De Francis Dash attracts 37

Three of the nation's more accomplished sprinters and the two top Maryland-based speedsters are among the 37 horses pre-entered for the Grade 1, $300,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash at Laurel Park next Saturday.

Among the names of pre-entries released Friday for the six-furlong De Francis was Fabulous Strike. He has been first or second in five starts - all Grade 1 or 2 sprints - during his 2009 campaign at age 6.

Also pre-entered was Kodiak Kowboy, who has defeated Fabulous Strike twice this year in Grade 1 races, the Carter Handicap and Vosburgh.

Vineyard Haven was disqualified from first to second in this year's King's Bishop at Saratoga. Last year at 2, he won two Grade 1 stakes, the Hopeful and Champagne.

Of the local talent pre-entered, Laurel Park-based Ravalo and Ah Day have each won 10 stakes.