Pimlico confident turf stakes will stay on grass

BALTIMORE – Despite the prospect of more than five inches of rain here this week, Maryland Jockey Club officials are confident that the 13 turf races scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Pimlico will stay on grass.

Leo Hernandez, the Pimlico turf-course superintendent, said he walked the course on Wednesday after two to 2 1/2 inches of rain fell overnight and was pleased with its condition.

“It’s still firm,” Hernandez said. “I keep the grass up high. We’re looking good so far.”

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An inch of rain was in the forecast for Thursday and more than an inch for Friday, with showers also likely Saturday.

Friday’s turf races include the $100,000 Hilltop Stakes and the $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint. Saturday’s turf stakes include the Grade 2, $250,000 Dixie; the Grade 3, $150,000 Gallorette; and the $100,000 The Very One.

The rail was out 20 feet for Sunday’s races and was scheduled to be out 20 feet for the five grass races carded for Thursday. Hernandez said that depending on how the course holds up Thursday, he could move the rails in 10 feet for Friday’s card, which has seven turf races scheduled. The rails will be down for Saturday’s 14-race program, which has six grass races scheduled.

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