Vitali Heads to Maryland for Spring, Summer

Marcus Vitali, the third-leading trainer at the Gulfstream Park Championship meet with 25 wins and the fifth-leading conditioner in money earned, will ship his stable to Laurel Park and spend the spring and summer in Maryland.

Vitali, who saddled Valid to victory in the Skip Away Stakes (gr. III), has spent the past three summers at Monmouth Park. Before that he was stabled at Suffolk Downs and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. He has spent the past six winters racing at Gulfstream.

Vitali expects to have about 36 horses at Laurel. Along with Valid, who finished second earlier this winter in the $500,000 Donn Handicap (gr. I), Vitali also trains Lochte, winner of the 2014 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (gr. IT).

"I think it's a good area to race," Vitali said of the Mid-Atlantic region. "They're pretty accommodating at Laurel and my clients and I want to support The Stronach Group. They're doing a lot for the game.

"I went up to (Laurel) a few weeks ago and saw a lot of improvements. They're doing a great job and their vision for the future in Maryland looks great. For people looking to go north for the summer, it's a great venue for anyone who wants to race."

The Stronach Group owns Laurel and Pimlico Race Course under the Maryland Jockey Club banner.

Vitali, honored by the New England Turf Writers Association on several occasions as the region's outstanding trainer, took out his trainer's license in 1982.