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 (races 2-7, mandatory payout) — $4,234
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6, mandatory payout) — $4,150
Late Pick 5 (races 3-7) — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

6-5-1-2

#6 Spirit and Truth (7-2) got bet against a maiden field not much tougher than this one last out, in her first start off a ten-month layoff. She showed little that day, but she was very promising on debut last May, running second behind multiple winner Kilo Road with a brisnet figure of 75. #5 Warrior’s Jewel (7-5) has finished second or third eight times in nine career starts, including each of her last five. She’s run in the 70s four times in that span, which is good enough to squash most of these, but it’s hard to take a low price on such a camera-shy horse. #1 Map to the Moon (8-1) had a rough trip in an impossible spot first off a seven-month layoff last out, and should bounce back here at a decent number.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

5-6-2-3

#5 Artillery Gunnar (8-5) won at this level two starts ago with a stalk-and-pounce trip, then chased better and got third next out. He’ll enjoy the drop in class, and is bound to get another great setup. He’s likely to rate right off #6 Sir Mick (4-1), who went gate-to-wire on a speed-favoring strip last out, and has the best early pace figures in the field. He’ll likely be able to cross and clear to the front, and can last a long way with the right setup. #2 Tycoon Mogul (7-2) was dismal on a wet track at Parx last out, but he runs much better on fast surfaces, and he’ll get one today.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

3-4-1-6

#3 Dad Joke (5-1) tried to go 1 1/16 miles last out, and resoundingly proved that he cannot go that far. However, he’s run well at this distance or shorter before, so he should turn in an improved effort on the cutback. #4 Veneto (1-1) just missed to the well-regarded Chesapeake Dream in his last one-turn try. He’s in very sharp form, but I don’t think he’s worth as low a price as his morning line would indicate. #1 Latin Rebel (5-2) is in improving form, and comes in here off a hard-trying effort at Colonial Downs where he was beaten less than two lengths after showing good late speed.

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

3-6-2-1

#3 Slam Notion (6-5) has finished second at this level three times in a row (one of those in an excruciatingly close photo finish), but he’s not facing near the caliber of rivals he’s run into in those races. This looks like a “now or never” spot for him. If he can’t beat these, I’m off of his bandwagon for good. #6 Toto’s Mojo 5-2) broke his maiden in sharp style last July on this track, then ran a solid 82 despite a wide trip in what proved to be a salty Keswick Stakes field next out. He hasn’t raced since that early August tilt, but he has been working consistently well for John Salzman Jr. since early January, and looks ready to run a big one first off the bench. #2 Bangkok Bob (3-1) has run big figures against softer lately, and now gets his class test.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

1-7-5-3

#1 Walk Away Joe (2-1) is my preferred half of the Jamie Ness-trained entry. He made decent ground off a modest pace at this level last out, improving slightly in his second start off the Ness claim. His stablemate, Berks, has lots of early speed but has trouble lasting, so he might act as a table-setter for this one. #7 Toast to Coast (10-1) sat near the pace and held on for fourth last out, outfinishing Walk Away Joe in the process. He’ll get first jump on Berks should that rival fade. #5 Hornbeam (5-2) was no threat against better after sitting behind a dawdling pace last out, but with any kind of tempo in front of him, he’ll be heard from late.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-2-5-7

#3 Stickwiththecolors (9-5) announced her presence as a force to be reckoned with in the region last out, when she set the pace and held on to win the Conniver Stakes in gate-to-wire fashion. She’s taking a lateral move into open high-class allowance rivals, but she’s proven herself against good horses, and will be able to protect rail position. #2 Devil Pays in Gold (2-1) makes her first appearance since her come-from-behind win in the Maryland Million Distaff Starter Handicap last out. She doesn’t always turn in her best race, but her peak effort win this race, and she’ll get a nice trip off the pace. #5 Winkiwinki (8-1) makes her second start off a two-month break and will try to press Stickwiththecolors from her outside.

RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

2-1-6-5

#2 Anonymously (9-5) was outkicked by the impressive Pinotslilgirl first off a brief layoff last out, but she loves this track, has abundant early speed, and fits right in at this level. #1 Lady Zeta (8-5) hasn’t been seen here in a while, but she led every step of the way two starts ago at Penn National, and almost pulled off a wire job last out at Aqueduct. #6 Hateful (9-2) has rallied wide and run well in her previous two starts, and is likely to do the same thing here, even if it isn’t as effective against these better rivals.