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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers (mandatory payouts in all wagers): 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 3-8) — $29,037
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $0
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 4-8) — $0

This article contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a commission at no extra charge to you.

Check out our other handicapping here!

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

5-4-7-8

#5 Quincannon (7-2) hasn’t won in a while, but if he’s ever going to break through, it’s in this spot. He’s run brisnet figures in the 80s in each of his last four starts, while none of his rivals have run that fast even twice in their last four races. He finished third against a better field at this level last out, outfinishing many of today’s rivals in the process. #4 Happy Jaunt (9-2) crossed the wire second last out behind next-out winner Amazing Bernie. He was elevated to victory after the fact, which lifted him out of the non-winner s of three condition and into this spot. This will be his first start in ten weeks, but he should be heard from late. #7 Sailor’s Return (15-1) has been in quickly improving form in his last few starts. He was headstrong in his last start and faded from there; otherwise, he could’ve outrun his 81-1 odds.

RACE 2: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE

5-4-1-2

Sixth time was the charm for #5 Pont Aven (2-1) last out, who lasted through pace pressure and led all the way with a career-best 91. Two starts back, he was third behind future Miracle Wood Stakes winner Taj Mahal after a rough break. He should be able to make the rail and the lead despite his outside draw. #4 Long Legged Luis (7-2) beat softer on debut, but showed a strong late kick that might still play against these classier rivals. #1 Higher Sense (7-5) has run two gigantic figures on dirt, coupled with four total clunkers. He ran his career-best of 91 two starts back when allowed to cruise on the lead. He may not be able to get that kind of trip here, but we know there’s lots of ability in there somewhere.

RACE 3: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

3-2-1-5

#3 Sir George (2-1) ran a huge second two starts back to the aforementioned Taj Mahal. He pressed the pace and finished well clear of the others – including Pont Aven – in his first start in nearly five months. He was no match against classier rivals on the Virginia Derby day undercard, but should improve coming back here and dropping in class. #2 Call Me Victorious (5-1) has quickly improved in his last few starts, including a career-best 79 when a charging second last out. He now adds blinkers, gets Yedsit Hazlewood up, and races first off the Phil Capuano claim. #1 Twin Lakes (6-1) has also been in improving form and has great late pace figures. No one in here has raced 1 1/16 miles before, but he’s at least hit the board twice at a one-turn mile.

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

4-1-5-2

#4 Joe the Jet (3-1) converted a great trip to win against Maryland-restricted rivals two starts back, then determinedly chased Badge of War and finished second last out. Those last two efforts came on wet tracks, something he won’t get here, but he’s run well on fast surfaces in the past. #1 Tony Eclipse (4-5) set a challenged pace second off a 10-month layoff in his most recent start, and flattened out to third behind next-out winner Badge of War. He has by far the best early pace figures in this field, so he might have an easier time on the lead. If he’s allowed to set the tempo he wants, he may prove very tough to catch. #5 Wyoming Class (5-1) has been in consistently solid form over the past year, running in the low/mid-80s in each of his last five starts. His ceiling isn’t as high as that of the aforementioned two, but he looks poised to rally for a share at a decent price.

RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

4-8-2-1

#4 Forrest City (6-1) hasn’t raced in 323 days, but was in improving form before going on the sidelines, including a determined win at 1 1/16 miles last March. Even if he’s not 100% right off the bat, there’s so much speed in here, the race could just fall into his lap. The same is true of #8 Spotted Bull (15-1). While he won on the pace last out, he’s run well from off the pace before, including a four-back win where he split horses late and prevailed from off of modest fractions. If anyone’s going to wire this field, it may be #2 Kerness K (6-1). He lasted through pace pressure to win against softer last out, and was claimed from that race by Jamie Ness. He beat Quincannon, who’s my top choice in race 1, that day. If Quincannon wins, it’ll boost this one’s stock.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 4-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

7-8-4-2

#7 Maidstone (5-2) is one of the lightest-raced horses in the field, having raced only six times. She ran well first off the Troy Robb claim last out, sitting just off the pace and just missing against heavily favored Buckin’ Right. A repeat of any of her last three races likely wins this one. #8 Paperback Edition (30-1) was sixth behind Maidstone last out in her first race off a six-month break. She fell well behind early, but showed respectable late interest, and could build off of that effort at good price. #4 Over My Cents (2-1) chased gate-to-wire winner Centsamilla and held second in her most recent start, by far her best start of her three against winners. Centsamilla returned to finish second against non-winners of three rivals on March 15.

RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 6 FURLONGS

7-4-6-8

Maryland Million Lassie champion #7 Slewperstitus (6-5) will make her 3-year-old debut in this spot. She won that race in determined fashion, coming from off the pace to win a stretch duel with next-out stakes winner Doc’s Miracle. She looks poised to get another great trip off of a contested pace. #4 Tacit Value (12-1) set the pace going 1 1/16 miles last out and was third to a pair of next-out stakes winners in Miss Fulton Gal and Ivy Girl. #6 Honor Roll (6-1) stopped badly after showing speed in her 3-year-old debut at Turfway Park last out, but ran big races on the lead in the Mid-Atlantic last fall, and should benefit from having that race under her belt.

RACE 8: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

4-3-1-2

#4 Rebel Prince (2-1) has run at least a 63 four times in his five career starts, with his only poor effort came when he broke terribly two starts back. His usual race likely wins this one. What’s more, he’ll be a great price, considering the presence of #3 Clavin (8-5). This Brittany Russell-trained first-time starter was purchased for $775,000 by Spendthrift and Repole as a yearling. Things apparently went wrong along the way, as he’s since been gelded, joined Russell’s string in January after previously working in Florida, and is now being offered for only $25,000 on debut. He may have enough talent to win anyway, but buyer beware at a short price. #1 Quain (12-1) broke terribly in his first start, but showed some late interest after he was already well-beaten. He adds Lasix and blinkers here, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him take a big step up here.

21+ where applicable. Please bet responsibly. Need help? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!