The Robert T. Manfuso Stakes at Laurel Park is set to be an exciting race for three-year-olds and upward, covering a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on dirt. Scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024, this race features a guaranteed purse of $100,000.

Key Details:
- Purse: $100,000 (Guaranteed)
- Distance: One and One-Sixteenth Miles (Dirt)
- Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds and Upward, not permitted Lasix within 48 hours of post time
- Entry Fee: $500 to pass the entry box, $500 additional to start; supplemental nominations of $1,000 accepted by the usual time of entry
- 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 $60,000 twice at a mile or over in 2024 allowed 2 lbs; one such race in 2024, 4 lbs; of $40,000 once at a mile or over in 2024, 6 lbs
- Trophy: Awarded to the owner of the winner
Field Overview:
- Film Star (KY) – Flatter – Rebelle
- Cataleya Strike (KY) – Catalina Cruiser – Eiffel Tower
- Lieutenant Brown (WV) – Mikimoto’s Mojo – Ladeputaut
- Speedyness (MD) – Great Notion – Hartigan
- Copper Tax (KY) – Copper Bullet – Wilhelmina
- Wild Vine (PA) – Red Vine – Praslin
- Hittheroadjak (MD) – Kobe’s Back – Our Jaks

Race Analysis:
Copper Tax is the morning line favorite with odds of 7/5, known for his impressive speed and consistent performance. Speedyness follows closely with odds of 5/2, having shown strong form in recent races. Film Star and Cataleya Strike are also strong contenders, with odds of 3/1 and 10/1 respectively.
Copper Tax has a higher Brisnet Speed figure and a strong pedigree, making him the top contender. However, Speedyness and Film Star cannot be discounted given their solid performances and competitive edges.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Film Star: Jose Lezcano, Linda Rice
- Cataleya Strike: Jevian C. Alvelo, Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon
- Lieutenant Brown: Jaime Rodriguez, C. Alberto Mancilla
- Speedyness: Jorge Rodriguez, Jamie Ness
- Copper Tax: Jeiron Torrealba, Gary Capuano
- Wild Vine: Ricardo Chiappe, Flint W. Stites
- Hittheroadjak: Tais Lyapustina, Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon
Conclusion:
The Robert T. Manfuso Stakes promises to be a thrilling race with a mix of seasoned and promising three-year-olds and older horses. Copper Tax is the favorite, but the unpredictable nature of horse racing means any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.