Scratch of Page McKenney makes Campbell Stakes wide open

The John B. Campbell is one of two $75,000 supporting stakes on the Barbara Fritchie Stakes undercard Saturday at Laurel Park.

The 1 1/8-mile Campbell drew a field of 11 but lost Page McKenney on Saturday morning when trainer Mary Eppler and owner Adam Staple decided to scratch and instead run in the Grade 3, $250,000 General George Stakes on Monday. Page McKenney, a winner of four of his last five starts, would have been a solid favorite in the Campbell.

The scratch turns the Campbell into a wide-open affair, with Kid Cruz likely to now be favored. Kid Cruz is trained by Linda Rice, who will run probable Fritchie favorite Hot City Girl later on the card. Kid Cruz is winless in nine starts dating to July 2014, but he did finish second, beaten a half-length by Page McKenney, in the Nov. 14 Swatara Stakes at Penn National. He will have to overcome the outside post position.

Golden Glint also merits attention. He was claimed for $32,000 out of a winning effort by trainer Kieron Magee three starts ago. He finished second to Page McKenney in the Native Dancer Stakes at Laurel on Jan. 2.

Trainer Gerald Brooks has three entrants in the Campbell for owner Vince Campanella. Brooks said Wednesday that he intended to run them all. The three runners were previously trained by top Parx horseman Keith Lebarron, who died in December. Of the trio, Kobel may have the best chance.

Mei Ling in nice spot

The Maryland Racing Media Stakes, for older fillies and mares at about 1 1/16 miles, has attracted a field of eight, topped by the Todd Pletcher-trained Mei Ling. Jose Ortiz will ride.

Mei Ling finished second in the Ladies Handicap and Grade 3 Go for Wand at Aqueduct in her last two starts and seems comfortably spotted here. Go for Wand winner Taris returned to win the La Canada at Santa Anita by 5 1/4 lengths in her most recent start.

Other contenders include Pangburn, who should enjoy stretching back out to two turns, and Gypsy Judy, who adds blinkers.