October 20, 2025
There was a lot of racing action in the Mid-Atlantic this past week.
Here’s a look at each song’s “three stars”:
THE BEST IN THE REGION
FIRST STAR: ZANAHIYR. Some of America’s top tower chasers met Saturday in Far Hills for the 2 5/8-mile American Grand National. Irish invader Zanahiyr got the best of the locals on his debut in the United States and won by a head. He rode at the back of the peloton of eight horses in the early stages, then made his move and rode alongside fellow countryman Ballysax Hank in the stretch. The two engaged in a thrilling battle, with Zanahiyr ultimately gaining the upper hand. It was 6 1/2 lengths back to another Irish-bred Howyabud, who finished third. Zanahiyr ran the distance in 5:20 and improved to 3-for-6 on the year and 10-for-38 in lifetime. Jack Kennedy was considered for owner Bective Stud and trainer Gordon Elliott.
SECOND STAR: PETINGAS TWIN. Sunday’s co-feature at Laurel Park was a competitive third-level sprint at six furlongs on dirt tracks. Petingas Twin rode just off the pace in the early stages, while No Cents and SS Sinatra battled for the lead. As the field rounded the final turn, Yedsit Hazlewood moved his mount into the three-path and rolled past the embattled leaders. From there he opened up and hit the front wire by three lengths, covering the distance over a fast track in 1:09.89. This was his fifth career win in 19 career starts, and his first since a three-race winning streak that ended last July. He is owned by James Wolf and trained by Anthony Farrior.
THIRD STAR: COUTACH. In addition to the US Grand National, Far Hills hosted the $150,000 Foxbrook Champion Hurdle Stakes on Saturday. Another European shipper, the British-bred Coutach, lived up to its 17-10 expectations. He slowed the pace and made his move as they neared the final gate. He handled it well, took control and never looked back from there. He covered 2 1/2 miles in 5:14.40 for this third career win in five starts. Elliott also trained these, with Danny Gilligan for owner Paul Byrne.
LAUREL PARK
FIRST STAR: PETINGAS TWIN. Departed in impressive style and looks to have a lot of potential.
SECOND STAR: EFF THIRTY-FIVE. Came out of the clouds to win a third level grass route earlier on Sunday thanks to a well-timed Sheldon Russell ride.
THIRD STAR: NIALL SAVILLE. Won his 100th career race on Saturday, sending out Spring Decision to win the fourth race with Matilda Burnham aboard.
CARELSTAD
FIRST STAR: KOSHER COWBOY. Saturday to a 3 1/2 length victory in an open benefit dash.
SECOND STAR: HAMMER. I rallied within to triumph in a second-level sprint on Thursday.
THIRD STAR: IN MY MEMORIES. Lived up to the 1-10 hype on Saturday, winning a first-level sprint by 10 1/2 lengths.
DELAWARE PARK
FIRST STAR: JAIME RODRIGUEZ. Delaware’s leading rider achieved a grand slam on Wednesday, a fitting end to another excellent season.
SECOND STAR: YODEL EA WIE. Pulled away to win an optional starter claim route by 5 1/4 lengths on Thursday for his sixth win of the year in 10 starts.
THIRD STAR: CALIFORNIA TIGER. Had a stalking trip and held on to win a first level grass route earlier on the Thursday card.
DISTANT HILLS
FIRST STAR: ZANAHIYR. His US Grand National victory cemented his place in the American Spire pantheon.
SECOND STAR: COUTACH. Dominated the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle Stakes in a hand ride.
THIRD STAR: FLEETFOOT. Crushed the field in the John Forbes Memorial Stakes to close the card.
PARX RACING
FIRST STAR: GRAHMALAMADINGDONG. Won a mid-race battle and war in a Pennsylvania-bred sprint on Tuesday.
SECOND STAR: FAST RIDE. Came out of the clouds to win an open sprint at the first level later on the Tuesday card with 24-1.
THIRD STAR: GLOWS IN THE DARK. The homebred Tea Party Stable lost a clear leader in the route and scored on a Pennsylvania-bred route on Monday; she is now 2-for-3 for life.
Listen to the latest ON TO THE RACING RADIO!
#MidAtlantic #Stars #October #Racing #Biz