Turf juveniles prep for Million Day

Two races for Maryland-bred 2-year-olds who may be headed to the Maryland Million Day program on Oct. 13 will test their ability sprinting on Laurel Park's turf course Saturday in the $45,000 Gin Talking for 2-year-old fillies and the $45,000 Oliver's Twist for 2-year-olds. Both stakes are at six furlongs.

The standout in the Gin Talking (race 4) is My Little Josie, who won her career debut on grass and followed up with a solid second in the Tippett Stakes at Colonial Downs.

The pedigree play may be My Dance Partner, 2 for 2 running for claiming tags on dirt. His sire, Partner's Hero, produces 15 percent winners first time on grass.

Casanova Jack appears formidable in the Oliver's Twist (race 6). Casanova Jack won his maiden sprinting on grass by five lengths, and his dam, Sadler's Sarah, was a superior grass runner, winning the Pearl Necklace at Pimlico and finishing third in the Grade 3 Lake George at Saratoga.

Tide Dancer is the 3-2 favorite on the track's morning line, but doesn't appear ideally suited for grass. His sire, Out of Place, has had just 5 percent winners (11 of 224) with his offspring making their first start on turf.