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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $1,852
Jackpot Super High 5 — $6,806
Late Pick 5 — $0

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

3-1-9-8

#3 Admit Nothing (7-2) and #1 Mr Jefferson (3-1) come out of the same race at this condition on November 10. Admit Nothing rated off the pace while wide and finished fourth, while Mr Jefferson overcame post 12 to finish a solid-closing third. It was Admit Nothing’s first appearance at this level, while Mr Jefferson was making his third attempt to win at this condition. I give Admit Nothing the slight edge, but it might come down to whoever’s the better price between the two. #9 Formal Affair (8-1) got roughed up early on last out and was never involved, but crushed the field after lasting through an early duel two races ago. He takes a slight dip in class after that rough trip, and looks live in this spot.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

8-10-1-7

#8 War Salute (8-1) chased the pace on debut at Timonium and finished a respectable second. I would’ve liked to have seen a gate workouts since that last race, considering his awkward break, but he still has plenty of room to move forward off that performance. Fear Nothing, whom War Salute beat by a head, broke his maiden on November 15. #10 Sir Chancealot (3-1) made the lead from post 12 last out and held third, so there’s cause to believe he can get to the lead while drawn a few spots further inside. #1 Up in Flames (6-1) got caught wide last out and stopped badly as the favorite, but ran well in two prior tries at this level, finishing second with brisnet figures in the upper-60s. He’s burned a lot of money in his last few, going off as the favorite in each of his four starts for a tag, but that last line might drive his odds up a bit.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $20,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

1-5-4-2

#1 Scott Twentytwo (10-1) stretched out to 1 1/16 miles last out, in his first try beyond six furlongs. He battled for the lead and lost second in a three-horse blanket finish. He was in improving form going shorter in his prior races, so a cutback around one turn might serve him well. #5 Urban Symphony (6-1) pressed the pace and crushed the field last out, running a career-best of 74. It was the third consecutive race in which he’s improved his figure, and it was also the most early speed he’s shown. He’s the only one in the race who hasn’t lost against winners and has run in the 70s. #4 Sir Mick (3-1), meanwhile, is the only entrant with multiple victories. He dueled for the lead and won at this level last out. He’ll certainly show plenty of speed here; we’ll see how long he can hold onto the lead.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

3-6-2-7

#3 Magical Mondays (4-1) was scratched out of a 30,000 spot yesterday to run here. He battled in the stretch and finished second on debut going long on grass. As long as he handles dirt, he’ll be tough to beat. #6 Grey Biggsy (5-1) improved more than 20 points at second asking going from short on dirt to long on grass, while showing the ‘change of pace’ move. On debut, he showed speed and faded; next out, he came from off a fast pace and just missed by a head. We’ll see what woke him up- the distance, the pace, the surface switch, or something else. If it’s the first one, he’s especially live. #2 Daddy Yankee (3-1) was also entered and scratched from that same 30,000 spot. He closed well for third despite a wide trip last out, which was his first start beyond 4 1/2 furlongs and his first start off a five-month break. His people clearly believe in his two-turn ability; otherwise, he would’ve run yesterday.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

9-4-1-5

#9 Beach Cowboy (2-1) was bet down to 3-10 last out and ran like it, breaking his maiden by seven lengths with an 85, the second time he’s run at least that fast in his seven-race career. He stays at this tag for his first appearance against winners. His ceiling crushes these. #4 Super Needy (5-1) battled on the pace and finished game second first time against winners, and first off a 5 1/2-month layoff, in his last start. He’s definitely going to be an early pace factor, and he might be fast enough to get to the rail and the lead. #1 Bruder (8-1) was third behind Super Needy last out, and has rounded back into his best self in his last few starts at his condition.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

7-6-2-4

#7 Creed’s Vision (9-2) was well-bet on debut, and closed well to finish second after racing in last early on. H e ships back down from New York for Tom Morley, taking advantage of not having to be in for the tag by virtue of being a Maryland-bred, and should once again put in a good account of himself. #6 Bernie the Star (7-2) ran a 73 in both of his first two starts, making him the only one in the field to run that fast up to this point. He couldn’t hang with eventual winner Yarra’s Quest last out and faded, but there might not be a rival here at that one’s caliber. #2 Johnjackjimjaye (6-1) is a brother to seven winners from as many starters, including 2022 Maryland Million Classic champion Ournationonparade. This one joined the worktab in early October and has been going solidly in the morning since. He could absolutely make some noise at first asking.

RACE 7: CLAIMING $40,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

4-5-8-2

#4 Esroh (5-1) went off as the slight favorite on debut, as one of two firsters in the field, and shook off pressure from the other favorite and won by six lengths with a very sharp 81. Her early speed is a dangerous weapon. #5 In My Memories (9-2) sat the trip and won going away against winners at Delaware Park last out, and is a serious threat if Esroh can’t shake off pace pressure. #8 Thunder in Paris (5-1) was dismal against better last out, but ran in the 70s twice in her first three starts, and should show some more life on the class drop.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-RESTRICTED, 1 MILE

8-1-9-6

#8 Derbyness (2-1) is the only one in the field to run at last an 83 in each of his last seven starts. He was a solid second after setting the pace at this level last out, and has enough speed that he can work out his trip despite the tough draw. #1 Jardani (8-1) was visually unimpressive against better last out, although the 84 he ran that day makes him competitive with these. He just missed on the one-turn mile a few starts back, and lost by a neck at this condition in his following outing. #9 In the Dance (9-5) looks for a rebound after a flat effort last out; his other recent races contend with these.

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

6-7-4-1

#6 Kaladin (7-2) had an awkward break and lost early position in his last start, but still managed to get up for second behind runaway gate-to-wire winner Fear Nothing. He’s making this first start for the Phil Capuano barn, and will win this if he improves even slightly off his races for previous trainer Lynn Ashby, he’ll win this. #7 Brewmaster (9-2) has improved with each start, peaking at a 62 last out, and drops to a career-low level. #4 Set for Life (6-1) was beaten a nose by Kaladin after a wide trip last out, and ran an impressive 80 after a wide trip against straight maidens three starts back

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