• John Piassek
• February 24, 2024

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 —$1,536
Jackpot Super High 5 — $1,130
Late Pick 5 — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $40,000 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

3-6-5-7

#3 Order Ofthe Kettle (9-5) and #6 Mosler Time (7-2) were both scratched out of a Maryland-bred allowance spot yesterday to run here, and although they’re being risked for tags, they both look very live in this spot. Order Ofthe Kettle has run brisnet figures in the 80s in each of his five starts and is in ascending form, peaking at an 87 in his last start in early November. He adds blinkers today and worked steadily and strongly for his 2024 debut. Mosler Time gave his trainer, Cal Lynch, his 1,000th career win in his maiden-breaking score last out. He improved dramatically that day from a 70 on debut to an 88, and didn’t beat too much. Still, he has plenty of potential and is the best alternative if you want to try and beat the favorite. #5 Margie’s Fun Son (8-1) was done in by a wide trip last out, and was eased when obviously well-beaten. He had run well in his prior recent starts, including an impressive 94 three races back when second behind Martini Martin, who was riding a four-race win streak at the time.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

7-5-1-2

#7 My Endeavor (2-1) has run his two best figures in his last two starts. He made an early rush to the lead last out and was clear in the stretch, but faltered late and ended up second. He lost to El de Larry two starts back; that rival has since won again and finished third. #5 Tik Tok Daddy (4-1) improved when cutting back to six furlongs second time out. He battled on the lead most of the way and held in gamely until the last eighth, when the pace started to completely melt down. He stretches back out here, but may have turned a corner. Stablemate #1 How U Doin (6-1) was a solid-closing third behind My Endeavor last out, and ran well in a pair of two-turn starts at Finger Lakes last year.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-2-6-5

#3 Rubys Flash (9-5) got involved in a destructive duel last out and faded badly. Both him and his dueling partner, who was one of the favorites, was beaten more than 20 lengths (the winner, Maximus Meridius, rated near the duel and is an interesting 3-year-old prospect). This one went gate-to-wire in two of his prior three starts, including a win at this level, and should savor the class drop. #2 Tap Anchor (2-1) overcame a wide trip to break his maiden at Churchill Downs last out, improving to a career-best 75. He’ll take full advantage if Rubys Flash can’t last on the lead. #6 Bigdaddysboy (3-1) had a brutal trip from post position 12 last out, and subsequently showed little. That race is a total throwout; if you do so, his form fits right in with this.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $8,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

7-6-8-1

#7 Royal Spy (5-2) ran well first off an 11-week layoff last out, sitting a well-rated trip on the lead and going gate-to-wire. It was a change in tactics for this one, who usually rates off the pace and tries to pounce. There’s not a lot of other speed in this one, so he could try to work out another frontrunning journey. #6 Captain Cardo (3-1) faced a stout starter allowance field at six furlongs last out, and gave too little, too late. He’s much better off at this distance against these types. He’s won twice going seven panels in his last five starts. #8 Eddie the Great (4-1) also drops from starter allowance company, where he was well-beaten against the likes of Oxide and Paradise Pride. On his best day, he has a strong late punch and should be able to at least grab a share.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $10,000 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

6-4-2-7

#6 Smooth Rico (5-1) has been in improved form at this level in his last few starts. He set the pace and held in for third two starts ago, behind No Easy Days and Disputed Notion, both of whom have won since. #4 Sponsored (10-1) went off favored against a similar field as this last out, including Smooth Rico, but was flat most of the way. He has consistent mid/upper-70s figures that fit in with these, and you’ll get a better price today if you believe. #2 Great Days Ahead (7-2) cleared his one-winners of two condition going away two starts ago, then faded against better types at this condition in his most recent start. I’m interested to see how he does against these types.

RACE 6: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

9-8-1-6

#9 Sunny Sunshine (2-1) probably would’ve won her last start if not for the biased track. She raced off the rail throughout in her last start, but couldn’t get by rail-skimming Dennison Girls and finished second. Her draw isn’t ideal, but if she can get to the rail and the lead, she should prove tough to catch. #8 No Walk Inthe Park (5-2) has improved her figure in her last tow starts, running a 68 last out when second despite a wide trip. She was a bit closer to the pace than usual that day, and should try to stay forwardly placed. #1 At First Sight (6-1) faded after setting the pace going a mile last out, but should be better off going shorter.

RACE 7: WIDE COUNTRY STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 7 FURLONGS

6-4-5-7

The first stakes of the day is named for the 1991 Maryland-bred Horse of the Year. #6 Miss Harriett (7-2) proved her Maryland Million Lassie win was no fluke in her last start, where she set the pace and won going away to soundly defeat first-level foes with a 90. There’s no one who can really run with her early, so she should get to the front early and keep going from there. #4 Shamans Girl (5-1) came from off the pace to win the Shady Well Stakes at Woodbine going away at first asking. She’s worked respectably well since arriving here in January, and could slide through the cracks in the betting. #5 Kissedbyanangel (4-1) won two in a row impressively on this track last fall. She lost all chance at the start in the Gin Talking Stakes when she reared up and lost early position, then shipped to Florida and grabbed a respectable third in the Glitter Woman Stakes. She now returns to her favorite track and is interesting if she gets early position.

RACE 8: MIRACLE WOOD STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

6-7-8-9

This contest is named for the four-time stakes-winning Maryland-bred of the mid/late 1980s. #6 Point Dume (6-1) would likely be a much lower price if he was still trained by Brittany Russell, but he could prove a $30,000 steal for Kieron Magee, who took him from Russell’s barn two starts back. He crushed a first-level field last out, defeating Maryland Million Nursery champion Catahoula Moon easily with a 92. He’s never won beyond six furlongs, but he’s in much better form now than he was when he last ran the distance. #7 Speedyness (9-2) certainly lives up to his name. If he gets an uncontested lead, he’s impossible to catch, but when he’s pressured in the slightest, he folds. He has the best early pace figures in the race, so you best believe Jaime Rodriguez is going to do all he can to get his mount the loose led he wants. #8 Sweet Soddy J (4-1) was a game second behind odds-on choice Guanare in the Spectacular Bid Stakes last out, and could be dangerous late if he changes leads.