Ben's Cat nears 10-year-old debut

Ben’s Cat worked a bullet five furlongs in 1:01.20 at Laurel Park on Friday as he nears his 10-year-old debut. Hall of Fame trainer King Leatherbury, who owns and trains him, is pointing Ben’s Cat to the $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint at Laurel on Black-Eyed Susan Day, May 20, but would first like to find a prep race for him.

His Friday work was the fastest of seven at the distance. Ben’s Cat also worked a bullet five furlongs in the slop April 7. Ben’s Cat has had six works since March 22.

Ben’s Cat is a winner of 30 of 53 starts and just under $2.5 million.

◗ Jockey Alex Cintron won with five of his eight mounts at Laurel Park on Friday. His breakout day came a week after he won the $75,000 Dahlia Stakes at Laurel on Seeking Treasure.

Cintron, a 28-year-old native of Puerto Rico, rode at Oaklawn Park from mid-January to mid-March before returning to Maryland. He is 12 for 59 at the Laurel meet through Sunday.

On Friday, Cintron won races 3 through 5 and races 8 and 9. His winners were Classic Wildcat ($13.40), Swellelegent ($17), Bobcat ($5), Holy Soldier ($5.80), and Burndines ($21.40).