• John Piassek
• February 13, 2022

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $835 Super High 5 — $0 Late Pick 5 — $8,983

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $8,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES,

5-3-2-6

#5 Parched Ghost (7/2) is a neck away from having won three of her last four starts, all against open $5,000 claimers. Although this is technically a step up in class, it’s not much different than the fields she saw for a lower tag. She’ll likely rate just off the leaders and pounce in the stretch. #3 Calypso Ghost (9/5) got her neck down ahead of Parched Ghost two back, although she had a clear lead late and had to fight in the end. Goes second off the claim for Kieron Magee and should also enjoy the trip. #2 Blue Sky Venezuela (7/2) consistently runs in the 70s and like, Calypso Ghost, drops from the starter allowance level. She’ll likely rate in the two-path just outside likely early leader Lady Magica.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

3-2-4-5

#3 Brettmeister (7/2) ran a very solid figure of 62, but showed little last out in his first start off a brief layoff. He has that race under his belt and drops in class. #2 Biscotto d’Oro (1/2) has been rapidly improving in his last few starts, including a 70 earned with a strong closing rally last out. However, he’s had his chances at this level and is bound to be overbet. #4 Greylover (5/2) almost wired a field much like this one last out, but tired and held second. This is his first start since November 7, so while he’s the main speed threat in the field, he might need a race.

RACE 3: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

2-1-5-4

#2 Sammie Sunshine (4/5) has just missed against better starter allowance horses in her last two starts, but faces an easier field than her prior starts. She shouldn’t have any trouble taking this field gate-to-wire. #1 Mavilus (4/1) goes first off the claim for Carlos Mancilla. She’s also a front-runner, and while she isn’t as fast as Sammie Sunshine early, she can at least try to give her a scare and hang around for a share while rating off the pace. #5 Breviary (9/2) was also claimed out of her last start, in this case, by Mario Serey. She showed a lot more early speed than usual last time, and it’ll be interesting to see if she employs it here. Usually, she rallies for a share from far out of it.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

7-3-4-8

This race begins the late pick 5, with a decent carryover. #7 Bowie Two Step (3/1) goes third off the layoff and drops in class to this level for the first time. He was very flat last out, but still ran a competitive figure for this level and has run on well in the end in the past. #3 No Money Down (9/5) had a tough trip last out, but recovered well and ran a career-best figure of 67. He now gets a cutback in distance from seven furlongs and looms as one of the main speed threats. #4 Amicalola Falls (8/1) got some action in his debut, but had a tough break and was well-beaten against what proved to be a relatively salty field. He’s a pretty blank canvas, but I doubt he’s really as bad as that race.

RACE 5: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

1-6-7-8

I tried to beat #6 Beverly Park (1/1) last out, and it didn’t quite work, as he crushed the field by 3 1/4 lengths with a big figure of 94. I’ll try to do it again, as #1 Pictor (8/5) has won two in a row at Penn National in effortless front-running performances. He has a great draw here and should run them, including Beverly Park, off their feet. While Beverly Park also has tons of early speed, he runs the risk of getting caught in the two-path while dueling with Pictor. #7 Revolutionary Road (6/1) went gate-to-wire in an open claiming race and has the option to go after the leaders or stalk. The latter might be the better choice here.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 4 AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

9-8-2-5

#9 Hummin’ the Flash (9/5) raced well in her first start off the break, closing strongly in the stretch to get third. She’s run in the low 70s in back-to-back starts. #8 Broadway Melody (8/1) made good ground in a decent field for the level last out. It was a more visually impressive race than her prior start for $16,000 two races back. Staying at this level should help. #2 Pearlyville (3/1) battled on the lead and held second last out, and outfinished Broadway Melody two races back. Should be a major pace presence once again.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-BRED, 1 1/16 MILES

4-1-7-2

#4 Aint Da Beer Gold (6/5) set an honest pace against better last out, and held on near the lead until the last eighth of a mile. He drops back to the Maryland-bred allowance level and faces a very friendly field. Should go gate-to-wire. #1 Artistic Reason (4/1) goes out for the Jamie Ness barn, which has been tearing it up here recently. This one was flat last out but should improve second off the layoff. #7 Edict (10/1) has improved in his last three starts and has shown good tactical speed lately, albeit against softer fields.

RACE 8: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 1/16 MILES

1-5-7-2

#1 Keen Machine (7/2) has closed well in her last two starts going shorter, suggesting that she shouldn’t have trouble with today’s longer distance. Anthony Farrior has had a strong meet so far. #5 She’s a Tripp (3/5) has burned a lot of money against similar types earlier in her career, but she adds lasix for the first time and, along with Keen Machine, is consistently capable of figures in the upper 50s. #7 Party Monster (12/1) ran a career-low mark of 51 last out but had some traffic trouble. Ben Perkins Jr is sharp with horses getting lasix for the second time, like this one is.