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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers (mandatory payout in all wagers): 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 4-9) — $8,835
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) — $2,028
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9) — $0

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RACE 1: CLAIMING $16,000 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR OLDS AND UP, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

2-8-1-6

#2 Frye Island (2-1) was second in his local debut two starts back, then chased a favored gate-to-wire winner at Mountaineer last out and ended up a respectable third. He failed to draw in off the also-eligible list on June 7, in a spot where he would’ve had a hot pace to run into. There isn’t as much speed in here, but he’s tactical enough that he can still work out a trip. #8 Frappart (7-2) finally looks set to make his season debut after being scratched a few times. She ran a career-best brisnet figure of 75 in her 2025 finale in late November, and is one of two in here (along with Frye Island) to run in the 70s in each of their last three races. #1 Let Fly (10-1) closed from the clouds to break his maiden first off a 5 1/2-month break last out. As noted earlier, there’s not as much speed as he might like, but his closing kick should be at least good enough for a share.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

6-2-5-4

I know I run the risk of falling into a trap with #6 Manseeyasway (5-2). He’s lost as the favorite three times in a row at this level, which is generally, shall we say, not good. However, he’s easily the most consistently sharp horse in the race, having run in the 70s in all of his recent starts here, and may improve further first off the Anthony Farrior claim. The other Farrior trainee, #2 Market Watch (5-1), was elevated to his maiden-breaking win at Charles Town last out after a determined front-end performance. He’s run well in his two starts for Farrior after starting his career with, at best, scattered form. #5 Cat Fast (6-5) has run big races on the lead in his last two races, but he runs the risk of getting caught in a duel with some speed to his inside. Not to mention, his morning line would be an absurdly low price.

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

5-1-4-6

#5 Good Axe (6-1) was well-bet on debut against similar, but was squeezed at the break and didn’t factor much from there, although she did show some late kick once well-beaten. She represents a rare chance to get some value on a Jamie Ness/Yedsit Hazlewood runner. #1 Rylnnslookinlucky (8-5) finished a pace-chasing second in a merry-go-round affair last out. She was also wide in that race; here, she looks poised to get a more ground-saving trip on the rail. #4 Meredithslightning (3-1) comes out of the same race as Rylnnslookinlucky, in which she was fourth after checking on the turn. She’s making her first start for Caitlin Keil, who has quietly had a fantastic season.

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

1-4-2-7

The top three finishers from race 8 on May 30 are back. #1 Looks First (4-1) closed stoutly that day, rallying up the inside for the victory in a determined effort. Two starts back, she was a hard-charging second to On a Proud Note, who was on absolute tear all winter and spring. She has easily the best late pace figures in the field and is in career-best form, making her awfully scary in the stretch. #4 Vanilla (9-5) was a well-beaten second last out to Spencer Tiara, who has been in great form all year and would be a heavy favorite in this race. She’ll rate off the pace and try to convert. #2 Fabia (6-1) has markedly improved in her last three starts and will also be heard from late at a good price.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

6-4-1-5

#6 Worcester (2-1) proved that two turns isn’t much of a problem for him last out when he was second against similar despite a wide trip. He was taken out of that race by Jamie Ness, whose exploits with horses first off the claim is well-documented. I’ve become more and more wary of #4 Indy Charges On (3-1) as the meet has gone on. He always looks like the main speed on paper, but keeps failing to get the job done, having finished second or third in his last four starts. Still, he’s shown himself to be more multi-dimensional in his recent starts, and he hasn’t run a bad race in any of those races, just none that was good enough. He’s going first off the Lacey Gaudet claim; that barn has had a fantastic season. #1 Crossland (20-1) doesn’t always fire his best shot, but he’s capable of making a strong late rally and shaking up the exotics.

RACE 6: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 3-6 YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

7-3-9-8

#7 Notion in Motion (4-1) didn’t show much rust in his first start off a seven-month break last out. He closed well for second as the favorite that day with a career-best 74. Although this is a class jump on paper, it’s not that much tougher of a field than the one he saw last time. #3 Story of Rory (5-1) won the battle but lost the war last out at Monmouth Park. He battled for the lead every step of the way, and while he outfinished his dueling partner by a length, he was beaten by a nose for the lion’s share by a rival who got a perfectly-timed trip from last. He should once again be a tough customer on the lead. #9 Matthew’s Ticket (9-2) ran a respectable fourth in his grass debut last out, and gets Yedsit Hazlewood up for the first time.

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

6-5-2-3

#6 Spidey Man (3-5) looked like one of the fastest horses on the grounds over the winter. He went to the sidelines after a hard-fought third on January 9, and has worked well since joining the Jamie Ness barn this spring. He doesn’t have to face any world-beaters here, and will likely run them off their feet at a short price. #5 Red Spitfire (6-1) was scratched from a planned grass start last Friday and resurfaces here. He’s run respectable figures in the upper-70s and low-80s in each of his last three starts, and gets a class test first off the Phil Capuano claim. Even if he can’t run with Spidey Man, he should outkick the rest. #2 Mister Roscoe (10-1) has steadily improved in his last few starts. He most recently missed by a head to Worker Bee, who has previously won at this level, at 23-1.

RACE 8: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 1 1/16 MILES (GRASS)

6-7-1-3

RACE 9: CLAIMING $7,500, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 6 FURLONGS

1-5-2-7

#1 Pudge Boy Palace (8-5) has held his own against better in his last few starts, and was an easy winner when last seen at this level on April 4. He’ll sit the trip on the rail and should easily convert. #5 Spotted Bull (8-1) has struggled in his last few starts, but ran some big races over the winter and spring. We’ll see if the class drop wakes him up. #2 Ecumenical (3-1) was a gate-to-wire winner last out, showing more early speed than he had in a while. He’s still capable from just off the pace, but he’ll be very interesting if he’s able to establish another clear early lead.

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