• Joseph Aiello
• July 10, 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 — $0 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

5-1-3-2

Take a shot with #5 Maureenlovesfrank (7-2), a four year old filly by Wicked Strong who is in the best form of her career winning two of her last three. She has been close in all but one start this year, and should sit a good stalking trip off of the leaders. One of those potential leaders is morning line favorite #1 Brunella (4-5), a back to back winner that was recently claimed at Churchill after a career best effort. Repeating that performance clearly puts her above the rest here, as she won by six lengths and obtained a better speed figure than the others. Still, some early goers like #3 Shackaboom (6-1) can put a crimp in her plans by pressing the pace. This filly by Shackleford will try to take them all the way around as she has consistently broken well in her career and could have the leg up on the others from the jump in this one.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES (OFF TURF)

9-4-7-10

#9 Startwithabang (3-1) didn’t run well last time, but looks to rediscover the form that had her breaking her maiden in April with a stalking trip. Staying closer to the lead is vital for this filly to maintain interest, and is important in a race with little pace. #4 Dry Well (3-5) doesn’t quite have the form to match this price, but gets some class relief and has recent speed figures that are better than the rest. Even with some rough efforts in there,

RACE 3: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W3L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

6-2-3-5

#6 Rahmer (3-1) has been the best of the bunch this year, running well at Laurel and clocking in some good speed figures to boot. If he is a longer price than #2 Hide the Ransom (9-5), then definitely worth a play on win tickets. Hide the Ransom hasn’t raced since September, and has been prone to fading in stretch runs, but his early speed makes him a candidate to hold on in the money. #3 Lookatlittleferris (10-1) stretches out to six furlongs for the first time since his debut, but has at least shown enough speed out of the gate to compete here. A good price makes this four year old gelding one to include in exotics.

RACE 4: OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (OFF TURF)

6-10-7-12

Winner of two straight, #6 Mr Thrifty (4-1) has a jockey trainer combo that has had great success together in the few races they run over the last year. This five year old horse by Poseidon’s Warrior has a good record on off surfaces and has done his best racing as of late. Another MTO #10 Sugar Daddy (3-1), has a bit more early speed than Mr Thrifty, but will need to stretch out in distance and may try and go gate to wire. He gets a plus if the track is still wet, as his running style may benefit him in this spot. #7 O K Game On (7-2) is a decent play to run well, but may not have winning chances here unless he puts forth one of his best efforts. Distance shouldn’t be an issue for this five year old gelding.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

6-5-1-7

#6 Sponsored (9-5) will likely be the post time favorite and deservedly so in this field. This gelding by Runhappy has improved in three starts and finished a near third last time at this distance. One who looks to improve is #5 Senator Kelly (3-1), who had a tough trip at a mile last time in February, but finished in the money in his first two with speed figures comparable or better than all in here. #1 Big Daddy D R (6-1) has been competitive in most of his starts, and even if he is a notch below the first two, could easily hit the board with a repeat of one of his past efforts.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE $48,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (OFF TURF)

4-11-5-8

#4 Whiteknuckleflyer (7-2) comes off a win on an off surface, hitting the board in all three tries. A red-hot jockey trainer combo make this one tough to completely throw out even with a shorter price. #11 Moonsafe (10-1) ran a good one last out against similar on the main track. #5 Combat Queen (8-1) returns for her first start in nearly three months. Her only recent off-color race came when thrown in the deep end in the Conniver; tries against similar fit with these.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING $55,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-2-4-6

With some back-class is #3 Eastern Bay (2-1), an eight-year-old gelding who has become a strong closer and has found his groove at six furlongs. Racing a bit shorter leaves less ground for him to close into, and some of his success may depend on how many here vie for the lead, but still a consistent player. #2 Spun and Won (5-2) has run his best in stalking positions at this distance, with a strong seven for nine in the money on the dirt lifetime. Makes more sense than some others who have run well in stakes races, but have also had trouble finishing well against easier. #4 Factor It In (8-1) has certainly kept the right company but hasn’t been out since September.

RACE 8: OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (OFF TURF)

7-2-4-3

#7 Breviary (4-1) has run better on the dirt in her career, making the off surface and strong speed figures a good indicator to hit the board here at the right price. One with a little less class is #2 Eifs (9-2), who has won back to back races, albeit in claiming company. She still gets the nod over some others with upside like Suggestive Honor who have been inconsistent due to her sparkling record at Laurel. #4 Suggestive Honor (6-1) ran second against starters two back in her last dirt try.