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) — $0
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 3-7) — $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: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 4-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

1-5-3-6

#1 Old Fashion Candy (5-2) ran a big race in her first start off a year-long layoff last out. She chased eventual gate-to-wire winner Chilly Girl and held second with a brisnet figure of 76, a 24-point improvement from her debut in her prior race. She should run much better here, as she takes a drop in class second off the layoff. #5 Nit Witness (4-5) loves coming in second; she’s done so seven times in her nine-race career. She has the most early speed in the field and adds blinkers, so you know her speed will be even more well-honed. Still, is she worth such a short price? #3 Twosday Surprise (4-1) makes her career debut for Jamie Ness (a rare homebred to not end in “Ness”). Of her eight winning siblings, two of them won at first asking. Watch the board and make a decision from there.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $30,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

2-5-3-1

#2 Amy’s Music (6-5) has run at least an 82 in each of his last five starts, something none of the others can do with any regularity. You won’t get much of a price, but his usual effort will make him impossible to beat. #5 Neverworkedaday (2-1) broke his maiden from off the pace two starts ago, then ran a career-best 81 last out despite a slow start. He’s worked well over the past few weeks for Gary Capuano as he gets set for his first start since December 26. #3 Zio Lino (6-1) marks Horacio Karamanos’s first Maryland mount of the year, as he returns from his Florida sojourn. This one broke his maiden two starts back and chased gate-to-wire winner Galpin Sunday last out, holding second in the process.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $35,000, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 MILE

6-5-2-1

#6 Nothinglesswilldo (9-5) was third against better in her first start for a tag last out. She’ll likely work out a good trip in the clear just off the pace. #5 Truly an Honor (5-1) has run respectable figures in four grass tries at Fair Grounds, but hasn’t shown much late punch. We’ll see if she wakes up in her first dirt start and her first race for the Mike Trombetta barn. #2 Kinda Krazy (3-1) improved a bit when third in her second race off a six-month layoff. That was her first start at seven furlongs, and she handled it well, so we’ll see how she does going a one-turn mile for the first time.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

6-1-4-2

#6 Manseeyasway (7-2) broke his maiden at 12th asking last out with a great stalk-and-pounce trip. He’s in career-best form and should get another good setup. #1 Poor Peanut (6-1) cruised to victory in gate-to-wire style on debut and looks like one of the main speeds in his first start against winners. #4 Who Says So (5-1) has chased better rivals in his last few non-winners of two starts. He’ll enjoy the class relief and will hope for a contested pace, possibly including the aforementioned two.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

2-7-5-6

#2 Aztec (8-5) is the only entrant to run at least an 85 in each of his last three starts, and has the perfect combination of tactical and closing speed to make him dangerous. #7 Fan Club (8-1) has the best late pace figures in the race, and while he’s not quite as strong at seven furlong as he is around two turns, he’s in great form right now and can shake up the exotics. #5 Fightertown (9-2) set the pace and fought back to win second off a brief layoff last out. He’s a pace threat despite the jump from open $7,500 company.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 1 1/16 MILES

4-1-2-5

#4 Momaxie (3-2) was scratched from the Beyond the Wire Stakes two Saturdays ago to run here. She made a powerful move to win at this level in early January, and should improve dropping class from the Wide Country Stakes last out. #1 Xchel (7-5) showed promise on grass last year, with a win and second-place finish to Selima Stakes winner Ultimate Love. However, she hasn’t raced since September 5 and was well-beaten in her lone dirt start last year. Her ceiling’s high, but it’s hard to take a low price on her. #2 Curlene’s Spirit (6-1) is one of two in here with a win at the distance, having beaten $25,000 claimers without much trouble despite a wide trip last out.

RACE 7: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

7-2-1-3

#7 Fayes Heart (9-2) has been visually unimpressive in all three starts, but he’s been facing better in those races and has improved with each start, peaking at a career-best 68 last out. He’s the main challenge to #2 Tiz the Great (4-5), who, as usual, has great figures compared to the rest, but loves to burn money. He’s lost as the favorite four times in his last five starts. #1 Gonna Make It (6-1) has shown speed in is last two starts and gets an intriguing cutback from 1 1/16 miles for his first start in nearly three months.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!