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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 6-11) — $0
Jackpot Super Hi 5 (race 6) — $0
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 7-11) — $0

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RACE 1: STARTER ALLOWANCE $20,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

2-8-9-10

#2 Carloun (5-1) makes his first start since last summer’s Fair Hill meet. Going 1 5/8 miles that day, he led almost the whole way, but tired and ended up third. He’s shown abundant early speed on the jumps over the past few years, and if he hits the front and gets the fractions he wants, they won’t be able to catch him. #8 West Mountain (10-1) broke his maiden in a shocker last out, winning a stretch duel with favored Flamenco Star to win at 53-1. He improved 18 brisnet points off of his debut to a 71, and this lightly-raced gelding could improve further in his second start of the year, and third start overall. #9 Freedom Glider (7-2) led all the way to break his maiden last out, showing improved speed from his two-back effort, in which he set the pace and faded to fifth. He’s by far the biggest early threat to Carloun.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3-6 YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES

7-1-6-3

#7 River City Runner (3-1) went off favored at this level last out. He worked his way past the fatigued early leaders, but couldn’t hold off the other favorite, Babble, and finished second. Nonetheless, he’s one of the few in here with encouraging two-turn form. #1 Hooraw (4-1) also hit the board around two turns last out, closing from last to grab third. It was wake-up effort after finishing well-beaten in his previous six races. #6 Treasurthememories (10-1) was well-bet in his career debut on grass, but showed little after getting caught wide early. We’ll see if he improves on the surface switch.

RACE 3: STARTER ALLOWANCE $7,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-10-7-6

#2 Getaway Palace (8-5) made a strong move for the front second off the Erin McClellan claim last out. She was outkicked by one of the favorites, River Tay, but still finished a strong second with an 82. #10 Stella Mars (6-1) came up empty in her first grass start of the season last out but was a two-time winner from off the pace on the lawn last year. She improved sharply in her second start of the season last year, so a similar jump up could happen here. #7 Lady Zeta (7-2) was fourth to behind Getaway Palace last out in her first start off the Lacey Gaudet claim. The Gaudet barn hits at 33% second off the claim.

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

5-4-6-1

#5 Lydmulia (7-5) made waves last fall when she made an impressive move to break her maiden at first asking by six lengths. She hasn’t raced since then, but has worked consistently at Tampa Bay Downs since mid-March and gets Lasix for the first time. It’ll be exciting to see what she can do in her sophomore debut. #4 Rerun Table (3-1) has beaten winners three times, including an impressive upset win at this level last out. She’ll try to press the speedy Last Gift from the outside and pounce. #6 Slewperstitus (3-2) chased Rerun Table last out and finished second in her first start of the season. She showed a strong closing punch throughout her 2-year-old season, and could easily turn the tables on Rerun Table.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $16,000, 3-6 YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

4-2-1-8

#4 Let Her Pass By (2-1) ran a big race on the lead second off the layoff last out. She led almost the whole way and was second only to Salty One, who got a perfect trip and came back to finish third in a starter optional claiming contest next out. She was entered in this class last Friday, in a race that was washed off the grass, and drew post 12. Now, she’s drawn further to the inside, which will make her life much easier. #2 Forty Seven Smoker (7-2) stayed in that race when it was washed off and did absolutely nothing. However, she ran well in her previous two grass starts, including a wide-rallying third behind Let Her Pass By. #1 Kelsey Hill Girl (15-1) ran a 59 or better three times on grass last year, and should pack a late punch in her first start on this surface this year.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

11-8-6-1

#11 Turkish Breeze (15-1) ran a game second on the lead last out. She raced on the pace in the two-path and wrestled away control at the top of the stretch. She was ultimately outkicked by the overwhelming favorite, Tammy’s Cruiser, but managed to hold second despite drifting out in the lane. It was an impressive effort, especially considering it was her first start against winners. #8 The Great Maybe (9-5) consistently ran in the 70s over the winter at Fair Grounds, and finished a respectable second to the runaway winner, Tasty Time, in her local debut. She’s tailed off a bit from her beak form, but her usual race still makes her a contender. #6 I’m a Lil Wicked (20-1) got a perfect stalking trip to break her maiden last out with a career-best 66, and hopes to get another one here.

RACE 7: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-6-YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

7-9-8-5

#7 Your Lordship (2-1) ran in the 70s three times last year at Colonial Downs and Saratoga. He hasn’t raced since then, but has worked consistently here since late March and gets Jorge Ruiz back aboard for his seasonal bow. #9 Skycross (15-1) turned in a respectable effort in his grass debut last out. He rated off the pace on the rail, and while he wasn’t able to hold off the late surge of Go Grey, he wore down early leader Modranach and held second. He may not be able to get as good a trip this time, but he’ll be a threat if he can improve at all off that effort. #8 Orator (5-2) has had a series of point-to-point starts so far this year, two of which don’t show up on the running lines. He was fourth at the Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point on April 4 and failed to finish either of his steeplechase tries. He had a few near-misses against better maidens last year, so while he’ll have to improve off of this year’s form, the ability’s there.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, MD-RESTRICTED, 7 FURLONGS

5-1-6-7

Last out, #5 Looks First (3-1) closed with great interest to lose by a neck to the razor-sharp On a Proud Note. In her previous dirt start, she was second to the very impressive Ms. Notion. There doesn’t appear to be a rival of that caliber here, so look for a much more visually impressive race here, one good enough to get the job done. #1 Anita Beer (6-1) pressed On a Proud Note last out, but faded from her efforts and ended up fourth. She’ll also benefit from On a Proud Note not being here, as she’s now the main speed. #6 Fitness (15-1) was bothered at the break last out, in her first start off a three-month layoff. She was thrown out of her element and never got seriously involved from there. With a switch back to dirt and a race under her belt, she’s bound to be more prominent on the early pace.

RACE 9: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

5-2-6-8

RACE 10: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/8 MILES

4-1-5-2

RACE 11: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

9-6-12-8

#9 Noble Jon (5-2) was visually unimpressive in his first two grass starts of the year, but both of them came against better than what he’ll see here. His recent figures have been competitive with those of the rest. #6 Island d’Lite (5-1) beat many of these last out with a strong rail move, and would’ve won by more if Raul Mena didn’t misjudge the finish line and stand up early. Nonetheless, it was an impressive performance for his first race of the year. #12 Transactional Guy (5-1) ships up from Florida and makes his first local start in almost a year for Michael Jones, who has done well with recent Florida arrivals in the past. He broke his maiden in gate-to-wire fashion at Colonial last July, and looks like one of the main speeds despite his tough draw.

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