Brigand ships East to win $104,000 City of Laurel S.

Bob Baffert shipped Brigand east from his California base to take the $104,000 City of Laurel S. Saturday at the Maryland track. The City of Laurel marked the first time in his career that Baffert had sent a runner to Laurel Park.

Brigand made it worth his while with a front-running, one length victory, covering the seven-furlong distance in 1 minute, 23.08 seconds. A New York-bred son of Flatter, Brigand previously placed in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship (G3), the Jerome (G2) and the Mike Lee S. With the victory, he  boosting his career earnings to $288,820 and his overall record to 4-5-0 in 12 starts.

“Bob chose this spot,” said owner Kaleem Shah, who lives in nearby Vienna, Va. “He told me this was a good spot. He thought he would win and that was good enough for me.”

Brigand was purchased for $925,000 at OBS by the Hall of Fame conditioner, as agent, from the Eisaman consignment.