• John Piassek
• April 2, 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 — $2,169 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

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

6-4-5-1

#6 Knowhowiknow (7/2) has had some tough trips in his last two starts, but now gets some class relief from the $40,000 level. He ran a game race going a mile three starts back, when he was able to save more ground and last on the pace. Both Anthony Farrior entrants in here look promising; we’ll start with #4 Gunhand (2/1), who has early speed and should be able to get to the rail and the lead without much trouble. He’s shown the ability to withstand pace pressure. His stablemate, #5 Snow Candy (4/1), has won two in a row with good tactical trips at Charles Town and gets Arnaldo Bocachica in the saddle.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

6-8-5-3

#6 Gorun (9/2) makes his first start for the Farrior barn, after a promising debut at Turfway Park where he rushed up to the pace and held on well in the stretch. Adds lasix for the first time. #8 Whenigetoheaven (9/5) hasn’t gotten to the promised land yet, finishing second in three consecutive starts. He’s run in the 70s each time, which might be good enough to win this one. Still, I’m suspicious at low odds. #5 Class Wizard (4/1) made a ton of ground late in an impressive debut, but took a bit of a step back last out. Stays at this condition and looks for a bounce-back race.

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

2-3-4-6

#2 All For Love (3/1) won at this level two starts back with a sharp figure of 81, but was flat last out without much of an apparent excuse. Looks for a rebound here. #3 Lantau (5/2) goes first off the claim for Robert Bailes and will be a major factor on the early pace. #4 Yo Nessroundonkern (5/1) ran a career-best figure of 84 in his first start off the claim from Jamie Ness by Mario Serey. He battled throughout on the lead and held on to second, beaten just a half-length. He’s stepping up from the $16,000 level but should be a threat if he can get the trip.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

2-5-1-6

#2 Assembly Point (7/2) has crossed the wire first three times in a row, including a hard-fought win at this level last out with a career-best figure of 92. There’s a lot of speed horses in this one, but he should be able to rate just off the pace and take advantage should some of the leaders stop. #5 Bumperdoo (9/2) has some of the best late pace figures in the race and will likely be rolling late. He was a strong-closing second against better in his last start at Laurel. #1 Caribbean (5/2) a stablemate of Assembly Point, can show speed or rate and will likely sit a great trip no matter what he does. He’s finished second in each of his last two starts at the level.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

1-8-9-7

#1 Bliss This (9/5) hasn’t run a bad race in three career starts and goes first off the claim for Jerry Robb. He hasn’t run worse than a 67 in three career races, a number that most of these struggle to reach even once. The big exception is #8 Hampden Lane (6/1), who has run in the 70s in each of his last three races but doesn’t have much early speed. His best recent races have come at this level, after racing at the $40,000 condition in his last two races. #9 Icy Minister (9/2) has improved his figure with every race and has some sharp recent workouts.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $16,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 MILE

2-7-6-1

#2 Magic in Me (7/2) has been in career-best form lately, with three consecutive figures in the 70s. She just missed with a game rally going six furlongs last out; now stretches out to a mile. #7 She’s Got Game (9/2) has rapidly improved in her last few races and broke her maiden around two turns in impressive style last out at Parx. #6 Chica Rabiosa (4/1) goes first off the claim for Kieron Magee and has early speed. She’s faded and hung around for a piece in her last few starts at a mile.

RACE 7: CLAIMING $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

2-7-3-4

#2 Christatude (6/1) took a big jump in class last time, but stopped badly and was well-beaten. He has had recent success at this condition, which is encouraging, but that bad last line will drive up his price. #7 Victory Given (2/1) has run at least a 79 in his last three races and beat a conditioned field easily after a good trip last out. #3 Championship Alley (7/2) finished second behind Christatude in a similar field last out and has good tactical speed.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

1A-6-2-3

#1A Thundershook (8/5) came back to Laurel for his last start and turned in an impressive gate-to-wire performance. This isn’t as big of a class jump as it looks on paper, and he should be able to control the early tempo. #6 Honor the Fleet (5/2) won impressively at this level two races back and now takes a drop after a wide trip at the n/w3x condition. He ran an impressive figure of 91 in a very tough group. #2 Armando R (5/1) has a great closing kick and should relish the long stretch of the one-tun mile.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

5-1-2-3

#5 Torch Carrier (2/1) showed more speed than ever in her last start against better, but backed up late and was well-beaten. Should improve with some class relief. #1 All About Audrey (7/2) has had wide trips in her last few but closed well for second last out. Takes a jump in class despite still fitting n/w2L, but that shouldn’t impact her too much. #2 Lambeau Lady (5/2) goes second off a brief layoff and is still trying to find the good form she showed as a 3-year-old last year.