• John Piassek
• April 26, 2024

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

Post time: 12:25 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Rainbow Jackpot Pick 6 — $8,227
Jackpot Super High 5 — $6,639
Late Pick 5 — $12,280

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: CLAIMING $20,000 (N/W3L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

2-4-1-6

#2 Band Camp (3-1) got bumped at the start and fell further behind than he’s accustomed to, but when he set himself, he gobbled up ground while wide and rallied to lose by 2 1/4 lengths with a career-best brisnet figure of 86. I’m not sure if he wants to go this far, but if he can maintain his recent form at all, he’ll be hard to hold off. #4 Maryland Moon (8-5) has shown little against better in his last few starts, but has consistently solid form, with a figure of at least 79 in each of his last five starts. Both his wins have come at a one-turn mile; he’s hit the board in four of five at this distance. #1 Brooklyn Guy (9-5) was third behind a pair of next-out winners two starts ago, then finished a pace-compromised fourth against better last out. He’ll also make a bid from well off the pace.

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

7-8-5-1

#7 Golden Can (5-2) showed some solid grass form last year, beaten less than three lengths in her last start on the surface by Paper Mansion, who used that race to launch a six-race win streak. She faces a pretty soft field for her first grass start of the year, and got two dirt starts under her belt in March. We’ll see who gets the mount; Jevian Toledo, who was named to ride, will be out a few months with a dislocated collarbone. #8 Cupid’s Dream (7-2) ran consistently in the 70s last year, right around the range she’d need to win this, and showed speed going two turns in her seasonal bow at Tampa Bay Downs last out. She generally prefers to go longer, but if she runs close to her usual race, she’ll be tough. #5 Speak Your Mind (4-1) has by far the most early speed in the field, and will have every chance to take them gate-to-wire.

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

4-3-6-2

#4 Celtic Bond (7-2) ran a 70 on debut when a solid-chasing third, then got involved in a duel last out and quickly faded from the scene. She got some time off since that February 18 race, and has had two good workouts since. #3 Lance’s Smile (2-1) goes out for the first time since June 22. She’s run in the 70s twice in three dirt starts, and ran her best mark a 79, first off a brief layoff in that June effort at Delaware Park. #6 Goldrush Hottie (8-5) was sent off as the even-money choice when dropped to this level for the first time last out. She set an ambitious early pace and faded to third, for the second straight start where she faded after racing on or near the pace. We’ll see if a stalking strategy serves her better.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 7 FURLONGS

6-2-1-7

#6 Kick Startness (5-2) is one of two in here coming off a maiden win. He made a bold brush to the lead and drew off to win at ninth asking, with by far a career-best 84. Even if he declines a few points off that race, he still looks like much the best. #2 Not Thistimerandy (3-1) has improved his figure in each of his last three starts, peaking at a 75 when a chasing third in his first start against winners last out. #1 Ascendance (4-1) goes first off the claim by Kenny Cox and cuts back from 1 1/16 miles. He didn’t do much at that distance last out, but ran some big figures around one turn in his other recent appearances.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $8,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

2-6-7-10

#2 Formal Order (7-2) came from way out of it and just missed in a blanket finish at this level last out. His only bad recent race came when he stepped up to starter allowance foes two starts ago and found himself outclassed; he looks very at home against these. #6 Musical Heart (3-1), in contrast, has been competing, and holding his own, in starter allowance races recently. He’s run in the 80s in each of his last five starts, the only one in the field to do so. He ran on well in each of those starts despite racing wide throughout. #7 Transfer the Funds (5-1) has overcome slow paces in each of his last two starts. He just missed behind the ever-classy Uncaptured Storm two starts back, then rallied to win against conditioned foes in his most recent.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

5-2-7-6

#5 Hurrying Home (9-5) pressed the pace in his first start against winners last out, but was done in by a fast second quarter and faded. He’s gotten better with each start since leaving the grass last fall, and was an impressive winner in a must-win spot two races ago. #2 Last Second Louie (4-1) set the pace and lasted most of the way last out, in his best frontrunning effort in months. He’s a serious threat to go gate-to-wire against these. #7 Law of the Jungle (7-2) ships up from Gulfstream Park for his third start off the layoff by Jane Cibelli. He ran in the mid-70s in each of his last two starts, even though they were visually unimpressive efforts.

RACE 7: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

4-16-14-2

#4 Rye Smile (4-1) is one of six first-time starters in the contest, and looks like the best of the lot. This Brittany Russell trainee is by World of Trouble, who’s a very good grass stallion, and is out of Appearance, who finished second in her lone grass start, and has produced a grass winner. #16 Marian Cross (9-5) closed well into fast fractions on debut at Gulfstream Park, with a strong 80. She cuts back around open turn after a pair of two-turn tries, and should make a serious late impact. #14 The Amazing Mizzen (15-1) races for the first time since October 27 and adds Lasix for the first time. She lost a photo for second to the well-regarded Enzo in her last start, and is a sibling to a winner on this surface.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

5-2-1-3

#5 Pistol Liz Ablazen (7-2) enters this race off a two-race winning streak at Parx, and is a head away from it being three in a row. She rallied from off a slow pace to win a photo at this level last out, with a career-best 92, her third straight race with at least an 85. #2 Haint Blue (15-1) has picked up checks at this level earlier this year, and was a solid-closing second in her most recent. She’s eligible to pick up a share at a good price. #1 Continentalcongres (5-2) has faced better fields and dealt with compromising situations in her last few starts, but at her best, she’s a serious early speed threat.