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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 — $0
Jackpot Super High 5 — $2,643
Late Pick 5 — $0

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $40,000 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

6-5-1-3

#6 Mor Mor Mor (8-5) got caught up in a duel against first-level rivals on opening day, and while she flattened to fourth, she still an an impressive brisnet figure of 85. She broke her maiden two starts ago with an 86, meaning that she’s run back-to-back races far superior to those of the rest. If she can outrun the others and open up a clear early lead, she’ll be very difficult to catch. If she can’t sneak away, #5 Big Wanda (12-1) looms as an intriguing longshot possibility. She gobbled up ground and won going away in her debut effort on grass last August. She returned to the worktab a few weeks back, and showed slightly improved form in her second timed drill. Katy Voss might be thinking of this race more as a prep for spots down the road, but this one has nonetheless flashed a lot of ability and would feast on a fast pace. #1 Gourmet (3-1) faded after a wide trip first off a two-month layoff at Penn National last out. She has good tactical speed, and should get a much better trip just off the leaders on the inside. The key might be to let someone else soften up Mor Mor Mor, then get first crack when the leaders tire.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

7-3-1-5

After a few races of getting involved in duels and tiring, Carol Cedeno employed a different tack with #7 Lottie Deno (3-1) last out. She let her sit off the pace, then moved up on the turn and beat a non-winners of two field easily. She was claimed out of that race by Jose Magana and gets a rider switch to Jevian Toledo, who would be well-advised to employ similar tactics. #3 Conquest Dancer (5-2) made a strong, wide move to the lead against better non-winners of three rivals last out going a mile. Although she flattened out late, she ran a career-best 79, and has gotten better in each of her last few starts. A cutback in distance and a slight class drop should help her cause. #1 Feelin So Lucky (2-1) held her own against better towards the end of the fall meet, but was hung wide all the way last out and Penn National and flattened out. Look for a return to her best self today.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

2-6-4-8

#2 Grey Flannel Boss (6-1) ran a sneaky good race in his dirt debut last out. He was unprepared when the gates opened, and subsequently broke a few lengths slow and was checked out of position. He was hopelessly out of contention from there, but made very good ground when well-beaten and ended up fifth. He’s won around two turns on grass, so the distance shouldn’t be much of a concern. As long as he breaks well (and he’s had gate problems in the past as well), he’ll be a serious late presence. #6 Buoyant (3-1) goes first off the claim by Gina Perri, and exits a race where he faded after a destructive early duel. He has plenty of early speed; we’ll see if new rider Jorge Gonzalez is able to properly nurse it. He almost pulled off a wire job two starts back at this level going seven panels. #4 Schrader (4-1) exits the same race as Buoyant, and finished third after sitting off the duel. He’s in improving form, and his pedigree suggests he can handle longer distances. His dam, Grecian Maiden, was a stakes winner at a route of ground, and all three of his winning siblings won going a mile or longer.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $7,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-6-2-5

#3 True Sunshine (7-5) has figures that tower over those of the rest. She ran an 85 and an 83 in her last two races; no one else in here has run better than a 77 within their last two. The rest of these would have to run their best races in a very long time if True Sunshine runs back to either of her most recent starts. #6 Fancy Princess (8-1) couldn’t sustain her move last out at Penn National, and was disqualified from second for drifting out. Still, she has a comfortable recent figure advantage over everyone not named True Sunshine, and looks like a safe bet to round out a chalky exacta. #2 R Averie Lynn (8-1) was completely flat first off a brief layoff last out at Penn National, but has plenty of backclass and has to be respected for the hot Mike Gorham barn.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 4, 5, AND 6-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

4-3-10-6

#4 Lucked In (6-1) took a big step forward second time on dirt last out, closing well to grab second against similar at 27-1. He made a strong, but largely invisible, move going six furlongs two starts back after a rough break. #3 Reserve Judgement (8-1) went off favored in his first start off a year-plus layoff last out, and ended up a well-beaten fifth behind a gate-to-wire winner. He ran a sharp 72 on debut in 2023 before going to the sidelines, so we know the ability’s there somewhere. Perhaps the race off the bench will wake him up. #10 Stormy Hollow (8-1) exits the same race as Reserve Judgement. He was third that day, closing well off the clear leader despite not changing leads.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

5-8-4-10

#5 Cajun Vibes (6-1) doesn’t get out of the gate well, but he more than makes up for it with a powerful late kick. He’s won two of his last three starts, and has improved his figure with every start. He’ll be hard to beat if he gets a clear path to run. #8 Beach Cowboy (4-1) is the only one in the field to run in the 80s in each of his last three starts. He was a respectable third against much better last out, and has abundant early speed. He should be able to clear even from his outside draw. #4 Minister for Magic (5-1) broke awkwardly and was knocked out of contention last out, but ran in the 80s in each of his prior three starts. He looks to improve first off the claim for Kieron Magee. It’s worth noting his last poor race was on a muddy track, and today’s track is likely to be wet as well. I’m willing to dismiss his last race because of the aforementioned traffic, but if he runs badly again with little trouble, we’ll have a good idea as to why.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

5-1A-9-2

By the time they hit the opening quarter mark, we’ll know if #5 Secret Zipper (4-1) is going to win or not. He’s run huge figures in his last two starts, thanks to very easy gate-to-wire trips. He has the most early speed in this contest, and if he’s allowed to set another uncontested pace, it’ll be lights out for the rest. #1A War Master (9-2) chased a gate-to-wire winner last out in Sagrada Ray, who returned to finish third against starter optional claiming foes on Sunday. This one ran on well behind him and finished second. A similar scenario is likely to unfold if Secret Zipper gets loose. #9 Margie’s Fun Son (15-1) was no match for the very impressive Worcester last out, but won going away in his most recent two-turn start with an impressive 92. His best races put him in the mix, and he must be considered for underneath spots.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

2-4-1-3

#2 Mr. Anontelli (6-1) converted a great stalking trip to beat second-level rivals last out, running in the 90s for the third time in his last five races. He has the best early pace figures in the field and a good draw from which to show speed, so Xavier Perez has the option of going to the lead or taking back. Perez won in gate-to-wire style with a Diane Morici trainee two weeks ago, wiring the What a Summer Stakes field with Ms. Bucchero. #4 No Cents (5-2) broke a bit awkwardly last out and couldn’t make the lead, but he went gate-to-wire two starts back, and is a serious speed threat at his best. #1 Murray (7-2) has no early speed at all, which is bound to hurt him at today’s distance. However, he always backs good closing punch and is a good horse to key underneath.

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 4, 5, AND 6-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

5-8-3-7

#5 Superlastingsecret (8-1) showed some promise in his second dirt start. He flashed speed for the first time and held in until late. Any further improvement like that wins this. #8 Carolina Flake (9-2) has worked well for Katy Voss in anticipation of her debut, gets Jevian Toledo to ride, and has a very solid pedigree which goes back multiple generations of mares bred by Voss and her partner, Bob Manfuso. Watch the board on this one. If #3 Key State (5-2) can transfer his recent Parx form here, he’ll likely win, having run a series of solid pace-stalking efforts in his last few. However, be advised trainer Michael Pino is only 3-for-32 with his shippers to Maryland since the start of 2020.

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