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) — $2,142
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9) — $0

Check out our other handicapping here!

RACE 1: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

4-6-2-7

#4 Sleepwalker (3-1) ran a strong second in her first start off a 2 ½-month layoff two starts ago, then was forced into setting the pace last out and faded. She takes a drop in class and cuts back slightly from 1 3/16 miles. There isn’t a lot of speed here, either, so she might end up on the lead again. However, she’ll likely be able to set more comfortable fractions. #6 I’m a Sure Thing (5-2) makes her second start off a six-month layoff. She’s been visually unimpressive in her last few tries, but she consistently ran brisnet figures in the upper-70s and low-80s over the winter at Gulfstream Park, right in the range she needs to be to win this. #2 Dark Pool (4-1) broke her maiden at 13th asking last out at Colonial Downs. That race was at a mile, which may be a bit shorter than she’d prefer, considering how well she’s run over jumps in the past. The extra eighth of a mile may help her cause. 

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

1-8-4-2

#1 Lucky Lis (3-1) almost went off favored on debut at Timonium, getting the most wagering action of the four firsters in the field. She rallied well from four lengths off the pace and got up for third in the four-furlong contest. Blind Love, another first-timer who got bet in that race, came back to break her maiden here on September 7. #8 Princess Charming (5-2) also received a lot of action on debut; in her case, in a fairly salty Maryland-restricted maiden race on opening day of the fall meet. She lost all chance at the break when she stumbled badly, but still ran on well after that. You have to figure she’s better than that effort, and should improve the second time out. #4 Fiesta La Luna (7-2) has worked well for Claudio Gonzalez as of late, with five consecutive four-furlong drills in 50 seconds or faster. Watch the board with her. 

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $16,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, 1 3/8 MILES (GRASS)

9-10-4-1

This is one of two three-turn grass races on the card. Love to see it! #9 Goodson Jameson (12-1) became a new horse when switched to grass for the first time last out. He chased a 7-1 gate-to-wire winner, and held on for third at a spectacular 89-1. You won’t get that kind of price again, but he should still be a good number, and he’s lightly-raced with some early speed. #10 Homestead (3-1) crossed the wire first here in late April, but was disqualified for causing crowding on the first turn. Last out, he almost wired the field in a 1 ⅝-mile contest at Fair Hill. Daniel Centeno is sure to send him to the early lead, from there, it’s a matter of how long he can hold on. #4 Pietrelcina (7-2) outkicked Goodson Jameson to get second last out behind that gate-to-wire winner. He has great late speed, but tends to leave himself with too much to do, which is why his career record is 0-for-17 with nine in-the-money finishes. He’s at least a must-use for underneath spots.

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-RESTRICTED, 6 FURLONGS

1-5-6-2

Just when it looked like he couldn’t get over a case of seconditis, #1 Decorum (8-1) proved himself cured of it last out. He smashed a Maryland-restricted maiden field by 11 lengths with an impressive 88. He sat a great trip off the pace that day, and looks primed to get another one. #5 Bold Diversion (8-5) ran subpar races in his last two tries at Colonial Downs, but ran three consecutive figures of at least 85 in his last three races on this track. Coming back here might perk him up. #6 All the Hardways (9-2) won twice here over the winter, and ran a career-best 87 when second to Tesio Stakes winner Pay Billy in late January. He was a flat third in his first start off a four-month layoff last out at Timonium, but should take a big step forward in this spot. 

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

9-6-2-3

#9 Bring Me a Check (4-1) rode the rail to victory as the odds-on choice last out at Monmouth Park, after finishing second by a neck under similar circumstances eight days prior. He’s going first off the Kieron Magee claim, and will be hard to hold off with the right trip. #6 Mailman Money (8-1) won on the Haskell undercard three races ago, but was outkicked in his last two starts. Dan Ward shipped him down here rather than trying a similar spot last night at the Meadowlands. Maybe a change in scenery will wake him up. #2 American Unity (2-1) has hit the exacta in his last four starts, and has some speed from the rail for the ever-powerful Jamie Ness/Jaime Rodriguez combo.

RACE 6: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

9-8-3-4

#9 Shout to the Lord (5-2) made her career debut for Bill Mott in January at Tampa Bay Downs. She closed well from far off of modest fractions, but proved no match for Sudden Switch, who came back to win her next start at Keeneland by 4 ½ lengths. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds transferred this one to Todd Beattie’s barn early in the summer, and she’s been working for two months in anticipation of her return. She’ll be tough to beat if she improves off of her debut. Brittany Russell put three in this race, and she named her husband Sheldon on #8 Destination (4-1). This one tends to show speed and fade, but must at least be considered for underneath spots. Another one of the Russell trainees, #3 Fashion Victim (9-5), made her first start off a 9 ½-month break last out. She was very eager, rushing up to the lead and opening up a clear advantage on the turn before fading. She may be a serious threat with a better-timed move.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/2 MILES (GRASS)

8-7-1-3

#8 The Jackal (2-1) won over jumps two starts back, then shipped to Kentucky Downs and won at this distance. He’s gone this far multiple times and has run well every time, giving him a big edge in this race. #7 Lazlo (5-2) won on this track in June going a mile, and has since hit the board three times in a row against first-level types or similar. Though he’s never been this far, he has great late speed, and looks like he’ll be able to sustain a move going this distance. #1 Vax a Nation (5-1) loves getting checks at this level, but hasn’t been able to break through in numerous tries. He got caught wide when trying 1 ¼ miles last out, but drew better here and should be able to work out a ground-saving trip.

RACE 8: WEATHER VANE STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

2-4-3-8

Today’s feature is named for the star Maryland-bred filly who won 14 stakes races between 1997 and 1998. Note that both Volleyballprincess and Endorse will scratch. #2 Maida (2-1) was a dazzling maiden winner on this track in late June, and proved it was no fluke with a similarly impressive win at Delaware Park next out. She catches a fairly soft field for her stakes debut, and should easily have her way with them. #4 Conquerthosewecan (9-2), like Maida, is trained by Brittany Russell. She lasted through pace pressure and drew off to beat second-level rivals last out at Colonial with a career-best 92. Her ceiling isn’t quite as high as that of Maida, but she’s a bit more battle-tested, and would certainly be no surprise. #3 G W’s Girl (9-2) won the Dixie Belle Stakes at Oaklawn Park earlier this year, but has since trended in the wrong direction. However, her backclass and early speed make her worthy of respect.

RACE 9: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

3-4-6-2

#3 Juris Doctor (6-5) went off as one of the favorites in his debut at Delaware. He sat a great trip tracking a well-bet loose leader and took control e turn. at the top of the stretch, but was overwhelmed by a Jack Fisher-trained runner and settled for second. Nonetheless, he’ll be a strong contender if he even comes close to repeating that effort. #4 Richard Feynman (5-2) got a bit of time off after an underwhelming second on the Delaware Derby undercard in mid-June. He’s shown promise in his two stateside grass starts, and the Graham Motion/Jorge Ruiz combo is always dangerous. #6 McRavin (12-1) has been working very well at Fair Hill for Jimmy Toner, and has a loaded grass pedigree. Half-sister Civil Union was a three-time stakes winner on grass, including the 2020 Flower Bowl Stakes, and half-brother War Dispatch was a group 3 stakes winner in France. He’s an interesting alternative if you want to try to beat the two favorites.

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