Broadway Producer handles dirt just fine

Broadway Producer, previously winless in five starts on fast dirt, took a liking to the main track at Laurel Park when he drew away from 3-2 favorite P V Lightening to win the $50,000 Jennings Handicap.

Based in New York with trainer John Terranova, the 5-year-old Broadway Producer ($5.20) had shipped to Maryland two months ago to win the Maryland Million Turf.

Facing five other Maryland-breds in the 1 1/16-mile Jennings, Broadway Producer sat in third for most of the race as favored P V Lightening, who broke sluggishly and rushed through traffic around the first turn to take the lead, was in front through six furlongs in 1:12.80. Jockey Dale Beckner asked Broadway Producer to challenge P V Lightening entering the stretch, and he responded by moving clear by three lengths, crossing the wire in 1:43.73.

Beckner, riding Broadway Producer for the first time, said Terranova provided him with a fit horse.

"John told me he had the horse ready and put him where you want," Beckner said. "He was confident so I rode him with confidence. I just chirped in his ear and he went by the front runner. When they are good like that it is easy to ride."

Although P V Lightening finished second, he extended trainer Gary Capuano's hot streak. Since turning 45 on Nov. 14, Capuano has been in the money with 16 of 17 horses he has started locally, including 11 winners.

Easy Red finished third, seven lengths behind P V Lightening.