• John Piassek
• April 10, 2022

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

Post time: 12:40 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $1,603 Super High 5 — $0 Late Pick 5 — $6,529

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 MILE

1-3-4-5

Eight races are on the docket today. #1 Barb the Boss (5/1) ran a brisnet figure of 55 in her debut last out against $25,000 types. Although it was very visually unimpressive, that’s tied for the best last-out mark in the field. Worth a shot in a race like this. #3 Miss Seductive (9/2) made a solid wide move to get second at Charles Town last out, in her first start off a brief layoff. Jerion Barbosa gets in the saddle for the first time; he won four races on yesterday’s card. #4 Alittlesliceof Pie (5/2) drops to this level for the first time and tends to show speed and fade. Should be able to hang around for a piece.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 1/2 FURLONGS

5-3-2-1

#5 Ravenel (5/2) has been outclassed in her last few starts but now jumps into friendlier waters. Should rate near the pace and try to pounce. #3 Had the Notion (5/2) closed well for second in her first start off a long layoff last out, and will try to build off that performance here. She had lots of early speed in the past but hasn’t shown it in her recent lines. #2 Princess Adira (3/1) has a sizable figure edge over these along with dangerous early speed, but hasn’t raced since October 8.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $40,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

3-6-1-7

The rainbow pick 6 starts here. #3 Vodkatini (8/5) finished second on debut at Pimlico last August, in what proved to be a very tough maiden special weight field. She hasn’t raced since then, but worked consistently at Fair Grounds for Mike Stidham and looks ready for a big effort. #6 Utterly Courageous (6/1) is the only one in the field who has raced this year. She’s run ascending figures in each of her last few and was a game third at this level last out. #1 Three Shamrocks (5/2) goes first out for Brittany Russell. As usual, the board will tell the story with her.

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-5-6-4

This race starts the late pick 5, including a carryover of more than $6,000. #3 Bandits Warrior (3/1) was a vet scratch on March 25, but has had a good workout since and is back in action here. The younger half-sister of Anna’s Bandit was a game second in her first start off a long layoff and should improve here. #5 Noble Bid (9/5) ran a huge race on the lead in her debut and will be very tough on the pace. She raced wide throughout and will hope to save more ground here. #6 Moody Woman (2/1) ran a career-best figure of 88 last out in a gutsy effort, where she made a strong, wide rally and just missed. She looks as if she has lots of potential.

RACE 5: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

2-7-6-8

#2 Fran’s Worrier (9/2) ships in from Parx and looks like the main speed threat in the race. He should he able to cross to the front and clear, although the horse to the inside also has early speed. However, his pace figures aren’t as good as those of Fran’s Worrier. #7 The Wolfman (8/5) was a bit ambitiously placed in the Not For Love Stakes last out. Although he ran an impressive figure of 90, he was no match for the likes of Whereshetoldmetogo and Jaxon Traveler. Should be more at home with these. #6 Top Boss (4/1) won at this level earlier in the meet and will press the pace from the outside.

RACE 6: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

7-3-4-2

#7 Jemison (9/5) is one of two in here for Brittany Russell, and looks like the better-meant one. She sold for $150,000 at the Fasig-Tipton sale in 2019 and has been working well in anticipation for her long-awaited debut. Jevian Toledo gets the call on this one, a telling sign. #3 Heaven’s Got Fire (5/2) always races well, but hates winning. He’s finished second or third seven times in his career from eleven starts. He has lots of early speed but is never able to hang on late. We’ll see if this is any different. #4 Mutasallem (9/2) showed promise earlier in his career, including a second-place finish behind Derby starter Dynamic One, but hasn’t raced in almost a year. This’ll be his first start for Scott Lake.

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

2-5-1-3

#2 Commanding General (8/5) chased and ran a game second at this level last out, in his first start for Kieron Magee. He’s shown promise at two turns but has not raced around one more than one bend since October. #5 Royal Number (9/5) has had up-and-down form in his last few and makes his first local start since late January. He ran a huge race at Aqueduct two back, just missing after a wide trip, and will try to channel that form here. #1 Stone Courageous (6/1) has lots of late speed and should take advantage of the extra distance.

RACE 8: CLAIMING $10,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

5-1-3-2

#5 Special Freedom (9/5) has run big figures in her last two starts and drops to this level for the first time. #1 Moon Biz (3/1) impressively broke her maiden in gate-to-wire style last out and may prove tough to catch on the lead again. #3 Happylife (3/1) makes her first start of the year, and was third at Aqueduct last out after a rough beginning.