Maryland's live thoroughbred racing action shifts back to Laurel Race Course for a six-week stand beginning this afternoon.

Today's card will feature the $35,000 Bold Queen Stakes on the turf, and patrons will be greeted at the track by a "three-for-one" promotion that includes free programs, free admission and free coupon books.

On the simulcast schedule are Monmouth Park in the afternoon and Atlantic City at night.

Laurel's summer meeting will showcase one of the nation's top sprint races, the $300,000 Frank J. De Francis Dash on July 16. The race has been elevated from Grade III to Grade II status this year.

The meet features one more graded stakes, the Grade III $200,000 Baltimore Budweiser Breeders' Cup on July 2.