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) — $5,128
Jackpot Super Hi 5 (race 6) — $0
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 4-8) — $0

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

2-1-4-7

#2 Majestic Blue (5-2) tends to run brisnet figures in the mid-70s on both dirt and grass, right in the range he needs to be to win this race. He’s going first off the claim by John Salzman and adds blinkers; Salzman is very potent with both angles. #1 Boss Lily (6-1) surged from midpack to break his maiden in very impressive fashion last out. Two starts back, he missed by a neck in a better-than-average $16,000 maiden claiming contest. He got a pace to close into in his last-out win, and may not get as swift a tempo here, but he’s shown some early speed in the past. He’ll be especially interesting if he’s indeed put into play. #4 Brewmaster (5-1) looked a bit short first off a 6 1/2-month layoff last out, but ran some solid races against better last year, and should improve second off the bench.

RACE 2: MAIDEN CLAIMING $12,500, 3-6 YEAR-OLDS, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

1-2-6-3

#1 Weather Beater (5-2) completely stopped on the lead on debut, but hung in there a bit better on the lawn next out. If she keeps moving forward, she’ll be able to lead this very modest bunch all the way. #2 Final Engagement (3-5) was outkicked in her season debut last out, but managed to hold third behind the runaway top two. Like Brewmaster in the previous race, she may have needed her last race. #6 Galibean (15-1) is the only other runner, besides Final Engagement, to hit the board within their last three dirt starts.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $35,000, 3-6 YEAR-OLDS, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

3-1-5-8

#3 Tasker (5-1) took advantage of a track that may have leaned towards speed last out, as he led for most of the way and finished a game second. However, like in race 1, there isn’t a ton of speed, so as long as he’s used aggressively, he may prove just as dangerous on a neutral track. #1 Orator (4-5) was well-bet against much better last out, but didn’t show much after sitting close to the pace. He ran well against straight maidens at Colonial Downs and Kentucky Downs last year, and may also be on the verge of a wake-up call. #5 M D Fieldstone (6-1) closed well for fourth going 5 1/2 furlongs last out. He’s never gone this far, but if he can stretch out, he could grab a share at a good price.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $30,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

4-3-7-1

This is an extraordinarily classy bunch for a claiming race. Several of these are stakes winners, including #4 Take a Hint (4-5). Most recently, he sat a perfect stalking trip and crushed a field at tis level last out in his first start in 6 1/2 months. That day, he sat off of the very speedy Printrack. This time, he’s the main speed, so he’ll likely try to take them gate-to-wire. #3 All the Hardways (5-1) was no match for second-level allowance rivals last out, but finished third in his previous two starts against these types. He has a great late kick and looks poised to round out the exotics at a good price. #7 Tenebris (6-1) was second to Take a Hint two starts back. His only subpar race this season came three starts back, when he got into traffic trouble early and didn’t factor from there. Here, he’ll be able to rate off the pace in the clear.

RACE 5: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

4-1-8-9

#4 Addy’s Laddy T N T (5-1) was a game second to gate-to-wire winner Cut Glass in his first start in 8 1/2 months two starts back. He had some trip trouble last out and finished fourth, but still improved slightly from a 72 to a 73. He may improve even more first off the Kieron Magee claim. #1 Robert’s Moon (9-2) pressed the pace and wore down the other favorite, Buzz Adams, last out at Penn National. There’s plenty of speed in here, so he’ll be able to sit off the pace covered up on the rail. The only serious risk is that he’ll get stuck in traffic. #8 City Panda (9-2) had little shot to catch the speedy Ecumenical last out, but made up about as much ground has he could and finished second. He has by far the best average late pace figures in tis race, and may prove tough to hold off if the pace is especially sharp.

RACE 6: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/8 MILES (GRASS)

2-9-1-4

#2 Monterrey (5-1) ran a 72 and an 81 in his two grass starts last year, then capped his season with a determined maiden win at Charles Town. He hasn’t raced since that October 2 victory, but he’s getting a soft landing in this field. Trainer Michael Jones must think a lot of his grass ability, as he’d rather ship him here than race him at his Charles Town base. #9 Keen Talent (15-1) broke his maiden at Charles Town two races ago, and closed well for third on dirt las out after falling far behind the early pace. He showed speed and ran a decent 74 in his lone grass start, which came at Churchill Downs last fall. Two of his three winning siblings won on this surface. #1 Dats Tap (8-1) ran some big races going two turns on grass last year, and looks to be slowly rounding into form after getting the winter and early spring off.

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

5-6-1-4

#5 Rerun Table (7-5) turned the tables on Slewperstitus, who beat her two starts back, in her last race, defeating the highly-regarded Lyudmila in the process. She’s looked like a promising sort for a while, and has finally begun to put it together, running in the 90s in each of her last two races. #6 Gena B (3-1) was an easy winner three starts back at Aqueduct, but got caught wide on the pace in her last two starts and faded. Her draw isn’t ideal for establishing early control over Rerun Table, but she should be able to outkick the rest. #1 Law School (9-5) looked promising at the start of the year, but disappointed in a few stakes tries at a mile or longer. She perked up a bit when second at Parx last out, and at least gets to stay in a sprint.

RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

4-6-2-5

#4 Daufuskie Island (8-5) took full advantage of class relief last out, stomping a starter allowance field with a 95, his best figure in a while. He’s a bit inconsistent, but anything close to his best would still win this. #6 Artillery Gunnar (4-1) was second to Daufuskie Island last out, running in the mid/upper-80s for the second time in his last three starts. He’ll sit off the pace in the clear and take advantage if the leaders tire. #5 Woodline (3-1) pressed the pace last out and defeated a relatively classy bunch. Usually, he runs his best races on the lead, so it’ll be interesting to see which strategy is employed in his first race off the Kieron Magee claim.

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