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Laurel Park features a 10-race card on Saturday, November 15, 2025, highlighted by competitive allowance races and starter optional claiming events on both turf and dirt. The card features several competitive fields, with post time set at 12:00 PM EST for the first race. Brittany Russell leads the meet with 27 wins, followed by Michael Trombetta with 19 victories and Jamie Ness with 14 wins. Sheldon Russell recently earned Jockey of the Week honors and maintains a high riding percentage during the meet.
Weather and Track Conditions
Mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-50s and highs reaching 54 degrees Fahrenheit are forecast for Saturday. West winds at 5 to 10 mph are expected with overnight lows in the low 40s. These ideal conditions should produce fast main track surfaces and firm turf courses, favoring tactical speed and versatile runners.
Track Bias and Post Position Tendencies
Laurel Park features one of the widest racing surfaces in North America, which effectively eliminates significant frontrunner bias. The track layout tends to favor closers slightly, especially in route races, as horses making their moves around the turn find plenty of space to stretch out and maneuver. On the turf course, middle stalls four and five have the highest winning percentages, making up nearly 38 percent of winners, while stalls six and seven each yield about 16.7 percent. For dirt routes, outside posts demonstrate a clear advantage, with stalls seven and eight accounting for a disproportionate number of winners. Only 18 percent of route winners come from the two inside posts, providing strong evidence that the wider track benefits horses drawn wide in longer races.
Race 1
Post Time
12:00 PM EST
Starter Optional Claiming for three-year-olds and upward at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf with a purse of $24,000.
Pace Analysis
The race features multiple confirmed early speed types including Go to Bingo, Stewball, and Dats Tap, setting up a contested early pace scenario. The presence of multiple speedsters should create a pace meltdown scenario that favors late-running closers with tactical positioning. With 16 entrants likely creating a full field, traffic concerns and trip handicapping become paramount.
Key Contenders
Twirling Express exits consistent turf sprint efforts and draws post five, offering tactical positioning advantages. His versatility to press or stalk gives him options to navigate traffic in a large field. New York Strong brings an inside draw and early speed that could allow him to save ground throughout. Stewball, trained by Michael Trombetta who holds a 20 percent win rate, gets Angel Cruz and exits solid recent efforts.
Secondary Choices
Elon has shown ability at this level and draws post 10, which provides a clean trip outside the anticipated early congestion. Agent Kelly and Corrected Pedigree both appear multiple times on the also-eligible list, indicating connections have targeted this spot. Basic Truth gets Jorge Gonzalez Sanchez and has demonstrated turf sprint competency in recent starts.
Longshots
Just for Giggles at 11-1 morning line offers value from post nine with early tactical speed. Nancie’s Boy and Go to Bingo both sit at 14-1 and could benefit if the pace scenario plays out favorably. Yercan Maro from Argentina brings international form that could translate with improvement.
Betting Strategy
Focus on closers and mid-pack stalkers given the anticipated pace meltdown scenario. The large field warrants exacta and trifecta coverage using multiple horses, particularly those drawn outside to avoid traffic. Consider using the top three selections in multi-race sequences starting with this race.
Selections
Win: Twirling Express
Place: New York Strong
Show: Elon
Race 2
Post Time
12:28 PM EST
Starter Optional Claiming for three-year-olds and upward at 7 furlongs on dirt with a purse of $30,000.
Pace Analysis
The smaller seven-horse field should produce a manageable pace scenario. Preacha Meyers and Deterrent project as the primary speed factors, likely establishing moderate fractions. The 7-furlong distance allows for tactical positioning and finish-line acceleration.
Key Contenders
Preacha Meyers draws post four and gets Yedsit Hazlewood, combining for tactical speed and positioning advantages. The gelding trained by Hamilton Smith shows consistent form at this level. Brighty exits recent allowance competition and appears to be dropping in class, which could provide a significant edge. Deterrent gets Sheldon Russell, the meet’s hottest rider, and brings tactical early speed.
Secondary Choices
Liam’s the Great represents the powerful Somraj Singh barn and draws favorable positioning from post three. The gelding shows steady improvement and tactical versatility. Winning Trip gets Madeline Rowland and exits competitive efforts that suggest readiness.
Longshots
Uncle Grey sits at 13-1 morning line but carries only 116 pounds with Brinton Arnold’s 10-pound apprentice allowance. Bernie the Star, also from the Singh barn, could surprise at a price if either stablemate underperforms.
Betting Strategy
The modest seven-horse field lends itself to aggressive win betting on top selections. Consider boxing the top three in exactas and using all in trifectas underneath the top choice. This race serves as a solid anchor leg in multi-race wagers.
Selections
Win: Preacha Meyers
Place: Brighty
Show: Deterrent
Race 3
Post Time
12:58 PM EST
Starter Optional Claiming for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf with a purse of $30,000.
Pace Analysis
The 12-horse field at 1 1/16 miles on turf should develop into a tactical affair. Wherever We Are and Kobe’s Hope project as the primary pace factors, establishing honest fractions that set up closers. The wide Laurel turf course allows multiple running lanes for late-closing types.
Key Contenders
Tuck Check draws post six and brings consistent form at this distance and surface. Handicappers favor her at 3-1 morning line for good reason, as she combines tactical speed with route stamina. I’m a Sure Thing gets J.G. Torrealba and exits competitive route efforts. Morgs World, a six-year-old mare, brings significant experience and fits on figures.
Secondary Choices
Divining Smile shows promise from the Donnovan Haughton barn and could improve with the surface switch. Sleepwalker gets hot rider Sheldon Russell for trainer Brittany Russell, a powerful combination at the meet. Kobe’s Hope brings early speed that could prove useful if controlling moderate fractions.
Longshots
The Goddess Factor sits at 17-1 but shows improving form that could translate at a big price. Like a Dream at 23-1 offers exotic value if the pace sets up favorably. Lord’s Lady is listed as main-track-only but could surprise if the race comes off turf.
Betting Strategy
The competitive 12-horse field demands spread in exotics. Use the top three selections in exactas and expand trifecta coverage to include secondary choices. Consider keying top selections over mid-priced horses in cold exactas for value.
Selections
Win: Tuck Check
Place: I’m a Sure Thing
Show: Morgs World
Race 4
Post Time
1:27 PM EST
Allowance Optional Claiming for three-year-olds and upward at 1 1/16 miles on turf with a purse of $56,000.
Pace Analysis
The eight-horse field projects a moderate pace with Forever Souper likely establishing honest fractions from the start. His early tactical speed could set up a perfect stalking trip for mid-pack runners. The 1 1/16-mile distance on turf favors horses with strong closing kicks.
Key Contenders
Wow Whata Summer draws the outside post seven and brings winning form at this distance. The gelding trained by James Lawrence gets Martin Chuan, who excels on the Laurel turf course. McCullough appears formidable with Sheldon Russell aboard for trainer Brittany Russell, combining the meet’s hottest rider-trainer tandem. Forever Souper shows the highest winning percentage in the field at 25 percent and gets Mychel Sanchez for trainer Michael Trombetta.
Secondary Choices
Siege of Boston brings Jorge Ruiz and tactical versatility that could prove useful in the route. Love Me Not exits competitive allowance company and fits on recent figures. Jack’s Legend shows strong place and show percentages that suggest consistent efforts.
Longshots
Hittheroadjak sits at 15-1 but brings route experience and could improve with fresher competition. Secret Zipper gets an 8-pound weight break with Hazlewood claiming and could surprise at 10-1.
Betting Strategy
This contentious allowance race demands exacta and trifecta coverage using multiple horses. The outside posts hold significant advantages at this distance, making posts seven and eight attractive. Consider Dutch betting the top three choices for win purposes.
Selections
Win: Wow Whata Summer
Place: McCullough
Show: Forever Souper
Race 5
Post Time
1:56 PM EST
Allowance Optional Claiming for two-year-old fillies at 1 mile on dirt with a purse of $49,000.
Pace Analysis
The eight-horse field of juvenile fillies stretching out to a mile creates an interesting pace scenario. Share Success and In Her Glory project as the primary speed factors. The one-mile distance represents a stamina test for these developing two-year-olds.
Key Contenders
In Her Glory trained by Michael Trombetta gets Jorge Ruiz and exits solid efforts at shorter distances. The filly appears ready to handle the distance stretch. Miss Fulton Gal draws post seven and brings tactical speed under Raul Mena for trainer Michael Gorham. Law School gets Martin Chuan for leading trainer Jamie Ness, a strong combination at the meet.
Secondary Choices
Share Success brings Sheldon Russell for trainer Brittany Russell, once again pairing the meet’s leading connections. Hidden Rose scratched from recent engagements but shows promise if ready. Lunar Buzz exits competitive maiden special weight company.
Longshots
Dakota Cam sits at 110-1 morning line but gets a significant weight break. Noble Status at 12-1 could surprise if improving off recent efforts.
Betting Strategy
Juvenile fillies stretching out to a mile often produce upsets, warranting spread in exotics. Focus on fillies with tactical speed and proven stamina indicators. Consider keying top choices over longer-priced horses in exactas.
Selections
Win: In Her Glory
Place: Miss Fulton Gal
Show: Law School
Race 6
Post Time
2:25 PM EST
Starter Optional Claiming for fillies and mares at 1 mile on turf with a purse of $24,000.
Pace Analysis
The 16-horse turf mile creates a highly competitive pace scenario with multiple speed factors. Traffic and trip handicapping become paramount in the large field. Buzzaway and Antonacci Girl project as the primary pace factors establishing honest fractions.
Key Contenders
Maximo Madness draws post 13 and gets Martin Chuan, providing an outside stalking position in the large field. Handicappers favor her as she brings consistent turf form. Permed gets Raul Mena from post two and shows tactical versatility. Gogo Chanel brings Mychel Sanchez and exits competitive turf routes.
Secondary Choices
Diva Ready shows improving form and draws post four, offering favorable positioning. Always Laughing brings tactical speed that could prove useful if controlling moderate fractions. Little Lamb Chop gets Jorge Ruiz for trainer Sarah White and fits on recent figures.
Longshots
Vanilla Bean sits at 20-1 but brings experience and could catch a piece at a price. White Lilacs appears on the also-eligible list, suggesting connections have targeted this spot. Instparty gets a 12-pound weight break that could prove significant.
Betting Strategy
The massive 16-horse field demands wide coverage in exotics. Focus on horses drawn outside to avoid anticipated traffic issues. Consider multi-horse exacta boxes and trifecta wheels using top selections.
Selections
Win: Maximo Madness
Place: Permed
Show: Gogo Chanel
Race 7
Post Time
2:54 PM EST
Allowance for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf with a purse of $49,000.
Pace Analysis
The 12-horse field at 1 1/8 miles on turf should develop into a truly-run affair. Ruby Hamilton and Shine On Moon project as the primary pace factors. The marathon distance favors proven routers with strong late kicks.
Key Contenders
Worth a Dime draws post six and gets Jorge Ruiz, combining tactical speed with proven route ability. The three-year-old filly trained by Timothy Keefe shows upward trajectory. Tap the Champagne brings Walter Rodriguez and exits competitive route efforts. Summer Whirl represents the powerful H. Graham Motion stable and gets Victor Carrasco.
Secondary Choices
Mambo Queen gets hot rider Sheldon Russell for trainer Brittany Russell at favorable odds. Hidden Presence also represents the Motion barn and could improve with the distance. Lachicafortequila shows tactical versatility under Carlos Lopez.
Longshots
Ithinkiloveyou sits at favorable odds and gets an 8-pound weight break with Hazlewood claiming. Mainstream Sellout at 15-1 brings exotic value if the pace sets up favorably. Doesn’t Hurt to Flirt appears on the also-eligible list but shows competitive form.
Betting Strategy
The 1 1/8-mile turf marathon often produces upsets as stamina limitations emerge. Focus on proven routers with tactical speed. Consider keying top selections over mid-priced horses in exactas and trifectas.
Selections
Win: Worth a Dime
Place: Tap the Champagne
Show: Summer Whirl
Race 8
Post Time
3:23 PM EST
Allowance for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on dirt with a purse of $49,000.
Pace Analysis
The seven-horse dirt route projects a moderate pace scenario. By the Glass and Paradise Wins likely establish honest fractions that set up closers. The 1 1/16-mile distance favors fillies with proven route credentials.
Key Contenders
Sassafrassness represents the Jamie Ness barn and gets Martin Chuan from the favorable post six. She wired the field in her last start at Delaware, posting a career-best 75 Beyer despite a closer bias. Intrepid Mo brings tactical versatility and gets Mychel Sanchez for trainer Gary Capuano. The filly endured a troubled trip last out that can be upgraded. Atlantis Queen shows consistent form and gets a weight break with Hazlewood claiming.
Secondary Choices
Synergism gets Jevian Toledo for trainer Brittany Russell and exits a dominant maiden score. Paradise Wins brings Angel Cruz for trainer Michael Trombetta and shows improving form. By the Glass exits competitive claiming company and fits the class level.
Betting Strategy
Sassafrassness appears a strong single in multi-race sequences given her recent form progression and the favorable setup. The smaller field warrants aggressive win betting on top selections. Consider exacta coverage using the top three choices.
Selections
Win: Sassafrassness
Place: Intrepid Mo
Show: Synergism
Race 9
Post Time
3:53 PM EST
Maryland-Bred Allowance for three-year-olds and upward at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf with a purse of $48,000.
Pace Analysis
The 10-horse Maryland-bred turf sprint projects a contested pace scenario. Dalinar and Same Day as L J likely establish honest fractions. The 5 1/2-furlong distance favors tactical speed and finishing kick.
Key Contenders
Rye Diggitydog gets Yedsit Hazlewood’s 5-pound claim and draws the outside post, providing a clean stalking trip. The gelding endured a troubled trip last out that showed promise despite the result. Dalinar brings early speed but showed pre-race anxiety issues last out. Jolly Boss exits consistent efforts at this condition and gets Johan Rosado.
Secondary Choices
Bigdaddysboy shows tactical versatility and gets Victor Carrasco from post four. Watch Out World rallied nicely last out at 53-1 but returns on short rest. Bucaro represents the powerful Michael Trombetta barn with Mychel Sanchez aboard.
Longshots
Same Day as L J shows early speed that could prove useful if controlling moderate fractions. Dominguez brings closing ability that could catch the pace meltdown. Intrepid’s Legacy and Schrader both appear as main-track-only entries.
Betting Strategy
The evenly-matched Maryland-bred field warrants spread in exotics. Focus on horses with clean trips and tactical positioning advantages. Consider multi-horse exacta boxes using top four selections.
Selections
Win: Rye Diggitydog
Place: Dalinar
Show: Jolly Boss
Race 10
Post Time
4:23 PM EST
Claiming for fillies and mares at 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt with a purse of $22,000.
Pace Analysis
The seven-horse sprint finale projects a contested early pace. Infastuation and A P M Notion likely establish honest fractions. The 5 1/2-furlong distance favors early speed and tactical positioning.
Key Contenders
Sweet Summer Love draws post five and gets Ismerio Villalobos, bringing tactical speed and improving form. The filly exits a troubled trip at Charles Town that can be upgraded significantly. Tierra Santa gets Yedsit Hazlewood’s 5-pound claim and brings upward trajectory. She endured a horrendous trip last out that deserves forgiveness. Infastuation shows consistent form at this level and draws post two.
Secondary Choices
Grosse Ile exits turf competition but shows versatility across surfaces. Map to the Moon brings route experience that could translate in the sprint. A P M Notion gets Yomar Ortiz and fits on recent figures.
Betting Strategy
The nightcap sprint often produces upsets as tired handicappers overlook value. Focus on fillies exiting troubled trips or surface switches. Consider aggressive win betting on Tierra Santa given her trip excuse and weight break.
Selections
Win: Tierra Santa
Place: Sweet Summer Love
Show: Infastuation
Jockey Notes and Insights
Sheldon Russell continues his exceptional form at the Laurel meet, recently earning Jockey of the Week honors with a 36 percent win rate. The veteran rider won two stakes races on November 9 and maintains strong momentum heading into Saturday’s card. His partnership with wife and leading trainer Brittany Russell produces consistent results, making any Russell-Russell combination worthy of respect. Russell rides McCullough in Race 4, Share Success in Race 5, Sleepwalker in Race 3, and Mambo Queen in Race 7, all for his wife’s powerful stable.
Jorge Ruiz emerges as a consistent rider at the meet, combining tactical awareness with strong finishes. He gets live mounts on Siege of Boston in Race 4, In Her Glory in Race 5, Little Lamb Chop in Race 6, and Worth a Dime in Race 7. Martin Chuan demonstrates exceptional versatility across all surfaces and distances, making him valuable on any mount. He rides multiple horses across the card including Wow Whata Summer in Race 4, Law School in Race 5, Maximo Madness in Race 6, and Sassafrassness in Race 8.
Yedsit Hazlewood provides significant value with a 5-pound apprentice allowance on multiple horses throughout the card. His mounts include New York Strong in Race 1, Preacha Meyers in Race 2, Secret Zipper in Race 4, Rye Diggitydog in Race 9, and Tierra Santa in Race 10. The weight concessions combined with improving tactical awareness make Hazlewood a rider to follow. Mychel Sanchez rides for multiple top barns and gets quality mounts including Forever Souper in Race 4, Hidden Rose in Race 5, and Intrepid Mo in Race 8.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brittany Russell maintains her position as the meet’s leading trainer with 27 wins from 88 starts, producing a remarkable 31 percent win rate and 56 percent in-the-money percentage. Her horses earn purses exceeding one million dollars at the current meet. Russell’s recent form includes multiple stakes victories and consistent daily success. She saddles multiple horses on Saturday’s card, with her strongest plays appearing in Races 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. The Russell-Russell combination with husband Sheldon riding her horses produces exceptional results.
Michael Trombetta ranks second among trainers with 19 wins from 95 starts, maintaining a 20 percent win rate. His horses have earned over $783,000 at the meet. Trombetta’s tactical approach and patient conditioning produce consistent results across all distances and surfaces. He enters multiple horses on Saturday including Stewball in Race 1, Forever Souper in Race 4, In Her Glory in Race 5, Paradise Wins in Race 8, and Bucaro in Race 9. His horses typically improve with each start and often peak in stakes company.
Jamie Ness holds third position among trainers with 14 wins from 72 starts, producing a 19 percent win rate and 53 percent in-the-money percentage. His recent claim of Sassafrassness has produced back-to-back victories at Delaware with career-best figures. Ness excels with route horses and demonstrates patience in conditioning and placement. He saddles Love Me Not in Race 4, Law School in Race 5, Stress Reliever in Race 3, and Sassafrassness in Race 8. His horses often improve significantly after claims and benefit from methodical conditioning programs.
Gary Capuano trains multiple runners on the card including Secret Zipper in Race 4, Intrepid Mo in Race 8, and Atlantis Queen in Race 8. His tactical approach emphasizes trip handicapping and tactical positioning. H. Graham Motion represents one of the region’s most successful trainers and saddles Hidden Presence in Race 7 and Summer Whirl in Race 7. His horses typically improve with racing and excel in stakes company.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The Late Pick 3 sequence covering Races 8, 9, and 10 offers exceptional value with reduced takeout and manageable field sizes. Sassafrassness in Race 8 appears a strong single given her recent form progression and favorable setup. Spread in Race 9 using Rye Diggitydog, Dalinar, Jolly Boss, and Bigdaddysboy covers the most likely winners. Race 10 demands coverage of Tierra Santa and Sweet Summer Love with potential inclusion of Infastuation for safety.
Early Pick 5 sequences beginning with Race 1 warrant consideration given the 12 percent reduced takeout. The large field in Race 1 demands multiple horses including Twirling Express, New York Strong, Elon, Stewball, and Agent Kelly. Race 2 allows narrowing to three horses given the smaller field. Race 3 requires spread given the competitive 12-horse turf route. Races 4 and 5 offer opportunities to narrow selections based on pace scenarios and post positions.
Horizontal exotic plays offer value throughout the card, particularly in races with large fields and competitive horses at varying odds. Race 1 with 16 entrants creates trifecta opportunities paying significant returns. Race 6 with 16 fillies and mares provides similar exotic value. Focus exacta and trifecta coverage on horses drawn outside in route races given the documented post position advantage at Laurel.
Vertical exotic sequences using Races 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 create Pick 4 and Pick 5 opportunities with manageable field sizes and identifiable contenders. The allowance races in this sequence attract quality horses with established form patterns. Single Sassafrassness in Race 8 and spread moderately in the preceding races. Consider Dutch betting top win selections in Races 2, 4, 5, and 8 where favorites and secondary choices appear closely matched.
Value plays exist throughout the card on horses exiting troubled trips or returning from layoffs. Intrepid Mo in Race 8 offers value given her trip excuse last out. Tierra Santa in Race 10 provides exceptional value with trip forgiveness and a weight break. Rye Diggitydog in Race 9 deserves consideration given his troubled trip and tactical advantages today. Focus on horses getting leading riders Sheldon Russell, Martin Chuan, and Jorge Ruiz, as they consistently outperform expectations.
