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) — $23,278
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $585
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9) — $0

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W3L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

2-4-1-8

#2 World On Fire (6-1) won a non-winners of two claimer in dominant style two starts back, then faded after a wide trip in his first start at this condition. He should get a great stalking trip just off the pace on the rail. #4 Lou’s Birthday (7-2) has hit the board in his last two starts at this level and adds blinkers for the first time in nine months. He couldn’t catch gate-to-wire winner Artist Mark last out in a merry-go-round affair, but managed to hold clear for second. #1 Paralegal (12-1) has shown speed and held well in both starts since coming back from an 11-month layoff in early January. He might put it all together in his third race off the bench.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 4-6 YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

6-3-1-4

#6 Rylnnslookinglucky (8-5) got away with slow early fractions and almost held on at 1 1/16 miles last out, a dramatic improvement over her last route race. Her only bad recent race came in that aforementioned route contest in late December, when she got caught wide on the first turn and never stood a chance from there. She should get a much better trip here. #3 Hey Alexa (5-1) is one of the lighter-raced horses here, having competed only five times, and ran a respectable third two starts back when chasing the pace. The distance is the biggest question; she’s never been beyond six furlongs, and her worst race came in her lone seven-furlong try. #1 Tea Rose (9-5) showed (relative) promise last year, running back-to-back brisnet figures in the 60s. She’s looking for a return to that form after two flat races to begin her season. 

RACE 3: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/8 MILES

1-4-6-3

My top three picks all exit the same race at this condition on March 1. #1 Self Taught (5-1) was fifth in that race, which he was claimed from by Damon Dilodovico. He has easily the best late pace figures in the field, and should have every chance to mow them down at a decent price. #4 Collection Day (9-2) set the early pace and shrugged off a challenge on the turn, but couldn’t fend off Mistical Curlin’s rally and held second. It was the best race he’s run in a while, and one of the few times he’s shown speed and lasted. He looks like he’s turning a corner after a fall and winter swoon. #6 Be Better (5-2) was third to Collection Day with an 86, his best figure since last June. He’s improved with every start since getting claimed by Ferris Allen in late December; this race should be no different. 

RACE 4: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

5-2-4-6

#5 Union Fleet (8-1) ran a strong-closing second two starts back in his first start in six months, then swooped the group at seven furlongs last out with a 92, his best figure in almost a year. He’s stretching out here, but has run well going a mile in the past. #2 Tops the Chart (7-2) flattened out against second-level allowance foes last out in his first start in over two months, but now drops back to a level at which he’s thrived. #4 Night Time Nap (8-5) got caught up in an early duel against better last out and stopped badly. He’s very hard to catch when he gets things his own way on the lead.

RACE 5: STARTER ALLOWANCE $12,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

6-5-7-4

This is one of two Maryland Million starter allowances on the card (race 6 being the other), in which Maryland-sired horses are eligible for decent-sized bonuses. #6 On a Proud Note (1-1) won’t offer much value, but she’ll be hard to beat. She’s been dominant against these types all winter long, and ran a big second against better starter optional claiming foes in her last start. Look for her to hit the front and shrug off any challenges that come her way. #5 I Can Do It (12-1) doesn’t win too often, but loves to hit the board at seven prices, and should rally to offer some value for the exotics. #7 Atlas Strong (7-2) beat better two starts ago and was a solid second behind the classy Golden Eib Micrphn last out. She might want more distance than this, but her best race makes her an upset threat.

RACE 6: STARTER ALLOWANCE $12,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

7-8-2-9

#7 Jolly by Golly (10-1) broke awkwardly last Friday at Colonial Downs and stood little chance from there, but his recent form on this track has been fantastic. That last line might scare off bettors and drive up his price into very generous territory. #8 Freeze the Fire (1-1) has been on an absolute tear against these types. He won four in a row over the late summer and fall, then ran a strong second in his 2026 debut. He took a shot in the General George Stakes last out, and now drops back to a more realistic level that should help his cause, albeit at a short number. #2 Laddie Dance (8-1) has slowly improved with each start since getting claimed by Phil Capuano in December, and should get a good trip off the pace on the rail.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-RESTRICTED, 1 1/16 MILES

2-4-6-3

#2 Meg (7-2) has run second in both of her starts this year, and ran an improved race last out when she set the pace and held second in a stretch duel. She should get a good trip off the pace behind favored Spencer TIara, who has abundant early speed, but is unproven at this distance. #4 Weekend Wife (6-1) was third behind Meg last out, continuing her ascending form spree over the past few months. She’s also never been this far, but has at least shown a strong closing kick at a one-turn mile. #6 Bourbon N Lace (15-1) pulled an upset win from last at Aqueduct two starts ago, and could shake up the exotics from off the pace again.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-RESTRICTED, 1 1/16 MILES

1-4-5-2

#1 Tuff Luck (2-1) has run huge races on the lead in his last two starts, and looks like the most serious two-turn speed threat here. He can either try and set the pace himself, or sit off of fellow speed Guaponess and try to take advantage should he tire. #5 Straight to Water (4-1) was third to Guaponess last out, closing well despite not changing leads. He’s never gone this far before, but has done well at one-turn miles, at least. #4 Dolice Vita (4-1) didn’t do much on a wet track last out, but may improve switching back to a fast surface and stretching back to a distance he’s previously done well over.

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