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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $1,709
Jackpot Super High 5 — $7,706
Late Pick 5 — $0

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $20,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

5-1-8-4

#5 Joey Tickles (5-2) made his grass debut first off a 14-month break last out, and ran a strong, pace-chasing second with a brisnet figure of 77, by far a career-best. He’s only raced three times total, and has plenty of room to improve. #1 Twist ‘n Twirl (7-2) cuts back around one turn, and has run consistently solid races when allowed to settle just off the early pace. He just missed catching Joey Tickles two starts ago. #8 Gentle Breeze (8-1) gets a soft introduction to grass after making his first six starts on dirt, and will be sent for speed.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 MILE

3-6-7-1

#3 Allenhurst (9-5) has run in the 60s three times in her five-start career. None of her six rivals have run better than a 53 at any point. She ran on well for second at Delaware Park in her last start, and now stretches our beyond six furlongs for the first time. #6 Tiger Forever (5-2) was well-backed on debut, and showed some speed before stopping late. She’s eligible to take a step forward second time out, and with the right pace, might forget to stop. #7 Risk and Regret (3-1) just missed second in a blanket finish behind odds-on choice Remembering Lizzy last out. She could make some late impact.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $20,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

9-12-3-11

#9 Same Day as L J (5-2) crushed the field on the lead in his grass debut two starts ago, hence had early trouble against better last out and made no impact. He plunges in class here, and likely won’t be caught if he makes the front. #12 Beware of Pride (7-2) faded going a mile last out, but has run some strong races going this distance or a tad shorter. If Same Day as L J can’t last on the lead, this one will take advantage. #3 Tempest (12-1) has crossed the wire first twice in his three-start career, officially breaking his maiden on the lead at Colonial Downs last out. He’ll have a tougher time of things with Same Day as L J in the race, but he has a lot of upside at a good price.

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

4-7-3-5

Despitw what the condition says, six of the seven horses in here are not in for the tag, because they’re Maryland-breds. After disappointing at low odds in her first three starts, #4 Itsamonstamash (4-1) closed well for fourth at 92-1 in the Maryland Million Lassie last out. She adds blinkers here, and as such might have even more of a late kick. #7 Conquerthosewecan (9-5) has run in the 70s in each of her first two starts. Last out, she showed speed and held on for a half-length defeat. She’ll likely be put in play again from the outside. #3 Over My Cents (5-2) closed well and got up for second on debut at this condition last out, and has a chance to improve at second asking.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-3-8-10

#2 Tall Order (10-1) has faced some nice horses throughout the year, and beat some of them last out when he rallied from way downtown to win a Maryland-restricted allowance. Katie’s Notion, whom he outfinished three starts back, has won his next two races, including a Maryland-restricted sprint on yesterday’s card. #3 Guapo Again (5-1) set the pace last time around two turns and stopped. He runs his best races when he sits just off the leaders, so look for him to employ that strategy. #8 One Whirlwind Ride (3-1) led every step in each of his last two starts, and should once again be hard to catch.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

5-9-7-3

#5 Mutt Dillin (3-1) and #9 Wickeddivine (4-1) come out of the same race at this condition on October 17. Mutt Dillin, making his debut, chased a gate-to-wire winner and held second, while Wickeddevine closed well and finished third in a much-improved effort at second asking. Mutt Dillin could find himself on the lead here, and Wickeddevine can chase him home. #7 Night Preacher (7-2) ran a strong second on debut at Timonium, then broke slowly and stood no chance in his next start. He drops in for a tag, adds blinkers, and gets a rider switch to Jaime Rodriguez.

RACE 7: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

11-5-6-4

#11 Spin It (9-5) showed only mild kick in his last few starts, but now gets class relief, as he drops for a tag for the first time. He’ll be especially potent if he manages to save ground from his outside draw. #5 Chaz the Chief (12-1) closed well off modest fractions and fought hard for second last out at the Meadowlands. He should at least shake up the exotics. #6 Chevy Man (9-2) has closed for a share in his last few starts against these types. In his last start at this distance, he acted up in the gate, then fell behind a glacial pace.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

2-3-8-9

#2 Freeze the Fire (6-1) has shown glimpses of promise in his career, and almost put it all together last out when he was a game, front-running third in the Maryland Million Sprint. He has speed and a good draw, putting himself in a good position to work out a similar trip. #3 On the Mark (7-2) cruised to a gate-to-wire win last out with a 97, a career-best mark by six points. He doesn’t need the lead, so we’ll see if Tais Lyapustina elects to send or sit just off of Freeze the Fire. #8 Circle P (5-2) has found his niche against these types, and outfinished Freeze the Fire and On the Mark in the mud two starts ago. He’ll sit midpack early on and look to pounce.

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

2-8-7-9

#2 Bad B Goldie (8-1) set the pace on debut and led most of the way before flattening out late. She should once again show speed from the rail. #8 Era (6-1) ran a much-improved race at fourth asking, coming from off the pace after a wide trip to get third. She’s been a better horse since she started competing around two turns. #7 She Got the Munni (3-1) ran a career-best 68 first off a 15-month layoff last out. That 5 1/2-furlong tilt might have been designed as a prep for a spot like this one.

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