• John Piassek
• June 23, 2024

In which we pick the races from Laurel Park each day…

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 —$0
Jackpot Super High 5 — $756
Late Pick 5 —$0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

8-11-3-4

Another hot day means more accelerated post times for today’s card. Plan accordingly. #8 No Cents Non Cents (4-1) was well-beaten in his first two tries on dirt, but improved sharply when switched to grass last out, holding on to second after battling on the pace most of the way. He’s a half-brother to Admiral Abe, who was a stakes winner on grass. #11 Box of Rockets (9-2) was rushed up early last out and wasn’t settled, but made good late ground once he got his head in the game. He could get a nice trip from just off the pace. #3 Jolly Boss (7-2) makes his first start since November and makes his first start on grass. He should like the surface, being a full brother to Bosserati, who won last year’s Stormy Blues Stakes and ran a big race in yesterday’s Goldwood Stakes at Monmouth Park.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $12,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

2-6-4-3

#2 Entrust (5-2) was seriously pace-compromised last out and never stood much of a threat, but held clear of the others and finished a very solid second. His late pace figures are slowly improving, and should sit a nice trip close to the pace, hopefully not letting anyone sneak away too much. #6 Law of the Jungle (7-2) has run back-to-back brisnet figures of 78, getting up to beat non-winners of two foes two races back, followed by a chasing runner-up effort against these types last out. #4 Pudge Boy Palace (5-1) was pressed on the pace and held in until late in his seasonal debut last out. He’s the biggest threat to sneak away on the lead.

RACE 3: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-RESTRICTED, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

5-3-1-8

#5 Crossland (2-1) ran into the likes of Crabs N Beer and Riccio in his first two grass starts this year, but still but in good accounts on himself both times, improving to an 80 last out when a chasing second. #3 Sneaking Suspicion (9-2) exits the same race as Crossland, and rallied to finish third behind that rival and Riccio after falling far behind very slow fractions. He rallied to run in the 80s in his two prior starts, and looks poised for a big race third off the bench. #1 Thataway (7-2) led almost the whole way and held second in his grass debut last out, and should once again show speed from the rail.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

6-5-3-2

I’ll try a longshot in this uninspiring group, one who has lots of early speed. #6 Italian War Cry (15-1) has been well-beaten by better maidens in her two starts this year, but has run big races when showing speed int he past. As long as she breaks well, she should be able to get to the rail and the lead despite the outside draw, and if none of the firsters fire, she’s a serious threat to go all the way. #5 Minime (3-1) adds lasix and blinkers for the first time. She ran a respectable 62 on debut two starts ago despite a terrible break, and has room to improve in her first two-turn dirt start. #3 Magically Vanished (8-5), a $310,000 purchase by the self-appointed commissioner as a 2-year-old last spring, now debuts for $20,000 for Brittany Russell after joining her barn in March. It’s clear El Commish didn’t get what he expected with her, but all she has to do is show some ability, and she’s a contender.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

1-4-8-6

#1 The King Cheek (7-2) ran into the very speedy Gunslinger last out, and was subsequently unable to assume his usual front-end spot. Still, he made a solid move to engage that leader, and hung in gamely until late, running a strong 86. He looks like the main speed of this group, and should get his ideal trip. #4 The Last Scip (2-1) converted the trip to win going away first off a six-month layoff last out with a career-best 90. If The King Cheek can’t last on the lead, this one will get first crack. #8 Cannon’s Roar (6-1) should also show speed from the outside and should at least hang around for a share, even if he doesn’t have quite the winning punch he used to.

RACE 6: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 5 FURLONGS

3-4-1-5

#3 Faster Gator (5-2) makes his career debut for the Charles Town dream team of Anthony Farrior and Arnaldo Bocachica. He’s by Vekoma, whose foals, to say the least, have hit the ground running. He’s already had six winners from ten starters. This one has had some very strong recent workouts, and should run a big race at first asking. #4 Up in Flames (4-1) closed well for second on debut for John Sazlman Jr after showing only mild early speed from the jump. He looks primed for a big race at second asking. #1 Curahee (6-1) is a firster for Brittany Russell, and has a solid, if unspectacular, worktab at Fair Hill. He’s out of Blameitonthemusic, who’s half-sister, She Can’t Sing, is a four-time stakes winner, including the 2022 Chilukki Stakes.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-RESTRICTED, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

2-7-4-3

#2 Chelichna (5-2) ran a huge second first off the layoff int he Black-Eyed Susan day undercard, then just missed to Thegirlfromireland when dropped to this level last out. She’ll need a pace to close into, but there’s plenty of speed horses who can set the table for her. #7 Naval Empire (7-2) showed some promise towards the end of last year, but ran only mildly behind Chelichna first off the layoff in that May 17 contest. She had a high ceiling, and Mike Trombetta hits at a respectable 19% with horses second off the bench. #4 Esperannna (3-1) goes first off the claim by Kieron Magee, and is the biggest speed threat in the field, having gone all or almost all the way in her two starts on this grass course.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

3-4-1-7

#3 Firstlady Rosalynn (5-2) turned in a very professional debut last out at Delaware Park, coming from just off the pace to win going away with a strong 83. She has tons of upside, and is the only one in here who hasn’t lost against winners. #4 Goodnightngodbless (4-1) hit the wire first in a dead heat last out at this level, but was disqualified after the fact due to a whip violation. Third-place finisher Overly Dramatic returned to win at this level two races back. #1 Go Sherry Go (3-1) has just missed in her last two starts at this level with quickly ascending figures, and now cuts back from a mile. She might want more distance than this, but should still prove a late threat.