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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 5-10) — $1,201
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $1,808
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 6-10) — $0

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

7-8-1-2 (DIRT: 5-4-2-7)

#7 Hadid (7-5) drops in for a tag in her third career start for trainer Arnaud Delacour, who hits at 29% when dropping from maiden special weight company to maiden claimers. She took a needed step forward second time on the Presque Isle Downs synthetic last out, opening up a long early lead before fading to fourth. Many of her rivals are coming out of the same class on Oct. 2, won by heavily favored Occupy. #8 Sugar Bash (8-1) had the unenviable job of chasing that favorite, who set the pace and never looked back, and managed to hold on for third. While Hadid is dangerous, I’m not sure if she’s of Occupy’s caliber. As such, this one’s job should be easier. #1 Kelly’s Hardheaded (8-1) came up completely empty on dirt at first asking, but closed well from last in that Oct. 2 race and just missed second in a blanket finish. If she can avoid getting buried in traffic towards the inside, she’ll be a late threat.

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

1-5-6-4

#1 Kwan (8-5) is the only multiple winner in the field. Last out at Delaware Park, she dueled for the early lead with one of the favorites, She’s a Dancer. That one finished sixth, beaten 8 3/4 lengths, but Kwan pulled clear in the stretch to win. She’ll likely have to battle for the lead once again, but she’s shown she can withstand the challenge. #5 Brown Sugar Betty (5-2) was a sharp last-to-first winner last out, working out a rail-skimming trip to work her way past money-burning Paris by Night. This one has taken steps forward with every start, and will take advantage should Kwan tire. #6 Tiz Candy (3-1) was fourth behind Kwan at Delaware last out, racing wide throughout and showing a mild stretch kick. She overcame a similar trip to break her maiden on debut at Ellis Park three starts ago, and will try to recapture that type of late rally here.

RACE 3: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

4-5-7-6 (DIRT: 5-4-8-9)

#4 Creed’s Vision (3-2) just missed at this level two starts back at Colonial Downs, running down clear leader Masseto, only to get outkicked by Petcoff and settle for second. He’s facing a soft field for this condition here, and will be tough to beat with his usual effort. #5 Barbados Buzz (2-1) closed with a rush to break his maiden on grass two starts back. He was entered in a first-level allowance race that was washed off the grass next out, but the surface switch didn’t bother him, as he drew away to a dominant victory. He’s yet to be tested for class, but the ability and promise is there. #7 Where’s Ray (3-1) to win a ratings optional claiming contest last out over hard-knockers Call Me Andy and Cactus. Although it’s a step up in class on paper, this isn’t a significantly tougher field than the one he beat last out, with the possible exceptions of the aforementioned two.

RACE 4: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

4-3-6-2

Derek Ryan trains both of my top two picks in this one. #4 Sky Luna (9-2) overcame a poor start to get third at first asking at Delaware, inspiring Ryan to take a shot with her at Belmont Park next out. She raced wide throughout and didn’t get involved, but should be able to handle this much easier field. #3 Pining (4-1) ran an impressive brisnet figure of 74 in her first career start at Monmouth Park two races back, but didn’t get involved after a poor break next out. She’ll also benefit from a drop; in her case, from $50,000 maiden claimers. #6 Think Pink (7-2) was second to runaway winner Silver Strings at this level last out, and adds blinkers first off the Kieron Magee claim.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $16,000 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE (GRASS)

2-6-5-8 (DIRT: 2-8-14-7)

Another recent Magee claim, #2 Copernium (6-1) rallied in the final eighth to win at this condition at Monmouth Park two starts back. He chased the pace and faded on dirt last out, but is stepped back up off that claim, and should bounce back on the surface switch. The speedy #6 Freedom Glider (3-1) was thrown completely out of his element last out when he broke poorly. He managed to make up some ground against a better field than this one, and has historically run very well on this track when able to set the pace. #5 Owhatanite (8-1) hasn’t won in a while, but has some of the best late pace figures in the race, and is worth using underneath.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

13-6-3-11 (DIRT: 5-9-13-15)

#13 Jungle Glow (3-1) has won three of his last four races, and just missed in a blanket finish at this level two starts ago at Colonial. He was a sharp winner in his lone recent grass start for the Jamie Ness barn, and he should run another big race first off the reclaim by that barn. #6 Knockanara (9-2) finished a head behind Jungle Glow last out in a blanket finish following a wide trip. He surged to win two starts back over Jessica’s Eyes and Biker Baley, both of whom have won since. #3 Jamalamadingdong (8-1) set the pace and dug in to win last out with a career-best 81, his third improved figure in as many grass starts. He’s the most dangerous gate-to-wire threat in the race.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

1-3-7-4

#1 Skillian (7-5) makes his first start here since Nov. 28, when he blew away a maiden special weight field by 7 3/4 lengths with a very sharp 88. He picked up a front-end win three starts back at Colonial, and while he hasn’t been as dominant as that maiden win might’ve indicated, he’s facing a soft field here and will be tough to beat. #3 Ready as Ever (2-1) didn’t fire at a one-turn mile last out, but was a runaway winner in his last start at this distance three starts ago. With plenty of speed signed on, this race could fall into his lap. #7 N.Y. Finest (8-1) was a last-to-first winner in his last start here on March 20, and hopes to take a step forward third off a six-month layoff.

RACE 8: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-6 YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE (GRASS)

7-2-8-6 (DIRT: 2-3-10-9)

#7 Executive (6-1) and #2 Rio Grande (6-5) were third and second, respectively, at this condition on Sept. 20. Rio Grande, the slight favorite, pressed victorious Meritorious throughout, but couldn’t get by. Executive was the only one in the field who made up ground, closing with a rush in his second race off a two-month break and lost by less than a length. He’ll be a much better price than Rio Grande, even though, in my estimation, he ran a better race. #8 Clark’s Corner (9-2) hung around and missed in his last three starts at this condition in Kentucky. He’s worked well since joining Mike Trombetta’s barn a few weeks ago, and it’s possible the change of scenery gives him the needed step forward.

RACE 9: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

2-6-7-1

This race will be a big test for #2 Alani (3-2). The classy mare went off favored in a washed-off race first off a six-month break last out, but came up empty and finished a well-beaten third. She ran in the mid-90s steadily last fall, and that type of effort would easily beat these. Can she bounce back off of that dull last effort? #6 Kilo Road (6-1) hasn’t raced since March 15, when she was third after a wide trip behind a pair of next-out winners. This closing mare is bound to roll from well off the pace, and could shake up the exotics even if Alani runs her best race. #7 Dwelling Legacy (7-5) has blazing speed, but has trouble carrying it throughout the race. In her last three starts, she raced on the pace and ended up beaten by at least five lengths. She’ll be hustled to the front by Leandro Briceno and should make the lead even from the outside post. Can she move forward second off a five-month layoff and carry her speed all the way? You’ll have to take a low price to find out.

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