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Laurel Park presents a full 10-race card on Friday, November 14, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. The program features a diverse mix of claiming races at various levels, Maryland-restricted allowance events, and a maiden claiming finale for 2-year-olds. The card includes both dirt and turf racing, with five races scheduled on the main track and several opportunities for turf racing if conditions permit. The Pick 6 jackpot currently stands at $7,954, providing additional wagering opportunities throughout the afternoon.
Multiple horses on the card have recently been scratched from previous attempts, including Rerun Table who was scratched twice in recent weeks due to track conditions and illness, and several others making their return after various veterinary issues. The scratch watch indicates that several horses have previous main-track-only restrictions, suggesting weather and track conditions will play a significant role in final field composition.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Laurel, Maryland on November 14, 2025 calls for mostly sunny conditions with a high temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. These mild, dry conditions should result in a fast main track and firm turf course, ideal for racing. November temperatures in the Laurel area typically range from 41 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and current conditions are slightly warmer than average.
The track has been listed as fast for the dirt surface with no recent precipitation reported. The turf course rail positioning is set at 87 feet for Race 5 and 35 feet for Race 8, indicating different configurations for the turf events. Clear, dry weather ensures all turf races should remain on the grass without concerns about off-turf scenarios.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Laurel Park features one of the widest racing surfaces in North America, which effectively eliminates significant bias toward frontrunners. The track configuration tends to slightly favor closers, particularly in route races, as horses who begin their move around the turn often find ample space to stretch out and maneuver. This characteristic becomes especially pronounced in longer races where pace dynamics play a crucial role.
Post position analysis reveals distinct patterns depending on surface and distance. On the turf course, middle stalls four and five have produced the highest winning percentage, accounting for nearly 38 percent of winners during the 2019 meet. Inside posts on turf have proven largely unproductive, while stalls six and seven each produce winners at approximately 16.7 percent. For dirt sprints, post position bias appears relatively balanced with stall seven showing slight profitability.
In route races on the main track, outside posts demonstrate a clear advantage, particularly stalls seven and eight which have produced a high number of winners. Just 18 percent of route winners emerge from the two inside posts, providing strong evidence that the wider track at Laurel benefits horses drawn wide in longer races. The 1 1/16-mile distance shows particularly strong post position influence, making outside draws valuable in route events.
Race 1 – Claiming (6 Furlongs, Dirt)
Post Time
12:00 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
This claiming sprint for three-year-olds and upward appears likely to feature contested early fractions with multiple horses possessing early speed. Daddy Yankee and several others figure to press the pace from the outset, which could set up a scenario favoring late-running types. The wide Laurel surface should provide sufficient room for multiple speed horses to settle into comfortable stalking positions without compromising their chances.
Key Contenders
Uniwinner emerges as the consensus top selection based on his recent form and tactical versatility. Drawn in post eight, he benefits from an outside position that aligns with Laurel’s tendency to favor wider posts in competitive fields. Handicappers have tabbed him as the morning line favorite at 3-1 odds with strong support across multiple selections.
Oleg represents a strong alternative based on consensus selections, with handicappers establishing him as a serious threat at 9-5 morning line odds. His recent efforts suggest he can adapt to the expected pace scenario and position himself for a strong finish.
Secondary Choices
City Panda garners attention from handicappers as a legitimate contender trained by Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon and ridden by Yomar Orlando Ortiz. His recent form suggests improvement and he benefits from connections showing solid meet statistics. Hawkstone also merits consideration as a secondary option based on handicapping consensus, offering potential value at longer odds.
Find Faith enters with experience advantages over several rivals and has shown competitiveness in similar claiming company. The gelding’s consistent efforts make him a logical contender beneath the top choices.
Wagering Strategy
The race sets up as a competitive claiming sprint where using multiple horses in horizontal wagers appears prudent. Exacta and trifecta tickets should include Uniwinner on top with City Panda, Oleg, and Hawkstone in supporting positions. Daily double opportunities connecting to the second race offer value, particularly keying top selections with a broader group in Race 2.
Selections
Win: Uniwinner
Place: City Panda
Show: Oleg
Race 2 – Claiming (5 1/2 Furlongs, Dirt)
Post Time
12:28 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
The abbreviated distance at five and one-half furlongs typically produces contested early pace, and this field appears no exception with multiple horses capable of showing speed from the gate. The sprint distance leaves little margin for error, favoring horses who can establish favorable position early and sustain their run through the final furlong. Closers face a challenging task at this distance unless early pace becomes exceptionally hot.
Key Contenders
Artist Mark receives strong backing from handicapping consensus based on recent form improvements and favorable class positioning. His scratch from a previous starter optional claiming event on October 26 appears to have been part of strategic placement into this softer spot. The connections have demonstrated patience in finding the right opportunity.
Oleg appears again in handicapper selections, though this represents a different horse than the Oleg mentioned in Race 1, receiving consideration at 9-5 odds with tactical early speed that suits the distance. His ability to control the tempo could prove decisive in this abbreviated sprint.
Secondary Choices
Breezing Up enters as a logical alternative with Angel Cruz aboard, bringing experience in similar company. The gelding’s recent efforts indicate competitiveness at this level and the jockey change could spark improvement. Who Says So also merits attention after being scratched from a previous starter optional claiming attempt, suggesting connections have been selective about placement.
Chase a Dream represents an intriguing option for trainer Mario Serey Jr., showing improvement patterns that make him dangerous at a price.
Wagering Strategy
This competitive claiming sprint offers opportunities for value-based horizontal wagers. Exacta boxes including the top three selections provide reasonable coverage while maintaining healthy payoff potential. Consider incorporating this race into early Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences, spreading among the top four choices.
Selections
Win: Artist Mark
Place: Oleg
Show: Breezing Up
Race 3 – Allowance Optional Claiming (6 Furlongs, Dirt)
Post Time
12:56 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
This allowance optional claiming event for 2-year-old fillies without Lasix represents a significant class test for the field. The six-furlong distance should produce moderate early fractions as connections exercise caution with developing fillies. The race conditions create uncertainty as several fillies face meaningful class challenges.
Key Contenders
Peach Tie stands out as the consensus choice based on her superior form and strong connections with trainer Brittany Russell and jockey Sheldon Russell. The Russell combination has been exceptionally effective during the current Laurel meet, with Brittany Russell leading all trainers with 27 wins from 88 starts at a 31 percent clip. Sheldon Russell has been equally impressive, winning 18 of 73 mounts.
Miss Fulton Gal represents a legitimate contender who disappointed in the White Clay Creek Stakes at a mile but should appreciate the cutback to six furlongs. Her maiden victory came at this exact distance two starts back, suggesting she fits better sprinting. Morning line odds of 6-1 may undervalue her chances returning to a preferred trip.
Secondary Choices
Law School enters with solid credentials for trainer Jamie Ness, who ranks among the leading trainers at the current meet with 14 wins from 72 starts. The filly’s connections inspire confidence even as she faces a formidable task against Peach Tie.
Last Gift offers significant value at 20-1 morning line odds after winning impressively against $25,000 claimers. She has posted consecutive speed figures in the 70s, representing her two best career efforts after struggling early in her career. The class jump appears significant, but her improvement trajectory makes her a dangerous longshot.
Rerun Table returns after being scratched twice in recent weeks, most recently due to illness on November 2. Her earlier scratch from an October 25 allowance optional claiming event came due to main-track-only restrictions. The multiple scratches raise questions about form and fitness.
Wagering Strategy
Peach Tie appears vulnerable despite being favored, creating opportunities for creative wagering approaches. Consider exacta wheels using Miss Fulton Gal and Law School over the field while also including Last Gift as a saver at generous odds. Trifecta tickets should incorporate multiple combinations given the competitive nature of the field.
Selections
Win: Peach Tie
Place: Miss Fulton Gal
Show: Law School
Race 4 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1 1/16 Miles, Dirt)
Post Time
1:26 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
The two-turn route at 1 1/16 miles should favor horses with tactical speed who can establish position without expending excessive energy early. The distance at Laurel has historically shown significant post position bias favoring outside posts, which could influence the complexion of this allowance optional claiming event. Expect moderate early fractions with acceleration on the far turn.
Key Contenders
The entry of Love Me Not and Hagrid’s Flame represents a formidable coupling for trainer Jamie Ness. Love Me Not brings proven class and experience at the distance, making the entry a logical choice as consensus favorite. Mychel Sanchez takes the mount on Love Me Not, forming a partnership that has produced solid results during the meet.
Manor House enters off a layoff but possesses the class credentials to compete effectively in this spot. Trainer Bruno Tessore has placed the gelding strategically, and Jorge Ruiz’s presence in the irons adds confidence. Ruiz ranks among the leading jockeys at the current meet with 31 wins from 113 starts and shows particular effectiveness in routes.
Secondary Choices
Top Blood offers an intriguing alternative at 30-1 morning line odds for trainer Jose Corrales, who has saddled 10 winners from 74 starters during the meet. The gelding’s recent form suggests potential for improvement, and Jean Gregor Briceno provides capable handling.
Antisocial represents a legitimate contender for Jorge Duarte Jr., showing consistency in similar company. The colt’s tactical speed should allow him to secure favorable position tracking the pace.
Crossland merits attention as a secondary choice based on recent efforts and trainer Kerry Hohlbein’s placement. His experience at the distance and ability to close from off the pace suit the expected race shape.
Wagering Strategy
The entry creates a natural single in multi-race wagers, though the competitive nature of the field warrants caution in vertical bets. Exacta and trifecta tickets should utilize the entry on top while spreading underneath among Manor House, Antisocial, and Top Blood for value. This race serves as a logical anchor point for Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences.
Selections
Win: Love Me Not (entry)
Place: Manor House
Show: Antisocial
Race 5 – Allowance (5 1/2 Furlongs, Turf)
Post Time
1:55 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
The turf sprint at five and one-half furlongs for Maryland-bred or Maryland-sired fillies and mares should produce honest early fractions on the firm turf course. The rail positioning at 87 feet creates a wider racing surface that typically benefits horses drawn in middle posts four and five. Early speed figures to be at a premium at this abbreviated distance.
Key Contenders
Preparefortakeoff emerges as a logical contender based on her experience and tactical versatility in turf sprints. Jeiron Barbosa takes the mount, and the combination should be able to secure favorable position from post two. Barbosa has shown effectiveness on the turf during the meet.
Boujee Bubblez represents a strong alternative for trainer Hugh McMahon, who has demonstrated consistent success at Laurel with 28.85 percent winners from 208 starts. The filly’s recent form indicates readiness for this Maryland-restricted event.
Secondary Choices
Yo Adrian garners attention based on connections with trainer Jamie Ness and jockey Martin Chuan. The filly’s tactical speed suits the turf sprint distance and middle post draw of five positions her well given Laurel’s turf post bias.
Money’s Worth brings solid credentials for trainer H. Graham Motion, one of the region’s most respected horsemen. Jorge Ruiz’s presence provides a significant rider upgrade, and Ruiz has shown particular effectiveness on Laurel’s turf course with multiple wins during the meet.
Lady Ensign completes the group of logical contenders with Hugh McMahon handling training duties. Yedsit Hazlewood takes the mount, forming a partnership that has proven highly effective with four wins, four seconds, and four thirds in their last 15 starts together.
Wagering Strategy
The Maryland-restricted nature of this allowance creates parity that warrants spreading in exacta and trifecta wagers. Consider using the top two selections in exacta boxes while expanding trifecta coverage to include Yo Adrian and Money’s Worth. This race offers value opportunities for horizontal wagers given the competitive field composition.
Selections
Win: Preparefortakeoff
Place: Boujee Bubblez
Show: Yo Adrian
Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1 Mile, Dirt)
Post Time
2:24 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
The one-mile allowance optional claiming event for older horses should produce tactical early pace with several horses possessing natural speed. The distance falls short of Laurel’s route configuration where outside posts show maximum advantage, but wider draws still provide benefit over inside positions. Expect horses to establish position through the first turn before acceleration begins on the far turn.
Key Contenders
Worcester receives strong backing from handicappers based on form and connections with trainer Brittany Russell and jockey Sheldon Russell. The Russell combination continues to dominate the Laurel meet, and Worcester represents another opportunity for the tandem to visit the winner’s circle. His scratch from a previous allowance optional claiming attempt on October 19 due to veterinary issues appears resolved.
The entry of Call Me Fast and Wild Vine for trainer Jamie Ness creates significant value in this competitive allowance field. Mychel Sanchez rides both entries, and the coupling provides tactical flexibility with two distinct running styles. Call Me Fast brings natural speed while Wild Vine offers closing punch.
Secondary Choices
Fulmineo represents an intriguing option after being scratched as also-eligible from a maiden special weight turf event on October 11. Trainer Arnaud Delacour has placed him strategically in this spot, and Victor Carrasco provides experienced handling. Morning line odds of 10-1 appear generous based on his credentials.
Quick to Accuse enters with solid form after being scratched from a previous allowance optional claiming attempt on October 19 due to main-track-only restrictions. The current fast track eliminates that concern, and trainer Panagiotis Synnefias has his charge ready.
Seven’s Eleven offers value consideration after being scratched by the stewards from a previous attempt on October 19. The scratch appears administrative rather than fitness-related, suggesting he remains competitive in this spot. Morning line odds of 15-2 via Yedsit Hazlewood create betting interest.
Longshots
Duke of Gloucester merits attention as a live longshot for trainer Michael Moore. Dexter Haddock takes the mount, bringing experience and tactical awareness to the assignment. His outside post position of 11 aligns with Laurel’s tendency to favor wider draws in competitive fields.
Wagering Strategy
The competitive nature of this allowance field suggests spreading among multiple horses in exacta and trifecta wagers. Consider using Worcester and the entry of Call Me Fast and Wild Vine as the foundation of multi-race wagers while including Fulmineo and Quick to Accuse for value underneath. This race serves as an ideal anchor for Pick 3 sequences into the late races.
Selections
Win: Worcester
Place: Call Me Fast (entry)
Show: Fulmineo
Race 7 – Allowance (6 Furlongs, Dirt)
Post Time
2:54 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
The Maryland-restricted allowance sprint at six furlongs appears likely to feature honest early fractions with multiple horses possessing natural speed. The competitive nature of the field suggests tactical positioning will prove crucial as the race unfolds. Laurel’s wide surface should accommodate multiple pace scenarios without creating a significant speed bias.
Key Contenders
Wickeddivine receives attention from handicapping sources based on recent form and potential for improvement. Jeiron Barbosa brings tactical awareness that should help secure favorable position from the outside post 10. Trainer Kenneth Cox has his charge spotted appropriately.
Great Heavens represents a logical contender for trainer Jose Magana with Forest Boyce handling riding duties. The gelding’s consistency in Maryland-restricted company makes him a threat to any field at this level.
Secondary Choices
Change My World offers intriguing value at 6-1 morning line odds for trainer Mary Eppler. Jorge Ruiz takes the mount, forming a partnership that has proven effective during the meet. Ruiz’s 31 wins from 113 starts place him among the meet’s leading riders.
Paco the Taco Man merits consideration based on recent efforts for trainer Annette Eubanks. Angel Cruz provides experienced handling from post two. The combination should be able to secure stalking position behind the pace.
Cattivo Ragazzo returns after being re-entered following a previous allowance attempt on November 7. The re-entry suggests trainer Gary Capuano believes his charge is ready for another attempt at this level. Yedsit Hazlewood takes the mount, bringing meet-leading credentials with 36 wins from 158 starts.
Wagering Strategy
The Maryland-restricted nature creates parity that favors spreading in horizontal wagers. Exacta boxes including the top three selections provide solid coverage while trifecta tickets should expand to include Paco the Taco Man and Cattivo Ragazzo. This race offers opportunities for creative Pick 3 and Pick 4 constructions into the final races.
Selections
Win: Wickeddivine
Place: Great Heavens
Show: Change My World
Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1 Mile, Turf)
Post Time
3:23 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
The turf mile for fillies and mares should produce moderate early fractions as horses jockey for position on the firm turf course. The rail positioning at 35 feet creates a tighter turf configuration than earlier in the card, potentially influencing tactical decisions. Middle posts figure to provide optimal positioning given Laurel’s turf post bias favoring stalls four and five.
Key Contenders
Tour Jete emerges as the primary selection based on detailed trip analysis and recent form progression. She has stepped forward significantly since joining trainer Fernando Abreu’s barn in early October, producing lifetime-best speed figures of 113 and 108 in competitive events at Belmont Park. Her tactical versatility allows her to adapt to various pace scenarios, and jockey Jorge Ruiz brings strong turf credentials with eight wins from his last 17 turf mounts at Laurel.
Amie’s Symphony represents a formidable opponent based on her recent allowance victory at Laurel on October 19. She capitalized on a perfect rail trip to produce a career-best effort, though that trip setup raises questions about her ability to repeat without similar circumstances. Trainer Michael Trombetta ranks among the meet leaders with 19 wins from 95 starts.
Secondary Choices
Central Casting offers strong value based on recent form improvements for trainer Jamie Ness. Her October 25 allowance victory at six furlongs on turf came after sitting a perfect trip behind hot pace. While she profiles as a sprinter, her strong finish suggests she may handle the stretch to a mile. Mychel Sanchez provides consistent handling.
Lute Warm enters as a potentially vulnerable favorite based on concerning historical patterns with trainer Brittany Russell. Russell has managed only three wins from 26 starters returning from layoffs of 300 days or longer in allowance company, producing a negative return on investment of $0.74. Lute Warm’s disappointing effort in her last start at Fair Grounds in December, combined with the long layoff, creates significant doubt about her readiness.
Longshots
Cut From Class merits attention after being scratched as also-eligible from a previous maiden special weight attempt on October 11. Her graduation to this level represents a significant class test, but connections with trainer Caitlin Keil and jockey Jevian Toledo inspire confidence.
Wagering Strategy
Tour Jete represents the savvier play against a potentially vulnerable favorite in Lute Warm. Exacta tickets should feature Tour Jete on top with Amie’s Symphony and Central Casting underneath. Trifecta coverage should expand to include multiple combinations given the competitive nature of allowance company. This race serves as a crucial component of late Pick 3 sequences.
Selections
Win: Tour Jete
Place: Amie’s Symphony
Show: Central Casting
Race 9 – Allowance (6 Furlongs, Dirt)
Post Time
3:53 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
The Maryland-restricted allowance sprint for fillies and mares figures to develop into a pace-driven contest with multiple horses capable of showing early speed. The projected fast early fractions should set up a favorable scenario for horses possessing tactical speed and closing ability. Laurel’s tendency to favor closers becomes particularly relevant in sprint races with contested pace.
Key Contenders
The entry of Sassafrassness and Concrete Faze for trainer Jamie Ness represents exceptional value in this Maryland-restricted allowance. Sassafrassness brings powerful recent form after setting an honest pace to wire her field in an October 9 allowance at Delaware Park. Remarkably, she accomplished this on a track presenting a closer bias, earning an upgrade for her front-running effort. The cutback to six furlongs should pose no concerns given her tactical speed.
Concrete Faze adds significant depth to the entry based on her versatile running style and strong dirt form. Prior to her respectable effort in the Maryland Million Ladies Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf, she had produced form figures of 1-1-2-1-3-3 while utilizing various tactical approaches on dirt. Her record shows four wins in her last six dirt sprints, demonstrating effectiveness both from on and off the pace. The return to dirt with Lasix following her turf stakes attempt positions her ideally.
Secondary Choices
Esroh merits attention as a value option after her distant eighth-place finish in the Maryland Million Distaff Stakes on October 11. She pressed a fast pace at 51-1 odds on a closer-friendly track, creating an excusable defeat. The return to lower-level company and shorter distance should see her perform to better effect, though concern remains about whether the stakes attempt left a mark.
Weekend Wife enters second off a layoff for trainer Timothy Keefe. Her September 19 effort lacked visible excuse as she weakened too early to attribute the defeat to fitness. She needs significant improvement with Lasix added.
Longshots
Nancy Mary offers value consideration after her October 24 claiming victory where she rallied from a wide trip to collar the leader just in time. The wide journey entitles her effort to an upgrade, though doubt remains about whether a more ground-saving trip will produce enough improvement to win this afternoon. She appears better suited as an underneath player.
Itsamonstamash returns freshened for trainer John Robb after a disappointing sixth-place finish on September 13. She was outpaced throughout that effort and will need substantial improvement to factor.
Wagering Strategy
The entry of Sassafrassness and Concrete Faze represents exceptional value and should anchor all wagering approaches. While the 6-5 morning line odds on the entry appear short, the combination of recent form and tactical flexibility justifies confidence. Exacta and trifecta tickets should feature the entry on top with Esroh, Weekend Wife, and Nancy Mary providing value underneath.
Selections
Win: Sassafrassness (entry)
Place: Esroh
Show: Weekend Wife
Race 10 – Maiden Claiming (6 Furlongs, Dirt)
Post Time
4:23 PM Eastern
Pace Analysis
The maiden claiming finale for 2-year-olds without Lasix presents challenges in pace projection given the inexperience of several runners. First-time starters and horses with limited experience create uncertainty, though the six-furlong distance typically produces honest early fractions as connections test their juveniles. Form analysis focuses heavily on debut performances and breeding indicators.
Key Contenders
The entry of Pippin the Warrior and Biker Baley for trainer Hugh McMahon represents the consensus choice based on connections and recent form. Pippin the Warrior produced an eye-catching second-place finish in his most recent start on October 25 after a troubled beginning. He bumped hard at the break, raced greenly behind the pace while angling wide, briefly steadied at the top of the stretch, then surged powerfully late to miss by a neck before galloping out clear in front.
His visual performance suggested capability far beyond his modest 34 Beyer speed figure, and the extra sixteenth of a furlong today should benefit his late-running style. The combination of McMahon and apprentice jockey Yedsit Hazlewood has been exceptional recently, teaming for four wins, four seconds, and four thirds in their last 15 starts. Hazlewood leads all riders at the meet with 36 wins from 158 starts.
Biker Baley makes his career debut as part of the entry, adding tactical flexibility with an unknown running style.
Secondary Choices
No More Calls merits consideration based on his October 25 third-place finish where he overcame a messy start to rally strongly. He suffered bumps on both sides at the break but lacked speed, then waited patiently for a rail opening before cutting the corner into the lane and gaining lengths. He straightened for the drive just 2.5 lengths back and finished willingly while drifting into the three path. A repeat of this effort should see him competitive, though others possess more upside.
Q Got Hops makes his career debut for trainer Anthony Pecoraro, adding intrigue to the finale. Angel Cruz takes the mount from post nine, creating tactical flexibility.
Longshots
Gonzalo offers value consideration at 12-1 morning line odds after a third-place finish at Mountaineer on November 5. He chased the pace before weakening but showed enough to warrant respect with the addition of blinkers today. The equipment change could spark improvement.
Sin Sin brings experience from seven previous starts, though his recent efforts have been disappointing. He set a fast, pressured pace to a mile before stopping in his last start, confirming that distance exceeded his capabilities. The return to sprinting should see him perform closer to his earlier form levels.
Wagering Strategy
The entry of Pippin the Warrior and Biker Baley appears to offer solid value given the uncertainty inherent in maiden claiming events. While favorites in maiden races can prove vulnerable, the combination of connections, recent form, and tactical flexibility makes the entry a logical wagering foundation. Exacta tickets should feature the entry on top with No More Calls and Q Got Hops underneath. Trifecta coverage should expand to include Gonzalo and Sin Sin for value.
Selections
Win: Pippin the Warrior (entry)
Place: No More Calls
Show: Q Got Hops
Jockey Notes and Insights
Yedsit Hazlewood dominates the current Laurel Park meet with 36 wins from 158 starts, establishing a commanding lead in the jockey standings. His 23 percent win rate on dirt and 33 percent strike rate on turf demonstrate versatility across surfaces. Hazlewood shows particular effectiveness with favorites, winning at a 67 percent clip when tabbed as the public choice. His average win payoff of $7.50 indicates he frequently provides value beyond chalk prices.
The teenage apprentice has been especially dominant in recent weeks, including a four-win performance on October 10. His partnership with trainer Hugh McMahon has proven exceptionally productive, combining for four wins, four seconds, and four thirds in their last 15 starts together. On the Friday card, Hazlewood rides in multiple races including the nightcap aboard Pippin the Warrior, where their recent success suggests strong winning potential.
Jorge Ruiz ranks second in the current standings with 31 wins from 113 starts. His 22 percent win rate on dirt and 26 percent strike rate on turf demonstrate consistent effectiveness. Ruiz has been particularly successful on Laurel’s turf course recently, winning eight of his last 17 turf mounts for a remarkable 47 percent win rate and $5.47 return on investment. His proficiency in route races makes him especially dangerous in longer events.
Sheldon Russell completes the triumvirate of leading riders with 18 wins from 73 starts, posting a solid 24 percent win rate. His 50 percent strike rate on turf stands out as exceptional, though the sample size remains modest. Russell’s partnership with trainer Brittany Russell has proven dominant, with the duo combining for multiple stakes victories during the meet. His 44 percent win rate with favorites indicates strong live mount selection.
Jevian Toledo ranks prominently with 22 wins from 151 starts, demonstrating consistency if not the explosive win rate of the leaders. His 15 percent win rate on dirt and 26 percent rate on turf show surface versatility. Mychel Sanchez provides solid value with six wins from 41 starts, showing particular effectiveness in allowance company where he wins at 20 percent. His presence on Jamie Ness-trained entries typically signals strong confidence from the barn.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brittany Russell leads all trainers at the current Laurel meet with 27 wins from 88 starts, producing an exceptional 31 percent win rate and 56 percent in-the-money percentage. Her $1,018,800 in purse earnings significantly outpaces all rivals. Russell’s success spans all divisions and conditions, from maiden claiming through stakes competition. Her horses typically offer fair value with competitive odds reflecting their strong chances.
Russell’s recent weekend performance included four wins from 14 starters, maintaining her position atop the standings. Her partnership with jockey Sheldon Russell has been particularly effective, combining for multiple stakes victories including the James F. Lewis III Stakes and Thirty Eight Go Go Stakes. Horses trained by Russell merit automatic respect regardless of surface or distance.
Jamie Ness ranks prominently with 14 wins from 72 starts during the meet. His tactical acumen in placing horses shows in his consistent success across claiming, allowance, and stakes divisions. Ness demonstrates particular effectiveness with entries, often coupling horses with complementary running styles to create tactical advantages. His horses frequently offer value as he tends to avoid overmatching while finding spots where his charges can compete effectively.
Ness has been especially successful recently with horses returning to preferred conditions, as evidenced by Concrete Faze’s strong record on dirt compared to turf. His willingness to experiment with distance and surface helps identify optimal conditions for each horse. Ness trainees deserve strong consideration in horizontal wagers given their competitive pricing and legitimate chances.
Michael Trombetta ranks among the meet leaders with 19 wins from 95 starts, posting a 20 percent win rate. His $783,313 in purse earnings ranks second only to Russell. Trombetta’s operation focuses on quality over quantity, carefully selecting spots where his horses possess legitimate advantages. His presence in allowance and stakes races typically signals serious intent.
Jose Corrales has saddled 10 winners from 74 starts, demonstrating solid competitiveness across claiming and allowance divisions. Hugh McMahon shows consistent success with 28.85 percent winners from 208 career starts at Laurel. His recent partnership with Yedsit Hazlewood has proven especially productive. Horses from the McMahon barn merit attention, particularly when coupled with Hazlewood.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The late Pick 3 spanning Races 8-9-10 offers exceptional value potential given the competitive nature of Race 8 combined with logical singles in Races 9 and 10. Using Tour Jete as a single or primary horse in Race 8 while keying the Sassafrassness-Concrete Faze entry in Race 9 and the Pippin the Warrior-Biker Baley entry in Race 10 creates a ticket with significant upside at reasonable cost. The strategy capitalizes on potentially vulnerable favorites while utilizing entries that provide value through tactical flexibility.
The Pick 4 spanning Races 6-7-8-9 presents opportunities for aggressive players willing to take stands. Using Worcester and the Call Me Fast-Wild Vine entry in Race 6, spreading modestly in the competitive Race 7, keying Tour Jete in Race 8, and singling the Sassafrassness-Concrete Faze entry in Race 9 balances risk and reward. This approach requires confidence in several key horses but offers substantial payoff potential if connections hold.
Early daily double opportunities exist connecting Race 1 into Race 2, where using Uniwinner with Artist Mark and Oleg creates solid coverage at reasonable cost. The opening races typically produce competitive fields at Laurel, making horizontal wagers more valuable than aggressive multi-race bets early in the card. Exacta and trifecta tickets in the first two races provide opportunities to build bankroll before attacking late Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences.
The Pick 6 jackpot standing at $7,954 creates interest for players seeking major scores. A successful Pick 6 strategy requires balancing singles in races with clear standouts against spreading in competitive events. Race 4 with the Love Me Not-Hagrid’s Flame entry and Race 9 with the Sassafrassness-Concrete Faze entry offer logical single opportunities. Spreading more liberally in Races 1, 2, 6, and 7 while taking stands in Races 8 and 10 creates tickets with winning potential while managing costs.
Value plays exist throughout the card for players focusing on win betting. Last Gift at 20-1 in Race 3 offers significant upside based on her recent improvement pattern. Duke of Gloucester at 15-1 in Race 6 brings legitimate credentials despite long odds. Tour Jete in Race 8 may offer value if Lute Warm attracts heavy favorite support despite concerning layoff patterns. Gonzalo at 12-1 in Race 10 provides longshot potential with blinkers added for his debut at Laurel.
Exacta box strategies work particularly well in Maryland-restricted races where field quality creates parity. Races 5, 7, and 9 all feature Maryland-bred or Maryland-sired conditions that typically produce competitive betting. Boxing three or four horses in these events provides solid coverage while maintaining healthy payoff potential. Trifecta wheels using top selections over the field in these races offer attractive risk-reward profiles.
Cross-track Pick 4 opportunities may exist for players willing to incorporate Laurel races into sequences with other tracks running simultaneously. The strong form of Laurel’s leading trainers and jockeys creates confidence when using their horses as singles in multi-track wagers. Brittany Russell, Jamie Ness, and Hugh McMahon trainees merit particular attention when constructing these tickets.
Place and show betting provides value in competitive maiden and claiming races where favorites often face challenges. Races 1, 2, and 10 all present scenarios where multiple horses possess legitimate winning chances, making place and show wagering on secondary choices an attractive alternative to aggressive win betting. This conservative approach allows bankroll preservation while maintaining action throughout the card.
