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

First post time: 12:10 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 4-9) — $0
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $21,940
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9) — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE (GRASS)

7-6-9-5

#7 Stella Mars (10-1) ran a gigantic race in her 2025 debut last out. She was forced to come from far off the early pace, in a race where the early leaders set very slow fractions and raced 1-2 all the way around the track. However, she made up admirable ground off that pokey tempo and finished third. That’s about as well as she could’ve run given the circumstances. She was claimed out of that race by Jamie Ness, and should run much better with a more honest pace. #6 Anoint (7-2) also closed well off slow fractions last out (though not nearly as slow as the ones Stella Mars had to deal with), and adds blinkers while dropping from second-level allowance company. She’s actually making her third start off the bench; she won a 1 ¾-mile training flat event at the Loudoun Hunt point-to-point on April 20. #9 White Lilacs (5-2) went gate-to-wire against four rivals last out, and will try to steal this one on the front end. 

RACE 2: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 1/16 MILES

2-3-5-6

#2 Reply (6-5) was well-respected in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes last out following a big runner-up effort in the Weber City Miss Stakes. She was bothered at the break, fell further behind than she might have liked, and could do no better than fourth. She’s taking a big drop in class here, and should be able to get past these. #3 Golden Sword (10-1) will get her class test here. She looked very sharp in her maiden-breaking effort last out, crushing an off-the-grass field with a much-improved brisnet figure of 79. She raced close to the pace that day, and could take control and find herself loose. #5 Rosieontheriver (6-1) is the only one in the race to beat winners, having beaten the likes of Onyx Ten and Moon Cache going two turns in December. She crossed the wire first again at this level on March 2 over future Weber City Miss winner Complexity Jane, but was disqualified. She’s run improved figures in her last few races, and should sit a nice trip close to the pace.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

12-1-6-11

#12 Kunooz (7-2) closed well off a hot pace last out, and though he couldn’t finish the job, he still ran a career-best 78. That makes him the only one in the race to run in the 70s twice on grass this year. He’s also dropping out of starter optional claiming company. #1 Just for Giggles (5-1) broke his maiden with a sharp off-the-pace rally last out, making him the only one in the field who hasn’t lost against winners (Mortal Sin hasn’t lost a pari-mutuel race against winners, but he lost to them at a point-to-point meet in April). He’ll try to take another step forward in his second start in the Kieron Magee barn. #6 Dark Lute (12-1) hasn’t raced on grass before, but Phil Capuano has good stats first time on the surface. In addition, one of his siblings broke his maiden on grass, and another placed on it. 

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

1-5-4-2

#1 In My Memories (9-5) sat the trip off a duel last out and converted it to a victory against similar, running in the 80s for the second time in her last three starts. That’s Arnaldo Bocachica’s only winner of the summer meet (though he has hit the board with five mounts out of seven), and he’s back for this ride. #5 Conquerthosewecan (7-2) is one of two Brittany Russell-trained runners in here, and Sheldon Russell was named on her, an encouraging sign. She broke her maiden with an impressive 84 last November, defeating three-time winner Delray in the process, and has worked well as of late for her return to the races. #4 Tuned to the Moon (8-1) was on that hot pace last out, and faded to fourth. She finished second at this condition at big odds in her two prior starts, and you should get another good number on her today. 

LATE PICK 5 STARTS HERE. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO ANALYSIS

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

8-9-10-3

#8 Eff Thirty Five (9-2) gobbled up ground from off a slow pace to win a second-level race last out, after almost getting the job done under similar circumstances two starts back at Fair Grounds. There’s plenty of pace signed on here (including the ever-speedy Kake’s Arrow), so he should get a tempo to close into. Interestingly, Sheldon Russell picked the other Brittany Russell trainee, Regalo, over this one, so Forest Boyce gets the call instead. Regalo has lots of early speed and no grass experience, so it’s possible he’s in here as a rabbit of sorts. #9 Forever Souper (2-1) was flat as a pancake against similar on this track two starts back, but bounced back to finish third in the Cliff Hanger Stakes at Monmouth Park. He has good tactical speed, and should get first jump on the embattled leaders. #10 Wow Whata Summer (15-1) closed well off of hot fractions to get third on the Black-Eyed Susan day undercard last out. He doesn’t always run his peak race, but when he does, he can spice up the exotics.

RACE 6: BEN’S CAT STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD/VA-RESTRICTED, 6 FURLONGS (GRASS)

4-9-6-8

Today’s first stakes race is named for the legendary four-time Maryland-bred Horse of the Year. King Covee was reported as a scratch on Thursday. #4 Great Idea (5-1) wheels back after just six days’ rest. He was a solid-closing third in his second grass start of the year last Sunday, and did well against these types last year with a strong late kick. #9 Whenigettoheaven (5-2) won this race last year with a dramatic late rally, his third win on this track. He hasn’t won since then, but closed well last out on the Presque Isle Downs synthetic, and is bound to improve with a return to the grass. #6 Had to Have Him (8-1) won an off-the-grass affair in his season debut, which served as a nice prep for today’s race. He ran improving figures towards the end of last year with an increasingly impressive closing punch.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

7-3-6-1

#7 Inveigled (9-5) ran a huge race on the lead in the Knicks Go Stakes at Churchill Downs. Everyone else involved in a very contested early pace finished up the track, but Inveigled showed heart and hung around to finish fourth. He beat some nice horses earlier this year at Gulfstream Park with good tactical speed, and he’ll use that to victory here. #3 Cadet Corps (5-2) beat a fairly salty field at Delaware Park last out, but needed a fast pace to get it done. He’s better off staying close to the pace; if he can, he’ll have a chance to wear down Inveigled.#6 Be Better (4-1) rallied well for third last out despite dealing with some traffic trouble, and should also get up for a small slice.

RACE 8: JAMEELA STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD/VA-RESTRICTED, 6 FURLONGS (GRASS)

5-2-9-6

This contest is named for the first Maryland-bred millionaire. #5 Bosserati (5-2) showed tons of heart when she won The Very One Stakes in determined style. It looked as if Accomplished Girl was ready to roll by, but Bosserati dug in and held on for her second stakes win in her last three starts. She looks fast enough to run this bunch off their feet. #2 Hollywood Walk (9-2) finished a respectable third in her 2025 debut in the License Fee Stakes at Aqueduct. She has the best late pace figures in the field, and would take full advantage if Bosserati can’t last on the front end. #9 Gift of Gab (10-1) was third, beaten less than a length, in The Very One, and was a sharp-closing winner against second-level rivals at Delaware last out. She’s been very consistent as of late, peaking at an 87 last out after steadily running in the mid-80s in her prior races. 

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $10,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

3-8-9-2

#3 Third Tuesday (4-1) was third in her last dirt start with a career-best 66, finishing behind a pair of next-out winners in She’s a Gem and Paperback Edition. She did nothing on grass last time, but is bound to improve with a return to dirt. 8 Great Moon (7-2) makes her second career start and first for a tag. She was well-bet on debut at Charles Town and ran a respectable-for-the-level 54. We’ll see how she does in her first time on the big track. #9 Spirit and Truth (9-2) regressed badly last out after a series of improving races. She chased a loose longshot leader while wide and backpedaled. While the draw does her no favors, she’ll be a threat if she runs back to her races earlier this year.

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