Laurel: Friel's for Real romps
Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club Friel's for Real wins the $50,000 Maryland Racing Media Handicap at Laurel Park.
Given the choice of running his standout mare Friel's for Real in the feature race in New York or Maryland, Philadelphia Park-based trainer Ned Allard opted for Laurel Park, where on paper she looked tons the best.
Friel's for Real ($3.60) justified Allard's decision by scoring an easy 5 1/2-length victory in the $50,000 Maryland Racing Media Handicap. She covered 1 1/8 miles on a fast track in 1:52.81 for her 10th victory in 18 lifetime starts.
The only time Friel's for Real, ridden by Abel Castellano Jr., has lost in her last six starts dating back to March 2004 came when she endured an extremely wide trip in the Sunshine Millions Distaff last month at Santa Anita and finished fifth, eight lengths behind the winner.