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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 — $408
Jackpot Super High 5 — $1,019
Late Pick 5 — $0

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RACE 1: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

6-7-3-4

#6 Dolice Vita (9-2) swooped the group to win going away at seven furlongs on opening day. His only bad race in recent times came when he was outclassed in the Maryland Million Classic a few starts ago. He should be able to mow these down without much trouble. #7 Mr. Jefferson (5-2) was a sharp second behind the classy Clubman two starts back in his last try at this level, and now gets some class relief after facing a tough first-level field last out. He’s slowly rounded back into his best form since being claimed by Lacey Gaudet last June, and should work out a trip on or near the pace. #3 Divine Armor (8-1) was well-supported against a slightly better field last out, but was hopelessly pace-compromised and stood no chance. He closed well two starts ago at Parx and won three starts back at Penn National, getting honest paces to close into both times. Jaime Rodriguez would be well-advised to keep him as close to the pace as he can, in a contest without a ton of speed. Otherwise, he might find himself in a similar spot as last time.

RACE 2: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 4, 5, AND 6-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

6-5-1-4

#6 Let’s Go J J (9-2) probably needed his debut. He was well-supported in a race where he was one of three firsters, and closed well for a clear-cut second despite not changing leads in the stretch. The winner, Jasiel, returned to finish third at 17-1 in a strong first-level allowance next out (in fact, the same race Mr. Jefferson exits). This one adds blinkers, keeps Jaime Rodriguez aboard, and has worked well since. #5 Coringa (3-1) was bet to the moon last out, going off as the 3-10 chalk despite not having raced in more than a year. He ran a strong race, setting the pace and hanging on until the last eighth, when he faltered. He’s bound to improve second off the bench, and it would be no surprise if he took them gate-to-wire. #1 Pilote Comete (9-5) has hit the board in his last six starts. He was third last out to Virginia City, who finished third on January 31 to the very promising Secret Zipper and War Master. The second-place finisher in his last start was the aforementioned Jasiel. This one is a good horse to key underneath.

RACE 3: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

7-1-2-6

#7 Everett’s Song (2-1) set a slow early pace at this level last out, and drew off to win second off a year-plus layoff. He might not get that easy a lead today, but he’s shown he can win from just off the tempo as well. #1 Quincannon (6-1) drew off to win easily after a perfect trip last out. He’s faltered going two turns in the past, but he should run an improved race if he can work out a similar setup from the rail. #2 Morning Thoughts (8-1) may have been a bit out of his element going seven furlongs last out, but has showcased plenty of pace going to turns in the past. Look for him to be sent for speed right out of the gate.

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

3-1-2-5

#3 Top Blood (9-2) overcame a wide trip to break his maiden going away at 1 1/16 miles, with a sharp 77. He’s getting a class test here, as that victory came against $30,000 maiden claimers, but he’s shown the most ability around two turns of anyone in this race. #1 Mr. Mendelslew (7-2), after finishing up the track in his first four races (including the Hopeful Stakes), has finally begun to find his best self. He raced wide most of the way last out, but the ground loss was no problem, as he crushed the field by more than nine lengths with an 85. That’s a career-best figure by 20 points. He slowed down late after contesting the early pace, but was able to get away with it because the rivals behind him weren’t much. We’ll see how he does facing slightly better fields. #2 All The Hardways (7-5) was second to the very impressive Pay Billy last out, and now faces easier rivals. He’s the only multiple winner in the field, having beaten $40,000 claimers two races back.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

5-2-7-8

LATE PICK 5 STARTS HERE. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO ANALYSIS

#5 Audibly (9-5) broke her maiden in a dead heat two races back, then finished second to her dead heat partner, First to Arrive, in her last try. She’s the only one in the field to run in the 70s in each of her last two starts, and may improve further first off the Jamie Ness claim. #2 Shining Spirit (3-1) has shown improving form in her last few starts, and finished a solid third after a rough break when shipped up to Aqueduct last out. She’s been steadily dropping down the class ladder since her maiden-breaking win four starts ago, and this may be a spot where she belongs. #7 Lachicafortequila (10-1) is the only one who hasn’t lost against winners, having broken her maiden six days ago from well off the pace. She’ll do her best running late and hope for a contested pace.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 MILE

8-3-6-1

#8 Margo’s Margarita (5-2) has been facing better in her last few starts while showing slow and steady improvement. She made a solid move going 1 1/16 miles two races back, then faded after a wide trip, and ran a career-best 58 despite being visually unimpressive last out. She’s the only one in the field who hasn’t lost at this level. #3 Tres Aries (10-1) fought gamely and just missed last out, losing a stretch battle while finishing almost ten lengths clear of third. If she runs her usual race, she’ll contend with these. #6 Feistyness (9-2) was well-supported when dropped to this level for the first time last out. However, she was very headstrong, checked hard on the first turn, and was no threat from there. She’s shown glimmers of ability in the past, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her jump up and win this.

RACE 7: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

2-5-6-7

#2 Sweet Heidelberg (8-1) made her second start off a three-month break at a mile last out. She set ambitious fractions and led most of the way, ultimately fading and holding second. She’s getting a big-time cutback in distance here, and she’s shown the ability to sit just off the leaders, so she might not be forced into the pace with some quality speed drawn to her inside. #5 Beach Island (8-1) was a back-to-back winner at Delaware Park last summer, and makes her first start since an ambitious effort against much better in August. She might need a race off the bench, but she’s shown sharp form and gets to face a fairly easy field in her return. #6 Hateful (6-1) has the best late pace figures in the race, and would take full advantage if the numerous speed horses in this one end up battling.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

6-3-1-4

#6 St. Jude (3-1) made his first start off an 11-month layoff last out, and just his second start since his career debut in March 2023. He ran a big second with a strong 93, but had the misfortune of running into Worcester, who dominated that field, dominated a second-level field next out, and is a nominee to the General George Stakes. This one has tons of upside and gets to face much easier today. #3 Cathedral Beach (7-2) chased the leaders and finished third at Churchill Downs last out. Second-place finisher B Sugg came back to win his next start, while fifth-place finisher Trust Daddy has won his next two. This one arrived in the Mid-Atlantic about two months ago, and has since worked well at Penn National. #1 Boys of Summer (8-1) won the battle but lost the war last out. He fought with Honor the Cross most of the way, and eventually dispatched that rival, but couldn’t hold off rail-skimming closer Secret Treasure and finished second by a neck. Still, he ran a career-best 86 that day, and is bound to be part of the early pace once again.

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

4-3-5-1

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