It was an ultra impressive first win for BAY OF BENGAL at Laurel Park today. The 3-year-old gelded son of Speightstown was making the third start of his career after outings at Gulfstream Park in January and February. He ran in a maiden claiming today going 1 1/16th miles on the turf as Laurel resumes racing after the summer dates at Colonial Downs in Virginia.

Away sharply with Jaime Rodriguez aboard, he romped ears-up down the stretch for the first time and then led at every call. Nogradi and Jeiron Barbosa nagged at his flank all the way down the backstretch and into the final turn. At the top of the stretch, Bay of Bengal shook that foe off easily and pulled away to cross the wire 7 1/2 lengths the best.

Out of the Pivotal (GB) mare Bengala (FR), he was bred in Kentucky by Robert S. Evans who owns him in partnership with Niall Brennan. Cheers to both gentlemen on today’s impressive win.