Termsofengagement pulls off upset in Woodlawn

The drama sapped from the Woodlawn Stakes by the scratches of program favorites Hatta Fort and Prussian was salvaged to a degree when Termsofengagement, last of six for most of the way, surged to a mild upset in the $50,000 race at Pimlico.

When heavy rain forced the Woodlawn off the turf, and the distance lengthened slightly from a mile to 1 1/16 miles on a muddy main track, Malibu Kid became the 9-5 favorite in a field reduced to six by three scratches. M J's Enchanteur led from the start, and seemed to have the race put away when disposing of his chasers and opening up a four-length lead at the eight pole,. But then Termsofengagement, ridden by Rosie Napravnik, made his winning rally down the center of the track, winning by two lengths while finishing in 1:45.64.

Termsofengagement, a Florida-bred gelding by Private Terms, is owned by the Chance Romance Racing and is trained by Nancy Alberts. He returned $11.20 as fourth choice.

"We wanted it moved off the turf," said Alberts, best known for sending out Magic Weisner to a second-place finish at 45-1 behind War Emblem in the 2002 Preakness.

"This horse likes to relax early and run for the money at the end when it counts," said Napravnik.

M J's Enchanteur, the 9-5 second choice, finished another 2 1/2 lengths before Malibu Kid, who got a great stalking trip and had no mishap.