Havens (4-1) in the Finney. The Not For Love gelding will make his first start on the turf and carry Luis Garcia for the first time as well. Benny Havens broke his maiden at 1-1/16th miles in his last try at Delaware Park.

Seeyouinthecity (5-1) is a two time winner on the grass. He broke his maiden on the infield at Laurel Park last year and won a sprint at Colonial last month in his one and only start this year. Malcolm Franklin retains the mount for trainer Dale Capuano.

Blue’s Baby Boy (10-1), Honourable Heart (20-1) and Freedom’s Road (20-1) complete the field.


THURSDAY’S NINTH RACE CANCELLED

The final race of Thursday’s twilight card was cancelled due to approaching darkness. There were two short delays during the late afternoon: thunderstorm prior to the sixth race and a false fire alarm before the eighth.