LAUREL PARK PICKS AND PONDERINGS: FEB. 4, 2022

Air Token
Air Token won the Maryland Million Sprint. Photo Allison Janezic.

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $5,319 Super High 5 — $999 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

6-1-4-3

#6 Pederson’s Courage (9/5) gets some class relief after racing wide throughout against n/w1x company last out. He’s run a brisnet figure of 78 in three of his last four starts, well within the range needed to win this one. #1 Graywing (3/1) broke his maiden impressively two races back, then struggled last out after a wide trip. Gets a better draw here and should work out the trip. #4 Power Back (5/1) made a strong closing bid to get second against these last out and has a chance to improve second off the layoff.

RACE 2: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

2-1-5-4

#2 Gifted Heart (8/5) dueled on the lead and kicked away to win handily at this level last out. The red-hot Victor Carrasco gets the call for the first time. #1 Decoupage (3/1) makes her first start since November 18, a flat effort where she hung on for fourth but didn’t have the punch needed to win. She consistently runs figures in the upper 70s/low 80s and should at least close for a piece. #5 Proper Attire (9/5) goes first off the claim for Jamie Ness and has abundant early speed.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

1-6-5-7

#1 Hair of the Dog (7/2) ran a lifetime-top mark again last out, earning an 83 against Maryland-bred allowance field in which he was outclassed. He won two in a row prior to that race. Will get a great trip on the rail and should have little trouble with these. #6 Stay In (5/2) has also run in the 80s consistently, and made big moves that flattened out in each of his last two starts. Trainer Dale Capuano won three races yesterday. #5 Mutakaamil (3/1) has no early speed to speak of but is rounding back into career-best form.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $5,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

3-5-4-6

#3 Cougar Vision (3/1) made a sharp move to the lead and held off the surging Joyful Noise to win against conditioned foes last out. She was a bit closer to the pace than usual last out; forward position may prove key here. #5 Parched Ghost (2/1) has won at this level twice recently but faces a slightly tougher field than usual. Her only bad race in her last four came when she faced much tougher in starter allowance company. #4 Eloquent Lady (5/1) struggled after a wide trip last out and was eased late. She’s going to be a factor on the early pace here.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

8-7-5-4

#8 Treasure Tradition (5/1) was extremely impressive in his maiden win last out, drawing off strongly in the stretch to earn a big figure of 94. That’s the best last-out figure in the field by four points. This will be his class test. #7 Kid d’Oro (9/2) has run in the 80s in each of his last three starts and looks for a rebound after a tough, wide trip last out. He’s also cutting back from a mile. #5 Swing West (5/1) soundly defeated claiming groups in his last two starts, showing speed and drawing off both times. Treasure Tradition will be a threat on the early pace, but at least this one is drawn to the inside of that rival.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 4 AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

7-2-4-6

#7 Image Maker (3/5) has been improving with each race and is the only one in the field with quality recent experience going a mile or more. He pressed the pace and faded to second around two turns at this level last out. If he can time his move a little better he’s in great shape. #2 Rahmer (4/1), like Image Maker, has run in the mid-70s steadily but has never raced beyond six furlongs. This will be his stamina test. #4 Mr. Mosley (8/1) showed brief speed and held on for third going 1 1/16 miles last out, in an encouraging effort. Goes first off the layoff and first time for Bob Klesaris.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

2-4-6-3

#2 Sunday Mischief (2/1) cruised on the lead to break his maiden last out with an impressive figure of 81. Midwest invader Steinbeck will provide a challenge on the lead from the rail, but if Sunday Mischief can clear he could prove tough to catch. #4 Sharp Red Eagle (6/1) took a step forward to break his maiden last out in a game front-running effort. He doesn’t look fast enough to get the early lead, but he’ll be in prime position to rate just off the lead. #6 Heffner (8/5) ran an 83 when third at this level in his most recent start. He’s been working well recently and adds lasix.

RACE 8: MAIDEN CLAIMING $16,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

4-6-7-9

#4 Money Code (5/2) closed for third while racing off the rail last out at Aqueduct, on a day with a strong rail bias. Faces one of the easiest fields he’s ever seen here. #6 Shanghai Candy (10/1) has made mild ground in his last two starts and can close for an underneath spot at a good number. #7 Pit Stop Man (8/5) just missed last out at Aqueduct, outfinishing Money Code that day. He also raced wide over the rail-biased track.

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