Crossing Point Sets Pimlico Mark for 5 Panels

In his final tune-up before next month's Maryland Million Sprint, Crossing Point established a five-furlong track record with a front-running victory at Pimlico Sunday in a $50,000 optional allowance/claimer which featured four stakes winners.

Crossing Point, a 6-year-old gelding trained by Ben Feliciano, shot out of the gate first with Mario Pino and cut fractions of :21 3/5 and 44 2/5. After fanning out a bit on the turn, Pino was able to regain control and Crossing Point pulled away to win by 4 ½ lengths.

Crossing Point completed the heat in 56.71 over a fast main track, bettering the 10-year old track record set by Goldminer's Dream. Outstander nipped Calends for second. The winner paid $4.40 as the 6-5 favorite in the five-horse field.

"He hit the turn going so fast that he had trouble staying in, but once he straightened up in the stretch he ran on easy and kept going," said Pino, who has taken over as the regular rider on the son of Allen's Prospect this summer.

Since being claimed into the Feliciano barn in June 2002, Crossing Point has won six of 12 and finished in the money nine times. Crossing Point set a record for 5 ½ furlongs at Laurel Park 10 months ago.

"I have a big time problem for the Maryland Million," said Feliciano, who saddled a pair of winners on Sunday's card. "Crossing Point and Ameri Brilliance will be in the same race and both like to go to the lead. I have been aiming this horse towards the Maryland Million all year."

(Chart, Equibase)