Cryptoquip put up at Laurel

Cryptoquip didnt look like a winner down the backstretch of the $66,200 Maryland Racing Media Handicap at Laurel. She didnt look like the winner on the turn, nor in the stretch. In fact the only time she looked like the winner was a few minutes after the race, when the stewards disqualified All Smiles from the top spot and promoted Cryptoquip from second.

All Smiles, at 5-1, crossed the finish line of the 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares 3 1/2 lengths in front of Cryptoquip, the even-money favorite. All Smiles spurted away from the pack in midstretch under Luis Garcia, but only after easing out from the rail in front of Cryptoquip and Jeremy Rose, who had to steady. Cryptoquip, a Cryptoclearance mare owned by Elisabeth Alexander and trained by Graham Motion, paid $4.20 to win. All Smiles was put down to second and Hanalei Bay took third.

My horse was running hard and Luis looked like he had a lot of horse, said Rose. Unfortunately he just didnt wait long enough. If he waited another stride, he was gone, but I had to check right on top of his heels. If [Cryptoquip] would have quit maybe the decision would have been different, but she battled back and I had to claim foul.

I didnt do anything, said Garcia. He was on top of my horse. I dont understand the decision. I had so much horse to do whatever I wanted and did not bother him.

Coya set slow fractions of 25.38 and 50.32 under a hard hold with Cryptoquip in pursuit. Cryptoquip came under a ride on the turn, and after steadying managed to hang on for second along the inside. All Smiles had the race in her pocket from midstretch, but lost the win on the stewards ruling.