2010 Preakness Undercard Results

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

The $100,000 Maryland Sprint Handicap (G3) is for older sprinters going 6 furlongs on the main track. Jockey Eibar Coa sent 13-1 Taqarub to the front to set the pace, getting fractions of 23.03 and 45.57 while being stalked by Despite the Odds. On the turn, Despite the Odds tired allowing Taqarub to open up a 1 1/2 length lead in mid-stretch through 5/8 in 57.33. 5-1 Roaring Lion came through on the rail but Taqarub easily held him off by a length to win in 1:10.02. It was a head back to Ravalo third, while favorite Snapshot disappointed in fifth.

Andrew St. Lawrence, assistant to winning trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said, "He broke sharp and got right up there. Speed seems to be holding pretty well today. I think it suits this horse. He's a pretty talented animal. As a 2-year-old turning 3, he was very good on the dirt at Aqueduct, so we weren't entirely surprised by this run today."

Jockey Eibar Coa added, "Actually I was kind of surprised that somebody wasn't after him. There were a lot of horses with speed in here on paper. I got out there and waited for someone to come by me, but they never did. I wanted to be close, but I just kind of inherited the lead."
Full Results Chart

Previous

• Strike a Deal wins the 2010 Dixie Stakes
• Strike a Deal heads for the winner's circle
• Comedero wins the 2010 Chick Lang Stakes
• Beau Choix wins the James W. Murphy Stakes
• Blame wins the 2010 William Donald Schaefer Stakes (G2)
• Blame in the winner's circle
• Rainbow View wins the 2010 Gallorette Handicap (G3)
• Taqarub wins the Maryland Sprint Handicap (G3)

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