The Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial Stakes at Laurel Park is set to be an exciting race for three-year-olds and upward, covering a distance of seven furlongs on dirt. This race is exclusively for registered Maryland-bred or Maryland-sired horses that have not been permitted Lasix within 48 hours of post time. Scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024, the race boasts a guaranteed purse of $75,000.
Key Details:
- Purse: $75,000 (Guaranteed)
- Distance: Seven Furlongs (Dirt)
- Eligibility: Registered Maryland-bred or Maryland-sired horses, three years old and upward, not permitted Lasix within 48 hours of post time
- Entry Fee: $375 to pass the entry box, $375 additional to start
- Distribution: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth, 3% to fifth, 1% to sixth
- Weights: Three-Year-Olds: 125 lbs; Older: 126 lbs
- Allowances: Non-winners of an open Sweepstakes in 2024 allowed 2 lbs; of a restricted Sweepstakes in 2024, 4 lbs; non-winners of $30,000 once in 2024, 6 lbs
- Trophy: Awarded to the owner of the winner
Field Overview:
- Freeze the Fire (MD) – Friesan Fire – Scenario Analysis
- Brilliant Ice (MD) – Great Notion – Little Ice Patch
- Celtic Contender (MD) – Irish War Cry – Celtic Katie
- Circle P (MD) – Speightster – Quiet Inferno
- Seven’s Eleven (MD) – Bandbox – Senorita Siete
- Play Like a Raven (MD) – Catalina Cruiser – Cowgirl Creed
- Witty (PA) – Great Notion – Zeezee Zoomzoom
Race Analysis:
Witty is the favorite with odds of 2/1, known for her consistent performance and strong finishes. Celtic Contender follows closely with odds of 5/2, having shown promise in recent races. Brilliant Ice and Play Like a Raven are also strong contenders, with odds of 7/2 and 9/2 respectively.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Freeze the Fire: Ismerio Villalobos, Jose J. Magana
- Brilliant Ice: Angel Cruz, Annette M. Eubanks
- Celtic Contender: Victor R. Carrasco, Hamilton A. Smith
- Circle P: Ricardo Chiappe, Flint W. Stites
- Seven’s Eleven: Mychel J. Sanchez, Nesvil Hernan Bailon
- Play Like a Raven: Sheldon Russell, Brittany T. Russell
- Witty: Jaime Rodriguez, Elizabeth M. Merryman
Conclusion:
The Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial Stakes promises to be a thrilling race with a mix of seasoned and promising horses. Witty is the top contender, but the competitive field means any of the top horses could emerge victorious.
