• John Piassek
• June 28, 2024

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $685
Jackpot Super High 5 — $1,325
Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $30,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-8-1-5

#2 Lady Ensign (2-1) might have needed her last start, her first off a 6 1/2-mmonth layoff. She still ran a big race, rating off the pace and leading briefly, only to lug in and fade late to lose a place photo. She displayed a strong middle punch in several races towards the end of last year, and should use it to full effect today. #8 Divina Dulce (5-2) drops from first-level company, against which she showed speed and faded last out. She should last longer on the lead against these. #1 Whatta World (5-1) has matched or surpassed her career-best brisnet figure in her last two grass starts, running a career-best 74 when chasing the pace at Monmouth Park last out and ultimately losing a show photo. She’ll have every chance to take advantage if the pace gets too hot.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $30,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

4-2-8-5

My top two choices both exit the same race at Charles Town June 7. #2 Sweet Shugs (5-2) did not get to her usual spot on the lead that day, and though she couldn’t get up for the win, she fought on late and won a photo for second over #4 Upswell (3-1), whose figure declined off an impressive win at Pimlico two starts back. While Sweet Shug has a major pace figure edge over her rivals, I figure Upswell should improve getting back to the big track, and with her closing punch, she should be able to turn the tables. #8 I Can Do It (9-2) has the best late pace figures in the field, but tends to come from pretty far downtown and often leaves herself with too much to do. While she’s a must-use for the underneath spots, she’ll have to hope someone presses Sweet Shugs early if she wants to win.

RACE 3: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

3-5-2-4

#3 Outlaw Kid (5-2) was well-bet in the King Leatherbury Stakes last out in his 2024 bow, and might’ve won had he found racing room sooner. As it were, he finished second by a neck to Witty, and looks well-prepped for a race like this. #5 Talented Man (6-1) went off at a generous 9-2 on the Black-Eyed Susan day undercard last out, and ran a gutsy race on the lead to beat a second-level field by a neck. There’s some speed drawn to his inside, but he looks fast enough to clear everyone, and maybe even have an easier time of things than he did last time. #2 Biz Biz Buzz (3-1) was no factor after a wide trip in his 2024 bow at Woodbine last out, but he has a high ceiling, with three figures in the 90s in his final five starts of 2023. He should get a nice trip just off the pace.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

3-2-1-7

#3 Naked and Famous (2-1) couldn’t fend off 19-time winner Exit Right in his last start, but held second for his third consecutive figure of at least 84. He looks like the controlling speed of this contest. #2 Jardani (8-1) is sure to come from well off the early pace, as usual. That style hasn’t netted him in a win in a while, but he’s racked up three in-the-money finishes in his last four starts, mostly against better. Jaime Rodriguez has picked Jamie Ness’s other runner in here, so Jorge Ruiz, who has had a great meet, gets the call. #1 Mose Perfect (5-1) races first off the claim by Kieron Magee. He’s declined a bit in his last ew starts, but has run some big races on this track, and goes for a barn that often hits first off the claim.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

4-10-5-7

#4 Party On Girl (2-1) makes her first start since joining the Brittany Russell barn a few weeks ago. She was flat first off the bench for Chad Brown in late January at Gulfstream Park, but bounced back with a pair of big races going a mile. She now faces a field light on positive grass experience, and should clear this condition without much drama. #10 Prove My Love (5-2) may not have worn down odds-on choice Caroline Krystyna last out even if Jeiron Barbosa didn’t stand up in the saddle prematurely, but it certainly didn’t help her cause. Nonetheless, she showed good tactical speed and stretch determination in her first start off a nine-month layoff, and should rate a nice trip under new rider Jorge Ruiz. #5 Whiteknuckleflyer (8-1) closed well for fifth behind Prove My Love in her last start, and has great closing speed that should at least get her a share.

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

1-4-5-7

After two flat efforts to begin his season, #1 Squints (7-2) has improved sharply in his last two starts, with a pair of figures in the mid/upper-80s. He was no match for impressive victor Petingas Twin (who came back to win next out for his third win in five starts) in his most recent outing, but ran on well and finished a clear-cut second. It doesn’t look like there’s anyone of that rival’s caliber here. #4 Irish Hero (5-1) ran a big race on the lead against a tough maiden field on Black-Eyed Susan day two starts back, then held most of the way through fast fractions and held second last out to Celtic Contender, who returns in tomorrow’s Star de Naskra Stakes. This one should be tough on the front end. #5 Prado Road (3-1) gets some class relief after facing better first-level foes in his last two starts, and looks like he has the highest ceiling of anyone in the race.

RACE 7: CLAIMING $20,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

8-13-3-5

#8 Summer Anthem (7-2) ran a career-best 85 first off a six-month layoff last out at Delaware Park, and was in improving form towards the end of last year. #13 Brady Bear (6-1) made his grass debut winning one last out, setting the early pace and holding on despite a flurry of late challenges. He goes first off the claim by Jerry Robb, an should be hard-sent early by Jaime Rodriguez. #3 Invective (3-1) saved all the ground he could and rallied for third in his most recent start. He’ll drop towards the back of the pack and hope the seas part in front of him; if they do, his closing punch makes him live.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

6-1-5-4

#6 Spun and Won (8-5) was claimed out of his last start at Aqueduct by Rick Dutrow, who is potent with his shippers to Maryland. He’s held his own against better in New York this winter and spring, and how faces easier rivals. He should stalk, pounce, and draw off. #1 Golden Candy (8-1) ran in the 90s three times in a row to begin is season, but showed little in his last outing. He was claimed out of that race by Horacio De Paz, and has put in four solid workouts for him since then. If he finds his form from earlier in the year, he has a big shot. #5 Point Dume (2-1) tries older horses for the first time last out, and led every step. He gets another class challenge here, and looks like the main speed.