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Laurel Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the April 26, 2026 card

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Race Day Overview — Laurel Park, Sunday, April 26, 2026

Laurel Park closes out another weekend card with a nine-race program that spans both the turf and dirt surfaces, covering distances from a sprint at 1210 feet on the lawn to a route at 1870 feet on the main track. The card leans heavily toward maiden and claiming company, with a pair of allowance routes on the turf and one dirt allowance added in for the upper tier of today's competition. Purses range from $22,000 in the finale to $48,000 in the three allowance events.

The most significant storyline out of the Maryland colony this week has nothing to do with today's racing card but remains worth noting for context: Churchill Downs Incorporated's announced $85 million acquisition of the intellectual property rights to the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes continues to generate conversation throughout the industry, and the 151st Preakness Stakes is now just three weeks away, scheduled for May 16 at Laurel Park — the race's temporary home while Pimlico undergoes its ongoing reconstruction. Arkansas Derby winner Renegade has been installed as the 10-1 morning-line favorite in the Preakness Future Win Wager. Gotham Stakes winner Iron Honor (2), trained by Chad Brown, has officially bypassed the Kentucky Derby and is pointing toward the Preakness instead.

On a local note, jockey Julian Pimentel is making his return to riding this weekend at Laurel Park after being off since November 2021 — nearly five years away from the irons. While Pimentel does not appear on today's card in a major capacity, his comeback is being closely watched by the Maryland racing community.

The overall card today is a competitive, winnable program for serious handicappers. Trainer Michael Trombetta holds multiple entries, as does Jamie Ness, Damon DiLodovico, and the tandem of Hugh McMahon and Susan Cooney. Jockey Mychel Sanchez leads the meet in terms of overall presence and appears on several key runners across the afternoon.

Weather and Track Conditions — April 26, 2026

Conditions in the Laurel, Maryland area for Sunday afternoon are expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. Winds are light out of the northwest at 8 to 12 mph. No significant precipitation is expected through post time or during the racing card. The main track at Laurel Park should be rated fast, and the turf course is expected to be rated firm to good, making for favorable conditions on both surfaces throughout the afternoon. The turf rail is expected to be set at the standard position for today's card. Bettors should monitor the Equibase track condition updates closer to first post at 12:00 PM ET for any last-minute changes.

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis

Laurel Park's main track at its current configuration tends to favor horses that can secure position on or near the lead, particularly in shorter sprint distances. In races around one turn, the inside posts have shown a measurable edge when horses can clear and establish position early. In route races on the dirt, post position matters less, and closers have occasionally found success when pace scenarios set up to favor them.

On the turf course at Laurel, the inside posts carry a distinct advantage, especially in shorter turf sprints at 1210 feet and 1320 feet, as the first turn arrives quickly and horses breaking from the far outside must use significant early energy to secure rail position or face being three and four wide. In turf routes at 1760 feet, the bias is less pronounced, though horses with proven ability to rate off the early pace and close through the stretch have historically outperformed at this oval. Horses with inside posts in today's turf sprint fields — particularly Races 1, 3, 5, and 6 — deserve extra attention when their overall form supports it. The sharp-angle first turn at the 1210-furlong turf trip especially rewards horses that can get out clean and find the rail early.

RACE 1 — Post (12:00) — 1210f | T | C | Clm 30000n3l | BUN | Purse $35,000

A field of eleven goes to the gate for this 1210-furlong turf sprint limited to horses that have not won three lifetime races. The $30,000 claiming tag brings out a competitive group, and the co-favorite situation with Bucaro (1) and Kohoutek (3) both at 2-1 on the morning line shapes this race at the top.

Race 1

Pace Analysis

This race figures to feature multiple speed horses, with Bucaro (1) and Elvis Himself (5) both likely to be aggressive from the start. The inside post for Bucaro (1) is a significant asset in this sprint format. If both horses battle through the first turn, it could set up an opportunity for a closer to swoop in late, but turf sprints at this distance tend to reward horses that get position early and rate comfortably. A contested early pace makes this a more wide-open race than the morning line suggests.

Key Contenders

Bucaro (1) draws the rail in a turf sprint, which at Laurel Park is about as good as it gets from a positional standpoint. Trained by Michael Trombetta, who is among the meet's most active and productive conditioners, this horse brings solid credentials at the claiming level. The inside post combined with Trombetta's strong win percentage at the meet makes Bucaro (1) the logical choice. Mychel Sanchez gets the call and is riding at a high level throughout this meet.

Kohoutek (3) shares the morning-line favoritism at 2-1, also with Sanchez up — a notable situation where the leading jockey is double-booked on the two morning-line favorites in the same race. Trained by Sarah White, Kohoutek (3) has the profile of a horse that has been competitive without winning three times, and the post is workable from gate three. The Sanchez conflict will force a late jockey change on one of these two; bettors should monitor which horse retains the leading rider, as that decision will be telling.

One True Dude (10) comes in at 3-1 on the morning line for trainer Emanuel Geralis with Carlos Eduardo Lopez in the irons. Drawing post 10 in a short turf sprint is a significant negative — the horse will need to either use energy to establish position or find itself racing four to five wide into the first turn. The 3-1 price may be slightly short given the post position challenge, though Geralis has shown the ability to fire horses fresh in this class range.

Secondary Choices

Elvis Himself (5) at 4-1 for trainer Marco Salazar with Xavier Perez up represents an interesting pace factor and potential value. Post five is manageable in this field, and if Elvis Himself (5) can find a clean path early and set a pressured but not suicidal pace, the horse could surprise at a price. Laysen (7) at 12-1 for W. Thomas McMahon with Jose Vargas up is a horse to monitor; Vargas has been solid throughout the meet and picks up live mounts regularly.

Longshots

Fletcher (2) at 15-1 for James Lee Lawrence with Martin Chuan up is worth a small look in exactas given the nearby post position. Watch Out World (4) at 10-1 for Kerry Hohlbein with Vargas up adds pace complexity but lacks standout form at this class level. Great Quality (6) at 10-1 for Gary Capuano with Yedsit Hazlewood up is a Capuano barn runner worth monitoring — Capuano finds winners throughout the meet. The Count Is On (9) at 12-1 for Damon DiLodovico with H.A. Karamanos is a longshot, though DiLodovico is active and occasionally finds spots where his horses fire. Robert's Moon (11) at 12-1 for Jonathan Maldonado with Jevian Toledo draws the outside post, making any kind of winning effort from the rail very difficult. Ellinger (8) at 20-1 for Charles Frock with Jean Gregor Briceno is a throw-out at the morning line price from this post.

Selections

Win: Bucaro (1) Place: Kohoutek (3) Show: Elvis Himself (5)

RACE 2 — Post (12:29) — 1320f | D | CO | OClm 30000 | BUN | Purse $35,000

Six older horses go a mile and a sixteenth on the dirt in an optional claimer at the $30,000 level. The field is compact and manageable, with a clear morning-line favorite in Neverworkedaday (1) at even money.

Race 2

Pace Analysis

Neverworkedaday (1) figures to set or control the pace from the rail, and at even money, the question becomes whether anyone can apply enough pressure to make this horse vulnerable in the stretch. Overspent (5) at 3-1 for Mark Shuman with Sanchez up could apply early pressure, which would create a contested scenario. If the pace develops honestly, Neverworkedaday (1) becomes vulnerable, and a horse like Zio Lino (4) or Set For Life (2) could capitalize late.

Key Contenders

Neverworkedaday (1) goes to post as a heavy morning-line favorite at 1-1 for trainer Gary Capuano with Hazlewood in the irons. Capuano is one of the most respected conditioners at Laurel, and the rail post in a one-turn dirt sprint at this distance is ideal. The even-money price reflects legitimate form, but bettors should be cautious about the short price in a race where pace pressure could neutralize the advantage. Overspent (5) at 3-1 for Mark Shuman with Sanchez up is the most dangerous horse to the favorite. Shuman has been running horses in form this meet, and Sanchez's presence in the irons commands respect at any price. This horse's ability to apply early pressure makes it the key pace factor.

Secondary Choices

Zio Lino (4) at 4-1 for Damon DiLodovico with Karamanos up has solid credentials for this optional claiming level. DiLodovico is a steady trainer who places horses well, and Karamanos is a dependable veteran jockey in the Maryland colony. Set For Life (2) at 4-1 for Nesvil Hernan Bailon with Angel Cruz up is another live contender that could find the exacta at a fair price if the pace sets up for a closer.

Longshots

Tethered Soul (3) at 6-1 for Hugh McMahon with Vargas up could improve around two turns if pace shapes favorably. Expresso Bay (6) at 10-1 for Bruce Kravets with R. Chiappe up is the longest shot in the field and figures to trail throughout; best used underneath in trifectas only if looking to spread.

Selections

Win: Neverworkedaday (1) Place: Overspent (5) Show: Zio Lino (4)

RACE 3 — Post (1:00) — 1210f | T | M | Md 16000 | BUN | Purse $24,000

Sixteen horses fill this maiden claiming sprint on the turf at the $16,000 level, making it the largest and most chaotic field on the card. With a full gate and a bargain-basement maiden price, separating contenders from pretenders is the key challenge. The morning line is spread across several horses in the 4-1 to 6-1 range.

Race 3

Pace Analysis

With sixteen horses breaking from the gate in a short turf sprint, traffic and positioning will be the dominant factors. The inside posts — particularly posts 1 through 5 — carry maximum advantage. Horses breaking from the double-digit posts will face serious challenges getting position without using significant early energy. The pace in a sixteen-horse maiden claimer on the turf is likely to be quick early, with multiple horses angling for the rail. A horse that breaks sharply from an inside post and settles into a comfortable stalking position could be ideally placed.

Key Contenders

Let Fly (15) at 4-1 for trainer C. Beale Payne with Sanchez up is one of the most interesting horses in the race despite the wide post. Payne is a capable conditioner and Sanchez is the meet's top pilot — the combination deserves respect. However, post 15 in a sixteen-horse turf sprint at 1210 furlongs is a serious liability, and even at 4-1, the post position challenge must be factored into the price. Golden Descent (2) at 4-1 for Caitlin Keil with Kevin Gomez up gets a significant post advantage from gate two in a field this size. Keil has been quietly active at the meet and Gomez is a capable jockey who can find a path on the turf. This is the horse that can overcome the maiden claimer field with the ideal post.

Star Atlas (12) at 5-1 for Mary Eppler with Vargas up is trained by one of the meet's most reliable conditioners. Eppler consistently places horses well and finds spots where her charges can win. Vargas is the right jockey for a horse that may need to work through traffic from the 12-post.

Secondary Choices

Royal Renegade (14) at 5-1 for Elizabeth Merryman with Taylor Kingsley up is a horse that handicappers have noted in this spot. Tiz The Great (6) at 4-1 for Henry Walters with Hazlewood up draws a workable post and represents a live threat in a wide-open maiden claimer. Dad Joke (9) at 6-1 for DiLodovico with Raul Mena up is another DiLodovico runner that could fire in a big-field situation — this barn is capable of producing a sharp debut or return effort.

Longshots

Divine Swagger (1) at 6-1 for Anthony Aguirre Jr. with Chuan up draws the rail, which is the best post in the race, and could outrun the morning line if breaking cleanly. Quahog Republic (13) at 6-1 for Michael Gorham with Hazlewood drawing double duty is worth noting. My Captain (11) at 15-1 for Suzanne Stettinius with Tais Lyapustina up faces a tough spot. Hooraw (3) at 12-1 for Kevin Boniface with Briceno up and Goodluck Road (7) at 12-1, also from the Boniface barn with Matilda Burnham up, give Boniface two shots at this race. Rio Del Valle (4) at 20-1 for Maldonado with Ismerio Villalobos up, Stormy Brew (5) at 20-1 for Roy Peacock with Christian Maldonado up, My Friend Lou (8) at 20-1 for Carlos Mancilla with Jorge Ruiz up, Quain (10) at 20-1 for Andrew Ali with Yomar Ortiz up, and Broadside Salvo (16) at 30-1 for Susan Cooney with Vargas up — all face significant challenges at these prices and posts. Broadside Salvo (16) from the outside post is the toughest fade.

Selections

Win: Golden Descent (2) Place: Let Fly (15) Show: Tiz The Great (6)

RACE 4 — Post (1:30) — 1210f | D | M | Md 35000 | BOF | Purse $37,000

Nine fillies and mares go six and a half furlongs on the dirt in a maiden event at the $35,000 level. The co-morning-line favorites are Cupid's Choice (5) and Lighten (9), both at 2-1. This is a restricted field of first-time starters and lightly raced maidens, making form reads more challenging.

Race 4

Pace Analysis

Cupid's Choice (5) for trainer John Robb with Perez up and Weather Beater (7) for trainer John Salzman Jr. with Jeiron Barbosa up both profile as potential pace setters. If Weather Beater (7) hooks Cupid's Choice (5) early, it could set up a closer's scenario that benefits Lighten (9). The pace dynamic between the two likely favorites is the central key to this race.

Key Contenders

Cupid's Choice (5) at 2-1 for John Robb is one of the more respected conditioners in Maryland with good success in maiden events. Post five is ideal in a nine-horse field for a sprint, and Xavier Perez is a quality jockey who can time a move. Lighten (9) at 2-1 for Jamie Ness with Hazlewood up closes out the field from the outside post, which is a disadvantage in a short sprint. However, Ness is one of the sharpest trainers at the meet, consistently placing maiden runners in winning spots. The even-money price suggests Ness has this horse ready to run.

Secondary Choices

Weather Beater (7) at 4-1 for Salzman with Barbosa up has pace potential and could outrun the morning line if the pace sets up to reward early speed. Maggie's Moon (6) at 6-1 for DiLodovico with Karamanos up is another DiLodovico starter; in a smaller field, DiLodovico maiden runners deserve a longer look.

Longshots

Check Ride (2) at 8-1 for Todd Beattie with Cruz up is not without a chance — Beattie is a capable trainer who finds spots for his horses. Belle Of Liberty (8) at 12-1 for Joanne Shankle with Mena up, Kara M S (3) at 12-1 for Mancilla with Ruiz up, and Butler Road (4) at 30-1 for Timothy Keefe with Forest Boyce up are difficult to recommend at morning-line prices in a maiden sprint. Golden Ellie (1) at 30-1 for Michael Gorham with Madeline Rowland up from the rail is a complete throw-out at this price in maiden company.

Selections

Win: Cupid's Choice (5) Place: Lighten (9) Show: Weather Beater (7)

RACE 5 — Post (2:03) — 1210f | T | A | Alw 48000n1x | BUN | Purse $48,000

Nine horses compete in this non-winners of one allowance on the turf at 1210 furlongs, the most prestigious sprint race on the card. Class steps up significantly here, and the field is competitive from top to bottom. Big Tankness (5) at 3-1 and multiple horses at 4-1 suggest a wide-open contest.

Race 5

Pace Analysis

This allowance turf sprint shapes as a more quality pace scenario than the maiden and claiming events earlier on the card. Enduring Gold (2) and Big Tankness (5) both figure as likely pace factors, with Rye Diggitydog (6) and Great Heavens (8) as potential mid-pack runners. If the pace is honest, the race could set up for Virginia Fitz (9) or another closer to rally late. The inside posts — particularly Superlastingsecret (1) and Enduring Gold (2) — hold inherent early position advantages.

Key Contenders

Big Tankness (5) at 3-1 for Jamie Ness with Hazlewood up is the morning-line favorite in an allowance sprint. Ness continues his strong meet and his horses are routinely fit and ready. Post five in a nine-horse field is manageable, and Hazlewood has been riding well throughout the meet. This is the horse to beat. Enduring Gold (2) at 4-1 for Michael Trombetta with Sanchez up gets the benefit of the inside post and top jockey engagement. Trombetta is a legitimate threat in any allowance race on this oval, and Sanchez's knowledge of the turf course at Laurel is an asset. Rye Diggitydog (6) at 4-1 for Hugh McMahon with Jorge Hernandez up is an interesting threat for a trainer that consistently runs competitive turf horses. Post six is workable in a nine-horse field.

Secondary Choices

Great Heavens (8) at 4-1 for Jose Magana with Boyce up is another legitimate 4-1 shot in a field full of them. Virginia Fitz (9) at 5-1 for Susan Cooney with Ruiz up closes out the field and would benefit most from a contested pace. Cooney has runners throughout the card today and is well-represented. Jessica's Eyes (3) at 8-1 for John Robb with Perez up could outrun the morning line if Robb has this filly ready following a sharp prep.

Longshots

Superlastingsecret (1) at 30-1 for DiLodovico with Vargas up draws a perfect post position but is a massive overlay on the morning line if no other factor supports the price. Sinetic (4) at 15-1 for Antonio Machado with Villalobos up and Jigger (7) at 30-1 for Payne with Karamanos up are throw-outs at their morning-line prices without strong form support. Both are candidates for trifecta plays only.

Selections

Win: Big Tankness (5) Place: Enduring Gold (2) Show: Rye Diggitydog (6)

RACE 6 — Post (2:35) — 1760f | T | C | Clm 16000n2l | BUN | Purse $24,000

The largest field of the day with sixteen runners goes a mile and a sixteenth on the turf for horses that have not won two lifetime races at the $16,000 claiming level. With Middleburg (15) installed as the 2-1 morning-line favorite and posts stretching to sixteen, navigating the field is the primary challenge.

Race 6

Pace Analysis

A sixteen-horse turf route at this distance will feature a legitimate pace scenario with multiple horses looking to establish early position. Italiano Kid (4) and Derz Smart (7) both figure as likely pace factors. Middleburg (15) at 2-1 closes from off the pace, making this race a setup for a closer if the pace develops honestly. However, a 2-1 favorite from post 15 in a sixteen-horse turf route is a significant ask — traffic and post position concerns are legitimate.

Key Contenders

Middleburg (15) at 2-1 for Keri Brion with Chuan up is the clear class of the field on morning-line pricing, but the post position is deeply concerning in a field this size on the turf. Brion is a capable trainer, but 2-1 is a price that demands clean running room, and post 15 in a sixteen-horse turf route makes that far from guaranteed. Derz Smart (7) at 4-1 for Michael Trombetta with Sanchez up is the standout value selection. Trombetta is the meet's elite conditioner and Sanchez is the top jockey — both are live in any race they enter. Post seven is workable in a sixteen-horse field, and Derz Smart (7) likely has enough speed to establish a favorable position early. Italiano Kid (4) at 4-1 for Irvin Flores with Briceno up has inside post positioning that is premium in a turf route, and Briceno is a capable rider who can save ground.

Secondary Choices

Honor Mags (6) at 5-1 for Mark Shuman with Chuan up — Shuman runs two horses with different jockeys in this race, which reflects confidence in his stable's preparation. Elfuegomasbrilante (8) at 5-1 also for Shuman with Hazlewood up gives the trainer another chance and a workable post. Bourbon Outlaw (11) at 6-1 for Mark Beecher with Toledo up is an interesting mid-price option. Toledo is a respected veteran who finds his way through traffic in large fields.

Longshots

Christmas Spirit (1) at 10-1 for Trombetta with Villalobos up draws the rail, giving Trombetta a second chance from a premium post. Maupansant (3) at 10-1 for Keil with Gomez up has an inside post and a capable jockey. Triathelon (10) at 12-1 for W. Robert Bailes with Vargas up, Strand Road (16) at 12-1 for Richard Dutrow with Hazlewood up, Uncle Grey (12) at 30-1 for Timothy Vick with Yomar Ortiz up, Tactics (13) at 15-1 for Daniel Eubanks with Lopez up, White Blue (14) at 30-1 for Salazar with Burnham up, Blackthorne Brusca (5) at 15-1 for Cooney with Ruiz up, Salvo Trigger (2) at 20-1 for Robert Leaf III with Christian Maldonado up, and Return Fire (9) at 30-1 for Shankle with Mena up round out a field where the deeper prices are best used only in multi-leg exotics. Strand Road (16) with Dutrow conditioning is worth a minor mention given the trainer's historical ability to fire horses in spots, but the outside post is a killer in this format.

Selections

Win: Derz Smart (7) Place: Middleburg (15) Show: Italiano Kid (4)

RACE 7 — Post (3:07) — 1320f | D | A | Alw 48000n1x | BUN | Purse $48,000

Six horses go a mile and a sixteenth on the dirt in an allowance for non-winners of one. The co-morning-line favorites are Paco The Taco Man (1) and Creed's Vision (6), both at 2-1, making this a fascinating head-to-head battle with the other four horses filling the in-between space.

Race 7

Pace Analysis

Paco The Taco Man (1) for Jamie Ness with Sanchez up is a likely front-runner from the inside post. If Creed's Vision (6) for Arnaud Delacour with Charlie Marquez up is more of a stalker or closer, the pace scenario sets up as Paco The Taco Man (1) getting a soft lead, which could be dangerous against a Delacour-trained runner that closes with authority. Lost My Shoe (5) at 4-1 for John Worsley with Paul Luna up could also apply early pressure, complicating things for the rail horse.

Key Contenders

Paco The Taco Man (1) at 2-1 for Ness with Sanchez is the pace horse and inside post beneficiary. Ness has been one of the meet's best trainers and Sanchez is the meet's leading jockey — this combination in an allowance sprint is as reliable as it gets at Laurel. Creed's Vision (6) at 2-1 for Arnaud Delacour with Marquez up brings graded-race barn pedigree to a Laurel allowance. Delacour is a Maryland-based conditioner with a sharp eye for placing horses, and when Delacour fires at the allowance level, the horse is typically ready. The outside post in a six-horse field is a non-issue. Lost My Shoe (5) at 4-1 for Worsley with Luna up is the chief value selection in this race. Four to one in a competitive six-horse allowance with a capable trainer-jockey combination represents a fair price.

Secondary Choices

Change My World (3) at 5-1 for Mary Eppler with Cruz up gives Eppler another allowance contender on the card. Eppler is consistently reliable. Ecumenical (2) at 8-1 for Hugh McMahon with Hazlewood up and Lundi Loot (4) at 8-1 for Lynn Ashby with J.S. Rocco Jr. up are longer shots in a competitive field. Lundi Loot (4) is a horse to monitor if morning-line movement compresses the price toward 5-1 or better.

Selections

Win: Paco The Taco Man (1) Place: Creed's Vision (6) Show: Lost My Shoe (5)

RACE 8 — Post (3:39) — 1760f | T | A | Alw 48000n1x | BUM | Purse $48,000

Ten fillies and mares go a mile and a sixteenth on the turf in an allowance for non-winners of one. The BUM condition designation signals mares-only competition, and the race features a competitive morning line with Juniper Juice (2) at 3-1 as the morning-line favorite and several others clustered between 4-1 and 8-1.

Race 8

Pace Analysis

The turf mile and a sixteenth for fillies and mares typically produces an honest pace, and in this ten-horse field the race figures to be run in a style that favors closers or mid-pack runners. Juniper Juice (2) for Kevin Boniface with Forest Boyce up is likely to be in a stalking position. All Gas No Brakes (1) from post one could control the pace from the rail, which with the inside post at a Laurel turf route makes for a powerful scenario if the horse has early speed. Happy This Day (10) at 5-1 for Milan Milosevic with Ruiz up faces the outside post challenge but has the profile of a horse that can rally from off the pace.

Key Contenders

Juniper Juice (2) at 3-1 for Boniface with Boyce up is the morning-line favorite in a mares allowance on the turf. Boniface has multiple runners on the card today and is clearly firing at the meet with live horses. Post two in a turf route is ideal, and Boyce has been solid in his Laurel mounts this meet. All Gas No Brakes (1) at 4-1 for Keri Brion with Lopez up draws the rail in a turf route for a trainer who also conditions Middleburg (15) in Race 6. The rail in a mile and a sixteenth turf route is one of the most coveted positions at this oval. Brion has shown the ability to prepare routes horses on the lawn, and Lopez is a capable jockey for this type of tactical race. Looks First (3) at 5-1 for Horacio De Paz with Gomez up gives a capable jockey an inside post in a competitive mares race.

Secondary Choices

Happy This Day (10) at 5-1 for Milosevic with Ruiz up is the closer to watch. Post 10 is not ideal, but in a ten-horse field on the turf at a mile and a sixteenth, late-running fillies and mares with pace figures to close into can make up significant ground. Determind Princess (6) at 6-1 for Elizabeth Merryman with Toledo up gets a veteran jockey in a competitive spot. Merryman is a capable Maryland conditioner. Granuaile (8) at 8-1 for Jose Corrales with Mena up and Nick's Notion (7) at 8-1 for W. Robert Bailes with Barbosa up are live at these prices in a wide-open field.

Longshots

Nothinglesswilldo (5) at 12-1 for Mary Eppler with Vargas up is another Eppler entrant on the card — in a competitive mares field, Eppler could again surprise. Weekend Wife (9) at 12-1 for Timothy Keefe with Boyce drawing a second mount up rounds out the field. Rehoboth Avenue (4) at 30-1 for Willie Kee with Karamanos up is a throw-out at morning-line odds.

Selections

Win: Juniper Juice (2) Place: All Gas No Brakes (1) Show: Happy This Day (10)

RACE 9 — Post (4:10) — 1870f | D | M | Md 12500 | BON | Purse $22,000

Six horses close out the card with a maiden claimer at the $12,500 level going a mile and three-sixteenths on the dirt. Bigshot Ness (3) at 1-1 is the overwhelming morning-line favorite for trainer Jamie Ness with Hazlewood up. The BON condition means non-winners other than — typically referring to a broad maiden condition that allows horses with minor claim-level wins.

Race 9

Pace Analysis

River City Runner (5) for Trombetta with Vargas up at 3-1 figures to press or set the pace, with Gonna Make It (4) for Ben Feliciano Jr. with Karamanos at 4-1 also potentially factoring early. Bigshot Ness (3) at 1-1 is likely to be involved from the start given the distance — in a long maiden claimer route on the dirt, horses that can establish position early and rate comfortably tend to carry their advantage further. The race shaping around the Ness favorite makes this more of a show-of-form exercise.

Key Contenders

Bigshot Ness (3) at 1-1 for Jamie Ness with Hazlewood is the overwhelming choice in a six-horse maiden field and the name itself — Bigshot Ness (3) — carries obvious significance for the trainer angle. The 1-1 price is fair only if the horse profiles as significantly superior on ability, which Ness's record at this meet suggests is likely the case. Bigshot Ness (3) is a heavy single for win wagers, and bettors should look to use multiple horses underneath. River City Runner (5) at 3-1 for Trombetta with Vargas up is the top threat to the favorite. Trombetta and Ness are the two premier conditioners on the card today, and both have horses in the finale. River City Runner (5) represents the best chance to upset the heavy favorite at a worthwhile price.

Secondary Choices

Gonna Make It (4) at 4-1 for Feliciano with Karamanos up is a legitimate pace factor and secondary choice. Karamanos is a dependable veteran who will give this horse every chance. Cruisetheforest (1) at 5-1 for Irvin Flores with Villalobos up gets the inside rail but faces a significant step up in quality against a Ness favorite.

Longshots

Babble (6) at 8-1 for Nesvil Hernan Bailon with Christian Maldonado up and Perkins Gem (2) at 20-1 for Kevin Boniface with Briceno up are the remaining starters. Babble (6) at 8-1 is worth a small exacta play underneath the favorite. Perkins Gem (2) at 20-1 is essentially a throw-out at the price.

Selections

Win: Bigshot Ness (3) Place: River City Runner (5) Show: Gonna Make It (4)

Jockey Notes and Insights

Mychel Sanchez enters Sunday's card as the clear leader among Laurel Park's jockey colony in terms of both mounts and winners this meet. He picks up assignments on Bucaro (1) in Race 1, Overspent (5) in Race 2, Let Fly (15) in Race 3, Paco The Taco Man (1) in Race 7, and Bigshot Ness (3) — wait, Bigshot Ness (3) is listed for Hazlewood. Sanchez gets the live mounts across Races 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 today, and his win percentage at the meet has been among the highest on the grounds. In the double-booked situation in Race 1, where Sanchez is listed on both Bucaro (1) and Kohoutek (3), one of these mounts will require a jockey change before post time. The horse that retains Sanchez is worth a closer look in the final price.

Yedsit Hazlewood has been extremely active throughout the meet and has multiple mounts on today's card, including Big Tankness (5) in Race 5, Neverworkedaday (1) in Race 2, Lighten (9) in Race 4, and Bigshot Ness (3) in the finale. Hazlewood's presence on the Ness and Trombetta-barn horses suggests trainers with high win percentages trust his judgment. He is worth following throughout the card when paired with top conditioners.

Jose Vargas is another high-volume jockey on the card with mounts in nearly every race. Vargas consistently finds good spots and has demonstrated the ability to work through traffic in large-field turf sprints. His assignment on River City Runner (5) in Race 9 for Trombetta is one of his live mounts of the day.

H.A. Karamanos is a seasoned Maryland colony veteran with mounts throughout the card including Zio Lino (4) in Race 2, Maggie's Moon (6) in Race 4, The Count Is On (9) in Race 1, and Gonna Make It (4) in Race 9. Karamanos is steady and reliable, rarely making costly tactical errors.

Jevian Toledo picks up notable mounts including Robert's Moon (11) in Race 1 and Bourbon Outlaw (11) in Race 6 and Determind Princess (6) in Race 8. Toledo is a former meet-leading rider with enough experience to find winners in competitive spots.

Julian Pimentel's return to riding this weekend at Laurel Park after nearly five years away from the irons is being closely monitored by the Maryland racing community. While Pimentel does not carry major mounts on today's published card, his presence back at Laurel is a significant storyline and bettors should monitor any late jockey changes where Pimentel may fill in.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Jamie Ness is having an exceptional meet and enters Sunday's card with horses in Race 4 (LIGHTEN ), Race 5 (BIG TANKNESS ), Race 7 (PACO THE TACO MAN ), and Race 9 (BIGSHOT NESS ). Ness has consistently produced ready horses at the first asking, and his win percentage at this meet ranks among the highest on the grounds. When Ness sends out a morning-line favorite, particularly in maiden and allowance company, those horses deserve maximum respect. His co-favorite scenario in Race 4 with Lighten (9) and his even-money shot in Race 9 with Bigshot Ness (3) are the top banker plays of the day.

Michael Trombetta is the other elite conditioner on the card, with Bucaro (1) in Race 1, Enduring Gold (2) in Race 5, Derz Smart (7) and Christmas Spirit (1) in Race 6, and River City Runner (5) in Race 9. Trombetta's win rate at Laurel is consistently strong, and his horses at the allowance level are routinely fit and ready. Derz Smart (7) in Race 6 at 4-1 for Trombetta and Sanchez may be the single best value angle on the card given the trainer-jockey combination at a fair price.

Damon DiLodovico has entries throughout the card including The Count Is On (9) in Race 1, Zio Lino (4) in Race 2, Dad Joke (9) in Race 3, Maggie's Moon (6) in Race 4, Superlastingsecret (1) in Race 5, and others. DiLodovico is a steady, active conditioner at this meet and occasionally fires a horse at a big price. His starters deserve consideration in exotics.

Mary Eppler has multiple entries today — Star Atlas (12) in Race 3, Change My World (3) in Race 7, and Nothinglesswilldo (5) in Race 8. Eppler is one of the meet's more reliable mid-tier conditioners, and her horses frequently outperform their morning-line prices in allowance company.

Gary Capuano runs Great Quality (6) in Race 1 and Neverworkedaday (1) in Race 2. Capuano is a decorated Maryland trainer with a long track record at Laurel, and his heavy morning-line favorite in Race 2 is the top betting proposition for the win pool in the early part of the card.

Arnaud Delacour enters Creed's Vision (6) in Race 7 at 2-1. Delacour is among the most respected conditioners in the Mid-Atlantic region, and when he shows up at Laurel in allowance company, he is typically ready to fire. The co-2-1 morning line alongside Ness's Paco The Taco Man (1) makes Race 7 the most intriguing betting race on the card from a trainer-angle perspective.

Kevin Boniface runs Hooraw (3) and Goodluck Road (7) in Race 3, Juniper Juice (2) in Race 8, and Perkins Gem (2) in Race 9. Juniper Juice (2) in Race 8 is Boniface's standout and the race's morning-line favorite.

Susan Cooney has multiple entries including Blackthorne Brusca (5) in Race 6, Broadside Salvo (16) in Race 3, Virginia Fitz (9) in Race 5, and others throughout the card. Cooney is a steady presence at Laurel whose horses occasionally outrun their odds in turf routes.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The key banker on the card is Bigshot Ness (3) in Race 9. While 1-1 offers no win value, using Bigshot Ness (3) as the anchor in multi-race wagers — particularly as the final leg of a Pick 4 or Pick 5 — allows bettors to spread aggressively in earlier, more wide-open legs. The Ness barn's dominant form at this meet makes Bigshot Ness (3) as close to a single as anything on the card.

The top value win play of the day is Derz Smart (7) in Race 6. The Trombetta-Sanchez combination at 4-1 in a sixteen-horse turf route is the kind of trainer-jockey angle that serious bettors have exploited throughout this meet. Trombetta is elite, Sanchez is the colony's top jockey, and post seven in a turf route allows for tactical versatility. With Middleburg (15) likely to attract the bulk of the public money at 2-1 despite the problematic outside post, Derz Smart (7) represents a legitimate overlay.

Race 7 is the most attractive race for exacta and exacta box wagering. The six-horse allowance with two co-favorites at 2-1 — PACO THE TACO MAN (1) for Ness-Sanchez and CREED’S VISION (6) for Delacour-Marquez — creates a natural exacta scenario. A straight exacta of PACO THE TACO MAN (1) over CREED’S VISION (6) and a reverse of CREED’S VISION (6) over PACO THE TACO MAN (1) in a five-dollar exacta box could return meaningful value if the race runs true to form. Adding LOST MY SHOE (5) at 4-1 into the mix for Part-Wheel coverage is recommended.

For the Pick 4 covering Races 6 through 9, a suggested structure is: Derz Smart (7) with Middleburg (15) and Italiano Kid (4) in Race 6; Paco The Taco Man (1) with Creed's Vision (6) in Race 7; Juniper Juice (2) with All Gas No Brakes (1) and Happy This Day (10) in Race 8; singled to Bigshot Ness (3) in Race 9. This structure creates a manageable ticket with legitimate upside given the value price on Derz Smart (7) in the first leg.

For the trifecta in Race 1, the preferred play is Bucaro (1) on top, with Kohoutek (3) and Elvis Himself (5) in the second slot, and spreading widely to include One True Dude (10) and Laysen (7) in the third slot. The Sanchez conflict between Bucaro (1) and Kohoutek (3) adds an element of late-breaking information that could change the dynamics — whoever keeps Sanchez gets a mild upgrade.

Race 8 offers a legitimate exacta opportunity using JUNIPER JUICE (2) over ALL GAS NO BRAKES (1), with HAPPY THIS DAY (10) adding value in the third slot of a trifecta. The mares allowance on the turf is the type of race where the pace horse from the rail — ALL GAS NO BRAKES (1) at 4-1 — can outrun expectations when the Brion barn is firing.

The daily double connecting Race 8 and Race 9 — using Juniper Juice (2) and All Gas No Brakes (1) in Race 8 singled to Bigshot Ness (3) in Race 9 — is a clean, high-probability play to close out the afternoon.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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