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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 4-9) — $643
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $1,808
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9) — $0

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RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $35,000, 3-6 YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

9-6-5-7 (DIRT: 2-5-6-8)

#9 Repurpose (9-5) closed well despite not changing leads last out, ultimately finishing second to gate-to-wire winner Chimney Sweep. That rival returned to finish second by a neck in a Maryland-restricted first-level allowance next out. This one will get a similar trip here, and should be able to convert this time. #6 Total Mischief (8-1) finished a pace-chasing fourth on debut at Colonial Downs two starts ago. The first and third-place finishers from that race came back to win next out, while the runner-up finished second in his next outing. This one didn’t get involved after an awkward break last out on dirt, but he’s much better bred for this surface anyway. #5 Notion in Motion (7-2) pressed Chimney Sweep on the lead last out. While he couldn’t get by, he managed to hang around for third, which is pretty typical for him. Look for him to race near the pace and hang around for a share once again.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $12,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

6-5-1-7

#6 Sometime (1-1) was a determined winner at this condition last out, overcoming a wide trip to beat some of these while matching his career-best brisnet figure of 85. #5 Lil Sebastian (8-1) faded after racing on the pace last out at Timonium. Something may have been amiss that day, as a claim on him was voided by the vet. He’s worked at Delaware Park since then, and adds blinkers for this effort. At his best, he has very dangerous early speed, and the blinkers should help that cause. #1 Hell Ofa Hillbilly (5-2) chased Sometime down the stretch and ended up third, running a 78, his best figure in almost a year. He should sit just off the pace on the rail and take advantage if Lil Sebastian falters.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

1-4-5-12 (DIRT: 6-11-2-7)

#1 The Wrath of David (5-2) and #4 Meshach (7-2) come out of the same race at this condition on Sept. 26. The former managed third after a rail trip, running well, but still getting outkicked by the impressive first-time starter Alborz. He’s already run in the 70s twice around two turns on grass, so he’s already well-proven in this type of contest. The latter rallied wide and briefly put a head in front, but flattened out and finished fourth. He’s shown improvement with each start, so we’ll see if he can take the needed step forward and finish the job stretching out from a mile. #5 Bishop Moon (4-1) showed speed at long odds in the Laurel Futurity last out, then checked out of contention following a tumultuous stretch run. This looks like an easier field to wire.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 7 FURLONGS

6-7-3-1

#6 Share Success (7-5) ran well after stalking the pace two and three starts back, peaking at a 71 in a victory at Timonium two starts ago. Last out at Parx, she was hustled for speed, but it just wasn’t her day, and she ended up well-beaten. She’s dropping in class here, is back in the box quickly in an encouraging move, and any Jamie Ness-trained runner at this meet merits respect. #7 Iamdependingonyou (6-1) won twice on this track earlier this year, and hung around for third in her last two races against similar. #3 Ready For Magic (5-1) uncharacteristically showed speed in her first start off a two-month layoff last out at Timonium. She faded after battling for the early lead and ended up beaten 3 1/4 lengths. In her prior start, she made a wide move to clear her non-winners of two condition at Charles Town, and will likely try a similar maneuver here.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

2-1-10-4 (DIRT: 4-7-11-5)

#2 Meritorious (2-1) showed lots of heart first off a 17 1/2-month layoff last out. He set the pace and held off the consistent challenge of Rio Grande for his maiden-breaking win, running a career-best 82 in the process. This is a clear class test, but he has a high ceiling and has shown he can withstand at least some pace pressure. #1 Se Thar Barr (5-1) went off as the slight favorite in a bit of a better field than this one at this condition last out. He rallied wide late, but ended up beaten 1 1/2 lengths while running in the 80s for the fourth consecutive start. He’ll likely make a similar move and get another slice this time. #10 Patrol Squad Six (5-2) was beaten three lengths at this level at Ellis Park last out, while lacking room in the stretch. He’s worked well since joining the Mike Stidham barn in early September, and will try to work out a trip off the pace in the clear.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

7-8-12-4 (DIRT: 10-8-2-3)

#7 Wheneveruremember (5-2) hasn’t been as sharp as a 4-year-old as he was towards the end of last year, but he did win a Virginia-restricted allowance three starts ago, sandwiched between some underwhelming efforts. He’s dropping for a tag for the first time in a while, which is bound to help his cause. #8 Skyrush (6-1) went gate-to-wire two and three starts back at Monmouth Park, then got collared on the pace and faded down the long Belmont Park stretch last out. He’s dropping in class here, and should have an easier time on the lead here. #12 Archimedes (5-1) was wide the whole way last out at Monmouth, but still closed and got up against non-winners of two rivals. This will be his first start for the Anthony Farrior barn, and he’s likely to get a good trip off the pace in the clear.

RACE 7: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES

3-1-6-2

#3 Tejanita (8-5) has finished second in each of her last three starts in similar spots, but ended up running into tougher rivals than she might’ve bargained for each time. The horses who beat her last out and three starts back both came back to win their next start, while the horse who beat her two races ago was stakes-placed prior to her maiden-breaking win. This one’s run at least a 79 in each of those three races. Unless someone dramatically jumps up, that kind of race would win this one. #1 Mo Lake Time (6-1) was the only first-time starter in her career debut two starts back. She set very sharp fractions and lasted a long way on the lead, finishing second to 2-5 New York shipper Chartist. This one faded on grass next out, but should bounce back on the switch. #6 Spresso Mar (8-1) pressed Mo Lake Time two starts back, and managed to hold third. In her previous dirt outing, she ran on well and just missed. She outfinished third-place finisher Magic Beam, who broke her maiden next out, and was second in a Maryland-restricted first-level allowance affair on Oct. 4.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

3-5-6-2

#3 Forrest City (7-2) was scratched from a ratings optional claiming race on Thursday in favor of this spot. He battled for the lead just about the whole way and ended up second to his dueling partner, Honor Mags. He looks ready and able to protect the rail and the lead. #5 Objection (3-1) was an impressive winner in his dirt debut two starts back, then finished second next out with a career-best 87. The winner, Our Notion, was third in the Lil E. Tee Stakes at Parx in his prior race, and came back to win a Maryland-restricted race at this condition next out as the 11-10 favorite. #6 Bruno (2-1) got up to win against similar going six furlongs last out. He hasn’t run a bad race in his six-race career; the distance is the only question. His only start beyond seven furlongs was a near-miss after a wide trip going a one-turn mile at Colonial.

RACE 9: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $35,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

3-2-7-8 (DIRT: 8-4-3-5)

#3 Horsing Around (1-1) sat a great trip, kicked on four-wide and drew off to beat a non-winners of two field at Colonial last out. Runner-up Contra returned to win a non-winners of two claiming race as the favorite next out. #2 Pretty Lavish (5-1) has closed well against better around two turns in her last few grass starts in New York. She was shipped down here for her last start, stayed in the race when it was washed off the grass, and was claimed for $16,000 by Phil Schoenthal. Though she isn’t proven going short as she is at longer distances, that looks poised to be a very shrewd claim. #7 Ballycurrin (9-2) couldn’t hang with better rivals in her last few starts, but her early speed and recent figures, including a career-best 84 last out, makes her dangerous against these.

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