• John Piassek
• April 9, 2022

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

Post time: 12:40 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $636.87 Super High 5 — $5,168.34 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

7-5-1-4

#7 Vanhoofer (8/5) has been second at this level in each of his last two starts, including a photo-finish defeat last out after some bumping in the stretch. His consistent mid-70s brisnet figures should be enough in this group. #5 Mosler Safe (2/1) didn’t do much last out, but it was his first start in a while and he ran in the 70s twice last fall at Pimlico. Should improve with a race under his belt. #1 Second Term (6/1) is also going second off a long break. He faded after a wide trip last out, but still ran a career-best dirt figure of 63.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

6-5-1-2

The top two finishers in a similar race last Saturday are back in action here. #6 Knowhowiknow (7/2) rallied wide late and caught #5 Gunhand (9/2), who set the early pace and was claimed out of that race by Andres Garibay. Both of them have a chance here, but I think Knowhowiknow will work out a similar stalking trip as last time and get up, especially considering Gunhand will not be able to get as easy of a pace as he usually does. There’s lots of speed horses drawn to his inside. #1 Rustys Gfivefifty (2/1) was claimed out of a third-place finish last out by Claudio Gonzalez and should get a good stalking trip on the rail.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $16,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

4-8-6-2

#4 My Sister Churrie (6/1) showed speed and faded in her first two starts, albeit with competitive figures in the mid-60s both times. She had a rough break and showed little last out; should bounce back here. #8 Good Story (4/1) managed to find trouble in a four-horse race last out. She goes third off the layoff and was in good form last fall before tailing off a bit. #6 Daisy Buchanan (2/1) ran a 68 on debut at Penn National in May, but hasn’t raced since then. She has a shot as long as she’s even somewhat ready to go, and Mark Shuman is good with horses off long breaks. That said, it’s hard to take low odds on a horse off that long a layoff.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

7-3-2-1

#7 Askin For a Baskin (5/2) crushed a n/w2L field last out, with a big figure of 85. Kieron Magee claimed him out of that race. #3 Jebologist (8/5) has lots of early speed, but tends to get tired in the final eighth and get caught. He’s definitely a strong exotics candidate, but I’m not sure if I can endorse at low odds. #2 Maid the Journey (8/1) won in his last start at seven furlongs back in January and has good late speed. Should close for a piece.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 MILE

4-2-8-1

#4 Charming Way (5/1) broke her maiden in impressive style at third asking last out, drawing off to handily beat an upper-level maiden claiming field. She’s one of three in here who hasn’t lost against winners, and has the most consistent form of any of those. #2 Chardonnay (2/1) is the classiest member of the field, having spent her winter racing at Fair Grounds. She fought gamely on the lead to break her maiden two races back, then battled hard but just missed in her first start at the level last out. #8 She Is Wisky (6/1) drops out of stakes company and will likely be rolling late. She closed for second behind Luna Belle two races back in the Wide Country Stakes.

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

4-2-7-3

This is the first of two divisions of this race. #4 Zen Master (9/2) recovered from a bad start to break his maiden going away last out. He hasn’t run worse than an 84 in two races and should handle the stretchout to a mile easily. #2 Keeping the Edge (2/1) shipped to Turfway Park to break his maiden last out, off a giant effort in a very tough maiden race here two starts back. That win at Turfway was at a mile, proving he can handle longer distances. #7 Last Romance (3/1) ran a game second in the Heft Stakes two back, and makes his first start since a disappointing performance in the Spectacular Bid Stakes after a wide trip. Looks to get his campaign back on track here.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

4-2-1-5

#4 Majestic Frontier (2/1) ran some big races to start his 3-year-old season, before falling flat after a wide trip in the Private Terms Stakes. Should be a big threat with a better trip. #2 Heffner (3/1) won at this level last out in a game stretch duel. He’s been in consistently good form since the claim by Emanuel Geralis, with figures between 81 and 83 each time. #1 Holy Synchronicity (9/2) scored a 26/1 upset maiden win last out in impressive style. He looks like he should handle a mile easily.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-BRED, 6 FURLONGS

3-4-5-1

#3 Canoodle (3/1) was more forwardly placed than usual last out, and drew off to an impressive win with a career-best figure of 88. That’s a lifetime-top by fourteen points. Interested to see if she can maintain it here. #4 Sunshineanrainbows (8/1) was claimed out of her last start by Dale Capuano, a performance where she faced steady pace challenges but held them off for the win. She’s improved her figure in her last four starts, peaking at an 81 last out. #5 Who Knows What (9/2) has won two of her last three against similar and should get a good trip just off the leaders.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $10,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

5-6-4-1

#5 Got a Good Reason (6/1) broke her maiden despite a tough trip last out, running a lifetime-best figure of 71 in the process. She has a great late kick and hopes to get a pace to run into. #6 Lightfoot Miss (7/2) has been competitive in two starts against winners and now stretches out around two turns for the first time. #4 Bellswilberinging (2/1) finally broke through in her twelfth career start last out, going gate-to-wire at a mile. We’ll see if she can successfully showcase her speed again.