Kid Cruz ends dry spell in John B. Campbell

LAUREL, Md. - Kid Cruz broke a nine-race losing streak dating back to his Dwyer Stakes victory in July 2014 by taking the $75,000 John B. Campbell Stakes at Laurel Park on Saturday.

Kid Cruz raced closer to the pace than he typically does. He moved up outside the leaders nearing the stretch, took the lead under strong urging from Jose Ortiz nearing the sixteenth pole, and scored by a half-length over Souper Lucky.

“This horse is very lazy,” Ortiz said. “I knew that I had to ride him all the way. I had to start moving at the three-eighths pole instead of waiting. I know the horse well, and that really helped.”

Kid Cruz has now won five stakes, all for trainer Linda Rice, who claimed him for $50,000 in November 2013. At 3, he won the Private Terms at Laurel, the Federico Tesio at Pimlico, and the Easy Goer and Grade 3 Dwyer at Belmont Park. Now 5, Kid Cruz is 17-6-5-2 in his career with earnings of $662,025.

Souper Lucky stalked early pacesetter Kobel, moved up to challenge on the far turn of the 1 1/8-mile race, took the lead in upper stretch, but could not keep pace late. Kobel finished third, 2 1/2 lengths farther back.

Kid Cruz paid $4.20 as the favorite in the eight-horse field. He covered the course in 1:52.98.

Maryland Racing Media: Pangburn wins first stakes

It took Pangburn 10 tries but she finally broke through with her first stakes win on Saturday, outfinishing Joint Account to take the $75,000 Maryland Racing Media.

Pangburn, a 4-year-old daughter of Congrats, raced along the inside in the second flight to the far turn, went outside Joint Return for the drive, took a short lead, and then held the advantage to the wire in the 1 1/16-mile stakes.

Pangburn paid $7.20 as the second betting choice. She was timed in 1:47.90. Jevian Toledo was aboard for trainer Tony Dutrow.

Joint Return showed improved speed to track pacesetters Gypsy Judy and Mei Ling. She challenged three wide on the far turn, took the lead in upper stretch, but was outfinished.

Mei Ling stalked the early pace as the 2-5 favorite but lacked the needed punch when asked and finished third, four lengths behind Joint Return.

Gypsy Judy tired to finish fifth.