• John Piassek
• April 2, 2023

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $1,148 Super High 5 — $1,706 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

6-1-7-2

Eight races on a Sunday Funday. Sheldon Russell returns to the saddle for the first time this year in this race, and he’ll try to come back a winner with #6 Thunder Boss (8-5). He’s burned a lot of money in her last few starts, losing as the odds-on choice in her last two starts. However, she’s never faced a field this easy, and her brisnet figures are better than those of the rest, having run at least a 67 in four of her last five starts. #1 Good Story (3-1) has hit the board in three of her last four starts at this level, while improving her figure in each of her last few starts. She should come from off the pace and rally for a slice. #7 Despite the Gin (8-1) rallied for second at big odds despite some traffic trouble third time out in her most recent. She’s dramatically improved each time, peaking at a 65 last time out.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $8,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

6-1A-5-3

#6 Oxide (8-5) drops from the starter optional claiming level off a third-place finish last out, where he made a move to the front and faded. Despite the outside post, there isn’t much speed to his inside, so he should be able to get his ideal front-running trip. #1A Northern Thunder (20-1) has run in the 80s in his last four starts and made mild ground behind Oxide in his most recent start. He just missed in his last two-turn start and should relish the stretch-out from a mile. #5 Badger Tooth (3-1) was no match against better in his last start, but kicked away after a wide trip to win against softer last out.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

7-6-5-1

The rainbow pick 6 begins here with the 8-race card. #7 Shackinthebox (8-5) was scratched out of a $20,000 claiming race last Saturday, and now comes back here. He ran in the 80s twice towards the end of last year, but was a well-beaten third in his first start of the year and hasn’t been seen since. As long as he fires at all first off the layoff, he’s going to be tough. This is Jeiron Barbosa’s first mount without the bug. #6 Freddyness (5-2) went gate-to-wire to win easily at this level last out, although he was helped by the poor start of odds-on choice Billykus. He’ll try to clear for the front and go as fast as he can, as far as he can. #5 Sir Smoak (5-1) cruised on the lead to break his maiden two races ago, then raced wide on a wet track last out and didn’t do much. He’s now getting drier conditions here, which should help him out.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

6-1-9-3

This race starts the late pick 5. #6 Naughty Nan (1-1) finished second in her local debut last out, but now drops further down the class ladder. She’s going third off the layoff and ran an 82 on debut at Aqueduct last fall; anything even near that race would bury these. #1 Lily Mor (5-1) ran a respectable second at Charles Town on debut and adds blinkers here. She should be a factor on the pace from the rail. #9 Super Money (8-1) has improved her figure with every start and was fifth behind Lily Mor last out after a bad start.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

3-4-5-7

#3 Clubman (9-5) has won three of his last four, including an impressive win last out at this level where he came from well off the pace and won going away. He ran a 99 that day, the best last-out figure in the field by ten points. #4 Bobby G (4-1) was no match for tough allowance foes last out but now gets some class relief. He was defeated in a game effort by Semper Fi last out, who came back to finish third yesterday. #5 Spotted Bull (6-1) won twice this year in impressive efforts in sprints, and while he isn’t quite as good at a mile, his usual figures at this distance should be good enough for a slice.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $5,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

3-2-5-7

#3 Galatians (7-2) couldn’t catch a cruising leader in his most recent, but held clear for second and ran a 78. His only bad race came two starts back when he went a mile; he’s much better-suited for two turns. #2 Southern Bridge (3-1) ships from Parx for the Jamie Ness/Jaime Rodriguez duo. He’s slowly improved since coming back from a brief layoff in early January. This track is more amenable to closers than Parx is, so he should improve further coming here. #5 Uncommon Valor (8-1) drops back in class after trying starter optional claiming foes, and won back-to-back races with strong late rallies earlier in the year. He should also be heard from late.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

2-4-1-6

#2 Proper Attire (5-2) has won three races in a row against softer, running either an 88 or an 89 every time. She was pressed on the lead last time but shook off the challenges and held off the late rally of Peyton Elizabeth, who returned to win a conditioned claiming race at Parx next out. #4 Respectfully (9-2) goes second off the layoff for David Jacobson. After starting her career in her home state of California, she made her east coast debut at Aqueduct last out, and finished third after chasing the pace. She ran a career-best 92 two starts back at Los Alamitos, and could improve that far with a race under her belt. #1 I’m Gittin There (3-1) cuts back after a two-turn win and should get the trip stalking the pace on the rail.

RACE 8: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

2-6-1-5