In a thrilling lineup at Laurel Park on March 7, 2025, the $75,000 Conniver Stakes features a robust field of Maryland-restricted fillies and mares. Among them, Spencerian stands out as the moderate 3-1 favorite, drawing attention for her recent performances and potential. This five-year-old mare, under the guidance of trainer Hugh McMahon, has shown remarkable progress since being claimed by owner Larry Rabold in 2023. Her journey includes a significant victory in the Politely Stakes and a commendable third-place finish in the What a Summer Stakes. The stakes are high as she faces formidable competition from other seasoned racers.
Spencerian's rise to prominence began when McMahon acquired her in September 2023 for a modest $16,000. Since then, she has proven to be a valuable asset, winning half of her ten starts. After a strategic break from October 2023 to August 2024, Spencerian returned stronger than ever, securing four wins out of seven races and finishing third in the remaining three. McMahon explained that the decision to claim Spencerian was based on her potential within the Maryland-bred category. "We saw an opportunity and took it," he remarked. "She had the right conditions, and it paid off."
The break proved beneficial for Spencerian, allowing her to recover and improve. McMahon noted that while they suspected a possible hip issue, no extensive diagnostics were conducted. Instead, rest rejuvenated her performance. "She came back better than we expected," he added. Spencerian's consistent form has made her a key contender in the upcoming Conniver Stakes.
Among her rivals is Call Another Play, a horse with a compelling story. Trained by Michael Trombetta and managed by assistant Tana Aubrey, Call Another Play nearly retired after her last race but made an unexpected comeback with a 15-1 upset win in the Geisha Stakes on January 18. Aubrey reflected on this turn of events: "We decided to give her one more chance, and she delivered beyond our expectations." Call Another Play's impressive resume includes victories in the Weber City Miss Stakes and notable finishes in prestigious races like the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan and the Grade 3 Delaware Oaks.
The Conniver Stakes also welcomes other accomplished competitors such as Gold Digging Broad, Malibu Moonshine, and Bourbon Bon Bay. With Intrepid Dream likely to scratch, the stage is set for an intense showdown. Post time for the card at Laurel Park is scheduled for 12:10 p.m., with the Conniver Stakes as the seventh race in a nine-race program. Fans and racing enthusiasts alike will be eagerly watching to see how these talented fillies and mares perform.
The upcoming Conniver Stakes promises an exciting day of racing at Laurel Park. Spencerian's resilience and recent successes position her as a strong contender, while the presence of other top-tier horses ensures a fiercely competitive event. Racing aficionados can look forward to witnessing exceptional performances from this distinguished group of fillies and mares.