Alwaysmining’s Talent No Secret In Private Terms

LAUREL, MD – Runnymede Racing’s Alwaysmining took control early, then took off in the stretch for his fifth straight win in Saturday’s Private Terms Stakes at Laurel Park.

Breaking sharply from post 3 under Daniel Centeno as the heavy 1/2 favorite, Alwaysmining established command heading into the clubhouse turn with Joevia just off of his right hip. Centeno wisely kept Alwaysmining in the 3 path, rather than angling over to the rail, because it forced Joevia to also remain out wide. Down the backstretch, Alwaysmining held a comfortable lead and posted opening fractions of :24.38, :48.44, and 1:12.66. At the top of the far turn, jockey Nik Juarez asked Joevia for more, but it was to no avail. Alwaysmining hit the top of the stretch still in hand, then responded alertly when given a slight shake of the reins. Drawing off with aplomb, the Kelly Rubley trainee crossed the wire with a 6 3/4-length advantage in a final time of 1:42.65 for the 1 1/16-mile event over the fast main track.

“The plan was like always, to try to break sharp and go to the lead,” Centeno said. “I know (Joevia) was the other speed in the race, so I was looking to see what he’d do. When we went to the first turn, I looked and he took back a little bit, and my horse was going easy on the lead all the way.”

Though he chased the winner in vain throughout, Joevia was still much the best of the rest, taking second by 3 lengths over Tybalt. Fourth was close, with Dixie Drawl necking out Still Dreaming for that placing. Completing the order of finish came Red Gum and Makes Mo Cents.

Alwaysmining’s win was especially significant for his connections because it came in his two-turn debut. The 3-year-old gelded son of Stay Thirsty now sports a record of 11-6-0-1 with $311,192 earned.

“My biggest concern was it’s really a short jump to the first turn here when we go a mile and 1/16, and if we didn’t clear it, I wasn’t sure how our trip would play out,” Rubley said. “Obviously, he had no problem jumping out on top. I was extremely impressed with this race. Danny said he never even had to use the stick on him, which I think is phenomenal. He’s just doing it for fun.”

Alwaysmining returned $3 to win, $2.20 to place, and $2.20 to show. Joevia brought back $3.60 to place and $2.60 to show, while Tybalt paid $3.20 to show.