Crafty Bear sneaks through

Crafty Bear ($11.40), racing for the first time since he was moved to the barn of Mike Trombetta, registered his first stakes victory in the $50,900 Miracle Wood for 3-year-olds at Laurel Park.

Formerly trained by Hall of Famer Bud Delp, who died on Dec. 29, Crafty Bear was last of four for the first half-mile, advanced through an opening along the rail under Mario Pino to overtake pacesetter Saratoga Lulaby with a furlong remaining, and pulled away to a 3 3/4-length victory. He covered a mile on a fast track in 1:38.55.

"We've only had him for a few weeks but we worked him a couple of times and he worked good," said Trombetta, who saddled two other winners on the card. "He didn't let us down."

Saratoga Lulaby, who led by as many as three lengths early, had to settle for second, spoiling trainer John Rigattieri's bid for his fourth winner on the nine-race program.

Roaring Lion, the 8-5 favorite, finished last, beaten 29 1/4 lengths.