Delaware Park: Laughing or Tannery choice for Goldberg in Dick Memorial

The weather forecast will guide trainer Alan Goldberg’s strategy for the Grade 3, $200,000 Robert G. Dick Memorial on Saturday at Delaware Park.

The Dick, the supporting event on a card topped by the Grade 2 Delaware Oaks, attracted 10 fillies and mares for the three-turn contest at 1 3/8 miles on the turf.

Goldberg has two standout Irish-bred entrants in Laughing and Tannery. Only one will run, depending on course conditions.

Laughing was the upset winner in her season debut, the Grade 3 Eatontown Handicap at Monmouth Park over 2-5 favorite Dayatthespa. She goes only on firm ground.

Otherwise, Tannery, winner of Belmont Park’s Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay at this same distance over a soft course, will get the call.

Angel Serpa was named to ride both.

Laughing, winner of 2012 Grade 3 Matchmaker at Monmouth, was late returning this season due to illness in the off-season. She returned with a bang-up effort and now takes aim at a second straight graded stakes.

The major concern for Laughing, aside from the firmness of the course, is the distance. A daughter of Dansili, her three North American victories have come at distances from a mile to 1 1/8 miles.

“She came out of the last race good,” Goldberg said. “I am not sure about the distance. She won at a mile and three-eighths over in Europe. She’s bred to go that far.”

Distance will not be an issue if Tannery gets the call. She might prefer even more ground.

“She wants it further,” Goldberg said. “Distance won’t bother her at all.”

Angel Terrace has never run beyond a 1 1/16 miles, but this setup might work well for her drop-back style. She rallied from 12th to capture the Grade 3 Valley View at Keeneland last October for Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard.

Trainer Al Stall ships in Kentucky-based Treasured Up, winner of an overnight stakes most recently at Churchill Downs. Treasured Up is looking for her first graded victory after winning two of her last three outings.

Christophe Clement will be represented by distance-loving Aigue Marine, a fast-closing third last November in the 1 1/2-mile Long Island Handicap at Aqueduct.

Graham Motion, six-time winner of this stakes, named for the former chairman of the Delaware Racing Commission, has strength in numbers with three uncoupled entrants: Game Fair, Qushchi, and Valiant Girl.

Explainable and Clare Skies Ahead complete the field.