Oldies But Goodies always in control in Ben's Cat Stakes

Oldies But Goodies got into a sweet rhythm on the lead and recorded a 1 1/2-length score over odds-on favorite Dirty in the $75,000 Ben’s Cat Stakes on Sunday at Laurel Park.

Jockey Alex Cintron tapped his mount for early speed and over a turf course where it was difficult to make up ground Sunday, Oldies But Goodies never wavered, dialing up the pressure with a quick burst off the turn and coasting to the wire well clear of Dirty. Love You Much finished a half-length behind Dirty for third; Grandiflora and Street Copper were scratched.

“I got a really soft pace in the beginning and it gave me a lot of confidence with him because the last couple races he was pretty hard-paced,” Cintron said. “Today . . . he finished up really good.”

Off a half-mile in 45.02 seconds, Oldies But Goodies ($8.40) ran 5 1/2 furlongs over firm, quick ground in 1:01.84. The 4-year-old gelding, by Maclean’s Music out of the Two Punch mare, Keeper Kell, was bred and is owned by R. Larry Johnson and is trained by Mike Trombetta.

The versatile and consistent Oldies But Goodies has won four of 13 starts with two grass wins now to go with a pair of victories on dirt.