Maria Margarita will return to the races after a dull fourth place finish in her last start as she is entered in the third race of the day on Tuesday January 26. Maria Margarita has drawn the outside post in a field of six and has been made the 5/2 second choice on the morning line. Table for Two is a shipper from Golden Gate Fields for trainer Brenda Estes and has been installed as the morning line favorite.
“Maria is doing well,” said her trainer Ben Root. “I think getting her back into the non winners of two lifetime condition will really help her chances.”
Maria Margarita won in the non winners of two lifetime condition before, but was disqualified that day for interference in the stretch. Maria then went on to face non winners of three races lifetime in her next start, in which she finished a dull fourth after a slow start. The race on Tuesday is a non winners of two lifetime race, with a claiming price of $3,200 at one mile and seventy yards.
New for this race will be rider Juan Gutierrez, who will replace Troy Stillwell who has ridden Maria Margarita in each of her starts thus far this season.
“Juan and I have a long history together,” said Root. “He’s ridden a ton of winners for me and even rode for my dad when he was training. Troy did a great job for us and we’re thankful for his efforts.”
Maria Margarita races in the 3rd race on Tuesday, with post time at approximately 1:38pm.
Maria Margarita races as the People’s Horse on behalf of her honorary owners and fans. Fans can become honorary owners of Maria Margarita simply by signing up. To sign up, simply email info@portlandmeadows.com and tell us you want to become an honorary owner of The People’s Horse, Maria Margarita. Portland Meadows will match Maria Margarita’s season earnings at the end of the meeting, and donate that amount to the Oregon National Guard Emergency Relief Fund.