Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Laurel Park – Racing News and Analysis for March 21, 2026


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The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

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Laurel Park offers a nine-race all-dirt card today featuring a pair of $100,000 stakes: the Beyond The Wire Stakes (Race 7) for three-year-old fillies at one mile and the Private Terms Stakes (Race 8) for three-year-olds at one mile and one sixteenth. Undercard races are primarily claiming and allowance optional claiming events with several small fields. The March meet has produced variable bias patterns, with some days favoring speed and others favoring closers, requiring close attention to how early races unfold before committing to strong pace-based opinions later in the card.

Weather and Track Conditions

The Laurel Park main track is listed as Fast for all races today as of 9:39 am Eastern. There are no moisture-related variants currently in play, and no turf racing is scheduled. Track conditions remain dry with typical late-winter to early-spring weather patterns for Maryland.

Track Bias and Post Position Notes

Laurel Park's dirt configuration is wide and generally fair, with no pronounced post-position bias in sprints and only a mild outside advantage in some route events. Historical data show winners are distributed fairly evenly across post positions in dirt sprints. In dirt routes, outside posts (7 and 8) perform somewhat better than the innermost two stalls due to track width and the ability to maintain momentum through turns.

Recent trip notes indicate variable intra-meet bias, with strong speed bias on some days (notably March 7) and closer bias on others. Because of this variability, the smartest approach is to monitor how Races 1 and 2 unfold before leaning heavily into either early speed or deep closers later in the card.

Race 1 – Claiming 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt (3yo Fillies, $16,000)

Post Time: 12:00 pm

This 5 1/2 furlong claiming sprint features multiple pace factors with Pichu (7) and Shenadoah Sunrise (6) projecting as the primary early speed types. Rerun Table (3) exits a race where speed held very well at Laurel and benefitted from that bias. The pace should be contested, favoring a stalker with some finish.

Key Contenders: Bella's Password (4) comes in second off the layoff after a visually impressive maiden win at 5 1/2 furlongs at Laurel on February 27 and may have won with something in hand. She is singled out as a primary spot play by major handicappers. Pichu (7) was a sharp six-furlong winner last time at Laurel, chasing a hot pace inside before drawing off to win as the 6-5 favorite, earning a pace upgrade for advancing earlier than ideal into a demanding tempo yet still extending through the line. Trouble And Strife (1) is lightly raced and comes off a maiden win at Los Alamitos but has concerns about her ability to switch leads properly.

Secondary Choices: Rerun Table (3) earned an upgrade when finishing second at six furlongs on March 7 during a significant speed bias, with questions about whether her apparent improvement was bias-aided. Genecho (2) and Knickoletta (5) fit on figures and connections but lack notable recent trip angles.

Longshots: Shenadoah Sunrise (6) was the pacesetter in Pichu (7)'s last race and may find herself pace-pressured again today.

Race 2 – Claiming 1 1/16 Miles Dirt (F&M N3L, $12,500)

Post Time: 12:28 pm

This five-horse non-winners of three lifetime route should feature a measured early tempo with Ineedyoubabe (4) and Hockey (3) most likely prominent early. The pace projects as fair-to-slow, favoring tactical stalkers over deep closers.

Key Contenders: Hockey (3) comes off a cozy one-mile win at Laurel on March 6 where she lost ground by floating roughly six paths wide into the lane yet still won comfortably, earning a small upgrade that suggests she has another forward move with a more efficient trip. Ineedyoubabe (4) also exits a strong March 6 victory at a mile at Laurel where she drew off despite racing four-wide on the turn and five-wide into the lane, earning a small upgrade for winning despite covering extra ground.

Secondary Choices: A Cozy Thing (2) underperformed last time in a short four-horse field, but trip notes caution that the margin was exaggerated because the rider did not persevere fully once she dropped to last. My Dear Antonia (1) had a rough trip last time, taking a bump and steadying shortly after the start, remaining on her left lead through the lane.

Longshots: Thunder In Paris (5) stumbled at the start last time at Charles Town and stopped sharply approaching the far turn, with trip notes indicating the early troubles do not fully explain her poor finish.

Race 3 – Claiming 1 1/16 Miles Dirt (F&M, N2 since 9/21 or N5 lifetime, $7,500)

Post Time: 12:58 pm

Ribbonsinherhair (1) and Missy Boss (5) have enough tactical speed to attend or press the pace, while Watch Your Tone (6) and Princess Lucia (3) are more comfortable midpack to late-running. The pace should be honest but not overly hot.

Key Contenders: Ribbonsinherhair (1) earned a clear upgrade last out when finishing third in a March 7 muddy-track route at Laurel where she pressed an honest pace between horses, raced three- to four-wide, bumped with a rival turning for home, and stayed on gamely against a heavy speed bias. Trip lines suggest that on a fair surface with a more efficient trip, she would have run very close to Watch Your Tone (6). Watch Your Tone (6) also benefited from that biased context but saved more ground, making the 3/4-length margin between her and Ribbonsinherhair (1) somewhat misleading.

Secondary Choices: Missy Boss (5) was fighting for the lead inside the final furlong before the rider abruptly pulled her up on February 12, with trip analysts recommending drawing a line through that race. Always Forward (4) was never a factor in a 5 1/2 furlong sprint last time but stayed on evenly and galloped out strongly, hinting that a return to a route could wake her up. Dubstep (2) was too close to a fast pace last time at seven furlongs and inevitably tired late.

Longshots: Princess Lucia (3) ran far below par last time on a muddy surface without obvious excuse and needs to rebound on today's drop in class.

Race 4 – Claiming 1 Mile Dirt (3yo, $40,000)

Post Time: 1:27 pm

Play It Cool (1) wired a similar field at one mile at Laurel on February 13, taking advantage of a race where speed held exceptionally well. The pace scenario likely features Play It Cool (1) and Fowl Mouth (4) as primary early protagonists, with Pencil Me In (2) in close attendance and Master Schemer (3) rallying from midpack.

Key Contenders: Pencil Me In (2) owns one of the most interesting trip lines on the card: he hopped at the start and got away slowly on February 4 at Laurel, then gradually moved into the fast pace along the rail, committed to the chase earlier than ideal, met some traffic in upper stretch, and still stayed on gamely to nearly reel in the winner late, earning a notable trip upgrade. That effort suggests more in the tank if he breaks cleanly and can conserve energy early. Play It Cool (1) must be respected as a last-out winner, but his race appears somewhat dressed up by a favorable pace and bias that aided forward horses.

Secondary Choices: Master Schemer (3) was by far the best of the closers in the February 13 race dominated by speed, qualifying him as a legitimate contender if the surface plays more fairly today. Fowl Mouth (4) showed tenacity in his last start, stumbling at the break but quickly recovering to sit a solid trip and prevail. Paul's Guitar (5) ran far below form on a muddy six-furlong track on March 8, with trip commentators speculating he may have simply resented the muddy going.

Longshots: Dancing Denae (6) is the least exposed but also the least proven at this level.

Race 5 – Allowance Optional Claiming 1 1/16 Miles Dirt (4yo+, N2X or N3L, $40,000–$32,000)

Post Time: 1:57 pm

This five-horse field should feature an honest to strong pace, with Hagrid's Flame (4) likely near the front and Secret Zipper (3) expected to show speed if he breaks cleanly. The March 1 1 1/8-mile race many of these exit featured a wicked early pace that strongly favored closers.

Key Contenders: Hagrid's Flame (4) is the standout on trip notes, earning a strong pace upgrade for his March 1 effort where he pressed a hot pace on the rail, chased hard in second, advanced to the lead turning for home, and only got nailed late by a rail-skimming closer. That effort came first time with blinkers and showed improved focus and tenacity despite the unfavorable pace scenario. With a more moderate pace today and a slight cutback to 1 1/16 miles, he projects well.

Secondary Choices: Take The Pledge (1) and Crossland (5) both exit the same March 1 race and both benefitted from the pace collapse, closing into tiring leaders to grab minor awards. Trip analysts recommend downgrading both efforts, noting the race shape flattered their style. Cap Com (2) was positioned too close to that same hot pace and tired late at long odds. Secret Zipper (3) ran poorly last time after hopping at the break and losing his typical forward position.

Race 6 – Maiden Claiming 6 Furlongs Dirt (3yo Fillies, $25,000)

Post Time: 2:28 pm

This maiden claiming sprint features Dolly's Jolene (5) showing front-end intent and Emma Mermaid (6) displaying a strong late kick in her recent races. Gripen (2) showed a willing attitude from just off the pace on debut.

Key Contenders: Emma Mermaid (6) receives the strongest positive mention in trip notes, having bobbled at the break and lacked room shortly after the start in a February 13 six-furlong maiden claimer at Laurel, yet still rallying from far back along the rail to angle out four-wide and finish a strong second. That was her second eye-catching run in a row, and she retains scope to improve third off the layoff. Dolly's Jolene (5), with first-time Lasix last out, ran a very game race in defeat at Aqueduct on February 15, trying to wire the field through even fractions and finishing third, earning a small upgrade. Gripen (2) was well beaten but showed a likable, willing attitude on debut, marking her as a filly with upside.

Secondary Choices: Princess Charming (1) clearly underperformed last time, breaking awkwardly after fidgeting in the gate, and needs to step forward significantly. Maggie's Moon (3), Whimmoffortune (4), and Ashweee (7) lack strong upgrade or downgrade notes.

Race 7 – Beyond The Wire Stakes 1 Mile Dirt (3yo Fillies, $100,000)

Post Time: 2:58 pm

Some Ride (4) appears to be the key pace player, having set fast, pressured fractions in a February 4 mile maiden special weight at Aqueduct and still fighting off closers to win. Peach Tie (5) and Momaxie (6) both have tactical speed. The pace should be honest to strong.

Key Contenders: Some Ride (4) received a clear pace upgrade for her Aqueduct maiden win, where she set fast fractions that favored closers yet still held on gamely. Miss Fulton Gal (1) is the consensus spot play from multiple handicappers and is particularly interesting because prior to her last-out win, she had already been flagged for an eye-catching gallop-out when finishing second behind Momaxie (6) two starts back. That pattern of improving late energy and strong gallop-outs hints that she will relish today's one-mile distance. Peach Tie (5) comes off a seven-furlong win at Laurel on February 21 where she hit the line with enough energy to suggest stretching out to one mile is within her capabilities.

Secondary Choices: Law School (2) disappointed as a heavy favorite last time at Parx over a muddy track, with trip analysts suspecting she may not care for that surface. Momaxie (6) was third in the same February 21 race won by Peach Tie (5), having bobbled slightly at the break but otherwise having a trip that did not significantly affect the result.

Longshots: Somemunny To Love (3) broke her maiden at 6 1/2 furlongs at Parx with the benefit of a very fast, closer-friendly pace and a notable closer bias that day, causing handicappers to downgrade the significance of that performance.

Race 8 – Private Terms Stakes 1 1/16 Miles Dirt (3yo, $100,000)

Post Time: 3:28 pm

Let's Go Lando (1) has shown the ability to attend or press the pace and was extremely game last time at one mile at Laurel. The Spectacular Bid Stakes at seven furlongs that Code Of Silence (2) and Wild Warrior (6) exit featured a slow pace that did not suit closers, giving both upgrades for their efforts at a distance short of their best.

Key Contenders: Code Of Silence (2) stands out as the key trip horse, having hopped at the start and chased a slow pace from a detached last in the Spectacular Bid Stakes before rallying into a close third. Trip handicappers award him a notable upgrade because the running order barely changed throughout that race, and he still made meaningful late progress over a distance short of his optimum. With an additional three-sixteenths of a mile and any sort of reasonable pace, he can move forward significantly. Let's Go Lando (1) could not have been more game last time at one mile at Laurel, racing slightly wider than the winner around the turn and only just failing to get up. That effort is essentially the equal of the winner's. Wild Warrior (6) left the impression that he too would benefit from more distance and a better pace setup, as he lacked the additional gear to challenge into the slow fractions but galloped out strongly.

Secondary Choices: Hollywood Import (4) and Higher Sense (5) both have credible form lines, but Higher Sense (5) appears on the scratch watch for a prior race and is coming off a trainer scratch from Parx, introducing a mild note of caution about his current readiness. Lundi Loot (3) was scratched from a March 6 Laurel allowance due to a private vet injury note and must prove his fitness.

Race 9 – Claiming 1 1/16 Miles Dirt (4yo+, N3L, $12,500)

Post Time: 3:57 pm

Strategist (1) and Speedy Alex (6) have enough tactical speed to ensure an honest early tempo, while Right Of Rush (2) and Lucked In (5) typically sit just behind that first flight. Speedy Alex (6) was scratched from a February 15 race at Laurel due to private vet illness, making his health and fitness key factors.

Key Contenders: Twice Gold (3) and Lucked In (5) appear to have the most consistent recent form at this level, with Twice Gold (3) representing a stable that has been quietly effective this meet and Lucked In (5) offering the right style to sit in the second flight and pounce if leaders overdo it. Right Of Rush (2) fits as a logical contender with a jockey who has been active on the card.

Secondary Choices: Speedy Alex (6) has tactical early speed but the prior scratch due to illness plants a question mark over his readiness. Strategist (1) and Enough Already (4) are more workmanlike types.

Longshots: Enough Already (4) could pick up pieces at a price by grinding through the lane if the pace collapses.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Yedsit Hazlewood rides several live mounts including My Dear Antonia (1) in Race 2, Princess Lucia (3) in Race 3, Secret Zipper (3) in Race 5, Law School (2) in Race 7, Wild Warrior (6) in Race 8, and Twice Gold (3) in Race 9. Angel Cruz has key mounts on Trouble And Strife (1) in Race 1, Dubstep (2) in Race 3, Take The Pledge (1) in Race 5, and Code Of Silence (2) in Race 8.

Brittany Russell sends out Genecho (2) in Race 1 and Peach Tie (5) in Race 7. Jamie Ness has Ribbonsinherhair (1) in Race 3 and Law School (2) in Race 7. Hugh McMahon's barn is busy with My Dear Antonia (1) in Race 2, Princess Lucia (3) in Race 3, Fowl Mouth (4) in Race 4, and Twice Gold (3) in Race 9. Gary Capuano has multiple runners in the stakes races including Let's Go Lando (1) and Hollywood Import (4) in Race 8, along with Secret Zipper (3) in Race 5.

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