• John Piassek
• April 1, 2022

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

Post time: 12:40 p.m.

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

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

6-2-1-4

Today’s the first day of the spring meet! #6 Silent Malice (7/2) made a giant move from way behind last out and lost by only two lengths against similar going seven furlongs last out. His closing style is more suited towards a one-turn mile, and he’ll be a serious threat if he gets a pace to run into. #2 Bellarmine Hall (9/5) ships back here after a dull try at Parx last out. He ran a brisnet figure of 85 in back-to-back starts at this level earlier in the year, and ran on well in the stretch in both of those starts. #1 Hayne’s Fever (6/1) takes a slight drop in class and also has great closing speed. His jockey, Jeiron Barbosa, made his mainland debut last Friday and won two races.

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

7-3-2-6

#7 Illustrious (4/1) lasted on a decently fast pace last out and broke his maiden impressively. His figure of 85 is far and away a lifetime-top. #3 Krug (8/5) has won two of his last three starts and has good tactical speed that will serve him well. #2 Prince of Portland (7/2) ran a decent third in his first start off the claim two starts back, making a move in the stretch before fading late. Looks for a rebound after a flat try last out.

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

5-7-2-4

#5 Miracle Mischief (5/2) has been somewhat inconsistent in her career, but did turn in a solid performance as the favorite last out at Gulfstream Park. Gets some class relief for her 3-year-old debut and adds lasix. Although she was well-beaten, #7 Rationalmillenial (4/1) improved her figure 22 points second time out, making a decent four-wide move to secure a distant second behind a dominant winner. Should keep moving forward second off the brief layoff. #2 Harper’s Do (4/1) just missed last out with a strong stretch bid. We’ll see how she does stretching out to six furlongs.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

3-6-5-1

#3 Justinthenickoftime (5/2) fought hard in the stretch last out and lost to the very tough Assembly Point. He was disappointing in his first start off the claim for Justin Rivera in November but has improved with every race since then. #6 Askin For a Baskin (8/1) got a much-needed drop in class last out and cruised to a gate-to-wire victory. Will be a threat if he can wrestle away a lonely lead. #5 Image Maker (3/1) drafted on the lead and won at this level last out with a career-best figure o f91. Should be a factor on the early pace once again.

RACE 5: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 7 FURLONGS

1-3-6-9

#1 Glowsity (10/1) is taking what is, on paper, a jump in class, but there usually isn’t much difference between a $40,000 maiden claimer and these kind of races. She raced wide throughout and closed for second with a much-improved figure of 75. Looks like a live longshot. #3 Senson (7/2) ran a gutsy race on the lead last out and once again looks like the main speed threat. Races third off the layoff. Feargal Lynch will make his first appearance of the year on #6 Wet My Beak (5/1), a very promising firster for Graham Motion. She’s had three bullet workouts in a row at Fair Hill. Motion isn’t great with firsters, so she might need a race, but the worktab still merits respect.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

1-4-8-7

#1 Triple Titos (6/1) has been near the pace and faded in his last few starts, but he has consistently good figures, in the low/mid-70s range, and goes first off the claim for Ferris Allen. #4 Awesummer (3/1) has had many tries against similar but has been improving in his last few starts, including an impressive mark of 79 last out. He had no chance behind a runaway leader in that race but managed to outkick the rest. #8 Francis X (7/2) has shown decent closing speed in his last two starts

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-BRED, 1 1/16 MILES

2-4-6-1

#2 Click to Confirm (9/5) set a snappy pace and held on for third in the Beyond the Wire Stakes last out, finishing behind the very impressive Luna Belle. She’s stretching to around two turns for the first time but has done good work at a mile. #4 Good Measure (3/1) has chugged along and gotten checks at this level in her last two starts . While she has good late speed, she might have to be a bit more forwardly placed to be a serious contender. #6 Lady Fox (8/1) closed well for second off a very slow pace at Penn National last out and could upset the exotics at decent odds.

RACE 8: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

2-1-9-7

#2 Little Bold Bandit (7/2) does not quite have his older sister’s ability, but he does have lots of early speed and an advantageous post. He looks a bit faster than #1 Big Hambone (9/2) early on, and should be able to cross and clear in front of that rival. The latter has shown the ability to stalk and pounce, so he wouldn’t be completely out of it if he didn’t get the lead. #9 Extra Medium (6/1) closed well for second three back and had a tough trip two back, but backed up last out after rating on the inside. His figures remain consistently good and he’ll look for improvement second off the claim for Ferris Allen.

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $16,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

2-8-11-1

This race kicks off the Stronach 5. #2 Mr. Mosley (9/2) drops back down to this level, where he almost wired them two starts back. This is his first start at a mile, but he’s raced well going longer before. #8 Johnny Swish (3/1) also stretches out from six furlongs for the Jamie Ness/Jaime Rodriguez combo, and has hit the board twice at low odds in his last two starts at the level. We’ll see how far he can stretch out his speed. #11 Rebel Victory (8/1) makes the first start of his 3-year-old season after showing some promise going long last year. His recent workouts have been solid.