Maryland weighs Franklin's bid

The Maryland Racing Commission has agreed to consider a jockey's license for Ronnie Franklin, provided he can meet stringent conditions set forth by the commission following a Tuesday meeting at Laurel Park.

Franklin, 47, is seeking to ride races in Louisiana, where he currently is working, but first has to be approved in Maryland, where his license has been revoked on numerous occasions, most recently in November 2005 as an exercise rider.

Franklin was approved Tuesday for a conditional exercise rider's license but must attend counseling sessions three times a week and submit to random drug tests twice a month during a probationary six-month period.

Franklin has not ridden since 1992 in a career dogged by substance abuse. His career hit a peak in 1979 when he rode Spectacular Bid to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.