Epic Luck puts streak to test in $150,000 Laurel Futurity

There is serendipity in Lynn and Mark Ashby’s undefeated stakes winner being named Epic Luck. The 2-year-old gelding came along at a time when the trainer and co-breeder saw an entire division of her operation suddenly cease while her husband and co-owner has been battling cancer.

Epic Luck has proven to be a respite for the couple, bringing a two-race win streak into Saturday’s $150,000 Laurel Futurity at Laurel Park. Though his stakes win came on the same surface and at the same distance in the Aug. 31 Kitten’s Joy at Colonial Downs, the Futurity will be his biggest test yet.

“I was really emotional when he won. My husband has been real ill so he stayed home and watched it. It was our first one to breed,” Lynn Ashby said. “We’re kind of pinching ourselves. It’s really nice to have this going on with the negativity of Mark being sick. It’s something to look forward to with this horse. It’s very exciting.”

The 94th running of the Futurity for 2-year-olds, and the 91st renewal of the Selima for 2-year-old fillies, both at 1 1/16 miles, co-headline a 10-race Fall Festival of Racing program featuring five stakes worth $600,000 in purses over Laurel’s world-class turf course.

Also on tap are the $100,000 Japan Turf Cup for 3-year-olds and up going 1 ½ miles, $100,000 All Along at 1 1/8 miles for fillies and mares 3 and older, and $100,000 Laurel Dash for 3-year-olds and up sprinting 5 ½ furlongs.

First race post time is 12:40 p.m.