Video edited on Kapwing

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

Post time: 12:10 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 4-9) — $4,261
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $1,717
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9) — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

6-4-8-3

#6 Firmantown (7-2) dramatically improved in his second local start last out. After battling on the pace and stopping badly two starts ago, he he opened up a clear lead and held around until late, improving almost 20 brisnet points to run a 68. He’s cutting back further from six furlongs to 5 1/2 furlongs, and may take another step forward in his third start of the campaign. #4 Casey N Pap (5-1) showed some promise last summer at Colonial Downs and Timonium, but began tailing off badly towards the end of the season, and went to the sidelines after his dismal November 9 try. He’s worked consistently well since late February for Hammy Smith, and drops from the $45,000 level first off the bench. #8 Severn Run (3-1) has run in the 70s twice this year, the only one in the race to do so. He’s lost at low odds against slightly cheaper in his last few starts, so while you’ll require a better price for him to be a win consideration, he nonetheless merits respect.

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

7-1A-3-5

#7 Rick’swarmheart (10-1) broke his maiden in easy style going a mile last out with Arnaldo Bocachica aboard, who makes a return engagement here. It’s his first try around two turns, and he didn’t draw a great post, but no one in here is in excellent form going this far. #1A Tuff Luck (5-1) is my preferred half of the Hugh McMahon-trained entry. He came from off the pace to break his maiden last out, defeating next-out winner Aikmans Audible in the process with his third consecutive improved figure. #3 It’s Not Over Yet (8-1) has gone gate-to-wire in two of his last three starts, and has the opportunity to get the trip he wants without much early speed in the field.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

2-3-1-7

#2 Happy Hour Joker (2-1) lost as the favorite in her first starts of the year, then chased the pace at 2-1 and finished second last out. However she ran career-best figures in both of those performances, peaking at a 73 last out. She also profiles as the main speed, so she might be the one they’ll have to chase, rather than being the chaser. #3 Rasta Girl (6-1) overcame a wide trip to finish a solid second at Aqueduct two starts ago, and adds Lasix following a dull try last out. She’s also making her first appearance for the Bob Klesaris barn. #1 Marmaris (5-2) exits the same race as Happy Hour Joker. She went off favored in that race, but was forced to check at the start and was no factor from there. This is a tougher field than the one she saw that day, and she hasn’t worked since, but she still ran a decent 67 that day. She’ll be in the mix with a few points’ improvement. If nothing else, it’ll be a nice prep race before she can chase that sweet Jersey-bred money this summer.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $25,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

1-2-5-7

#1 Fluff the Pillow (5-2) overcame an overland trip to break his maiden by a nostril last out at Aqueduct with a career-best 79. He’s making his first start for Jamie Ness, who has done well with DEA-owned horses over the past few weeks. #2 States United (3-1) broke his maiden first off a nine-month layoff last out, fending off next-out winner Key Stat in the process. He’s the only one in the race to run in the 70s in each of his last three tries. #5 Betta Go Go Go (2-1) has displayed a higher ceiling than his rivals, but it’s hard to bet a 1-for-22 horse who’s come in second or third *15* times. He’s a much better bet to key underneath in exactas or trifectas.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

6-8-3-1

#6 Whiskey and You (7-2) hasn’t won in a while, but he’s been pounding on the door against these types. He lost in a photo finish in each of his last two starts at the starter optional claiming level. He lost those races to He’s in Charge and Quick Tempo, who are both superior to anyone in this field. He’ll sit just off the pace and kick away to finally break through. #8 Keithsendshelloooo (9-2) makes his Laurel debut after spending time at Jamie Ness’s Parx string. He’s shown some late punch in his last few starts while running ascending figures, and gets Jaime Rodriguez aboard for the first time. #3 Byk (8-1) tired after getting caught in a duel last out at Penn National, but he has much better early pace figures than these, and has the opportunity to sprint to a clear advantage.

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

7-10-5-14

#7 Zero Blitz (9-2) looked like much the best on paper last out and ran like it, crushing the field to break his maiden at second asking with a career-best 75. Arnaldo Bocachica is back in the saddle on this Farrior trainee, and a repeat of either of his two races so far wins this one handily. The only one in the main body of the field with figures close to his is #10 Twice Gold (5-1). This one has been visually unimpressive against better non-winners of two rivals, but takes a career-low drop in class, and gets a rider switch to Yedsit Hazlewood. He’s run in the 70s four times in a row, which are figures that would win this race if Zero Blitz doesn’t fire. #5 Mo Joke (6-1) made his local debut a winning one last out, lasting through pace pressure to break his maiden at fourth asking in a blanket finish. One of the others near that pace held on for third, but the other three closest to the lead folded badly.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

10-9-4-3

#10 Takethemoneyhoney (9-5) was scratched from yesterday’s Heavenly Cause Stakes at the same distance to run here. She won impressively on this track first off an eight-month layoff two races back, then ran a game race last out and Aqueduct and lost by a nose, with a career-best 94. She might not be able to clear from the outside, but she can still rate off the leaders and roll away from them in the stretch. #9 Gold Digging Broad (6-1) finished a hard-charging third in the seven-furlong Conniver Stakes last out, and her closing style is well-suited for the one-turn mile. #4 Stop the Cap (6-1) isn’t good enough to beat Takethemoneyhoney if that one runs her race, but she’s hit the board at this level three times in a row, and should get a nice trip and hang around for another share.