• John Piassek
• April 28, 2022

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

Post time: 12:40 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $10,427 Super High 5 — $1,141 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

1-2-7-4

#1 Dixieland Dancer (2/1) dropped to this level for the first time last out, and chased the pace to end up second, with a career-best brisnet figure of 69. She closed a lot better than she had in her prior two starts, where she flattened out late. #2 My Girl Steve (6/1) showed little first off a long layoff last out, but showed lots of promise last year, including a 78 earned on debut at Keeneland, so there might be some signs of life here. #7 Some is Nine (9/2) drops back to this condition and should show speed from the outside.

RACE 2: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

16-13-6-4 (DIRT: 6-1-8-14)

#16 Ultimate Irony (5/2) needs some help to draw in, but will be very tough to beat if he does so. He was a fast-closing second in his last start at Fair Grounds, and did not run below a 78 in three starts there over the winter. His rallies often fell short, but with the recent grass experience and strong figures, I have confidence he can polish it off this time. #13 Lightning Rod (3/1) has also raced on grass this year, flattening out after a wide trip last out at Gulfstream Park. His best races have come on this surface. #6 Wicked Prankster (6/1) goes third off the layoff and has the speed to take them gate-to-wire.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $5,000 (N/W3L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

6-5-7-2

#6 Love is Strong (9/5) has hit the board in her last four starts at this level, running competitive figures each time. She has a strong closing punch but usually falls too far behind early to seriously contend late. She did win at 6 1/2 furlongs last November, which is promising. #5 Coral Summer (8/1) found the class drop appealing at Charles Town last out, hanging on for third with her best figure in months. Should hang around for a piece of the exotics. #7 All About Audrey (5/1) ran a 69 when she finished a determined second two starts back and fits in well with these.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-4-5-7

#3 Rockinhippiechick (6/1) broke her maiden in impressive style last out, stalking the pace and coming up the inside to draw off easily. It was her first race in more than a year, but that didn’t slow her down at all. Has lots of upside at a price. #4 Island Philo (7/2) has run in the 70s in her last two starts and broke her maiden after a wide trip last out. It took her eleven tries to get into the winner’s circle, so the lightbulb angle might have to come into play here. #5 Reid’s Fangirl (3/1) overcame an awkward break to win going away last out and now ships in from Parx. Will likely get a good trip just off the pace.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $16,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

7-1A-9-8

#7 Ragtime Blues (3/1) ships down here off a big win at Aqueduct last out, where he just missed his lifetime-top figure with a 94. He has a good combination of tactical speed and a good closing kick. As usual in these types of races, Jamie Ness dropped in a pair. #1A Super Dude (5/2) is uber-consistent, with a steady string of figures in the 80s. He’s cutting back after a try at 1 1/16 miles. #9 Silent Malice (5/1) was a bit closer to the pace than usual last out, and it paid off, as he drew off to handily defeat a $12,500 field. Jevian Toledo would be well-advised to keep him closer to the leaders again.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

10-13-5-2 (DIRT: 4-1-9-7)

You can draw a line through the last race of #10 Artistic Endeavour (5/2), as he broke through the gate before the race and subsequently stopped badly. Prior to that, he had a string of near-misses at this level with consistent figures in the 80s. Looks to fire a big one first off the layoff. #13 Royne (2/1) got up to win his last grass start at Aqueduct in November. He didn’t so well at Turfway Park over the winter, racing on the surface created by his trainer, Michael Dickinson, but getting back on the lawn should help. #5 B Determined (7/2) flew from way out of it to win the Maryland Million Turf Starter Handicap last out, He had his way with easier types last year but now gets a class test in his season debut.

RACE 7: STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

6-4-5-2

#6 Dilly Dilly Philly (1/1) has already won at this level twice at Laurel this year, including a dominant gate-to-wire win last out. Should have no trouble with these. #4 Mavlius (9/2) also won at this level in her most recent start, albeit going a mile. She stepped up to a 90 in that race, which while a higher figure than Dilly Dilly Philly earned last out, is a significant outlier from her other recent races. #5 Nana’s Shoes (5/1) goes first off the claim for Michael Gorham and has been steadily improving in her last few races.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

6-5-2-8

#6 Royal Number (5/1) shipped back down here last out after some tries up north and finished a solid second against Maryland-breds. He’s been knocking on the door in these types of races and may have found a field he can beat. #5 Our Lucky Man (6/1) has had some gate problems recently, but when he’s on his game, he’s very tough. He sat the trip and handily won a starter optional claiming race last out, with a big figure of 94. #2 Tiz Mandate (6/1) is coming off a career-best figure of 99, earned in a third-place effort at this level last out, and will be rolling late.

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 7 FURLONGS

7-6-5-4

#7 Rationalmillennial (5/2) showed speed and held on till the stretch in her last start. Should improve with more seasoning and a cutback in distance. #6 Kobe’s Girl (9/2) has been consistent at this level, having hit the board in four straight starts without a win. Her best recent figure, a 67, came on a fast track, which she’ll get today. #5 Instparty (9/2) was soundly beaten in her first three races, but improved sharply last out to finish second with a 61 after showing speed. Looks to keep the momentum going here.