The Lead:
The 41st Jim McKay Maryland Million Day puts the Free State’s breeding program in the spotlight Saturday at Laurel Park over 12 races. Total purses of $1 million include 8 stakes and 4 starter allowance events. The main event, the $150,000 Classic, goes as Race 11 over the testing 1-1/8 miles distance (a full lap of the expansive Laurel main track).
The undercard boasts two-time DeFrancis Dash runner-up Celtic Contender in the Sprint, the 7-year-old millionaire Witty in the Turf Sprint, 3-time local stakes winner Takethemoneyhoney in the Distaff, James F. Lewis Stakes winner Walt’s Notion in the Nursery and Grade 2 United Nations third-place finisher Thundering in the Turf.
Field Depth:
BARBADIAN RUNNER stands out on class with sprinter WICKEDDIVINE keep the second-best company lines in the field.
Pace:
There’s a lot of speed for 1-1/8 miles, particularly with a series of stretch-out sprinters. A horse who can display some patience should have the field come back to him.
Our Eyes:
Here are my horse-by-horse notes.
1-MARKET MAVEN: Rail speed capitalizes on an advantageous draw with a short run into the first turn. He’ll get pressure from several sprinters but is more suited for the trip than most for Jamie Ness. Reasonable shot to land on the ticket.
2-BARBADIAN RUNNER: Standout choice and defending champion beat 1-9 shot Post Time last year and wouldn’t be surprised if he’s close to that price in his title defense. No Post Time-level players here and should be a coronation late after finishing in smashing 35.95 final 3 furlongs a year ago. Clear pick.
3-GOODBYE NOTE: Fifth and seventh in the last 2 editions of the Maryland Million Turf, they’ll take a different path this year after a series of dirt sprints. Form regressed in last 2 starts since claim and hard to recommend this far – but jockey Paco Lopez gives hope the way he’s been in the 2026 Mid-Atlantic regional zone. Not impossible for a piece.
4-OMAR COMIN: Veteran has lost 9 straight while based at Charles Town and has not been the same horse since leaving the Ronney Brown barn. Major distance questions like several of these. Not for me.
5-IN THE DANCE: Consistent router around 2 turns all over the Mid-Atlantic for high-percentage Tim Kreiser and now Jamie Ness barns. The 5-year-old did win a local 1-1/8 miles dirt test in October 2024 in the starter allowance ranks. Pedigree and past performances to handle the trip as well as any behind the favorite.
6-DAVYJONZ: Last year’s Maryland Million Turf fifth-place finisher is winless in 8 local dirt starts and has struggled beyond a mile on either surface. He’s won 1 of his last 9 for a Robin Graham barn that’s just 2-45 on the year. Pass.
7-SACRED THUNDER: Strong local 2-year-old of 2024 has won just 2 of his last 16 and hasn’t progressed as hoped. Rarely runs poorly but rather just consistently average from sprints to routes. He’ll run another even-steven effort and it could be enough to bottom a tri or super.
8-WICKEDDIVINE: Sprinter has a tough post to navigate the first turn as it will come up on him almost immediately out of the gate. The third-place finisher in the DeFrancis Dash has some class about him, but it’s a major leap from 6 to 9 furlongs. Seventh in last year’s Maryland Million Sprint and might have fit better in that one. Toss while respecting sprint form.
Also-eligibles:
9-DERBYNESS: First or second in his last 5 efforts at Laurel around 2 turns, he would be a clear second choice in able to draw into the field off the also-eligible list. Potent Brittany Russell barn humming along at 35% this meet and entered in a Sunday allowance as Plan B if they can’t get in.
10-ROLL ON JESSE: Late runner has lost 11 straight and turns in a similar effort no matter the distance. Needs help getting into the mix and doesn’t inspire if able to do so.
11-BILL OF RIGHTS: Good 2-turn form would make him an exotics consideration if able to draw in the lineup. Seven straight finishes in the superfecta but it’s been 10 straight losses while settling for minor awards.
Most Likely Exotics Contender:
BARBADIAN RUNNER looks to have this field at his mercy and is proven over the trip.
Best Longshot Contender:
IN THE DANCE should handle the trip and at 15-1 morning line gives some hope to finding a price under the chalk.
Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$100 Exacta BARBADIAN RUNNER over IN THE DANCE.
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