Laurel: Former jockey Fogelsonger among those auditioning for TV host opening

Former jockey Ryan Fogelsonger is among four guest handicappers who will audition next week for the in-house television host for Laurel Park and Pimlico.

In addition to Fogelsonger, Dylan Smith, Jackie Savoye, and Gabby Gaudet will each appear on-air one day March 20-23 as possible replacements for Frank Carulli. Carulli, who has been Maryland’s handicapper and racing analyst since January 2002, is moving to Las Vegas at the end of Pimlico’s spring meet on June 8.

Fogelsonger, 31, won 1,303 races as a jockey and captured eight riding titles at the Maryland tracks. The 2002 Eclipse Award winner as top apprentice has not ridden since he sustained a concussion during a spill in early November.

Smith, 24, has worked for trainer Dickie Small since graduating from Kennedy High School in the Washington D.C. suburbs in 2006.

Savoye, 25, currently an assistant trainer for Dale Capuano, did on-air work at Gulfstream Park and Monmouth Park two years ago.

Gaudet, the daughter of longtime trainers Eddie and Linda Gaudet, is finishing up her final semester at Towson University, where she is studying mass communication and graphic design.

“It will be an interesting contest,” said Tom Chuckas, president of the Maryland Jockey Club. “Ryan was a good interview when he was riding but can he transition that to the set? Jackie and Gabby seem to be naturals in front of the camera, while Dylan is an astute handicapper. With their backgrounds, all four can provide unique perspectives while trying to pick winners. We want to see who steps up and takes the position.”

Equibase chart caller Keith Feustle, who has served as co-host of the “Today at the Races” pre-race show on the Maryland simulcast signal with track announcer Dave Rodman since the fall 2011, will take over Carulli’s morning line duties beginning with the Laurel fall meet in September. Feustle has been the morning line maker at Colonial Downs since 2003.