Alwaysmining, Las Setas take next step toward big time

The Maryland-bred 3-year-olds Alwaysmining and Las Setas have turned in strong performances all winter at Laurel Park. On Saturday, they will try to earn their way into upcoming major races when they start on the Spring Stakes Spectacular program, which includes seven stakes worth a combined $750,000.

Alwaysmining has won five in a row, including four stakes, and will be a short-priced favorite in the $125,000 Federico Tesio as he stretches out to 1 1/8 miles. Las Setas will make her two-turn debut when favored in the $125,000 Weber City Miss at 1 1/16 miles.

The Tesio is a Win and You’re In for the May 18 Preakness, which trainer Kelly Rubley and owners Gregory and Caroline Bentley are targeting for Alwaysmining. The Weber City Miss winner will receive a fees-paid berth in the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan, which will be run May 17 at Pimlico.

The other Saturday stakes at Laurel are each worth $100,000. They are the Frank Whiteley Jr. and Primonetta at six furlongs; the Henry S. Clark and Dahlia, at a mile on grass; and the inaugural King Leatherbury, a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint. The seven stakes will be run consecutively, beginning with race 5.

The Whiteley, Primonetta, Dahlia, and Leatherbury mark the beginning of the Mid-Atlantic Championships. Future legs will be run at Penn National (June 1), Delaware Park (July 13), Parx Racing (Sept. 2), and Monmouth Park (Sept. 28).

Alwaysmining, who will be ridden by Daniel Centeno for the six straight time, comes into the Tesio off a strong front-running victory in the 1 1/16-mile Private Terms Stakes, which netted him a 96 Beyer Speed Figure in his first try around two turns. His connections briefly considered running him back in the Wood Memorial or Blue Grass Stakes, which offered Kentucky Derby qualifying points, but ultimately decided to take a more conservative path and point to the Preakness.

Rubley said a number of people have questioned why they didn’t shoot for the Derby.

“With him being a gelding, we didn’t feel the need to beat him up,” Rubley said. “The Triple Crown is a tough road for a 3-year-old. We want the horse to run all year long. We’d also like to race next year, and hopefully for years to come.

“Our racing manager Joe Cassidy and I think this is a good plan, and the Bentleys have been wonderful.”

As for the 1 1/8-mile distance of the Tesio, Rubley said, “I don’t foresee it being a problem.”

Majid, who is coming off a first-level optional-claiming win for trainer Rudy Rodriguez, and Bozzini, who finished second by a nose at that same level a week ago for trainer Jeremiah Englehart, may have the best chance at springing an upset.

Tybalt, who has finished third to Alwaysmining in three of his last four starts, is cross-entered Saturday in the Woodhaven Stakes on turf at Aqueduct.

Las Setas puts streak on line

Las Setas, who has scored three front-running wins in a row since blinkers were added for her second start, will face six rivals in the Weber City Miss.

Unbeaten since racing greenly and finishing sixth in her debut, Las Setas comes into this race off a five-length win in the March 16 Beyond the Wire Stakes at Laurel and a 5 1/2-length score in the Feb. 16 Wide Country.

Las Setas was bred by trainer Katy Voss and Robert Manfuso, who own her along with Wayne Harrison. If she turns in a good performance Saturday, Voss said Las Setas would start next in the Black-Eyed Susan.

“If she runs decently, there’s no reason why I wouldn’t start her in the Black-Eyed Susan,” Voss said. “I think she’s got the ability to run at that level.”

Voss and Manfuso gave Las Setas a week off at their Chanceland Farm following the Beyond the Wire and have since geared her up for the Weber City Miss.

“We took her to Chanceland and let her roll in the round pen a little,” Voss said. “She’d lost a little more weight than I’d like but she’s put it back on now.”

Las Setas, who will be ridden by Jevian Toledo, worked a bullet five furlongs on Tuesday at Laurel. She has sharp speed and figures to be on or near the pace. Voss said she will leave the strategy to Toledo.

“We hope not to get into a speed duel with anyone,” Voss said. “She’s been in front in her races but she’ll need to get some dirt in her face one of these days.”

Pat’s No Fool, who is coming off a 16-1 upset over New York-breds in the one-mile Maddie May at Aqueduct for trainer Gary Capuano, may be the chief threat to Las Setas.

Our Super Freak has been beaten by Las Setas in her last two starts and is back to try her again for trainer Jamie Ness.

Late-running Money Fromheaven will be making her first start since winning the Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship in early December. Trainer Hamilton Smith will add blinkers to her equipment Saturday.