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

5-7-14-11

#5 Bill of Rights (9-5) races first off the claim by Anthony Farrior. He’s had his share of near-misses at this level over the past year or so, but this off-the-grass field looks like a bunch he can beat. #7 Hold Out (10-1) broke his maiden in gate-to-wire style on the grass at Monmouth Park last out, but ran decent races against straight maidens on dirt earlier in the meet, running a brisnet figure of at least 74 three consecutive times. #14 Penny Loafer (2-1) came from well off the pace to get second last out going seven furlongs, and should find today’s distance to his liking.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-2-6-5

This is a “now-or-never” spot for #3 Sapphire Beauty (6-5). She’s run in the 70s in each of her last four races, something none of her rivals have done more than twice in their last four starts. She should press and pounce with speed drawn to her inside. #2 Speak Your Mind (5-2) faded after getting challenged on the lead last out, at has run big races on the front end in the past. She’l try to shake clear of Sapphire Beauty’s shadow in the early stages. #6 Hidewright Away (4-1) went gate-to-wire at Timonium two stats back, and may also be sent for speed.

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

7-9-3-1

#7 True Sunshine (3-1) makes her second start off the Kieron Magee claim and drops from Maryland-restricted allowance company. She’s been knocking on the door at this level, and also looks like she’s found a field she can overhaul. Stablemate #9 Hot Dance (7-2) converted a stalk and pounce trip to victory last out, and has been in steadily improving form throughout the year. #3 I’m a Cutie Pie (5-2) won twice on this track last winter, and should run a big race third off a four-month respite.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

4-5-6-1

#4 Flinny Tin Tin (6-1) showed no signs of rust last out at Timonium, when he won in gate-to-wire style first off an 18-month layoff. He’s the only one in the race without a loss against winners. #5 Cavendish (9-5) drops from the $25,000 non-winners of two level and cuts back from a mile. He’s shown brief speed and faded in his recent starts, but the two aforementioned factors should propel him to an improved effort. #6 Noble Fish (5-2) surged and just missed second off a 12-month layoff last out at Delaware Park in an improved effort. He showed promise earlier in his career, running in the 80s in his first two starts in the winter of 2023, and will try to round his way back into that form.

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

14-3-2-4

#14 Deeds of Love (5-2) overcame a slow start to grab second against a very tough field at Delaware last out. She’s won at this distance before, so it shouldn’t be an impediment to her closing kick. #3 Fast Giselle ran in the 80s consistently on dirt past year, and should improve in her second start since arriving from California. #2 Simply Stated (9-5) gets a soft landing spot for her first race in seven months. She should be gunned from the rail and prove tough to catch from there.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $12,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

11-1-7-4

#11 Bigdaddysboy (5-2) took a big step forward for the second race in a row last out, rallying wide to win going away at this condition with a career-best 85. He looks like he’s rounding back into his best self, and is worthy of respect in this spot. #1 Paco the Taco Man (8-1) goes first off the claim by Annette Eubanks. He’s tailed off a bit in his last few races, but did cross the wire first here twice earlier this year, with marks in the 80s both times. #7 Dream River (9-2) held second after getting chased down by Bigdaddysboy last out, and should be sent for speed again.

RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

13-5-8-12

#13 Rad Paisley (5-2) has run subpar races on unfamiliar ground in his last two starts, but has done good work around here and has plenty of early speed. #5 Cactus (8-1) ran an improved race in victory third off the layoff last out, and was taken out of that race by Lacey Gaudet. He’s done his best work at Oaklawn Park (including a stakes placing), but there’s no reason his form can’t transfer over. #8 Outkissed (6-1) has gone gate-to-wire in two of his last three starts, and will be sent for speed once again.

RACE 8: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

4-5-6-8

Anthony Farrior trains both of my top two picks. #4 Bright Charger (5-2) broke slowly and raced letharigically for most of the way on debut at Timonium, but made solid ground and lost by only 3 1/2 lengths. He now drops for a tag for the first time. #5 Military Grade (7-2) gets Farrior’s man Arnaldo Bocachica in the saddle and has worked well for a while in anticipation of his debut. Watch the board on him. #6 Align (6-1) showed speed and faded on debut at Colonial Downs, and now makes his first start for Phil Schoenthal.

RACE 9: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

4-10-7-8

RACE 10: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

4-6-7-3

#4 Jester’s Song (2-1) has run at least an 80 four times in his last five starts. The only one to run in the 80s at any point in that stretch hasn’t run in more than a year. #6 Bandits Heart (5-1) has shown glimpses of promise since returning to steady racing in late June, after competing just once in the previous 20 months. Even though it’s a step up in claiming price, this is an easier field than he saw last time. #7 Kbcya Later (8-1) has lots of early speed from the outside, and just missed after dueling for the lead against similar three races ago.

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