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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 2-7) — $3,514
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $7,677
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 3-7) — $7,097

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RACE 1: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

3-7-1-4

#3 Arrow Speed (3-1) couldn’t make a dent against second-level rivals in his last start (including stakes winner Worcester), but he’s historically run better against starter optional claiming rivals like these. Him and #7 Aztec (9-5) are the only runners to run brisnet figures in the 80s in each of their last three starts. The latter made a perfectly-timed move to win at this level last out, for his third victory in his last four starts. This is a similar field to the one he saw last time, so a repeat of that effort likely means victory. #1 My Redemption (5-1) won with a dramatic surge two starts back at Penn National, then rallied for fourth next out, beaten less than a length, in a race where almost no one changed positions. The second and third-place finishers in that race came back to win their next starts.

RACE 2: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

1-5-3-4

#1 Top Gun Girl (5-1) finished fourth behind better in her last two dirt starts, and was an easy winner on this track in late September. Runner-up Cluck Cluck finished a hard-fought second in the Maryland Million Distaff Starter Handicap next out, and was elevated to victory after the fact. This one should sit just off the pace on the rail and pack a strong late punch. #5 Dwelling Legacy (6-5) rallied up the inside for second in the What a Summer Handicap last out. The winner of that race, Passage East, returned to upset Takethemoneyhoney in a thrilling Barbara Fritchie Stakes last Saturday. #3 In My Memories (7-2) was an impressive winner against second-level foes last out. She ran a career-best 100, which, while the best last-out figure by 13 points, is also a dramatic outlier from the rest of her form. Can she run close to it again? She’ll be a threat if so.

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

2-4-5-1

#2 Impressiveness (8-5) has very in-and-out form. He’s run a 74 or better three times in his seven-race career. In his other four starts, he ran a 61 or worse. His best race easily beats this field, so he gets the top nod, but buyers beware. #4 Q Got Hops (6-1) was no match for runaway winner Sin Sin, who looked much the best on paper, last out. However, he managed to overcome a wide trip and just missed second in a photo finish with a career-best 66. #5 Rio Del Valle (5-1) didn’t offer much in his first two starts, but ran in the 60s both times and gets to face the easiest field he’s ever seen.

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

5-6-1-2

#5 Beach Cowboy (4-1) had his momentum impacted slightly by a loose horse in his last start. The horse crossed into his path on the far turn and caused him to check. By the time he got out in the clear, the top two finishers had scampered away, but he did manage to pick up some pieces and finish third. #6 Uniwinner (8-1) ran at least a 75 in four consecutive starts over the summer and fall, but regressed last out when he broke slowly and could not get involved. He was claimed out of that race by Cesar Nambo, who gave him some time off and now has him ready to return first off a 56-day break. #1 Seven’s Eleven (7-5) went off favored at this level last out. He lacked room at the top of the stretch and ended up second behind Pudge Boy Palace, who has won three of his last four starts. This one should work out a great trip just off the pace on the rail.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 1/16 MILES

5-2-3-7

#5 Hotmessness (8-5) recovered from a bad start to finish second at Parx last out with a career-best 76. She hasn’t raced beyond seven furlongs before, but she ran well stretching out to seven panels for the first time in her last race, and her dam, Awesome Singer, won multiple races going a mile or longer. #2 Secret Oaks (4-1) won going two turns two starts ago at Parx and adds blinkers first off the Tim Kreiser claim. He’s quietly very sharp first off the claim (at least quiet to Maryland players). #3 Holy Storm (7-2) has hit the board in her last five races. She was third last out to Barbados Bulldog and Last Gift, the latter of whom came back to win her next start, while the former finished third against better last Saturday.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

3-2-4-7

#3 Crab Daddy (9-2) was completely overwhelmed by the very impressive Lonesome Road last out. However, he ran a big race of his own, finishing second with a career-best 96 while finishing 6 ½ lengths clear of the rest. His only negative is his love of finishing second. He hasn’t won in nine starts here, but has finished second four times, with two additional third-place efforts. #2 Davyjonz (4-1) was third to Lonesome Road and Crab Daddy last out. In his previous recent dirt starts, he ran into the likes of Intrepid’s Legacy and Maclean’s Rook, but still turned in respectable efforts. He looks to have dodged anyone too scary here. #4 Winning Trip (3-1) was an impressive winner three and four starts back, and looks to rebound after failing to change leads in his last start.

RACE 7: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

3-5-2-1

#3 Cocktail Humor (6-5) led almost the whole way in her last start going a mile, but flattened out late. Today’s distance looks like it’s much more in her wheelhouse. #5 Sunflower State (3-1) was an impressive winner against non-winners of two types in her second race off a nine-month break last out. She’s lightly-raced and poised to take another step forward third off the bench. #2 Bond’s Belle (5-1) has hit the board at this level six times in a row. Her usual mid-70s figure would’ve won last out, but she ran back to her competition and finished third, beaten 1 ¾ lengths, with a 63. She’s a good type to key underneath in exactas and trifectas.

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