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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 3-8) — $0
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $1,989
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 4-8) — $0

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $7,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

5-2-3-6

While #5 Alvy (9-2) hasn’t finished first or second in 11 starts this season, most of those races have come against much better competition than this. He’s run brisnet figures in the 80s in each of his last six dirt starts. While that isn’t enough to contend against the starter optional claiming types he’s faced for most of the year, he should be able to to roll past these. #3 Backnthewoods (4-1) has tons of early speed and won at this level three starts ago. The distance is the big question; he’s never been this far and has spent most of the year racing at six furlongs or shorter. However, the early pace scenario is so favorable for him, it may not matter much. #7 Golden Purchase (5-2) ran away with it in his third start for the Jamie Ness barn last out. He has good tactical speed, and will get the first jump if Backnthewoods can’t go the distance.

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

4-1-3-2

#4 Red Zone Runner (2-1) hasn’t gone this far before, but has slowly stretched out in distance from 5 1/2 furlongs to six to seven. He ran a career-best 86 when third in the Pennsylvania Nursery last out, and has the best late pace figures in the field. #1 Bala de Plata (7-5) won at this level and distance two starts back. He led gate-to-wire that day, and will have every chance to take this bunch gate-to-wire. #3 Let’s Go Lando (12-1) went off as the heavy favorite in a 1 1/16-mile maiden contest last out, and lived up to the hype with a decisive victory. His figures are a bit below those of the main contenders, but we know he can run well at this distance, and should rally for at least a small share.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

1-6-2-8

#1 Kittyup (9-5) chased the pace and faded against better last out. None of her rivals have much early speed, so she should make the front from the rail and cruise from there. #6 Only Maria (6-1) ran in the upper-50s and 60s consistently earlier this year, which is usually good enough to win a race like this. She was thrown out of her element by a bad break last out and ran a subpar 49, but should run much better with a normal start and the addition of blinkers. #2 Secret Oaks (2-1) makes her career debut for Jamie Ness, and is the only first-time starter in the field. None of her rivals are all that great, and with the aforementioned lack of early speed, Martin Chuan may decide to be aggressive and send her for speed.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

4-8-1-2

#4 Vamos Viejo (3-1) closed well for fifth against better on grass last out, and ran in the 80s consistently on that surface throughout the year. Even though he’s not familiar with this surface, he’ll be a serious threat if his form transfers over at all. #8 Thank Ya Pete (10-1) has won his last two starts at Charles Town while racing on the pace, and looks poised to get a great trip on or near the lead from the outside. Seven-pound bug Juan Belisario, who has done fantastic work at Charles Town, will make his Maryland debut in this race. #1 It’s Sizzling Time (9-2) just missed second with a solid 78 in his last start at this level. He finished behind runaway winner Laddie Dance, who finished second as the favorite against these types last Friday.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

4-2-6-1

The class drop back to maiden claimers worked out very well for #4 Persian (5-2), who dusted a $25,000 field last out with a great stalking trip and earned a career-best 78. She’ll take full advantage of another potentially hot pace. #2 Runsweetly (12-1) broke poorly last out and proved no factor, but ran in the 70s three times in a row prior to that, and has the best average late pace figures in the field. That last line may scare off bettors and drive up her price. #6 Devastating (9-5) was a game second as the favorite against similar last out. She was claimed out of that race by Robby Bailes, who is quietly 5-for-12 first off the claim in recent times.

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

3-4-1-7

#3 Stylish Gem (4-1) made good ground from the back of the pack and won a photo for third against a slightly better field than this one last out. She’s shown consistently solid form on dirt, running in the 60s three times in four starts on this surface. #4 Hoof and Boots (5-2) is probably the best horse in the field on pure ability, but has broken poorly in each of her three lifetime starts. She must break better today to have a great chance, but if she does, she’ll be very tough to beat. #1 Let Her Pass By (9-5) has hit the board in her last three starts on grass, and is sure to show speed from the rail in her dirt debut.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

3-6-1-5

#3 Phyling Phillis (4-1) sat the trip and won last out at Delaware Park, in her second start off a 14-month break. She looks poised to improve again third off the bench for Gary Capuano and Yedsit Hazlewood. #6 Old Bay (8-1) ran a big second to Maryland Million Distaff winner Onyx Ten in the Tax Free Shopping Distaff three starts ago with a career-best 88. She hasn’t run back to that race in her two races since, but she has plenty of upside and is a contender at what should be a fantastic price. #1 Love You More (3-1) lasted through pace pressure to break her maiden last out and looks like the controlling speed of this contest as well.

RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

7-6-2-5

#7 High View (7-2) has closed well in her last few starts in spite of not always having a pace to close into. She faces a very soft field in her dirt debut, and will be tough to hold off with any kind of pace to run into. #6 Dead Sexy (5-2) has also been doing most of her recent running on grass, but did break her maiden on dirt in a washed-off affair last October with a very respectable 79. #2 My Dear Antonia (9-5) has rallied for shares  in her last two starts, has raced well on dirt and grass throughout the season, and rejoins the Hugh McMahon barn after spending a race with James Casey.

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