Photo by Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club

It was a big score on a big day at Laurel Park. There were five stakes races on today’s Preakness Preview, and the listed Henry S. Clark Stakes going a mile on the turf gave CRUISE THE NILE his first black-type win.

It was his fourth straight victory from five career starts, and Jorge Ruiz has been aboard every time. They have forged quite a partnership, and it was great fun to be there today to see them step up to stakes company and get the win. There was a large, enthusiastic crowd on hand, and the pair galloped back to appreciative applause.

Graham began his training career at Laurel Park over 30 years ago, and Maryland racing is important to the entire Herringswell team. He and Anita are always among many old friends at Laurel, so each win there is special – as it was for them today.  It never gets old.

And it never gets old congratulating breeder/owner Hope Jones on another great performance by her 4-year-old son of Cairo Prince – Party Boat (by Into Mischief)!