• John Piassek
• June 10, 2023

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $871 Jackpot Super High 5 — $0 Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $40,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

5-6-8-1

We’ve got a 9-race card here to supplement the Belmont Stakes day action. #5 Ignited (2-1) had his chance to go by and didn’t last out at Presque Isle Downs, ending up a flat third. However, it was his first start in almost a year, so he can be forgiven if he was somewhat rusty. His grass brisnet figures from earlier in his career are top-notch, with marks consistently in the upper 70s. He should take a step forward second off the layoff. #6 Cosmicality (4-1) was forced into fast fractions going two turns in his 2023 debut and faded. The only other serious speed threat in the race comes from Landon Jack, drawn a few spots to his inside, who often fades in the stretch. If Cosmicality can avoid getting caught up with that rival early on, he’ll be in good shape. #8 By Its Absence (5-1) switches to grass for the first time off back-to-back figures of 76 and 80 in his last two dirt races. He impressively broke his maiden two starts ago with a great stalking trip, then was flat against a solid first-level group last out.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $10,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

2-5-1-4

#2 Holding Court (3-1) was pressed on the pace going longer last out, but fought off her challengers to clear her n/w2L condition. There’s no other confirmed speed besides her, so unless someone wants to take themselves out of their element, she’s going to have an easy time of things on the front end. The pace scenario might make things more difficult for #5 Performanceanxiety (9-5) who enters here off a very impressive win. While she drew away impressively and earned an 86, she rated off a fairly strong early tempo and might not get that here. That said, the horses who dueled that day and set it up ended up finishing 2-3, so it’s possible she’s just hit her best stride and doesn’t need a fast pace to produce that rally. We’ll see. #1 Illusion of Hope (7-2) makes her first start of the year for Michael Gorham and ran solid races at this level towards the end of last year. She also has good closing speed.

RACE 3: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 7 FURLONGS

4-6-5-7

#4 Happy Clouds (4-5) has been scratched out of a few tougher spots lately, and now finds herself in a position where she looks like much the best. She’s run at least an 84 in each of her last five starts, a mark the rest of her rivals rarely achieve, and she beat a similar field with a strong, sweeping move in her last race. Not much point in trying to beat her, but if you must try, #6 Liquidator (5-2) is probably your best shot. She was second behind Happy Clouds two starts ago, then tried better first-level foes on Black-Eyed Susan day and didn’t show much. She’s dropping back against her fellow 3-year-old fillies here and should show good tactical speed. Even if Happy Clouds overwhelms her again, she should show enough to outkick the rest. #5 Cynergy’s Electra (10-1) gets some class relief on dirt and showed some promise towards the end of last year. We’ll see if she’s able to find that form.

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-BRED/SIRED, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

8-3-6-5

#8 Money’s Worth (5-2) was no match for Flirtatious Lass, who blew the doors off the field, in her most recent start, but ran a game second with a strong 85. That was er first start on this surface, and she should keep getting better on it for Graham Motion. #3 In Vain (7-2) exits the same race as Money’s Worth. She pressed the pace while wide and faded late first off the bench. Last year, she’d usually sit the trip but lack a late punch, often settling for a minor share. It’s possible she’s moved forward from ages 4 to 5, but she looks like a better underneath play. #6 Gift of Gab (4-1) is also making her second start of the season. Though she’s at her best on the front end, she broke slowly last out and was reduced to a stalking role. With a better break today, she should control the pace.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

1-3-6-2

#1 Eldest Son (5-2) has a big figure edge over these, running no worse than an 86 in his three start since joining the Jamie Ness barn earlier this year. He made good ground off a slow pace last out at Pimlico to get third behind the promising It’s Viper, whom Eldest Son beat back in March. #3 Running River (9-2) lasted through a speed duel to win at Monmouth Park last out with a career-best 85. Runner-up Ski Country returned to win a starter allowance race there last Friday. This one has shown promise all year long and should get things his own way on the lead. #6 Thataway (3-1) swooped by Running River to beat him back on April 15 with an impressive 86. This one hasn’t raced since that day but turned in a sharp workout on Sunday for Phil Capuano. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he continued his form.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-6-9-11

#2 Souper Tropical (9-2) made mild ground late in a tough maiden field last out, her first time going short on grass. She’s one of two in here who has run in the 70s on grass before. The other Mike Trombetta trainee, #6 Lady Ensign (7-2) went off favored on debut on dirt, and held on to third after showing some speed. Her dam, Sister State, never won on grass, but has produced a grass winner. #9 Two Sides of Love (5-1) races second off an 18-month layoff for Kate Demasi. She pressed the impressive Caroline Krystyna before fading in that race and looks to once again show early foot and move forward in her second start of the year.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-BRED/SIRED, 6 FURLONGS

1-5-6-2

#1 Haleigh B (7-5) declined a bit to an 86 last out, but it didn’t matter much as she came from further off the pace than usual and beat a first-level field impressively. She’s dropping back in against Maryland-breds and looks like much the best. With Brittany Russell’s usual riders, Sheldon Russell and Jevian Toledo, up in New York today, Joe Rocco gets the call. #5 Summer Odds (4-1) has strong late speed but usually leaves herself with too much to do in the end. A cold exacta with Haleigh B and Summer Odds might be the play. #6 Tam Char (4-1) fought hard on the lead last out but was overwhelmed by Haleigh B’s late rally. It might be a similar situation here.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/2 MILES (GRASS)

3-9-2-1

Kathy Neilson has two entries in this 12-furlong contest. I’ll lean towards #3 High Deff (4-1). He ran in the upper-70s on the flat pretty consistently last year, then hit the board twice in steeplechase contests earlier this year. He also won a flat race at the Chesire point-to-point meet not listed in the past performances. He looks well-equipped for the distance and faces a pretty soft field for this level. #9 Awesome Man (3-1) showed good late speed to get fourth against better first-level company on Black-Eyed Susan day. He should find this field easier to deal with; the only question is the distance. He’s never been beyond 1 1/8 miles. #2 Candy for Carmel (8-1) ran a 78 last out, his best-ever figure on grass, even though it was not a visually impressive effort. He looks like the type who will enjoy more distance.