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

First post time: 12:00 p.m.

Carryovers: 
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 4-9) — $7,291
Jackpot Super Hi 5 (race 6) — $5,890
Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9) — $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 SPECIAL WEIGHT, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

5-9-10-1 (DIRT: 7-11-1-8)

#5 After All (4-1) improved sharply at second asking last out. He led most of the way and held second, 2 3/4 lengths clear of the rest, losing only to the heavy 2-5 favorite. Everyone else here would have to improve as long as this one runs his usual race. #9 Betterpartofvalour (2-1) chased the pace and finished third behind After All on debut last out. All three siblings of this Larry Johnson-bred gelding have won on grass. #10 Do the Right Thing (5-1) pressed the pace in the Jamestown Stakes last out, and was forced to check out of contention in the stretch when he got stuck in a tight spot. He drops back in class here and keeps Jorge Ruiz aboard.

RACE 2: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $40,000, 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 7 FURLONGS

5-3-6-2

After showing promise as a 2-year-old in California, #5 Kalea Bay (1-1) missed his entire 3-year-old season and didn’t make his 4-year-old debut until August 6. After showing no late punch first off the long layoff two starts back, he ran on well and just missed third last out, improving his brisnet figure six points to a 90. He’s dropping from first-level allowance company here, and should have his way with this field, albeit at a short price. The lightly-raced #3 Sohandsometome (5-1) ran a career-best 82 last out, chasing the pace and holding on for third. He finished behind favored Bruno, who hasn’t missed the board in six career starts while losing to better, and longtime leader Tocik Hall. This one has plenty of upside and looks like the best alternative to the heavy chalk. #6 J C’s Boys (3-1) was fourth behind Sohandsometome last out, and will likely be sent for speed from the outside.

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

2-12-11-1 (DIRT: 8-6-1-4)

#2 Endless Vow (5-1) was headstrong for most of the way last out, but got settled and won a nosebob with Risk and Regret. That rival came back to win next out, as did third-place finisher Somme River. She has some early speed in a race without much of it, and a good draw from which to flaunt it. #12 Kobe’s Hope (8-1) matched her career-best figure last out with a 79 in her first start off a 8 1/2-month layoff. She won twice on this track last year with a strong late kick which will be dangerous with any kind of pace to close into. #11 Pretty Lavish (2-1) hasn’t won all year while facing better in New York and Florida. She gets major class relief after racing for a $45,000 tag at Saratoga last out. Her form is similar to that of Kobe’s Hope, but her New York lines will likely drive her price down.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $12,500 (N/W2L), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

7-2-3-4

#7 Legal Lightning (3-2) has hit the board in her last three starts against similar at Parx, and now ships here for Jamie Ness and Jaime Rodriguez. That trainer/jockey combination teamed up for a pair of winners last weekend. #2 Danni’s Rhythm (2-1) made her first start off a four-month break, and her second start in 16 months, last out at Timonium. She chased the pace and was beaten by a length in a similar field to this one. #3 I’mamaterialgirl (15-1) was no match for the impressive The Great Maybe last out, but dueled down the stretch for second, and might have gotten that spot had Leandro Briceno not lost the crop at the eighth pole. She’s cutting back from a mile here, and may be at her best sprinting.

RACE 5: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

12-11-9-2 (DIRT: 10-3-8-2)

#12 Aldene (3-1) closed well for shares in her last two starts, both times against better horses at this level at Colonial Downs. She’s the only one in the race to run in the 80s in each of her last two races, and should enjoy getting to race in the clear after getting stuck behind horses on the rail, particularly in her two-back race. That day, she didn’t get clear until the eighth pole, but closed well for second at 23-1 behind the 6-5 chalk. #11 Moonblaze (5-1) is lightly-raced and took a needed step forward second time against winners last out at Monmouth Park, losing by a length with a strong rally while matching her career-best mark with an 81. She’ll also be heard from late, and may well rally in tandem with Aldene. #9 Big Earn (5-2) never looked comfortable in her last start at Colonial. She was forced to check a few times on the far turn, was angled wide in the lane, and never got truly clear sailing, ultimately fading to last. She now returns to a track she’s won on three times, including a dominant win against Maryland-restricted first-level rivals on May 31.

RACE 6: MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 6 FURLONGS

3-6-2-8

#3 Winslow (3-2) was no match for the dominant 3-10 winner, Grind It Out, on debut at Colonial last out. However, he held in well after chasing the pace, utlimatley ending up third with a respectable 68. None of his experienced rivals have been exceptional so far, and none of the first-time starters look especially promising. This looks like a good spot for him to shine. #6 Ventrous (3-2) is the only other rival to finish in the top three last out, having lost by a neck in a blanket finish following a race-long duel at Delaware Park. If nothing else, he’s battle-tested. #2 Indyscript (15-1) has worked well for his debut and is out of Miss Nondescript, who won her first two races.

RACE 7: RATINGS OPTIONAL CLAIMING (<75), 5 1/2 FURLONGS (GRASS)

3-5-9-12 (DIRT: 9-1-7-11)

#3 Jungle Glow (3-1) has been on a tear as of late, winning three of his last five races while finishing a close second in his other two. He was reclaimed from his last start by Jamie Ness, who won with him on July 16 in a softer race. #5 Bushido (7-2) went gate-to-wire twice on this track earlier this year. His speed hasn’t been quite as sharp in his last few races, but coming back here might reignite his best self. #9 Saxton (10-1) was outkicked by the likes of Whenigettoheaven, Determined Kingdom, Spirited Sol, Where’s Ray, and Isivunguvungu in his last few starts. All of those horses are either recent winners, very classy, or both. These are much easier waters.

RACE 8: RATINGS OPTIONAL CLAIMING (<75), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, 1 1/16 MILES

5-2-1-7

RACE 9: MAIDEN CLAIMING $25,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE (GRASS)

8-2-13-4 (DIRT: 9-4-3-15)

#8 Awesome Law (5-2) finished a game second against these types on debut at Colonial, then regressed a bit when stepped up into Virginia-restricted maiden special weight competition next out. This group should be more to his liking. #2 Nova Knicks (9-2) had an awkward start and never got involved against straight maidens in his first start. he should also improve with some class relief. #13 Gael My Boy (20-1) raced wide all the way last out and never fired. Although this draw doesn’t do him any favors, he still has the potential to work out a decent trip, and any improvement off the 71 he earned in that race will make him tough to beat.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!