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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $8,102
Jackpot Super High 5 — $1,511
Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-1-12-7

#2 Miss M M (8-1) got up to win adfer a stalking trip at the Meadowlands, and goes first off the Kieron Magee claim. She ran a career-best brisnet figure of 91 on this track three starts back. #1 Getaway Palace (4-1) has speed from the inside and cuts back around one turn from 7 1/2 furlongs. She’s a bit of a wild card at a shorter distance, but should at least be in the hunt at the top of the stretch. #12 Whiteknuckleflyer (3-1) has shown a better late punch in her last few starts, including a near-miss at this level two starts back. She should be able to work out a trip from the outside.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $12,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

5-3-7-6

#5 In the Dance (3-1) ran a game third in the Maryland Million Starter Handicap last out, losing to a pair of classy rivals in Clubman and Paco the Taco Man. He’s run well off of short rest before. #3 Whatahardmanfidead (15-1) has shown improved form in his last few starts, including a chasing second to In the Dance last out, and could shake up the exotics at a price. #7 Tubtisiam (7-2) showed little around one turn last out, but should improve stretching back out to 1 1/16 miles. Going first off the Anthony Farrior claim shouldn’t hurt, either.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $45,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-8-1-3

#2 Wise and Elegant (5-2) was fourth behind a trio of next-out winners at Colonial Downs two starts ago, then surged and just missed to next-out winner Gift of Gab last out. She’s been holding her own and then some against better for a while, and should benefit from some class relief. #8 Sweetcatherinerose (9-2) has only run in the 80s once (in contrast to Wise and Elegant, who does it all the time), but she’s lightly-raced and in improving form. She could easily jump up and run a career-best race. #1 Run Around Slew (7-2) has speed on the inside, and though she’s tired on the lead in her last few, she should benefit if the track continues its speed-favoring tendencies.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

8-7-1-2

The draw doesn’t do #8 Joya del Sur (6-1) many favors, but she still has the most early speed in the race, and loves this distance. She’s 4-for-5 going a mile; the only time she lost at a mile, she got involved in a speed duel and held second to a rival who sat a great trip off of the battle. #7 I Can Run (5-2) was in very sharp form on this track at this time last year, and most recently beat second-level rivals going away at Monmouth Park. This looks like a great spot for her. #1 Our Liberty Belle (8-5) was an impressive winner first off the Jamie Ness claim last out, and now stretches out to a mile for the first time.

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

1A-4-5-9

#1A Gastown Babe (7-2) has run big races against stakes company in her last two starts, including a near-miss against Maryland Million Turf Sprint champion Bosserati last out. she hasn’t won in a while, but she’s in career-best form and will benefit from the class drop. #4 Gift of Gab (6-1) has won three of her last four starts against softer, and now gets her class test. She hasngreat late pace figures, and will be a threat with a clean trip. #5 Alla Breve (6-1) came from way downtown to win the Jameela Stakes last out over a pair of future stakes winners in Hollywood Walk and Bosserati. Deep closers are always a gamble in grass sprints, but she still merits respect.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

5-9-1-2

After double-digit defeats in his first two starts, #5 Ifeelbadforyouson (5-1) stepped up yo a career-best 66 in a game runner-up effort last out. He gets to stay at thisnlevel and distance, and should sit his trip and pounce. #9 Ask Isaac (2-1) went off favored in his debut for the Brittany Russell barn last out, but couldn’t get settled and ended up well-beaten. He has a high ceiling, but you’ll have to take a low price. #1 A B C Ya (5-1) runs consistently solid figures, but he’s hit the board six times in 11 starts without a victory. As such, I consider him an underneath threat only.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 2-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

7-10-5-4

#7 Virginia Fitz (9-2) went gate-to-wire on debut at Colonial, then led most of the way and held third in the Jamestown Stakes next out. He switches back to grass here, and is a threat to lead every step. #10 War Humor (7-2) sat the trip and beat Virginia Fitz in the Jamestown in a MUCH-improved effort from his first two starts. He bypassed the Maryland Million Nursery in favor of a six-length defeat against first-level rivals on dirt last out, but should rebound with the surface switch. #5 Stormy Flight (2-1) broke his maiden going away on grass two starts ago, and will be especially potent with the right trip.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

2-5-1-4

#2 Binnie (3-1) scratched out of the Maryland Million Distaff to run here. She beat a first-level field as much the best second off an eight-month break last out, and should get even better third off the bench. #5 Empress Deona (4-1) blew the doors off a field at this level last out, and should be a factor on the lead once again. Andrew Wolfsont, who came in from Pennsylvania to ride her last out, makes a return trip. #1 Discreet Ops (5-2) loves this track; she’s never run worse than an 86 in three tries here. Most recently, she finished a game fourth in a driving Weather Vane Stakes finish.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $45,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

7-6-3-4

#7 King Covee (5-2) scratched out of a first-level spot yesterday to run here. He broke his maiden on this track last fall, and has rounded into his best form within his last few starts at this level at Colonial. #6 Jolly Boss (2-1) broke his maiden in sharp style three races back, and has chased the pace and held his own in his last two races against better. #3 J R Jone Z (12-1) ran a career-best 77 when a pace-chasing third last out, and has been trending in the right direction.

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