LAUREL PARK PICKS AND PONDERINGS: october 22, 2023

  • userFrank Vespe
  • dateOctober 22, 2023

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 — $1,209
Late Pick 5 — $19,438

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1

9-1-8-2

1#9. City Leader (4/1)Delacour 1st-timer is out of multiple graded stakes-winning mare who started career with two wins in three starts; barn can win first out
2#1. Starlifter (6/1)Willing effort in last when prevailing in a duel for the lead but unable to contain top pair
3#8. Money in Motion (3/1)Winner got away before this one could engage his late kick, but he ran on willingly once in gear to close gap

RACE 2

1-7-6-5

1#1. Fashionatta (5/2)Dueled 3-5 favorite into submission in last but couldn’t hold off trip-sitting rivals; could be speed of the speed
2#7. Sistren (5/1)Has been needing easier company, perhaps finds it here
3#6. Thunder Boss (4/1)Lost duel to top choice in last

RACE 3

10-1-4-12

1#10. Sir Lance (5/1)Good try in last when facing winners for the first time; Sillaman barn 8-for-51 off similar layoffs
2#1. Win No Joke (7/2)Two next-out winners from last when a willing second behind 7-5 chalk; inside posts can be tricky at this trip (2-for-57)
3#4. Casino Tricks (12/1)Inched away once switching to right lead in the lane in race that’s produced two next-out winners; Ashby barn over 20% with last-out maiden winners

RACE 4

4-1-6-7

1#4. Backatya (2/1)Inclined to draw a line through last in first bullring try in 36-race career but wouldn’t want to see the odds go down much from here; Farrior barn 25% first off the claim
2#1. Crownedcountcristo (9/2)Bounced back nicely from messy Timonium affair to be third versus similar, switches to go-to rider Whitacre
3#6. Inside Stunt (5/1)Earlier dirt tries were just fine

RACE 5

2-10-4-9

1#2. This Country (9/5)Constitution filly makes bow for Toner barn (2-for-12 with 2yo debut special weight runners); half-sib is stakes-placed on the lawn
2#10. Mayfly (8/1)Should appreciate easier group here; declining Beyer fig pattern a concern but bounceback still available
3#4. Normal (8/1)Motion duo includes this Nyquist filly and Gun Runner filly #9 Something Wicked (2-1), a $1.1 million yearling purchase

RACE 6

2-6-5-9

1#2. Lady On the Go (3/1)Russell barn clicks at better than 25% with 2yo firsters in maiden claiming company
2#6. Wait for Tomorrow (5/2)Drops to better spot off a couple of credibe efforts
3#5. Sippin’ Time (10/1)Good news: beat all but one in dirt bow. Bad: lost to that one by 18 lengths

RACE 7

11-8-6-7

1#11. You Must Chill (4/1)Beaten favorite in last was foiled by a troubled trip when left with no options in the lane; drawn better outside and has faced and beaten better this year
2#8. Gunslinger (3/1)Three straight runner-up efforts but speedy sort cuts back slightly to ideal one-mile trip, where he owns five wins in 12 outings
3#6. Cannon’s Roar (7/2)Beat similar two back and ran credibly a week ago when beaten three lengths in the Maryland Million Turf; penchant for coming in underneath argues against taking short odds

RACE 8

2-3-8-7

1#2. Saloon (2/1)Have a beer – don’t cost nothin’… Formful sort shifts into Magee barn (21% moving horses up first off the claim)
2#3. Big Rowdy Dan (8/1)Was a mile behind in last but ran on willingly while never a threat; like to see him a little more engaged in early going to rate a better shot
3#8. Cajun Dream (3/1)Has kept right company, now taking appropriate drop; three-back effort behind Dats Mr. Mo and Frightland very strong

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