LAUREL PARK PICKS AND PONDERINGS: july 6, 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 — $1,583
Late Pick 5 — $0
Check out our other handicapping here!
RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE (GRASS)
4-3-2-8
#4 Graft (7-2) ran well first off a four-month layoff at Pimlico last out, pressing a hot, destructive pace and ending up fourth. He might find himself on the lead here. #3 Rock Bullet (8-1) was flat at this level last out, but put in strong rallies in his two prior grass starts this season. He should show some late kick with any kind of pace to close into. Shug McGaughey and Forest Boyce teamed up to win on grass yesterday, and they’re back again with #2 Oxford Union (1-1). This one has a big class edge over these, having previously faced better maidens in New York, but his brisnet figures aren’t that much better than those of the others to justify taking a low price.
RACE 2: CLAIMING $12,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS
3-1-6-5
#3 G’s Fireball (7-5) cut back to six furlongs last out from 1 1/16 miles, and that did the trick, as she came from off the pace and won going away, matching her career-top brisnet mark of 77. She’s one of two in here who hasn’t lost against winners; the other is #1 Tina Tina Tina (4-1), who came from off the pace, showing a different style than usual, and got up in the last few jumps. She looks as if she fits in against these types. #6 Sheherhers (9-5) faded late after making a premature move into a strong pace, but should be better off cutting back from a mile.
- Laurel: Stakes winner Speedyness makes return FridaySpeedyness, winner of Laurel Park’s Miracle Wood Stakes earlier this year, returns from a six-month break Friday at that same track.
RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE (GRASS)
2-10-1-7
After two flat efforts off a 14-month layoff, #2 Dominguez (9-2) stepped up third off the bench, closing well at Delaware Park to lose by less than a length against similar. #10 States United (2-1) goes first off the claim by Anthony Farrior and adds lasix. He closed well from far out of it in his first try on this surface last out. #1 He’s the Boss (10-1) has a grass-laden pedigree and has worked well since late March for Kieron Magee. This multi-generational Janon Fisher III/Ann Merryman homebred could fire a big effort at first asking.
RACE 4: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS
1-2-5-6
#1 Proper Attire (1-1) has run at least a 75 in each of her last four starts. Only one of her rivals has done that at any point within their last four races. She’s taking a big drop in class here off some starter optional claiming tries, but should beat these as long as she has anything left in the tank. #2 Preparefortakeoff (7-2) won in gate-to-wire fashion with a 79 two starts back, then flattened out going a mile last out. She looks as if she’ll be better off at today’s distance, and should get a nice trip near the pace. #5 Hot Lookin Royal (3-1) ran a solid second to Preparefortakeoff two starts back, and should also benefit from a cutback from a mile.
RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 5 FURLONGS
5-2-6-4
#5 Up in Flames (7-5) has run solid mid-60s figures in his first two starts, and drops in for a tag for the first time. He got caught wide on the pace and faded last out; he’ll try to save more ground today. #2 Blessed Candy (7-2) has put in for solid workouts for Antonio Machado, who hits at a respectable 17% with his debuters, This one should put in a strong showing at first asking. #6 Sunflower State (9-2), a stablemate of Up in Flames, was fairly well-bet on debut, but fell far behind early and made mild ground late. She’s worked well since then, and has room to improve.
RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE (GRASS)
8-4-7-10
#8 Cap’n Dusty (7-2) improved to an 80 second out when third behind runaway winner Mission North. He just missed on debut at big odds, and should have a good late kick against these. #4 Kake’s Arrow (8-5) adds blinkers first off the Brittany Russell claim, and just missed after racing on the pace in two route tries on the Gulfstream Park grass over the winter. #7 Starlifter (8-1) got up for third with a career-best 85 second off the bench last out, and was in improving form towards the end of last year. We likely haven’t seen his best.
- “Bittersweet moment” as Hessica hits retirementTwo-time WVBC Cavada winner Hessica couldn’t get one last win, settling for second November 9, but she’s had quite a career for owner-trainer Kristy Petty.
RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES
1-3-7-2
#1 Bossyness (9-5) is the only one in the race who has run in the 80s in each of her last four starts. She led most of the way at Parx while under consistent attack, and still ran a career-best 88 even though she got caught late. #3 Ginger Girl (5-2) has won her last two starts by rating off moderate fractions and attacking, running career-best figures both times. #7 Golden Charm (2-1) finally broke through for a win against a legit field last out, drawing off to beat Maryland-bred allowance foes as much the best. She had built up a reputation as a chronic runner-up prior to that. This race is a litmus test for her, as she seeks to prove she can win around two turns.
RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)
2-9-8-5
#2 In the Dance (10-1) has never raced on grass before, but he’s run in the mid-80s on dirt consistently, and gets to face an easy field for his first start on the surface. There’s reason to believe his form will transfer over; both of his winning siblings won on grass. #9 God is Love (5-1) when a career-best 86 when fifth against better first-level foes first off a 10-month layoff last out, and has shown potent early speed in the past. #8 Sneaking Suspicion (8-1) closed well to break his maiden two starts back, and ran well for third off slow fractions in his first try against winners.
RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES
4-3-6-2
#4 Right Quick (9-2) has run in the 60s in each of his three starts since coming back off an 18-month layoff in late May, and closed well for third in his first start beyond seven furlongs last out. #3 Forceful (1-1) plunges in class and switches to dirt for the first time for Repole/St. Elias and Brittany Russell. These types have lots of boom/bust potential. #6 Pure Realization (15-1) has run his two best figures in his last two starts, and could get to the front with a clean beginning.
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