Twisted Tom earned a 21/4-length win in the $125,000 Xpressbet.com Federico Tesio Saturday at Laurel Park. The 3-year-old raced in contention from the start, took command on the far turn and thwarted a strong challenge from O Dionysus in mid-stretch before pulling away.
The 36th running of the Tesio, for 3-year-olds at 11/8 miles was one of five stakes worth $475,000 in purses on the 11-race program. For the second straight year, the Tesio was a win-and-you're-in event for Triple Crown-nominated horses to the 142nd Preakness Stakes May 20 at historic Pimlico Race Course.