Laurel: Dutrow saddles strong duo in Gin Talking

Trainer Anthony Dutrow looks to be holding a pair of aces when he sends out the uncoupled entry of Thicker Than Water and Disco Barbie in the $125,000 Gin Talking at Laurel Park on Saturday.

Thicker Than Water and Disco Barbie are two of only three 2-year-old fillies to post a Beyer Speed Figure above 70 in the field for the seven-furlong race that attracted 10 entrants.

Thicker Than Water won her maiden Oct. 19 at Belmont Park in her second start, a 5 1/2-furlong race over a sloppy track. After prompting the early pace, the daughter of Speightstown won by 4 1/4 lengths, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 71. In her maiden debut Sept. 16, Thicker Than Water ran evenly in a six-furlong event at Belmont Park.

Eric Rodriguez will ride her for the first time.

Disco Barbie, a daughter of Pure Prize, won a six-furlong maiden race by a length Sept. 24 at Delaware Park, earning a Beyer of 74. In her most recent out Oct. 27, Disco Barbie finished third in the $50,000 Xtra Heat, also at Delaware Park.

Sheldon Russell will ride Disco Barbie.

Ek Haseena comes into the Gin Talking off a second in the $100,000 Smart Halo at Laurel on Nov. 3, a race she lost by a nose after being bumped in late stretch. Trained by Francis Campitelli, Ek Haseena won a maiden-claiming race Sept. 22. Kevin Navarro retains the mount.

Flattering Bea is the only two-time winner in the Gin Talking, having won a maiden event Aug. 6 at Delaware and the $75,000 Ms. Shenandoah at Charles Town on Sept. 22. Trained by Crystal Pickett, Flattering Bea will be ridden again by Alberto Delgado.

The others in the field are Dappled Image, She’s All Scat, Lea’s Exchange, Joy, Circleofinfluence, and Jubileebra.