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

Post time: 12:30 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 — $2,230
Jackpot Super High 5 — $1,991
Late Pick 5 — $3,509

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

5-10-8-3

#5 Sunset Town (5-2) made the front for the first time in a little while last out, and subsequently ran one of his best races. He lasted a long time on the front end and held second, running a near career-top brisnet figure of 85. Third-place finisher Dolice Vita returned to win a starter optional claiming contest on opening day. The other speed in here is rather cheap, so he shouldn’t have much of a tough time on the front end. #10 Veselsky (15-1) closed for fifth behind Sunset Town last out at a generous 48-1. He’s been slowly improving since coming back from a brief rest in late August, and has some of the best late pace figures in the field. If Sunset Town has a harder time on the lead than he expects, this one will be there to pick up the pieces. #8 Silverbullettwenty (9-2) came from well off the pace to win on this track three starts ago, and should also pack a strong late punch.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

1-2-5-3

#1 A Little Moxie (8-1) is the only one in the field who hasn’t lost against winners. She wore down the pacesetters to break her maiden at tenth asking last out, and has taken steps forward with each of her last few starts. #2 Style and Profile (7-2) drops in for a tag against winners for the first time. She raced closer to the pace than usual at Penn National last out and flamed out, but ran at this track’s fall meet when she came from well off the tempo. #5 Titian Tyrant (3-1) just missed first off a 7 1/2-month layoff two starts back, but took a step backwards last out when she has no late punch at all. She stretches out further from a mile here, and has enough flashes of brilliance to make her a contender.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

1-3-7-4

#1 Boys of Summer (4-1) broke his maiden impressively on debut at Parx, then finished a solid third in his debut against winners last out despite being badly pace-compromised. The pacesetters set brutally slow fractions, and the horses who were 1-2 at the opening quarter finished that way. With any kind of a setup, this one will be dangerous. #3 Honor the Cross (3-1) chased a sharp gate-to-wire winner going seven furlongs last out, but held second with an 89, the best last-out figure by 13 points. He’s run figures close to that before, and has shown plenty of early speed in the past, so it’s possible he’s the one who sneaks away this time. #7 J J Valentin (6-1) exits the same race as Honor the Cross. He chased the pace and faded that day, but should improve first off the Jamie Ness claim.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

7-2-3-8

#7 Brzina (2-1) didn’t do much at Aqueduct last out, but now returns here, where she’s 15-for-21 in the exacta. She’s also the only one in the race to run at least an 85 in each of her last three starts. In fact, no one else has run at least an 80 in each of their last three. #2 Anonymously (9-5) will make her 50th career start this afternoon. She’s won three in a row against softer, including a perfect-trip win last out. She’s going first off the Kieron Magee claim, and has great middle and late speed. Even though it’s a tougher field, she’s in ascending form and should be able to outrun most of these. #3 Photo Finish (8-1) was claimed out of her last start by Jamie Ness. She’s struggled in her last few races, but has shown glimmers of ability in the past, including a sharp win four starts back. She could surprise with improvement upon joining the Ness barn.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

6-10-2-9

#6 Tam Char (5-2) finished second at this condition last out, beating some of these while finishing behind the very classy Anonymously. There’s no one in here at Anonymously’s level, which will make Tam Char’s job much easier. If Anonymously wins race 4, it would boost this one’s stock. #10 Skip Thru Da Fire (6-1) was third behind Tam Char and Anonymously last out, running a career-best 82 in the process. She won three in a row on this track last fall, and while she hasn’t done much against better in her last few, this looks like an easier field than what she’s grown accustomed to. #2 Bound by Destiny (8-1) was no match for better in her last two races, but now finds an softer group, and ran an impressive 88 three starts back when she set the pace.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

2-6-7-4

LATE PICK 5 STARTS HERE. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO ANALYSIS

#2 Creed’s Vision (3-1) has run well in his first two starts. He closed and just missed on debut, then improved to a 75 last out with Sheldon Russell aboard for the first time. Russell keeps the mount on this colt, who adds blinkers and looks primed for a big effort. #6 Farooq (6-1) chased two pacesetters who did not wilt and held fourth at first asking, in a race where he was the only first-time starter. He keeps Jevian Toledo in the saddle, and will benefit from the experience. #7 El Junior (30-1) was sent off at 89-1 on debut, and made decent late ground to grab fifth with a very solid 71. He’s worked well since then, and could be sitting on a big race at a good price.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

5-3-2-7

#5 Bjorn (5-1) got involved in a tense duel last out, and while he couldn’t fend off favored Bestfriend Rocket, he put away his dueling partner and held third. There’s no one in here as good as Bestfriend Rocket, so he should be able to last even with a decent amount of pace pressure. #3 All the Hardways (7-2) rated off the pace, moved to the front on the turn, and held sway last out. He’s one of two in here who has beaten winners, and the only one to do so at a mile. #2 Pay Billy (6-1) dramatically improved last out, breaking his maiden with an 86. That’s a jarring outlier from the rest of his figures, but he can afford to drop a few points off that race and still win.

RACE 8: XTRA HEAT STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

5-3-2-6

The great sprinting filly of the early 2000s is honored with this contest, which begins the 3-year-old stakes season in Maryland. #5 Shkhara Fire (5-1) ran a sharp second going 5 1/2 furlongs last out, running an 85. Her only dull race within her last few came when she tried battling for the lead going a mile last out. This setup looks like much more her speed. #3 My Charm (2-1) gave Caprice a mild scare in the Gin Talking Stakes last out, closing well to grab second. She faces an easier field here, and looks to be on the upswing for the Russell duo. #2 Onyx Ten (3-1) showed speed and faded going 1 1/16 miles last out, but has been in improving form in sprints, and should benefit from the distance cutback.

RACE 9: SPECTACULAR BID STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

3-1-7-5

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