Laurel: Undercover wires

Undercover and jockey Mario Pino got away with some soft early fractions and led gate to wire in the $75,000, 1 1/8-mile Maryland Racing Media Handicap at Laurel Park.

Undercover ($4), a 5-year-old mare trained by Tony Dutrow, figured to be the lone speed in a field of five older fillies and mares. She was able to get an easy lead through fractions of 50.48 seconds for a half-mile and 1:15:25 for the first six furlongs. Friel's for Real, who briefly challenged Undercover early, attempted to re-rally approaching the turn, but Undercover had plenty in reserve and drew away by 1 1/2 lengths. She finished nine furlongs in 1:52.91.

"The race set up beautifully for her," said Pino, who noted the pace scenario was entirely different than when Undercover sat far off swift fractions in last month's Nellie Morse and rallied late to finish third. "The last time there was a lot of speed in the race. They went in 46 for the half as opposed to 50 seconds today. That's a lot different."

Undercover has been in the money 12 times in 15 career starts with earnings of $271,410.