Jockey Abel Castellano was content to let his mount track Mississippi Storm to the far turn in the 1-1/8th mile test. The son of Malibu Moon responded to urging as the field circled the final turn, fought his way past the leader at the top of the stretch and quickly opened up on his nearest rivals to win by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:46.98.
The $50,000 Find Handicap is for Maryland-breds three years-old and older at today’s distance. Baltimore Bob paid $6.40 as second choice in the wagering. South American import Tifone (Chi) finished a good second and Crown Point rallied to take third.
Baltimore Bob has four wins on the grass, including three victories on the Laurel turf. The son of Malibu Moon has raced in stakes company most of the year, including a pair of graded races at Colonial Downs. Two starts back in the Humphrey S. Finney Stakes, the 3-year-old was bottled up behind the other runners from the start and only managed to emerge from behind horses in mid-stretch, but his rally came up short and he finished second, 1-1/2 lengths behind Seeyouinthecity.
“He should have won that race,” added Garcia. “But we’ll see the winner in a couple weeks.”
Post time favorite Dr. Rico, who was also prepping for the Find Handicap, chased but gave way to finish a disappointing fourth. The son of Disco Rico finished second two weeks ago in the Maryland Million Turf.