Friel's for Real Outfights Silmaril in Gala Lil

(from Laurel Park report)
Friel's for Real became a repeat winner of the $82,750 Gala Lil Stakes after slugging it out with a very game Silmaril to win by a head at Laurel Park Saturday.

The 6-year-old Friel's for Real and jockey Horacio Karamanos covered the one turn, one-mile distance in 1:37.47 after collaring Silmaril past the sixteenth pole and winning in an extended drive for trainer Ned Allard. Sticky, half of the favored 3-5 Richard Small trained-entry, finishing third.

The Florida-bred Sword Dance mare has won five of eight at Laurel Park and never finished off the board. This was her fourth added money score in Maryland. She also won 2004 running of the Gala Lil, 2005 Maryland Racing Media Handicap over this surface and the 2004 Pimlico Distaff (gr. III).

Friel's for Real paid $7.20, $4.60 and $2.40 and topped a $32 exacta with Silmaril ($6.40, $2.40) and a $41.60 trifecta with Sticky ($2.10). She has won 13 of 32 career starts for $674,544.

(Chart, Equibase)