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 — $0
Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $45,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

1-7-8-2

#1 Very Practical (8-5) takes a drop from first-level company for Shug McGaughey. She came from way out to if to break her maiden on dirt four races back, then struggled in her next wo starts against better after slow beginnings. She can probably get away with another awkward break here, but it can’t hurt. #7 Sky Victory (3-1) lasted through pace pressure in her last dirt try in late February, sending her dueling partner to a double-digit length defeat, and ended up second behind future stakes winner Call Another Play. She made decent late ground first off the bench on grass last out, and that race should set her up nicely for today’s race. #8 My Blessing (9-2) closed well for third in her last dirt start at Parx, losing to a pair of next-out winners.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $20,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

1-3-7-6

#1 Margie’s Fun Son (7-5) cleared his non-winners of two condition in dominant style last out, rating off the pace and kicking on to win going away with a season’s-best brisnet figure of 88. Two starts back at today’s distance, he closed gamely and just missed with an 87. #3 In the Dance (4-1) has run in the 80s in each of his last five starts, clearing an 85 three times in that stretch. His only victory in that stretch came when he sat much closer to the pace than usual. If he’s put into play early on, he’s especially live. #7 Brooklyn Guy (7-2) ran a respectable 84 first off a two-month layoff last out, and tends to run his best races at today’s distance.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

6-2-3-4

#6 Mister Mitch (10-1) improved sharply second off a ten-month layoff last out, moving into the early pace and holding fourth, just missing his career-best mark with a 71. He gets the nod in a field without much established dirt form. #2 Karma’s Inthehouse (15-1) had an unsettled break at Charles Town last out, but made good ground even when hopelessly beaten. He could be intriguing with a better beginning. #3 Mo Jackson (7-5) has worked well for Ben Feliciano, who entered him specifically for dirt in this contest originally scheduled for grass. We’ll see what kind of early action he takes.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 7 FURLONGS

4-6-3-2

#4 Silver Trinket (1-1) makes her debut for Ellen Charles’s Hillwood Stable LLC and Brittany Russell, the same owner/trainer combo that brings us Post Time. As a Maryland-bred, she’s exempt from the tag on debut, and has worked well since arriving here in mid-July. Interestingly, Eric Camacho, who rode Post Time at the start of his career, is named to ride. We’ll see if this filly is as idiosyncratic, and talented, as her barnmate. #6 Canadian Bear (4-1) dealt with some traffic trouble at first asking and has worked well since. She’ll try to avoid problems in this smaller field. #3 Beautiful Blome (3-1) has run in the upper-60s in both of her career starts, and is a sister to a pair of 2-year-old winners.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $30,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

5-1-2-6

#5 Bermuda Run (20-1) was pressed on the pace and drew off to break his maiden in an off-the-grass affair last out. He’s the only one in here who has both won on dirt and has not lost against winners. #1 General’s Duty (4-1) has run just once on an off-track, but it was a big effort. He closed well and finished second with an 85 in early May, losing to Splendor Beauty, who beat allowance company in his next start. #2 Wicked Secret (9-2) has put in big rallies off mild paces in his last few starts on grass, and has run in the upper-70s in his last three starts over the one-turn mile on dirt, right in the range he needs to be in to win.

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

1-5-2-7

#1 Pudd’n N Pie (2-1) turned over a new leaf when she entered the Jerry Robb barn in April, running in the low-80s three times in four starts. She was claimed out of her last race by Kieron Magee, and should control the pace from the inside. #5 Little Josie Wales (3-1) fought hard every step at this level two starts back, and ultimately lost the battle by a head to the victorious I Can Do It. She’s run well when she’s put into play and when she’s rated. #2 Maddie Ten (12-1) had struggled in her last two starts after breaking awkwardly both times, and should run a much-improved race if she begins cleanly.

RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/8 MILES

8-5-2-7

#8 She’sarollingstone (12-1) drops in class after facing second-level rivals in her last few starts, and has run in the upper-80s in her last two starts, something most of these struggle to do at all. #5 Divine Grace (7-5) has won four of her last six on dirt, and handily beat a first-level field at Delaware Park last out with a stalk-and-pounce trip. Third-place finisher Precious Avary, last year’s Maryland Million Ladies champion, came back to win against second-level foes on grass next out. #2 Joya Del Sur (4-1) didn’t make the front last time and ended up second, but is potent when left alone on the lead.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

5-6-2-1

#5 Blue Kingdom (5-1) has been bothered at the break in each of his last two starts. Last time, he overcame it to make the lead going a mile, only to flatten out late. Still, it was an improved effort from the last time he went a mile, and and should be able to slow things down on the lead here and last the distance. #6 Goodafternoonoscar (8-5) broke through with a sharp first-level win last out, snapping a long losing streak in the process and just missing his career-best mark with a 93. #2 Jardani (9-5) made a bold move and ended up second last out, continuing his streak of getting checks, but not winning. He’s lost his last eleven starts, with five in-the-money finishes during that stretch and plenty of competitive figures along the way.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $7,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

1-2-6-7

#1 Planet Frolic (8-5) saw her four-race win streak get snapped last out at Mountaineer, and now ships in here for Anthony Farrior. She finds herself in a spot where she has dominant figures and the early speed advantage from the rail. #2 Coal Mine (4-1) beat conditioned rivals last out from off the pace, as she continues to round back into form off a six-month layoff. #6 Pattern Bet (12-1) sat the trip and won going away at Charles Town last out. She should show good tactical speed and get another nice setup.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!