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

Post time: 12:10 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 3-8) — $0
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6)— $794
Late Pick 5 (races 4-8) — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

3-5-8-4

After three consecutive dull efforts to close her 2024 campaign, #3 Miss Ellary (8-1) made her 2025 bow a winning one last out against non-winners of two rivals. She sat just off the pace and opened up a clear lead to win easily with a brisnet figure of 80. She’ll be able to make the rail and the lead and work out her ideal trip. #5 Ribbonsinherhair (5-2) has been in improving form since getting claimed by Jamie Ness in late October. She returns to a local oval after holding her own against similar at Aqueduct. #8 Gilda’s Girl (3-1) ran well first off the Mike Geralis claim last out, setting the pace and holding second at this condition. She’s the biggest threat to the front-running hegemony of Miss Ellary.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

6-4-1-5

#6 Buds Island (8-5) beat a few of these under similar circumstances last out, winning in gate-to-wire style for the second race in a row. His draw isn’t great, but he’s cleared to the lead from off the rail and won before, and you figure Jevian Toledo, who’s won with him in last two starts, will know what the assignment is. #4 Lightning Boss (8-1) stopped badly against better on a speed-favoring strip last out. He was transferred into Jamie Ness’s barn after that win, gets some class relief, and has shown enough ability in the past to make me believe. #1 Notmyfirstrodeo (4-1) chased Buds Island all the way around and finished second last out, with his second consecutive improved figure. He’ll likely get his trip and grab a minor share once again.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

6-4-3-2

#6 Severn Run (9-5) was third behind a pair of well-meant first-time starters last out, and comes into this race with a large figure edge. He’s run a 72 and 73 in his last two races; no one else has run faster than a 69 this year. #4 Finn d’Oro (5-1) fought hard and just missed last out, losing a nose-bob photo to a 13-1 shot with his second consecutive massively improved figure. He rated off the pace and made his move on the turn last out; he’ll likely get a similar setup here. #3 Tetched (7-2) has faded as the favorite in his last four starts, but he still has the best early pace figures in the race, and gets a rider switch to Weston Hamilton.

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

4-2-1-6

#4 Sunset Town (9-2) and #2 Johnnyfrenchfri (7-5) come out of the same race at this condition on February 23. Johnnyfrenchfri set the pace and led into the stretch, but Sunset Town wore him down for the victory, while Johnnyfrenchfri just held third by a nose. The same scenario is likely to play out here: Johnnyfrenchfri sets the pace and ultimately tires, while Sunset Town uses his great tactical speed to success. #1 B West (9-5) chased Johnnyfrenchfri and finished second behind him three races back. He’s now dropping back to this level after facing better in his last two starts, and will be an especially dangerous threat if he stays close to the pace.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

7-3-8-5

Arnaldo Bocachica is extremely dangerous when he comes in to ride, and he’s on another live one in #7 Zero Blitz (7-5). He went off as the second choice as the lone first-time starter in the field on debut, and closed very well to just miss second to the 11-10 chalk by a neck. This one looks extremely well-meant and will be very tough to beat. A victory by Severn Run in race 3 would flatter #3 Fast Talkin Man (3-1), who raced near the pace and faded to fifth behind that rival last out. He was in sharp form prior to that effort, and a drop to a career-low level might wake him up. The speedy #8 We Called Sol (5-1) was completely knocked out of contention by a bad break last out, but almost wired a similar group two races ago.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

6-5-3-2

#6 Doctor Abbie (6-1) likes this track and distance, with her only bad race here coming when she raced wide against better going 1 1/16 miles last summer. She has great late pace figures and gets Jaime Rodriguez aboard for her return to Maryland, so she’ll be in prime position to mow them down at the top of the stretch. #5 Call Another Play (2-1) rolled from off the pace to win the Geisha Stakes two starts back, and never got involved after a bad break in the Conniver Stakes last out. While the Geisha is her only good recent race, she’s shown aptitude over this track before, and she should improve here with a fair break. #3 Lovely Charm (7-2) has abundant early speed, which she’s employed en route to two victories within her last five starts. The only serious speed to her inside hasn’t raced since September.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

4-3-2-5

#4 Hittheroadjak (3-1) didn’t care much for the six furlongs of the Not For Love Stakes last out, but ran back-to-back figures in the upper-90s going longer in his previous races. The one-mile distance today looks like much more his speed. #3 Fan Club (10-1) has found his best self since getting claimed by Claudio Gonzalez on closing day of the 2024 season. He got a more honest pace to close into last out and took full advantage, getting up over Charles Town star Sarah’s Candy Camp to win with a 92. That’s the best figure he’s run in a while. He’s getting a class test here, but he’s in good enough form to contend. #2 St. Jude (8-5) sat a great trip and kicked on to beat a solid first-level field last out, running at least a 93 for the third time in his last four starts. He’s lightly-raced and has never been beyond seven furlongs, but the upside is there.

RACE 8: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

5-4-2-6

#5 Cluck Cluck (7-5) was well-beaten by a very tough Maryland-restricted field last out, and was a game second to the speedy Mor Mor Mor two races back. These rivals are much easier to deal with. #4 Wampy (9-2) sat the trip and kicked away to break her maiden last out at seventh asking. She’s the only one in here who has not lost against winners multiple times. #2 Just the Thing (5-1) has an unsightly 1-for-26 career record, but loves getting checks at this level, and is a decent bet to round out the exotics.

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