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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 3-8) — $0
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $11,207
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 4-8) — $0

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR OLDS AND UP, 1 MILE

5-2-8-9

#5 Rapidity (5-1) cleared his non-winners of three condition with devastating ease last out. He vied for the early lead and splashed away to an easy win. That form was validated when Speedy Alex, who was second, came back to win on Friday. It’s possible that the mud moved this one up, but he’s run well on fast tracks before as well. #2 Likebelivingnmagic (10-1) ran a game second to Formal Affair, who’s much better than anyone in here, last out despite racing wide the whole way. He showed speed and faded last out on grass, but that type of speed could be an asset in this largely paceless affair. #8 Morning Thoughts (3-1) was third behind Likebelivingnmagic last out. He hasn’t shown his customary early speed in his last few starts, but if he manages to wake up, this classy veteran will be tough.

RACE 2: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 5 FURLONGS

8-4-7-5

The greatness of Gary Capuano and Yedsit Hazlewood, particularly with 2-year-olds, has been well-documented on these pages. They’re represented by #8 Lucky Siete (5-2), who has posted two bullet workouts within his last three drills. The board will tell the story, but expect him to take action early and often. #4 Baru (8-1), one of two in here with experience, improved sharply at second asking last out. He dueled for the early lead and outfinished his dueling partner by five lengths, ultimately holding second to a perfect trip-getting rival. #7 Z Town (7-2) has worked well over the past few weeks for Anthony Farrior, who started on him in mid-March, making him one of the first local 2-year-olds to start working. Jeiron Barbosa, who has had a sneaky-good meet, gets the call.

RACE 3: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

3-4-6-2

#3 Bushido (7-2) dominated an open claiming group last out. He made the early lead, set brutally fast fractions, and never wilted to win by open lengths. Runner-up Noah Chance returned to win his next two starts. This one’s getting a class test, but it’s not the strongest second-level field, and his speed should be just at potent against these. #4 Big Tankness (9-5) is 2-for-2 on the Laurel grass this year, both times sitting just off the pace and winning by short margins. He should get another good trip off the lead, but he hasn’t kicked on as impressively as one might’ve expected, so buyer beware at short odds. He’s trained by Jamie Ness, as is #6 Bouncer (12-1). This one’s closed respectably well against much better on dirt in his last few starts, and his closing punch could be sneaky good on the lawn at a good price.

RACE 4: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, MD-RESTRICTED, 7 FURLONGS

3-4-2-1

#3 And Sum (2-1) ran a big race in his third start off a brief layoff last out. He set an uncontested pace and held well, finishing second to the battle-tested Change My World. This might be the easiest field he’s seen since his maiden-breaking score last November. #4 Dolice Vita (3-1) has run into some tough rivals in his last few starts. He was second to the overwhelming chalk Blue Kingdom two starts back, then overcame a wide trip and just missed against gate-to-wire winner Guaponess last out. He hasn’t gone this short all year, but he’s a two-time winner at this distance, so it shouldn’t be much of an impediment. #2 Upshot (10-1) broke his maiden from off the pace at this distance two starts back. He didn’t do much against some crusty rivals at a mile last out, but I’m interested to see how he does in a spot like this.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $35,000, 3-6 YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

3-11-15-13

The seven-month layoff may have aught up to #3 Chimney Sweep (5-2) last out. He made what looked like a solid, purposeful move to the lead, but flattened out and ended up barely holding third. It was still an encouraging effort, and if he can move forward off of that race, he’ll be very tough. #11 J C’s Boys (9-2) ran a strong second at second asking last out, losing only to the very impressive closer Bold Fact. He hasn’t raced on grass before, and there’s not much indication if he’ll like it or hate it, but he’s a contender if he takes to it. #15 Rare Eclipse (12-1) was a much-improved fourth in his most recent grass start, which came in mid-February first off a 5 1/2-month break. This will be his first start for the Keri Brion barn.

RACE 6: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

6-7-4-5

#6 Band Camp (5-1) broke slowly and was thrown far out of his element last out in his first start off a 10-month break. However, he got going late and was beaten 4 3/4 lengths over a track that may have been leaning towards speed. He has tons of class and has done very well on this track, with seven wins in 15 starts here. #7 Suremeanttobe (3-1) has run a brisnet figure of at least 89 three times in his last four starts, with his only subpar figure coming over a very wet track in the Not For Love Stakes in early March. He hasn’t raced since April 11 and was scratched on May 16, but he’s worked three times since then and should be ready to run a peak race. #4 Rampagius (7-2) was a game third when last seen at this condition on dirt in mid-March, and gets Jorge Ruiz up for the first time.

RACE 7: STORMY BLUES STAKES, 3-YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

5-2-6-8

#5 River Escape (12-1) was very impressive in her maiden-breaking win on debut at Parx in November. She cruised to the lead from well off the pace and drew off to win by 6 1/2 lengths with an 86. She’s worked since mid-April in anticipation for her return. While she’s never run on grass before, there’s reason to believe she’ll like. Her dam, Tricky Escape, was a multiple graded stakes winner on the lawn. #2 Only for Now (1-1) is also coming in off a debut victory. She overcame a slow break to get up in the last few strides to win at Aqueduct. Jorge Ruiz gets the call on this Miguel Clemet trainee, which makes her exceptionally dangerous. That said, if her morning line is close to accurate, she’ll be grossly overbet. #6 Just Philtored (5-1), a stakes winner on grass last year at Colonial Downs, made her sophomore bow in the Take the A Train Stakes at Aqueduct last out. She made a solid move on the turn, but the five-month layoff caught up to her and she flattened out. She has the class edge over the aforementioned two and should get a good trip close to the pace.

RACE 8: STARTER ALLOWANCE $7,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

5-2-3-4

#5 Work Hard (3-1) has won three of the last four times he teamed up with Yedsit Hazlewood. Hazlewood didn’t ride him when he was a mild fourth at Delaware Park last out, but now gets back aboard, and an improved effort should follow. #2 Masakado (6-5) has won his last two starts here and look like the main speed of this race. However, he was very flat at Delaware last out, and wouldn’t be worth a bet if he goes off near his morning line. #3 Mr Scatter (6-1) has closed well in his last few starts, including a length defeat at Mountaineer last out. He might find himself too far behind early to contend for the win, but could rally for a small share.

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