Laobanonaprayer on another level in Park Avenue

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Laobanonaprayer looks to end the Aqueduct spring meet the same way she did the 2020 Aqueduct fall meet – with a victory in a division of the New York Stallion Series.

Last Dec. 6, Laobanonaprayer galloped to an eight-length victory as the 3-5 favorite in the Fifth Avenue division of the NYSS. Sunday, she could very well be that short a price in the $200,000 Park Avenue division going 6 1/2 furlongs.

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Laobanonaprayer, who does have to contend with the rail in the Park Avenue, is the only stakes winner in the six-horse field. The only other horse to have even competed in a stakes is Jill’s a Hot Mess, who was the runner-up to Laobanonaprayer last December.

“The one hole is not ideal, we just need a clean trip,” said Danny Velazquez, trainer and owner of Laobanonaprayer. “We feel ready. If she runs true to form, she should be the best horse in the race.”

Laobanonaprayer, a two-time stakes winner, finished second in the Franklin Square Stakes here in January and was fourth in the Busher behind winner Search Results, who is headed to the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. Kendrick Carmouche was aboard in both races and rides her again Sunday.

Velazquez said Laobanonaprayer may have had an excuse for her Busher performance.

“We pulled blood after the Busher and the bloodwork wasn’t 100 percent,” he said. “She had something brewing, so I almost want to say she was a little sick. Even Kendrick said she didn’t have that fire.”

If her last work was any indication, the fire has returned. Laobanonaprayer drilled four furlongs in 46.60 seconds on April 10 at Parx Racing.

“She’s doing the best that I’ve ever seen her do,” Velazquez said.

Shaker Shack and Shesadirtydancer finished second and third behind Betsy Blue in a starter allowance here March 25. Betsy Blue came back to win her third consecutive race in an off-the-turf event here Thursday.

Shaker Shack gets blinkers and Jose Ortiz. Shesadirtydancer removes the blinkers and gets Irad Ortiz Jr.

Completing the field are Laura’s Bellamy, a debut winner here Feb. 27, Jill’s a Hot Mess, and Bustin Bay.