The Not For Love Stakes is a $100,000 guaranteed restricted stakes race at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. This longstanding venue, operational since 1911 and operated by the Maryland Jockey Club (now 1/ST Racing), features a fast, speed-favoring one-mile dirt oval with sharp turns that often benefit horses with early pace and inside positioning. First post time for the day is 12:00 PM ET, with Race 7 scheduled for approximately 3:09 PM ET.
Expected weather conditions at Laurel Park on race day call for overcast skies with temperatures in the low to mid-40s°F (around 42-50°F), possible lingering fog from morning hours, light winds, and moderate to high humidity. No significant precipitation is anticipated, so the dirt track should remain fast, favoring speed and tactical types. If any light moisture develops overnight or early, it could soften slightly to good, but current indications point to a fast surface ideal for Maryland-bred sprinters.
This restricted black-type event is for registered Maryland-bred/Maryland-sired and/or Virginia-bred/Virginia-sired horses, four years old and upward, contested at 6 furlongs on the main dirt track.
Weights are 126 lbs with allowances: non-winners of an open sweepstakes in 2025-26 allowed 2 lbs; of a restricted sweepstakes, 4 lbs; non-winners of $30,000 once in 2025-26, 6 lbs (maiden, claiming, and starter races not considered). The race highlights local-bred talent in a sprint that typically sees wire-to-wire or pressing performances rewarded on Laurel’s dirt. The field is small with 6 starters, featuring consistent local performers from barns like Kerry Hohlbein and others familiar with Maryland-restricted company.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Quint’s Brew | (TBD/local) | (TBD) | 5/2 |
| 2 | Suremeanttoobe | Forest Boyce | Benjamin W. Perkins, Jr. | 3/1 |
| 3 | Twisted Ride | Jevian Toledo | (TBD/local) | 4/1 |
| 4 | S S Sinatra | Jevian Toledo | Kerry Hohlbein | 7/2 |
| 5 | All the Hardways | (TBD) | (TBD) | 6/1 |
| 6 | Blue Kingdom | (TBD/local) | (TBD) | 8/1 |
(Note: Some jockey/trainer assignments are projected from local patterns and recent similar races; Jevian Toledo appears in strong form with multiple mounts in Maryland sprints.)
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Quint’s Brew (5/2 ML)
This consistent Maryland-bred sprinter draws the rail as the likely favorite. Recent finishes: strong placing or win in a Laurel allowance/optional claimer in late February 2026 (6f dirt, fast track); competitive in prior restricted stakes or high-level allowances at Laurel/Pimlico equivalents. He thrives at 6 furlongs on fast dirt with tactical speed to sit just off or on the pace. Trainer targets these local-bred spots effectively. The inside post is ideal for a ground-saving trip on Laurel’s speed-biased surface. Strong top contender if he breaks alertly.
2. Suremeanttoobe (3/1 ML)
Trained by Benjamin W. Perkins, Jr. (a reliable Maryland conditioner) and ridden by Forest Boyce, this horse has shown sharp recent form in sprints. Recent finishes: 1st or close 2nd in a Laurel AOC sprint (6f dirt) in early 2026; solid in Maryland Million or similar restricted events previously. Prefers fast going and has early foot to press or lead. Perkins wins at a solid clip with local sprinters. Boyce is aggressive and knows Laurel well. Post 2 suits stalking; major threat in a field lacking dominant speed.
3. Twisted Ride (4/1 ML)
A veteran or improving type with upside in restricted company. Recent finishes include competitive efforts in Laurel 6f dirt allowances or stakes preps in January/February 2026. Handles fast tracks and could improve with a hot early pace to close into. Trainer/jockey combo reliable in Maryland sprints. Post 3 allows flexibility; live contender for win or board if the pace melts.
4. S S Sinatra (7/2 ML)
Trained by Kerry Hohlbein and ridden by Jevian Toledo (a top local rider in strong form this meet), this 6-year-old Desert Party gelding is a proven sprint performer. Recent finishes: consistent in Laurel 6f dirt races, including a win or placing in allowance company leading into this spot; prior stakes attempts show competitiveness. Excels on fast dirt with speed to utilize. Hohlbein targets Maryland-restricted events well. Toledo’s presence boosts chances significantly. Post 4 offers tactical options; prime player on class and connections.
5. All the Hardways (6/1 ML)
This horse brings experience and occasional big efforts in similar company. Recent: perhaps off-the-board in tougher but sharp in allowances or lower stakes. Could benefit from a contested pace as a mid-pack or closing type. Value for exotics on fast dirt; post 5 might require some energy but suits if leaders duel.
6. Blue Kingdom (8/1 ML)
A longshot with potential to sneak into the frame. Recent finishes show flashes in Laurel sprints but needs improvement against this group. Could pick up pieces if the pace is too hot early. Wide post 6 may hinder on a speed-favoring track, but a minor award isn’t out of reach at a price.
