• John Piassek
• June 5, 2022

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

Post time: 12:40 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $2,764.17 Super High 5 — $1,537.95 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

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

7-5-3-1

There’s nine races and beautiful weather on tap for a Sunday in central Maryland. #7 Made to Hustle (7/2) raced on grass twice last summer at Penn National, and broke her maiden in a sharp gate-to-wire performance. She couldn’t get to the lead last out and was hung three-wide at Presque Isle Downs. She stopped in that race, but now gets back to grass. If she lives up to her name and is hustled to the front, she can clear to the rail and control the race. #5 Love Ran Red (9/2) was scheduled to make her grass debut last out, but the race was washed off to the dirt. She made what looked like a menacing move but flattened out. She looks well-meant for grass and her closing style should play well on this surface. #3 Chargina (3/1) ran brisnet figures in the 70s twice in her two grass races last year, and closed well in both starts. She spent most of last year on Tapeta, and hasn’t raced since last December.

RACE 2: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

3-6-2-1

#3 Swayin To and Fro (9/5) broke her maiden last out in a dominant performance, crushing a maiden claiming field by 8 1/4 lengths with a big figure of 86. Mario Serey claimed her out of that race. If she runs anything like she did last time, she’s going to be very tough to beat. #6 Date Night Kisses (3/1) broke her maiden in similarly impressive fashion two races back, with a figure of 85. She went off at 1/2 at this level next out, but flattened out after pressing the pace. Looks for a rebound here for Jamie Ness. She’s also a bit of a “buyer beware” story for Swayin To and Fro, and presents an interesting alternative if that one gets overbet. #2 Rockinhippiechick (7/2) has been uber-consistent at this level since returning from a layoff, but will need to improve a few points if the top two run their best race.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

9-10-5-13

#9 Giantsbane (5/2) made his grass debut in his last start, which came in December at Gulfstream Park, and closed strongly late, finding his best stride in the last eighth. It’s his first start in a while, but at least he gets to face a soft field first off the bench. #10 Solomon’s Choice (6/1) raced wide in his grass debut last out and faded, but still earned a figure of 65, which is competitive at this level. He’ll try to work out an easier trip and is a threat if he does so. #5 Stimulus Maker (7/2) should be able to get to the lead and the rail and has a great shot to wire them with the right trip.

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $16,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

5-4-2-1

#5 Rapid Response (3/1) stepped it up big-time last out after a string of dull performances. He beat a conditioned claiming field powerfully, with a career-best figure of 92. He ran in the low-80s consistently last year, which would be enough to contend in this field. We’ll see if he can keep it up. #4 Silent Malice (5/2) ran a big figure on paper last out of 88, but he made what looked like a big move against these types and flattened out. He’ll try to keep his moves going here. #2 Frosted Indian (9/5) races for the Jamie Ness/Jaime Rodriguez combo, which doesn’t appear as often around here at this time of the year with Delaware Park currently in action. This one is the main speed threat of the race.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

4-9-5-8

#4 Candy Corner (9/2) makes her first start at this level this year, and has run in the 60s in her last two starts despite wide trips. She’ll contend as long as she runs her usual race. #9 Hudson Canyon (7/2) cuts back from a mile and has lots of early speed. This type of race looks idyllic for her, but she’ll have to hustle to get to the lead from the outside post. #5 Harper’s Do (4/1) hasn’t been visually impressive in her last few but runs consistently decent figures and should hang around to round out the exotics.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

7-4-10-12

A borderline stakes-quality field of sprinters has assembled for today’s feature event. #7 Can’t Buy Love (3/1) is a stakes winner herself, having won the Star Shoot Stakes last June at Woodbine. Last out, she got up to win a n/w2x race at Aqueduct in a 31/1 upset under Trevor McCarthy. Victor Carrasco gets in the saddle today, and rides her over a track she’s never been on before. She earned an 88 in that last race, after running in the mid-80s steadily last year. #4 Dendrobia (8/1) has no early speed at all, but often packs a solid closing punch and can round out the exotics at a good number. #10 Adelaide Miss (6/1) showed speed and gave way in two stakes tries at Fair Grounds over the winter, but didn’t show any speed in The Very One Stakes last out and was a non-threatening fourth. She finds herself in a spot that suits her well and may be tough to catch if she gets to the front.

RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

4-5-1-7

#4 Yes Sir Colonel (7/2) has won his last two starts against similar at Penn National and will be forwardly-placed. Those central Pennsylvania lines might make some think he’s outclassed and drive up the price a bit. All the better. #5 Halite (10/1) declined a bit to a 77 last out, but still got up to win against a slightly softer field. He’s racing first off the claim for Kieron Magee. His late pace figures are excellent, and he should rally for a piece. #1 Thundershook (2/1) is consistently the faster half of the Jamie Ness entry, and looks for a rebound after a dull effort at Aqueduct last out.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE (GRASS)

4-7-13-14

#4 Belle Belisa (7/2) came from the clouds to finish second by a neck last out. Should keep getting better for Michael Dickinson. #7 Gennie Highway (3/1) has hit the board in her last four starts, including some races against better at Tampa Bay Downs. She got in trouble early on in her most recent try but was beaten just a half-length by Belle Belisa. #13 Infinite Potential (9/2) ran a career-best figure of 82 last out against better at Keeneland, and showed determination to break her maiden at the Meadowlands last year. She’ll have to call on that grit to have a chance here, but she has room to improve third off the layoff.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

5-3-6-4

A short but competitive field rounds out the card. #5 Itsknownasthebern (6/1) has tired on the lead in his last few starts, but cuts back a little bit and should be able to work out a nice trip on the early lead. #3 He’s Not Curly (4/1) came from well out of it to just miss at Charles Town in his most recent start. The one-turn mile should play to his favor and he’ll take advantage if Itsknownasthebern tires on the lead. #6 Shoulda Had It (2/1) has been getting better in his last few and will rate in the middle of the pack.