Louis Ulman, Walter Vieser II, and Michael Scheffres’ homebred colt Walt’s Notion, a son of Great Notion, has been named the even-money favorite by Horse Racing Nation for the $100,000 James F. Lewis III Stakes this Saturday. The race, set for 2-year-olds at six furlongs at Laurel Park, is one of four $100,000 stakes featured in a star-studded 10-race card, which also includes the Smart Halo Stakes for juvenile fillies at six furlongs, the Twixt Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile, and the Polynesian Stakes for older horses at one mile.
Laurel Park gates open at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, with the first race scheduled for noon. Bettors can take advantage of two “Value Pick 5” wagers that carry a favorable 12 percent takeout. Additionally, the track will host the popular Oyster Fest from noon to 4 p.m., featuring top seafood brands such as True Chesapeake and Choptank Oyster Company, with free admission and an option to reserve a spot.
Walt’s Notion, who debuted with a decisive 2 ¾-length win at Delaware Park on August 14, followed that with a close second-place finish to Strong Suspicion in the restricted First State Dash Stakes on September 11. Trainer Phil Capuano praised his effort but noted the colt was narrowly beaten by a superior rival who had the ideal trip and post position. This weekend, Walt’s Notion will wear cheater blinkers for the first time with Mychel Sanchez aboard, aiming to sharpen his focus after showing signs of distraction in earlier runs.
Another promising contender is Colts Neck Stables’ Grind It Out, purchased for $325,000 in June. Trained by Jorge Duarte Jr., the colt impressed in his debut at Colonial Downs, winning by 4 ¾ lengths in a well-supported race. Alongside him, Harewood, campaigned by David Ross’ DARRS Inc. and trained by Brittany Russell, returns after showing stakes form on turf, having previously won on dirt. The field is rounded out by stakes-placed Remembertheword and maiden winners Dats Improbable, Prince of Peace, and It’s Prime Time. Trainer Graham Motion indicated Indian Pharoah is a possible late entry, being cross-entered in a Delaware stakes.
In the Smart Halo Stakes for juvenile fillies, Charles Biggs’ Harper’s Corner is the marquee name but may skip the race due to a possible start in the Grade 3 Matron Stakes on Belmont turf. If she competes, she would be the favorite after victories including the Schuylerville Stakes and a close second in the Grade 1 Spinaway. Bran Jam Stable and David Clark’s Welovemollynteddy has also stood out, blitzing a maiden win by over 15 lengths at Parx in August despite a challenging temperament that her trainer Lou Linder Jr. is working to manage. Other contenders include promising fillies Piggybunz, Bellablaze, and Talking Foolish, with a few scratches expected.
Six-year-old mare Foxy Junior, owned by Dianne Stern, returns to Laurel for the Twixt Stakes aiming to defend her title. The mare has a strong record at Laurel, with multiple stakes wins including the Maryland Million Distaff. Trainer Bernie Houghton regards this start as a prep for another major race and describes Foxy Junior as sharp and competitive despite her age. The Twixt field also features top-level performers such as Dazzling Move, Waveless, and Especially, with a couple of late withdrawals announced.
For the Polynesian Stakes, Madison Avenue Racing and Morris Kernan Jr.’s Stronsino is heading into the race after missing more than a year of competition. Returning to form with solid runs including a recent third in the Greenwood Cup, Stronsino drops back in distance, which trainer Jamie Ness sees as advantageous to the gelding’s running style. Other notable runners include Winterfell, recently reunited with trainer Sheldon Russell, Mr. Ripple, who boasts impressive last wins, and Zero Blitz, a six-time Laurel winner now looking to bounce back. A few entries may scratch as connections assess their plans.
This report first appeared on Paulick Report on October 1, 2026.
Fan Take: This weekend’s lineup at Laurel Park highlights some of the sport’s most promising young talent and seasoned performers, making it a must-watch for racing enthusiasts eager to witness future stars in action. The blend of stakes events showcases the depth and excitement of thoroughbred racing, reaffirming its enduring appeal and potential for thrilling competition.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
