Laysh Laysh Laysh runs for third time in nine days, takes Native Dancer

In all of 2010, Laysh Laysh Laysh raced just four times. But he has already run three times in the new year and seems to be flourishing with all the activity.

Racing for the third time in nine days, the 6-year-old Laysh Laysh Laysh rallied from next-to-last to capture Monday’s $50,750 Native Dancer Stakes at Laurel Park.

Prior to shipping to Maryland, Laysh Laysh Laysh finished a close second in an optional claimer and came back last Thursday to win for a $60,000 tag, both at Aqueduct.

Ridden by Erick Rodriguez for trainer Rick Dutrow, Laysh Laysh Laysh ($6.20) came from fifth in a field of six older horses and made up a 2 1/2-length deficit in the final furlong to draw clear by 2 1/4 lengths while completing the one-turn mile in 1:37.45.

No Advantage, coming off a win in the Auld Lang Syne at Parx Racing on New Year’s Eve, got up for neck by a neck over pacesetter Global Force.

Laysh Laysh Laysh has now won 9 of 33 lifetime and $330,239.

“He has a long stride and I just needed to get him outside and make one run,” Rodriguez said. “They were running ahead of us but he was closing really well and I was confident."

Ben’s Cat, who rose from the maiden claiming ranks to become a multiple stakes winner during his breakout 4-year-old season in 2010, loomed a threat, then bumped Laysh Laysh Laysh during his drive and faded to fifth as the 2-1 betting favorite. It was his second straight loss after Ben’s Cat began his career with eight straight wins.

“He was pretty empty at the end,” said Julian Pimentel, who rode Ben’s Cat. “He was aggressive early and when I put him behind horses I thought we had a chance but when I asked, he just didn’t have it.”

Jockey injured, horse dies in spill

One jockey was taken to a hospital and a horse was euthanized during a beak down in Laurel’s ninth race.

Valay Cat appeared headed to victory when he broke down, sending jockey Richard Monterrey hard to the ground. Alberto Delgado and Franklin’s Philly tried to avoid Monterrey but tripped over him. Delgado came out of the saddle and fell to the racing surface, too.

Delgado was able to walk off under his own power. Monterrey was removed from the track via ambulance. Maryland Jockey Club medical director Harry Harris indicated Monterrey had sustained abdominal and left elbow injuries..

Franklin’s Philly ran off but Valay Cat had to be euthanized