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) — $835
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $4,211
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9) — $0

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

4-3-5-6

#4 Missy Boss (5-2) set the pace and finished no worse than second in three of her last four starts, running a brisnet figure of at least 76 each time. She’s by far the most dangerous speed in this one, so she’ll have every chance to take them gate-to-wire once again. #3 Honor the Truth (8-1) tends to show no early speed at all, make up good late ground, and get a small share. If Missy Boss runs them off their feet, this one looks good enough to outkick the rest for second. #5 Major Houlihan (9-2) was third behind Missy Boss and Honor the Truth on November 28, and finished third again after leading briefly in the race in between. She’ll sit off the pace and get first jump at Missy Boss.

RACE 2: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

3-2-1-4

#3 On a Proud Note (2-1) beat a softer starter optional claiming field in ridiculously easy fashion last out for her fourth win in her last five races. While this is a big class jump, she’s answered class questions before and will be tough if her form transfers over. Fellow Joanne Shankle trainee #2 Pinotslilgirl (5-2) won going away in early November, her only start since late July. She loves this track, having finished no worse than second in five races here. #1 My Flicker (8-1) battled with better for most of last year and should enjoy the class relief.

RACE 3: CLAIMING $16,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

8-5-1-2

#8 Pichu (5-1) won for $16,000 two races back, beating many of today’s rivals in the process. She never got involved after a poor break last out, but should break cleaner here and has every chance to rebound. #5 Last Gift (3-1) has run in the 70s twice in her last three starts, including a second-place effort to easy winner Barbados Bulldog last out. She’ll definitely race near the early pace; the big question is if she’ll hang around or stop badly and finish up the track. With her, both of those possibilities are equally likely. #1 Trouble and Strife (30-1) is the wildcard of the field. She blew away a field of Quarter Horses at Los Alamitos last out, was shipped cross-country not long afterwards, and has had one workout at Charles Town since arriving on the east coast. Considering she won on a bullring, it’s possible Mark Shanley was aiming her for a spot around Charles Town’s smaller oval, but ended up having to redirect her here. She’s hinted at lots of potential, and could well blow them away on the lead in her local debut at a very big number.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

3-1-4-6

Many of these come out of the same race at this condition on January 17. #3 Strategist (5-2) went off favored that day and faded to fourth after setting the pace. There’s other speed in here, but they’re unproven going this far. If he can shake them off fairly early, it’ll make his job easier. #1 Amazing Bernie (4-1) crossed the wire first in that January 17 race, but was disqualified after the fact for a whip violation. He’s run back-to-back lifetime top figures, and was able to fend off many of these in the lane in that last win. #4 Artist Mark (2-1) chased the very speedy Wiffleball and faded last out. His recent form going one turn has been very solid, but he’s a question mark around two turns.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 4-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

2-3-5-4

#2 My Emi Shiraz (8-1) was well-bet at this level at first asking, and made mild late ground in the center of the track to grab fifth. She’s worked well since then and adds blinkers for John Salzman Jr, who sent out Close the Gate to win with similar form a few weeks ago. That one ran a huge second in the Spectacular Bid Stakes in his most recent race. #3 Tea Rose (2-1) made a move to the front and took command in the stretch last out, but flattened out down the lane of the 1 1/16-mile contest and was forced to settle for second. She was third with a 66, a career-best dirt mark, at this distance two races ago. #5 Feel the Bolt (12-1) was burned up by an early duel in her most recent race (the same race Tea Rose is coming out of), but she’s historically run much better around one turn.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

5-4-11-7

#5 Howgreatisnate (8-1) ran a big second in the Let’s Give Thanks Stakes at Parx last out. He was in the midst of a stretch rally when his path was closed off. Once he shook clear at the sixteenth pole, he closed with a flourish and just missed behind Maximus Meridius, who came back to win the Blitzen Stakes in his next start. #4 Worcester (6-1) was an easy winner against second-level rivals last out, winning by 4 ¼ lengths to improve to 4-for-6 lifetime on this track. He was claimed from Brittany Russell by Kieron Magee, and while he’s stepping up in class, he’s good enough to beat these on his best day. #11 No Easy Days (8-1) has hit the exacta in his last seven starts, all of which have come against starter optional claiming rivals at Parx. His figures fit in with these, but this is a stiff class test.

RACE 7: CLAIMING $16,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

5-1-9-3

#5 Johnny Lies (4-1) ran at least a 69 in his first three starts, then got bumped on both sides out of the gate last out and proved no factor. He ships back to Maryland from Ohio for Anthony Farrior and looks poised to rebound. #1 Mo Missile (3-1) is one of two in here who has beaten winners, having won a $25,000 claiming contest in gate-to-wire fashion in October. He also broke awkwardly and lost early position last out, and drops from the $25,000 level off a seven-day break. #9 Hoppetosse (9-2) kicked away to break his maiden easily at seventh asking last out. He should get another good trip rating off the pace.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

7-4-8-1

#7 Maclean’s Rook (9-5) went off as one of the favorites in the Jennings Stakes last out off a pair of dominant wins. He was very headstrong in the early stages, rushing up to the front despite restraint from Ismerio Villalobos. He managed to put up a fight against Blue Kingdom in the stretch, but ultimately couldn’t resist and finished third. If he can relax, he’ll have more energy left for the latter stages and will be very difficult to beat. #4 Omaha Omaha (10-1) had little chance to win last out with lone speed Certified Loverboy going gate-to-wire. In spite of being pace-compromised, he closed well for third. Although Certified Loverboy is back in here, there’s much more speed this time, so that should make Omaha Omaha’s job easier. #8 Indy Charges On (9-2) was a distant second to Maclean’s Rook two starts back, then came back to beat a first-level field of his own next out. The third-place finisher in that race, Night Time Nap, returned to win a starter optional claiming race last Thursday.

RACE 9: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

3-6-7-4

#3 States United (5-2) split rivals late to win last out with an 86, the best last-out figure in the field by six points. Today’s field has a higher ceiling than the one he saw last time, but he’s in very sharp form and should get a good setup near the pace. #6 Morning Thoughts (6-1) was an open-length winner against better in his last start, and has put in three workouts since bleeding in his last race in early November. #7 Self Taught (5-1) was well-beaten by much better in his last few races, but most of his recent figures put him in contention with this bunch.

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