Ben's Cat opts for a mile on turf

Owner-trainer King Leatherbury informed the Maryland Jockey Club Friday

morning that Ben's Cat will run in the $125,000 Maryland Million Turf Saturday

afternoon at Laurel. Leatherbury cross-entered his star into both the Turf and

the $100,000 Maryland Million Sprint.

The seven-year-old is looking to become the first four-time winner of

Maryland Million races after winning the Turf Sprint the last three years. That

race was eliminated by Maryland Million officials earlier this year. The son of

Parker's Storm Cat, who became Leatherbury's first millionaire last year, has

won 23 of 35 starts for earnings of $1,695,640.

"The Sprint has some really fast horses in it," Leatherbury said. "With the

weight I was given (124 pounds, four to 11 more than the rest of the field), I

think there were three that could beat me. I am the best horse in the Turf. The

only question mark is the one-mile distance. Handicapping these races was fun.

Before doing so I thought I would be running in the Sprint but after looking at

the numbers, I changed my mind."

Ben's Cat will be the 6-5 morning line favorite in the Turf, which also

features Roadhog and Change of Command, the one-two finishers from last year.

Julian Pimentel will be aboard Ben's Cat for the 24th time. The duo has teamed

up for 15 victories.

With the defection of Ben's Cat, Maryland Jockey Club stakes coordinator

Coley Blind expects Ribo Bobo to run in the Sprint. The Jason Servis trainee was

cross-entered in the $50,000 Maryland Million Starter Handicap where he was a

2-5 favorite. The son of 1996 Preakness winner Louis Quatorze has won all eight

races this year. The Sprint also features defending champion Action Andy and

Fersmiley, who has won four straight.

Hall of Famer Safely Kept (Distaff, 1989-91), Countus In (Ladies, 1989-91),

Mz. Zill Bear (Ladies, 1993-95) and Docent (Sweepstakes-2001 & Classic-2002-03)

are the only other runners to win three times on Maryland Million day.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com