General George gets eight

Divine Park will look to bounce back from his first career defeat when he heads a competitive eight-horse field entered for Monday's Grade 2, $300,000 General George Handicap at Laurel Park.

Divine Park, a son of Chester House trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, won his first three starts, including the Grade 3 Withers at Aqueduct in April. A hind leg injury sidelined him for much of the remainder of the year. He returned to the races with a ninth-place finish in the Grade 1 Malibu, where he broke from post 14 and was wide throughout.

"If we ever see the 14 post again we won't run," said Art Magnuson, assistant to McLaughlin. "That was a shame."

Divine Park drew post 6 and will be ridden by Alan Garcia.

Six of the eight entrants in the General George are coming off a victory in their last start. That includes Throng, who won the Native Dancer Handicap at Laurel by four lengths for Todd Pletcher on Jan. 5. Throng worked a half-mile in 49.30 seconds Thursday morning over the Belmont Park training track.

Bustin Stones is undefeated in four starts, while Lord Snowdon is coming off a victory in the Paumonok Handicap. Premium Wine and Stormin Normandy are coming off allowance wins, and are both cross-entered in Saturday's Hollie Hughes Handicap at Aqueduct. Stormin Normandy is a candidate to run in both races.

Ryan's for Real, third in the General George last year, and Marvel Wood, are the local hopefuls.