Video edited on Kapwing

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

Post time: 12:10 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 — $1,203
Jackpot Super High 5 — $5,115
Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 4, 5, AND 6-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

4-3-1-6

#4 Bee a Sky Beam (6-5) has run brisnet figures of 75 and a 78 in each of his last two starts, something only one of his rivals has ever done on dirt. He was a clear-cut second behind the impressive Maximus Speed in his first start off an 11-month break last out. #3 Blind Eye (6-1) has an alarming 0-for-20 career record, but 14 of those defeats have come on grass. He was well-bet against better last out, but lost all chance at the break when he was badly bumped. His recent workouts are solid, he’s demonstrated solid dirt form in the past, and he’s easily the best alternative to topple the heavy chalk. #1 Lucky Prince (5-1) takes a career-low drop in class, and could probably use it. He ran in the low/mid-60s in his last two races, which, while a decline from his form last year, is better than most of his rivals, save the aforementioned two.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $40,000 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

1-4-2-6

#1 Joe the Jet (9-5) ran well first off a ten-month layoff last out. He battled for the early lead and held in tenaciously until late. He outfinished his sparring partner by 7 1/2 lengths, while sent off as by far the biggest longshot in the five-horse field. He’s stretching out from six furlongs, but won going a mile last year, so the extra distance shouldn’t a problem. #4 Mad Banker (7-2) will be his biggest threat on the front end. He already has the best early pace figures in the race, and will assuredly be gunned for speed first off the Jamie Ness claim. Jaime Rodriguez gets the call for the first time. #2 Financial District (5-2) has great late pace figures, and is capable of rounding out the exotics at a good price.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $7,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

4-1-7-5

#4 At First Sight (9-5) chased the very speedy Pinotslilgirl and finished third last out. Pinotslilgirl is in against better later today, while runner-up True Sunshine came back to win as the favorite next out. This one’s sat the trip and converted a few times in her career, and may do the same thing here in a race with plenty of speed. #1 Tam Char (6-1) won three starts back against conditioned rivals for this claiming price, and gets class relief after facing the likes of Anonymously and Bound by Destiny in her last few. She was flat in her last race, but that came on a fast track, and she’s excelled on wet tracks. #6 Loving Cup (5-2) went gate-to-wire at this condition two starts ago. While there’s plenty of speed to her inside, she’s shown she can rate and still run a decent race.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

3-1-5-7

This race kicks off the late pick 5. #3 Splendor Beauty (9-5) looked like one of the main speeds last out, but he was rated off entrymate Afraidofthebunny (under heavy restraint from Jaime Rodriguez). That one coasted to a gate-to-wire win, while Splendor Beauty held on for second. This one will now be able to do what he does best: go to the front and keep on going. #1 Amity Road (4-1) is also trained by Ness, but does not have a lot of early speed, and so should not be a threat to Splendor Beauty. He chased Splendor Beauty and rounded out the exacta two starts ago; a similar scenario is likely to unfold here. #5 Tops the Chart (8-1) has rallied for small shares against similar in his last few tries. He lost to Splendor Beauty by less than a length last out despite a wide trip.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $40,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

1-3-7-2

#1 Little Bit Risky (3-1) was thrown out of his element last out, when he broke a bit slowly and raced wide off the pace. He ran a 76 and an 81 in his prior two races, both figures that would win this race easily, and has the benefit of going first off the Kieron Magee claim. #3 Nola Boss (4-1) ran into a very tough first-level field last out, and was eased when he was obviously beaten. In his prior start, he sat just off the pace and converted to break his maiden with a very sharp 81. This Russell trainee should improve on the class drop. #7 Steel Vengeance (8-1) fended off a late challenge to break his maiden at third asking at Aqueduct last out. He’ll likely get overbet, being a New York shipper, but he’s in improving form and should pack at least a decent late punch.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

1-6-3-9

#1 Lift the Lid (7-5) was well-beaten in two tries against straight maidens, but now drops in for a tag for the first time, a move Brittany Russell has done very well with this kind of move in recent times, and this one is very likely to add another win to her ledger. #6 Set Ablaze (6-1) showed some early speed on debut on the Colonial Downs grass last August, and makes her 3-year-old debut in this spot. The Robby Bailes barn has been sharp as of late, and it would be no surprise to see this one make an impact. #3 Anotherhope (3-1) was well-bet in her first start off a six-month layoff last out. She battled on the pace and faded, but should benefit from getting the race under her belt.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

10-1-9-6

If #10 Lovely Charm (9-2) was drawn a few spots inside, she’d be exceptionally tough to beat. As it is, while she has a tough draw, she’s the most dangerous frontrunner in the field. She’s won two of her last four starts while racing on or near the pace every time. If she’s used even somewhat aggressively by Jorge Vargas, she’ll be able to make the lead, and from there, keep on going. #1 Northern Glow (8-1) makes her first start since June 9, and her first dirt appearance since May 12. She won that May effort over an off track at Pimlico after a wide trip. Brittany Russell sent out My Flicker, a horse with a similar profile, to a determined runner-up finish on Friday. This one should also sit on or near a moderate early pace while saving ground. #9 Majestic Creed (5-1) led almost the whole way and held second two starts ago, then faded when chasing the very impressive Irish Maxima in the Mrs. Claus Stakes last out. She runs her best races when left alone on the lead, and if Lovely Charm isn’t sent, this one could end up with a gigantic pace advantage.

RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

6-4-1-7

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