Rebellious Warrior, bred by Blue Lotus Breeding and Racing, LLC, captured a tight win over Path Dependent Sunday at Laurel in a large 12 horse field. The 4 year old Rebellion colt went gate-to-wire in the 5 1/2 furlong maiden claiming sprint and paid $22.00 to win. Owner Rebecca Kern became the 8th owner to receive a 25% bonus since the incentive program went into effect July 1, and was in addition to the first place share of a $27,000 purse. Rebellious Warrior, who is out of the Smart Strike mare, Ecouter, did not race as a 2 or 3 year old, but has a first and third from three starts this year.

Rebellious Warrior scored a gate to wire win over 11 others July 10th at Laurel. Photo by Jim McCue.

True Strike kicked off the weekend with a gate-to-wire victory at Penn National in a $14,300 claiming event for fillies and mares. The 6 year old daughter of Aisle competed in a modest field of five and never carried more than a length advantage at any point during the six furlongs. Bred by Anne Tucker, True Strike finished one-half length better than Dulce Majestica and completed the sprint in 1:11.12. The Flint Stites trainee is out of Truly Extravagant by Is It True. Owner John Tucker will receive a 25% bonus for the Virginia-bred victory at Penn. The winner now has seven career wins and earnings of $112,988.

Porte Cochere, bred by Larry Johnson, captured a 5 1/2 furlong, $22,000 maiden claiming sprint on Sunday. Jockey Edgar Prado, who guided the effort in a crowded field of 12, rode the 3 year old daughter of Street Sense inside through the turn, came out to the five path in mid stretch and crossed 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Pearl’s Love. Porte Cochere, who was in for a $16,000 claiming tag, is out of the Partner’s Hero mare, Wonderous Woman. Dowell received a 25% bonus on top of the purse money for the win, though his triumphant horse was claimed by the Sheffield Stable for $16,000.

Runninginthevale won for the second time in his last three starts July 4th at Laurel. Photo by Jim McCue.

Owner/breeder Mary Slade’s Runningthevale captured a 1 1/16th miles, $28,000 starter optional claiming race holiday Monday. The 4 year old son of Fear The Cape won in gate to wire fashion by 3 3/4 lengths over Super Fund in 1:48.34. Out of the Makin mare, Polly’s Persuasion, the Gary Capuano trainee paid $12.20.