• John Piassek
• November 23, 2023

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

Post time: 11:25 a.m.

Carryovers: Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $1,661
Jackpot Super High 5 — $0
Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

4-6-1-8

Note the early post time today. There’s not much money to be made in betting #4 First to Arrive (6-5), but she looks very difficult to beat. She’s run brisnet figures in the 60s in each of her two dirt starts, and ran on well to just miss third against straight maidens last out. Brittany Russell 2-year-olds can be hit-or-miss when dropping this far in class, but if this one runs her race, it’ll be a big hit. #6 Kapadokya (9-2) ran a game race on the lead last out, finishing second to a rival to got a great trip off the duel. This one’s making her first start for Jonathan Maldonado, who’s a very sharp 3-for-5 at the meet so far. #1 Sunny Sunshine (4-1) was third that day after battling with Kapadokya early. While she lost the duel and tired late, it wasn’t a bad race, considering it was her first career start.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $10,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

6-8-4-5

#6 Food Foodie (2-1) was no match for the free-wheeling loose leader Transfer the Funds last out, but closed well for second in his first start since an impressive win over non-winners of two foes. If he gets a more honest pace to run at, and indications are he will, he’ll be tough to hold off. #8 Bonded (7-2) won the Maryland Million Turf Starter Handicap in an exciting finish last out, and now switches back to dirt after two straight dull efforts on grass against better. He also has good late speed and should be at home in this bunch. #4 Kbcya Later (5-2) has shown promise on the pace in two grass starts since joining the Hugh McMahon barn earlier this fall. He ran a poor figure in his last dirt start, but broke badly that day and couldn’t get to his usual spot on the front end. It could be a different story today with a clean beginning.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

5-1-2-3

#5 Vivid Dreams (7-5), one of two Brittany Russell reclamation projects in the field, makes her first start for Maryland’s powerhouse barn after four starts for Todd Pletcher. She flattened out after showing speed going a mile at Aqueduct last out, but ran in the upper-70s steadily going shorter earlier this year. That kind of race wins this. #1 Midnight Wonder (12-1) improved sharply at second asking, earning a 75 at Parx last out after racing near the pace. She’ll have every chance to work out another nice trip from the rail. #2 Lenamagnetta (20-1) is the main speed threat in the field, and will try to take them around for as long as she can.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $10,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

4-2-6-8

The only bad figure that #4 Ice Cold Frosty (7-2) has run in his last few starts came while racing wide over the Charles Town bullring two races back. He chased a loose leader last out and ended up a solid third in his first start off a ten-week break. #2 Crazy Odds (5-1) switches back to dirt after consistently running in the low/mid-70s on grass throughout the year. He should close well late if his form transfers over. #6 Irish Warlock (5-1) exits the same race as Ice Cold Frosty, where he finished fifth while running his worst dirt figure in months. He broke a bit awkwardly that day; if he breaks cleanly, he’ll have every chance to get his usual spot near the lead and run his peak figure.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $10,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

7-12-8-4

#7 Dream of Blessings (10-1) was impressive in his second local start, coming from well out of it to win going away at Charles Town. His late-running style is well-suited for the one-turn mile with the long stretch run. #12 Fun Lovin Criminal (9-2) has taken steps forward with each start since making his first start for Keri Brion in late August. He showed resilience to win after stalking the pace on grass last out, and will be tough late if he can work out a trip. #8 Votethemallout (6-1) cleared his non-winners of two condition with a strong late rally last out, a much-needed good effort following three straight dull races off a long layoff. It’s possible we haven’t seen his best self yet.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $45,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

6-7-4-1

#6 K Kake Pop (2-1), a $100,000 purchase at last October’s Timonium sale, has a “just-right” sized worktab for Brittany Russell, including two bullet drills within her last four races. Don’t be concerned about her debuting in a maiden claiming race: as a Maryland-bred, she gets to waive the tag. #7 To Be Loved by You (8-1) improved to a 65 at second asking at Aqueduct, a race in which she broke awkwardly and was rushed up to race near the pace. #4 Peach Tea (5-1) has faded after wide trips in her last two starts, but has had some time off since finishing up the track on Pennsylvania Derby day at Parx, and showed plenty of promise in her first two outings over the summer.

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

4-5-1-2

#4 Sumo (6-1) struggled earlier this year, but has regained his best stride since returning from a layoff in early September. He’s won two straight races, running an 89 both times, and narrowly missed in a third. He hasn’t faced a field this tough before, but he’s good enough form to beat these. #5 Going to the Lead (4-1) takes a drop in class after facing better in his last few starts, and was second at this level back in August and won at it in March. #1 Supreme Law (6-1) came from further off the pace than usual and won in a gutsy effort last out, coming close to his career-best figure with a 90.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-4-1-5

#3 Childers (5-1) sat the trip and got up to win a first-level race on grass last out. The runner-up, Fun Notion, came back to win on grass next out, while third-place finisher Tidewater crossed the wire second next out, but was disqualified. Two starts ago, he was second to the impressive #4 Brother Conway (8-5), who crushed the field by almost seven lengths, and validated that performance with a win at Delaware Park next out. While Brother Conway will be tough, Childers is in improving form with lots of back-class, and will likely be a much better price. #1 Our Pride N Joy (7-2) closed well up the rail and finished second to Ego Man last out, who came back to win his next two starts. This one’s lightly-raced and has had problems staying on the track, but his best race at least gets a slice.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

5-11-3-2

#5 Honor the Truth (6-1) is one of three in here who has never lost against winners, and of those three, has by far the best last-out figure. She swooped the field and got up to win at fifth asking last out, with a career-best 72. In fact, she’s improved her figure with every start. #11 Looking for Water (9-2) has had some time off since getting into some traffic against a better field last out. She’s run in the low/mid-70s in each of her last four starts, and won going away at her lone try at this distance in July. #3 Thencomemorning (5-1) flattened out after racing near the pace last out, but has a chance to improve second off a 5 1/2-month break.