The first Maryland-bred 2-year-old winner in 1951 was Jouett Shouse's Cinda, a daughter of Sagamore Farm sire Occupy out of Arden Lass "raised on the good pastures" of G. Ray Bryson's Elray Farm in Kingsville, and trained by Joe Serio.

Cinda was one of 14 starters sent out Jan. 25 in the first race at Hialeah and won by 2 lengths going three-eighths of a mile over the straight chute. It was the second start of her career -- eight days earlier she finished third of 13 while "showing speed throughout." The early efforts didn't hurt her career -- she raced four seasons, won 17 races, including seven stakes from 3 to 5, in 35 starts, and was one of the best of her generation while earning $140,400.'

The 75th Preakness Stakes, center jewel of the Triple Crown, was set for Saturday, May 19, at Pimlico. The list of 64 eligibles was headed by George D. Widener's Battlefield, 2-year-old champion of 1950, and Greentree Stable's Big Stretch.