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Laurel Park presents an eight-race card this Friday with first post at 12:00 PM Eastern. The track is running its Fall Meet through December 31, with live racing scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Carryovers on the card include a Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 3-8) at $5,869, a Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) at $794, and both Early Pick 5 (races 1-5) and Late Pick 5 (races 4-8) with no carryover.
The card features a mix of starter optional claiming events, allowance races, and a maiden special weight. Fields are moderately sized with competitive depth throughout the afternoon. Several trainers have multiple entries, creating interesting betting opportunities and potential intra-race dynamics.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Laurel, Maryland shows partly cloudy to overcast skies with temperatures reaching approximately 37-39°F during race hours and dropping to the mid-20s by evening. No significant precipitation is expected during the racing program, though morning conditions may include light wintry mix. The track surface should remain fast throughout the card.
Winds will be light from the northwest at 5-10 mph, creating minimal impact on racing conditions. With no recent heavy precipitation, the dirt surface should play consistently, favoring horses with tactical speed and good closing ability.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Laurel Park’s main dirt track measures 95 feet wide, making it one of the widest racing surfaces in North America. This configuration generally eliminates significant speed bias and provides ample room for horses to maneuver. Recent meet data indicates a slight advantage for outside posts, particularly in sprint races where stalls seven and beyond have shown higher win percentages.
For six-furlong sprints, speed horses can be dangerous, but the wide surface allows stalkers sitting just off the pace in paths three and four to secure optimal trips. In two-turn routes at 1 1/16 miles, outside posts seven and eight demonstrate a distinct advantage, with only 18 percent of winners emerging from the two inside posts. The one-mile distance shows less pronounced bias but still favors horses drawn outside posts one through three.
The turf course is not in use today, with all races scheduled for the main dirt track.
Race 1 – Starter Optional Claiming $16,000
Post Time: 12:00 PM
Pace Analysis
This seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares features several horses with early speed, setting up potential for honest fractions. Bourbon N Lace and Sippin’ Time both possess natural pace, while Over My Cents and Weekend Wife prefer to rate off the speed. The wide post positions should allow speed horses to clear without excessive bumping, creating a favorable setup for stalkers and closers.
Key Contenders
Over My Cents (PP 5, 7-2) finally broke through last out, rating off the early leader and wearing her down in the final stages. She moves up in class but faces a relatively soft field and should repeat her recent form. Weekend Wife (PP 8, 3-1) has faced tougher competition in recent starts and returns to a more appropriate level. She ran Brisnet figures in the 80s twice in April before a layoff and a return to that form makes her dangerous. Mun Mun Can Run (PP 6, 2-1) had a solid grass campaign and seeks improvement off a dull effort last out. This marks her dirt debut for a trainer who hits at 22 percent with turf-to-dirt runners.
Secondary Choices
Bourbon N Lace (PP 7, ML not listed) shows some speed and drops in class after facing tougher fields. She will be forwardly placed early. Rehoboth Avenue (PP 2) makes a surface switch after running on turf and adds blinkers, indicating trainer intent to be involved early.
Wagering Angles
The top three contenders appear closely matched, with Over My Cents getting the slight nod based on recent form and class relief for Weekend Wife. The exacta box using the top three makes sense, with a trifecta adding Bourbon N Lace underneath.
Selections
Win: Over My Cents
Place: Weekend Wife
Show: Mun Mun Can Run
Race 2 – Starter Optional Claiming $30,000
Post Time: 12:30 PM
Pace Analysis
At 1 1/16 miles, tactical positioning will be crucial. Mosler Time should secure a forward position from post one, while Feeling Woozy and Shake Em Loose will likely sit mid-pack. The outside post advantage for this distance makes Tops the Chart and Watch Out World interesting prospects. Expect moderate early fractions with acceleration on the far turn.
Key Contenders
Mosler Time (PP 1, 9-5) beat a better field at this level last out and has consistently run Brisnet figures in the 90s. He owns a 2-for-3 record at this distance and should handle the stretchout from one mile comfortably. Tops the Chart (PP 4, 6-1) has improved with each start since returning from a summer freshening and won at this level and distance in April. He raced closer to the pace last out and figures to be involved throughout.
Secondary Choices
Shake Em Loose (PP 6, 7-2) returns from a layoff but has faced much tougher competition throughout the year. His recent form against stronger fields makes this group look manageable. Feeling Woozy (PP 2, ML not listed) exits a win and will be involved early, though he may find these tougher than his last effort.
Wagering Angles
Mosler Time is the logical favorite but offers fair value at 9-5. The exacta with Tops the Chart underneath provides good coverage. Including Shake Em Loose in trifecta wagers adds depth.
Selections
Win: Mosler Time
Place: Tops the Chart
Show: Shake Em Loose
Race 3 – Starter Optional Claiming $25,000
Post Time: 1:00 PM
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares appears to have multiple speed horses, which could set up for a closer. Boutwell Time and Stress Reliever will likely contest the early lead, while Moon Gate and Anita Beer should sit just off the pace. The wide track should accommodate multiple pace scenarios without creating a significant speed bias.
Key Contenders
Don’t Fool With Me (PP 6, 8-1) ran a season-best figure last out in an easy victory, sitting a perfect stalk-and-pounce trip. With speed drawn to her inside, she looks poised for another favorable setup. Anita Beer (PP 7, 15-1) has taken two of her last three starts gate-to-wire and shows versatility, having run well from just off the pace at Delaware Park two starts back. Moon Gate (PP 1, 5-1) makes her Laurel debut after a solid effort at Parx and should be a factor throughout.
Secondary Choices
Ticklers (PP 8, 20-1) makes her first dirt start after four solid turf tries. She recovered from a bad start to win last out and may offer value at long odds. Gourmet (PP 3, 6-1) possesses tactical speed and has been competitive against similar company.
Wagering Angles
The morning favorite Boutwell Time appears vulnerable, making this race ripe for value plays. Don’t Fool With Me offers the best combination of recent form and projected trip. Using Anita Beer and Moon Gate in exacta and trifecta wagers provides coverage against the favorite.
Selections
Win: Don’t Fool With Me
Place: Anita Beer
Show: Moon Gate
Race 4 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 1:27 PM
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong sprint for two-year-olds should feature tactical early fractions. Skillian and Biker Baley both possess natural speed, while Lundi Loot and Spidey Man will likely sit in stalking positions. The field shows a good mix of early speed and late runners, setting up for a balanced race flow.
Key Contenders
Skillian (PP 1, 3-2) looked like a layover last out and ran like it, crushing an overmatched field with an impressive 88 figure. His runner-up finish on debut was validated when the horse that beat him won the Maryland Juvenile Stakes. Biker Baley (PP 3, 4-1) ran a dominant 15-length victory on debut with an 86 figure, showing raw talent despite being unruly before and after the race. He scratched from the Maryland Juvenile to run here, indicating trainer confidence.
Secondary Choices
Lundi Loot (PP 5, 5-1) takes a slight class drop after finishing fourth in the James Lewis Stakes last out. He was stakes-placed twice previously and worked sharply at Delaware last Thursday. Spidey Man (PP 4, 9-5) has been competitive in both starts and should improve with experience.
Wagering Angles
Skillian appears the likely winner based on recent dominance, but Biker Baley’s debut was so spectacular that he must be respected. An exacta box using the top two seems prudent, with Lundi Loot added to trifecta wagers.
Selections
Win: Skillian
Place: Biker Baley
Show: Lundi Loot
Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 1:56 PM
Pace Analysis
This seven-furlong maiden event for two-year-old fillies features several horses with strong recent form. Juniper’s Jubilee should secure a forward position, while Celtic Harp and Clearly Sophia will rally from off the pace. The distance suits stalkers more than pure speed, and the wide track should give closers every chance.
Key Contenders
Juniper’s Jubilee (PP 6, 9-5) went off as the heavy favorite last out, setting the pace and holding second behind a well-regarded first-time starter. There doesn’t appear to be any horse of that caliber in this field. Celtic Harp (PP 3, 4-1) made her debut last out, rallying from well back to finish second behind a horse who came back to win stakes next out. Her trainer does much better with second-time starters than first-timers.
Secondary Choices
Clearly Sophia (PP 4, 6-1) showed early speed in her debut then improved when switched to turf. Returning to dirt, she needs to maintain forward momentum. Too Loose La Trek (PP 8, 5-1) makes her dirt debut after a solid turf try and represents a strong trainer-jockey combination.
Wagering Angles
Juniper’s Jubilee appears the class of the field based on her recent efforts against tougher competition. Using Celtic Harp underneath provides coverage for the exacta, while Clearly Sophia adds value to trifecta tickets.
Selections
Win: Juniper’s Jubilee
Place: Celtic Harp
Show: Clearly Sophia
Race 6 – Starter Optional Claiming $12,500
Post Time: 2:30 PM
Pace Analysis
This seven-furlong starter optional claiming event features multiple horses dropping in class. El Divino Nino and Devil’s Cay should secure forward positions, while Magic Spin and Keeping It Country will be closing from off the pace. The outside post advantage could help Magic Spin and Brother Conway make late runs.
Key Contenders
El Divino Nino (PP 7, 7-2) led most of the way through fast fractions and held second last out. He drops from the $20,000 starter optional claiming level and possesses the best early pace figures in the race. Magic Spin (PP 8, 8-1) was fifth behind El Divino Nino last out and also drops after facing better competition throughout the year. He’ll capitalize if the pace melts down.
Secondary Choices
Devil’s Cay (PP 1A, 6-1) shows a strong late kick and loves to finish second, having placed second six times this year in 14 starts. He benefits from the same trainer and jockey as El Divino Nino. Keeping It Country (PP 5, 30-1) drops significantly in class and could surprise at long odds.
Wagering Angles
The coupled entry of Hatch and Devil’s Cay creates interesting betting dynamics. El Divino Nino appears the controlling speed, but Magic Spin offers better value as a closer. Including Devil’s Cay in exacta and trifecta wagers covers the stablemate scenario.
Selections
Win: El Divino Nino
Place: Magic Spin
Show: Devil’s Cay
Race 7 – Allowance (MD-Restricted)
Post Time: 3:02 PM
Pace Analysis
This one-mile allowance for Maryland-restricted fillies and mares should feature honest early fractions. Concrete Faze and Society Ball both have early speed, while Nancy Mary and Juniper Juice will be closing from off the pace. The distance and wide track configuration favor horses that can sustain their run around two turns.
Key Contenders
Nancy Mary (PP 4, 9-2) broke through to clear her non-winners of two condition two starts back, then finished a solid closing second at this level last out behind a horse who returned to win next out. She handles the extra distance and will be tough to beat. Concrete Faze (PP 1, 7-5) comes out of the same race as Nancy Mary and holds plenty of early speed, having won at this distance earlier this year. She seeks rebound after a disappointing favorite’s effort.
Secondary Choices
Juniper Juice (PP 5, 4-1) has hit the board in her last three grass starts and will be a late factor if her form transfers to dirt even partially. Society Ball (PP 3, ML not listed) possesses tactical speed and should be involved throughout.
Wagering Angles
Nancy Mary offers better value than the likely favorite Concrete Faze while appearing equally capable. Using both in exacta combinations makes sense, with Juniper Juice adding coverage to trifecta tickets as a potential longshot.
Selections
Win: Nancy Mary
Place: Concrete Faze
Show: Juniper Juice
Race 8 – Claiming $7,500
Post Time: 3:33 PM
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong claiming sprint closes the card with competitive depth. Daufuskie Island and The Wolfman should secure forward positions, while Woodline and Pudge Boy Palace rally from off the pace. The track’s wide configuration will give closers every opportunity, making this a pace-dependent affair.
Key Contenders
Pudge Boy Palace (PP 7, 5-1) took the scenic route to win over conditioned rivals last out, earning a 78 figure that represents his best effort in months. He steps up in class but maintains improving form and keeps the same jockey. Woodline (PP 1, 6-1) was no match for classy starter optional claiming rivals in his last two starts but ran figures of 77 and 80, which put him in the range needed to win this class drop.
Secondary Choices
The Wolfman (PP 6, 2-1) has been competitive at this level and should be forwardly placed throughout. Daufuskie Island (PP 5, 5-2) was an easy winner against similar two starts back and has gate-to-wire potential. Probale Ten (PP 2, 10-1) drops in class and may offer value underneath.
Wagering Angles
The anticipated low odds on The Wolfman and Daufuskie Island make Pudge Boy Palace and Woodline more appealing value plays. Using all four in exacta and trifecta combinations provides solid coverage in a competitive finale.
Selections
Win: Pudge Boy Palace
Place: Woodline
Show: The Wolfman
Jockey Notes and Insights
Raul Mena rides multiple live horses throughout the card including Bourbon N Lace (Race 1), Clearly Sophia (Race 5), Devil’s Cay (Race 6), and Concrete Faze (Race 7). His ability to adapt tactics based on pace scenarios makes him dangerous on both front-runners and closers.
Martin Chuan has the call on several key contenders including Uncle Cat (Race 2), Don’t Fool With Me (Race 3), Devil’s Cay (Race 6), and Concrete Faze (Race 7). He has developed strong rapport with trainer Jamie Ness, and their combined entries warrant extra respect.
Jevian Toledo pilots Mun Mun Can Run (Race 1), Skillian (Race 4), and El Divino Nino (Race 6). He excels at rating speed horses and saving ground around turns, which benefits his mounts today.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jamie Ness sends out multiple strong contenders including Mosler Time (Race 2), Don’t Fool With Me (Race 3), Devil’s Cay (Race 6), and Concrete Faze (Race 7). His barn has maintained strong form throughout the meet, and his horses typically show up with forward intentions.
Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon conditions Bourbon N Lace and Over My Cents in Race 1, creating a potential stablemate exacta scenario. He also trains Woodline in the eighth race, giving him multiple live horses on the card.
Michael E. Gorham sends out Bourbon N Lace (Race 1) and Clearly Sophia (Race 5), both dropping in class and showing recent signs of improvement. His horses often benefit from equipment changes and tactical adjustments.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The early Pick 5 (races 1-5) offers a solid opportunity to build tickets around logical favorites while going deeper in competitive races. Using Over My Cents, Mosler Time, Don’t Fool With Me, Skillian, and Juniper’s Jubilee as single options in their respective legs allows for wider coverage in the more competitive third and fourth races.
The late Pick 5 (races 4-8) presents more challenging sequencing. Consider using multiple horses in the fourth and sixth races while potentially singling Juniper’s Jubilee in the fifth and Nancy Mary in the seventh if building on a budget.
Value plays on the card include Anita Beer (Race 3, 15-1), Ticklers (Race 3, 20-1), Biker Baley (Race 4, 4-1), and Pudge Boy Palace (Race 8, 5-1). Each offers higher odds than their recent form and trip projections suggest they deserve.
The Jackpot Super High 5 in race six could provide value if focusing on the logical speed of El Divino Nino while spreading underneath with Magic Spin, Devil’s Cay, Keeping It Country, and Brother Conway at projected single-digit odds.
For horizontal wagers, consider structuring tickets that use the likely favorites in races 2, 4, 5, and 7 while spreading in the more competitive first, third, sixth, and eighth races. This approach balances coverage with cost efficiency while capitalizing on the consensus strongest opinions of the handicapping community.
