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

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-5-2-6

#3 Yaqui Valley (3-1) returns to dirt following a string of uninspiring grass tries. He ran back-to-back brisnet figures of 77 on dirt at Oaklawn Park earlier this year, then stopped badly after a brutally wide trip in his last dirt start in late March. He faces a field full of chronic losers in his first dirt start for Keri Brion, and should get a nice trip from just off the pace. #5 Get Like Mike (9-5) made decent ground in his two starts at this level, and is one of two in here to run in the 70s in each of his last three dirt starts. He’d be particularly live if the pace proves potent. #2 Box N Ben (8-5) came from further off the pace than usual following a bad break last out, but rallied and held second. He’s finished second or third 16 times in his career, with just one win, of course. He’s likely to set the early pace and hold for a slice, as usual.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $20,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

5-6-4-1

#5 Love to Eat (5-1) has gotten caught after setting the pace in her last two starts, but now cuts back in distance from six furlongs and faces an easier field than she’s used to. She’s in prime position to steal it on the lead. #6 Harmonizing (20-1) has won her last two races with pace-stalking trips, with much improved races from the dull figures she ran to begin her career. She’ll try to press Love to Eat as least a little bit. #4 Bullock (4-1) pressed the pace and just missed in a big effort in her last dirt try, finishing between a pair of next-out winners.

RACE 3: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

1-2-6-7

#1 Legal Deal (9-5) has gotten involved in pace battles in his last two starts, winning one and losing one. He cuts back around one turn for the first time in a while, and looks like he should be able to get away with a less contested tempo. #2 Unstable Prince (2-1) came from the louds to win going away at Saratoga last out. Even if Legal Deal sneaks away from them, this one should outkicked the others for a second. #6 Group Hug (15-1) couldn’t close off a very modest opening quarter last out, but made good ground for second two starts prior and surged late to victory after fast fractions three starts ago. He’ll hope Legal Deal faces at least a little bit of pace pressure.

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

4-5-1A-6

With the 8-race card, the late pick 5 begins here. #4 Five Dreams (7-5) certainly outran his odds in the DeFrancis Dash, chasing after Dean Delivers in the final strides and getting second, beaten less than a length. He hasn’t won in a while, with plenty of seconds and thirds in that stretch, but he’s in improving form and faces a soft off-the-grass field. #5 Johnyz From Albany (12-1) didn’t do much first off the layoff on grass at Colonial Downs last out, but he’s run big races on this track before and has abundant early speed. #1A Durante (8-5) has tailed off a bit in his last few starts, but gets class relief and should be a contender against these.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

1-5-2-7

It’s another race where a Jamie Ness trainee from Parx looms large. #1 Meet Me At Mundis (9-5) ran a a career-best 94 first off the Ness claim last out, pressing the pace and holding on for a clear-cut second. That was the first time she’s shown early speed; usually he comes from well off the pace. We’ll see if he keeps that up here. #5 Suga Steve (4-1) was no match for odds-on choice No Easy Days in a first-level contest last out, but outkicked the others for second, running an 87 or 88 for the third straight race in the process. Denis Araujo gets back in the saddle; he’s ridden him to victory four times in the last five dirt starts for which he’s been aboard. #2 Magic Spin (10-1) saw his three-race win streak snapped last out when he finished a flat fourth against a slightly better field than this one. He was claimed out of that race by Horacio De Paz and hopes to rebound.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-RESTRICTED, 1 MILE

8-4-5-3

#8 I Can Do It (6-1) just missed at this level last out in her first try at a mile in five months. She’s gotten better with every try at the distance, and is in career-best form. #4 Society Ball (15-1) outfinished I Can Do It by almost a length last out, in a much-needed rebound effort following a dull performance at this level two races back. She showed some promise over the winter and spring, and looks ready to put it all together. #5 Angel Art (5-1) made her first start beyond six furlongs in a while last out, and ran a big race, stalking the pace and leading late before getting caught in the last few jumps.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

4-1-2-3

#4 Irish Exit (2-1) won at this level first off a six-month layoff last out in going-away style, continuing his sharp form following a 7-for-12 2023. He packs a strong late punch, and should be tough to hold off late. #1 Brilliant Ice (5-2) was a clear-cut second to Irish Exit last out, following a dominant gate-to-wire win against second-level foes two races ago. He’s not usually sent for speed, but we’ll see if Barbosa was inspired by that victory and sends him from the rail. #2 Quality Chic (7-2) stopped badly against better at Saratoga last out, but has run in the 90s consistently prior to that race. He should enjoy the distance cutback from 1 1/8 miles.

RACE 8: CLAIMING $20,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

1-3-6-7

Many of these exit the same race at this condition on July 21, which was decided in a blanket finish. #1 Sheherhers (7-2) lost by less than two lengths in that race, her first off the claim by Anthony Farrior. She was wide most of the way that day, and now draws inside following three consecutive six-holes. That should put her in a better spot early on. #3 Beautiful Karla (3-1) just missed behind Pudd’n N Pie two starts back, who returned to finish second yesterday, then pressed the pace and held fourth in her last start. It was the first time in her career she was able to run at least a 76 in back-to-back starts. We’ll see if she can keep her positive momentum going. #6 Virologist (5-2) finished the best of the starters on July 21, gobbling up ground to lose by a neck after falling further behind than usual. Jaime Rodriguez keeps the mount, and will try to keep her closer to the pace.

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