• John Piassek
• February 27, 2022

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

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

Check out our other handicapping here!

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

7-3-5-1

There’s eight races on today’s card, as we wrap up the month of February. #7 Moon Biz (7/5) ran a career-best brisnet figure of 74 last out, earned when she set the pace, opened up a clear lead in the stretch, and faded. Goes second off the layoff and should be able to sustain her speed this time. #3 Union Betty (4/1) finished third behind Moon Biz last out. She doesn’t have any early speed, but her closing kick has been improving. #5 Pearlyville (8/5) cuts back from a mile and will likely challenge Moon Biz for the lead from the inside. While her figures are competitive, she’s had many chance at this level at low odds and hasn’t delivered.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $10,000 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

4-7-1-3

#4 Hummin’ the Funk (2/1) broke her maiden at tenth asking last out, rallying from well out of it to get up in the last few strides. She’s run in the 70s in each of her last three starts. #7 Secret Prize (7/5) races against winners for the second time. She ran a career-best figure at Charles Town last out despite a wide trip. The post isn’t ideal here but at least it’s not on a bullring. #1 Hot Choice (9/2) takes a big drop from the n/w1x level, and while her figures aren’t that competitive with those of the top two, she should best the rest.

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

4-3-2-8

#4 Paint Music for Me (7/2) has finished in the exacta in his last four starts, and was a game second in his first start at this condition. He fought hard in the stretch and was beaten only by Patriot Kid, who swallowed the field up with a looping last-to-first rally. #3 Muchacho Macho (7/2) was third behind Paint Music for Me in his last start. He made a premature move to the lead and hung on well late even when he was tiring. #2 Voltamour (4/1) was fourth in that race and goes third off the layoff with good closing speed.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

4-2-3-5

#4 Dangnabbit (2/1) broke his maiden impressively at Parx two starts back, but was eased when facing much better last out. Drops in class and adds lasix for the first time. A prime candidate for a bounce-back race. #2 Auction Kingdom (9/2) closed gamely to break his maiden last out with a competitive figure of 74. He’s the only one in the race without a loss against winners. #3 Lord Mio (3/1) flattened out badly last out but keeps dropping down the class ladder. His low 70s/upper 60s figures are competitive with these.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $40,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

10-5-6-4

#10 Goldenize (5/2) ran a huge mark of 93 against straight maidens last out, finishing third against a field that looked promising on paper. This is a pretty salty bunch by maiden claiming standards but he’ll be tough if he can run back to that race. #5 Money Room (7/2) closed stoutly and just missed in his 3-year-old debut last out behind The Addison Pour, who was second in a salty n/w1x race next out. He’s been getting better with every start. #6 Violent Rock (6/1) exits the same race as Money Room. It was his career debut, and he made a promising bid to lose by just two lengths.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

2-3-4-1

#2 Free Square (9/2) ran a gutsy race on the lead last out and goes first off the claim for Jerry Robb. He has an ideal post and should be the main factor on the front end. #3 Minecrafter (5/1) exits the same race as Free Square. In that race, he sat the trip and won going away in an impressive performance first off the layoff. Turned in a bullet workout a few days ago. #4 Loose Ends (12/1) was scratched out of a similar spot at Parx a few days ago. He just missed against Pennsylvania-breds two starts back, then closed strongly to get up and win last out. Interesting at a price.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-BRED, 6 FURLONGS

2-3-6-1

#2 Seven On the Rocks (2/1) made his first start off a very long layoff against open company last out, and ran a big figure of 86 while battling near the lead throughout. He just missed second behind Going to the Lead, who is a perfect 2-for-2 this year. #3 Rising Perry (7/2) consistently runs in the 80s, but it’s not clear he has the closing kick needed to win this one, considering his string of second and third-place performances. #6 San Antone (5/2) also loves to hit the board; he’s been the runner-up, beaten less than a length, in three consecutive starts. He’ll likely get the trip just off the pace, but can he convert?

RACE 8: CLAIMING $5,000 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

4-5-1-2

#4 Unshakeable U (4/5) was well-backed against better n/w3L types last out, but faltered badly after setting an aggressive pace. She should rebound here, but don’t expect the betting public to be fooled. #5 Gold Time Vixen (9/2) stopped badly after a wide trip last out and should also recover. She would’ve been closer two back at Penn National if she wasn’t interfered with. #1 Love is Strong (7/2) surged and just missed in her last two races and will hope for a pace to close into.