Hello Poochi Pooh dominates at Laurel

Hello Poochi Pooh handled a rise in class and a stretch-out from seven furlongs to 1 1/8 miles with ease at Laurel Park on Saturday, leading every step in the $50,000 Maryland Racing Media Handicap.

Erick Rodriguez put Hello Poochi Pooh in front out of the gate and they led by 3 1/2 lengths after a quarter-mile, three at the half, five at the stretch call, and a geared-down 2 3/4 at the wire.

Peachy Kiss clunked up from fourth in the field of five for second, and Clara's Song, who ran closest to Hello Poochi Pooh around the turn and into the stretch, held on for third, another 7 3/4 lengths behind.

Owned and trained by John Alecci, Hello Poochi Pooh was timed in 1:51.76 and paid $3.20. It was her fourth win in 21 career starts, and the $30,000 winner's share boosted her earnings to $108,188.