FALLSTON, Md. —

Big money is on the line this weekend as the horseracing industry celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Maryland Million at Laurel Park.

Racehorses are born on 113 acres at Country Life Farm in Harford County.

"The foals are growing an average, about a pound and a half a day, almost like a dandelion in your yard," said Mike Pons, whose family runs the farm. "When you're looking at them, it's so beautiful because you don't know who you're looking at. It could be the next champion right in front of you."

The thoroughbred breeding operation has been in the Pons family since 1933, and over the decades, the farm has produced hundreds of horses that run in the Maryland Million.

"Well, a total of about 24 (horses) scattered throughout the card," Pons said.

The Preakness S

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