The second and third finishers in last year's race and several solid New York invaders head a nine-horse field for Monday's Grade II, $250,000 General George Handicap at Laurel Park.

Purple Passion, the runner-up to Royal Haven in 1998, will return to his favored Laurel surface, and Wire Me Collect, third last February, returns on a two-race winning streak.

From New York comes Star of Valor, a Team Valor entry with a Grade III victory to his credit, and Esteemed Friend, a game second to Say Florida Sandy, in the Grade III Graves Handicap.

Le Grand Pos, a half-length victim of Wire Me Collect on Jan. 30, and King Roller, an 8-year-old with a lifetime bankroll of nearly $700,000, are also in what appears a well-balanced lineup.

Only six pounds separate the weights of the entire field, with Purple Passion and Wire Me Collect sharing the top impost of 117 pounds.

Pub Date: 2/13/99