• John Piassek
• November 2, 2023

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $0
Jackpot Super High 5 — $7,768
Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $25,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

1-8-5-2

We’ll begin a new racing week and month with sunny skies and an 8-race program. #1 Urban Myth (4-1) drops in class after facing better in his last few grass starts. He ran his best race three starts back at Colonial Downs, when he pressed the pace and held gamely in the last eighth. He should work out a nice trip sitting on or near the pace from the inside. #8 Most Wanted Man (6-1), one of a few in here exiting a race at this condition on October 13, came from well off the pace to win at Monmouth Park two starts ago, then closed well from last while wide in that October 13 race. He’s run a brisnet figure in the 80s four times in his last five starts; the only time he didn’t was when he had a terrible trip at Belmont Park three starts back. #5 Covert Kat (7-2) also exits the Ocrober 13 contest. He led most of the way that day and faded in the last sixteenth. This might be a bit too far for him, but he should at least give himself every chance to wire them.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 MILE

1-2-3-6

#1 Big Earn (5-2) was scratched out of a seven-furlong spot against straight maidens last Thursday, and now finds herself in a race with a bit more distance. She made a nice move after a slow break to strike the front last out, but was overwhelmed in the stretch by victorious Feelin So Lucky. She’ll have to time it right to win this, but she looks capable. #2 Battling Time (9-2) overcame a wide trip to rally for fifth on debut, and is eligible to take a big step forward. #3 Viennese Waltz (2-1) raced evenly in the stretch going a mile two starts back and held on for third, running a career-best 69. She’s run well against better earlier this year, and her usual race at least contends.

RACE 3: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

10-11-13-2

#10 Walks Like a Lady (6-1) excelled against conditioned claimers earlier this year, hitting the exacta in five straight starts. Last out at Delaware Park, she battled on the pace while wide going two turns, and dropped anchor in the stretch. She’s back around one turn here, and should turn in a peak performance once again. #11 Ben’s Sunny Island (6-1) has gotten ideal trips in her last few grass starts, and has converted them intro great finishes each time, including back-to-back wins on this surface. She has great early pace figures, and could find herself on the front end. #13 Our Strong Vows (10-1) was third against better on Sunday, running a career-best 85. She was outfinished twice by Shasta Star, who won six in a row earlier this year. There’s no one in this field of that rival’s caliber.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $8,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

9-2-3-5

With only 8 races today, the late pick 5 starts here. #9 Souper Catch (2-1) is the only one in the field who has run in the 80s in each of his last four starts. He was third in a tough field two starts back at Saratoga, with a career-best 89, and should improve further first time in the Jamie Ness barn. #2 Ace Nine Nine (6-1) cruised to a gate-to-wire victory last out, and should be able to get to the front from the rail. He has very in-and-out form, but at his best, he’s tough to catch. #3 Galatians (12-1) had no chance behind the speedy Shane’s Jewel las out, but closed gamely for second, and could get overlooked in the wagering.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

8-3-5-12

#8 The Compas Man (5-2) has abundant early speed, and looks fast enough to make himself the one to catch. He held on well against better earlier this year, and should be able to run these off their feet. #3 Master Oogway (4-1) made his second start off a two-month break last out, and settled for second in an improved effort. He couldn’t get by Moncrief, who took them gate-to-wire, and could find himself in a similar spot here, with The Compas Man playing the role of Moncrief. #5 Fun Coast (9-2) was third behind Master Oogway in his most recent. He should once again sit close to the pace and hang on for a share.

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

4-11-7-5

Twelve were entered, but only three figure to take a lot of money. I’m not trying to be too clever; I’ve picked them 1-2-3. #4 Seven’s Eleven (3-1) served notice that he could be a horse to watch last out with a dominant victory in the Maryland Million Sprint. He stalked the pace and crushed the field by five lengths. Runner-up Twisted Ride, a three-time stakes winner on the year, returned to finish third in the Bold Ruler Stakes at Aqueduct last Friday. This one’s figures are vastly superior to those of the rest, and he should convert another stalking trip to victory. Many of these exit the same race at this condition on October 12. #11 Murray (3-1) was second that day, recovering nicely from a bad start to close for second behind the victorious #7 Kadri (4-1). Kadri looks fast enough to make the lead once again, while Murray, with a clean start, will be ready to stalk and pounce. The only deterrent is his outside post, which could lead to an overland trip.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

12-4-9-1

How often do you see a “triple fig” at 6-1 on the morning line? That’s the case with #12 U Should Be Dancing (6-1), who ships down from New York for Rudy Rodriguez. SHe’s run at least an 83 in each of her last three starts, while no one else here has run better than an 81 in that stretch. She closed well for fourth at Saratoga last out. The top two finishers out of that race have both won since, while third-place finisher Linarite was second in her most recent. #4 Chickahominy (6-1) gobbled up ground to win going away two starts back at Colonial, then made mild ground to finish fourth in her fist start against winners. She’ll look for a rebound here, but she’s shown she has a huge race in her. #9 Patty Cakes (9-2) has solid tactical speed and could be a threat late for the Jamie Ness/Jaime Rodriguez trainer/jockey combo.

RACE 8: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

5-1-8-10

#5 Peach Tea (12-1) ran big in her first few starts, but got caught wide at Parx last out and stopped. She get a little bit of class relief here, and should improve if she can save more ground. #1 Binnie (8-5) was a vet scratch out of a similar spot three weeks ago, but has two good workouts since then, including a gate drill on October 19, so whatever ailed her should be cleared up. Brittany Russell has sent out four 2-year-old maiden winners at the meet so far. #8 Lady Charlotte (6-1) chased the pace and held third on debut last out. She might be flattered if Big Earn, who finished second in that race, wins earlier on the program.