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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $5,121
Jackpot Super High 5 — $1,115
Late Pick 5 — $0

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RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

5-2-3-8

#5 Defined Boundaries (9-5) ran a big race in his dirt debut, earning a brisnet figure of 84 with a strong move to grab second at Delaware Park. However, he faded after getting caught up in a duel next out. Brittany Russell’s dropped him in for a tag for the first time, and he should relish the class relief. #2 Fire of Anatolia (7-2) was wide throughout at first asking, and outran his odds to grab fourth at 64-1. He’ll also improve with a class drop, and post relief to boot. #3 Bye Bye Wicked Eye (8-1) showed a “change of pace” at second asking. On debut, he fell far behind early and made mild ground. Second time out, he battled on the lead and ended up third, outfinishing his dueling partner by 8 3/4 lengths. He should get to the rail and the lead, and he’ll be a factor if he takes another step forward at third asking.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $40,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

6-3-5-1

#6 Kerness K (9-5) has run in the 80s four straight types, and gets some much-needed class relief after showing little against stakes company in three consecutive starts. He’s only had one workout since his last start in the Maryland Million Nursery, so he might not be fully cranked for this race, but he might not have to be. Rudy Rodriguez will saddle one in the featured 8th race, and he’s also bringing down #3 Jerry’s Out (9-2) as part of his contingent. He sent this one down here last out, and watched as he led every step to win at 10-1. He’s getting a class test here, but he has worked consistently since then, and has a high ceiling. #5 Let’s Have a Party (8-1) ran on well for second last out at Delaware, one of the better efforts anyone has put in against winners.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

5-6-1-2

#5 St Pete’s Passion (7-2) ran a big race going a mile at Parx last out. He wore down the longshot early leader and took command, but couldn’t hold off the rally of the favorite and finished second. Still, he ran a strong 85 that day, the third straight race in which he’s improved his figure dramatically. He might want to take control of the early pace in a race without much of it. #6 Pilote Comete (2-1) always runs in the 80s, but has also come in second or third five straight times, his last two at 7-2 or shorter. The way he runs suggests he’ll be able to handle the extra distance, and he gets Jaime Rodriguez aboard. #1 Virginia City (4-1) crossed the wire first on grass in a 31-1 upset last out, but was disqualified for bumping. He’s worked very well since then, and looks live for a hot Diane Morici barn.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $30,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

1-5-2-3

#1 Arrow Speed (6-5) has won three of his last four starts against similar between Parx and Delaware, and he looks bound to work out a great trip on or near the pace from the inside. You won’t get much of a price, but he’s still hard to look past. #5 Motskari (8-1) has figures just a touch below those of Arrow peed, and he’s run well in his last few starts despite getting pace-compromised. While Arrow Speed will get the jump on him, if that rival falters for whatever reason, this one is the next-best alternative. #2 Traffic Master (7-2) was a distant second to Arrow Speed after a wide trip two starts back. While his ceiling isn’t as high as Arrow Speed’s, he’s a dependable sort who’s a good pick to key underneath in the exotics.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

4-1-8-2

#4 Social Lady (20-1) was put in an impossible spot in the Susquehanna Valley Stakes last out. She got stuck behind a painfully slow opening quarter, and although she attempted to make a move, she stood no chance against better rivals who got those cushy fractions. Take that line out, and her form looks much better. #1 Joya del Sur (8-1) hasn’t won much this year, with two wins and seven second-place finishes in 14 starts. However, she has blazing early speed, and there’s no one in here who can come close to going with her early. If she can’t wire this field, who can she wire? #8 She’sarollingstone (3-1) has faced better for most of the year, and ran a season’s-best 88 in her most recent try at a one-turn mile. She’s the only one in the race to run in the 80s in each of her last three starts.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

2-5-4-9

In his most recent dirt start, #2 Brighty (5-1) finished fourth in an excellent maiden claiming race. The winner, Beaver State, has since won at Aqueduct, while runner-up Lord of Mischief and third-place finisher Beach Cowboy have each won twice since then. This one is lightly-raced and hasn’t run a figure below a 71 on dirt, a perfect combination for a race like this. #5 Lucky Prince (12-1) showed slowly improved form on dirt earlier this year. His most recent dirt start, on August 18, was also very solid, featuring the likes of Dock Linkous, the aforementioned Beach Cowboy, and Mat Matters. All of those rivals have won since. This one should sit close to the pace and will benefit from a change from grass routes. #4 Shakin the Belle (4-1) is another member of the Rudy Rodriguez contingent. This one has faced better maiden in New York as of late, and is likely to be sent for speed. While he faded after setting honest fractions going seven furlongs last out, he should hang around for longer against these.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-RESTRICTED, 6 FURLONGS

1-3-6-7

#1 Feelin So Lucky (7-2) didn’t have a chance of catching up to loose leader Lovely Charm last out, but outkicked the others and got second. She was second to the promising Susan’s Mule in her most recent try at six furlongs. She gets the nod in a very evenly-matched group. #3 Shine On Moon (2-1) has run well at this level throughout the year, and was a solid-closing third on grass last out. Her only bad recent race came when she dealt with traffic trouble two starts ago. #6 Angel Art (5-2) was fifth behind Shine on Moon last out. She broke on the rail that day, rated off the pace, and ended up moving wide, and flattened out. Could she be sent straight to the front in a race without speed to her inside?

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

1-4-6-7

#1 Five Dreams (10-1) ran in the 90s consistently earlier this year, and ran some big races against the likes of Dean Delivers and Prince of Jericho. He’s tailed off a bit in his last few starts against open company, but should benefit from a slight class drop. #4 Factually Correct (2-1), the aforementioned Rudy Rodriguez trainee, is stakes-placed against New York-bred rivals, and has blistering early speed. Chattalot has speed to his inside, but if he breaks well and clears, he’ll be tough to catch. #6 Midlaner (4-1) has won two in a row at Parx, matching his career-best mark with a 98 against second-level rivals last out. He saved ground in both of those spots, and now has an outside draw. While his ceiling’s high, it’s an open question if he can work out a trip.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $30,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

2-3-6-1

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