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Laurel Park hosts a nine-race card on Saturday, November 22, 2025, featuring a range of claiming, maiden, allowance, and stakes events. Key races include the Willa On the Move Stakes for fillies and mares sprinting 6 ½ furlongs and the Dave’s Friend Stakes for older sprinters, capped by the Richard W. Small Stakes for older horses going 1 1/8 miles. First post is Noon ET, with Value Pick 5 wagers available on both the first and last five races. The card offers numerous wagering opportunities and quality fields, highlighting several trainers and jockeys in top form.
Weather and Track Conditions
Forecasts for the Baltimore area indicate cool, dry weather, with temperatures around 55°F for post time, dropping into the high 30s later in the day. Rain is not expected, resulting in fast dirt and firm turf conditions for the card. The turf rail is set at 52 feet, impacting trip dynamics in turf sprints.
Track Bias and Post Position Bias
Recent trends at Laurel Park suggest a slight preference for closers overall, especially on the wide main track. Turf sprints have shown a notable edge for horses drawn in the middle posts (4 and 5), while outside posts (6-8) are better for extended dirt routes. No strong bias on dirt sprint post positions, though midpack and outside draws have performed well.
1st Race – Starter Optional Claiming, 5 1/2 Furlongs, Turf, Fillies/Mares 3yo+
Post Time
12:00 PM ET
Pace Analysis
The pace projects to be lively with multiple speed types, including Coda Mia and Ticklers, as well as Aerialist. Expect aggressive early fractions, with closers such as Ariel Moon and Lazy Days set up well if pace collapses.
Key Contenders
Ticklers showed ability against higher-level claimers, adds blinkers, and offers tactical speed. Ariel Moon has repeatedly finished quickly, though tends to run minor awards. Lazy Days was severely hampered last time and merits a rebound with a clean trip.
Secondary Choices
Coda Mia brings potential to press the pace and hang on for a share. Mun Mun Can Run, if drawing in from AE, is dangerous from off the pace.
Longshots
Buckin’ Right drops in class with blinkers back on, improvement possible. Hot Boss and Sweet and Feisty appear overmatched.
Betting Strategy
With a contentious field, emphasize pace collapse underneath. Consider vertical wagers with closers to run late. If Mun Mun Can Run draws in, include underneath.
Selections
Win: Ticklers
Place: Ariel Moon
Show: Lazy Days
2nd Race – Starter Optional Claiming, 1 Mile, Turf, 3yo+
Post Time
12:28 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Potential for contentious middle fractions led by Bar Fourteen, with Masen and Bode’s Maker prominent. Quick pace would benefit late runners.
Key Contenders
Bar Fourteen is a need-the-lead type; recent win in 1 1/16m here after setting pressured fractions deserves respect. Kendama returns to his preferred surface, could capitalize with a solid closing effort. Be Here hits the board regularly and should benefit from honest pace.
Secondary Choices
Bode’s Maker brings strong form at age 10, likes the setup, while Tom Hagen and Go to the Kingdom offer exotics appeal.
Longshots
Bill of Rights and Bahama Channel will need improvement; Wonder Water is a deep outsider.
Betting Strategy
Pivot multis on Bar Fourteen/Kendama/Be Here. Spread in exotics as race features price opportunities.
Selections
Win: Bar Fourteen
Place: Kendama
Show: Be Here
3rd Race – Maiden Claiming, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, 2yo Fillies
Post Time
12:57 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Knickoletta, Kittyup, and Palpitations should set a brisk early tempo. A late runner may surprise if frontrunners tire.
Key Contenders
Knickoletta brings forward speed and competitive form. Kittyup matches up favorably off a wide trip. Bella’s Password had trouble last time but can improve.
Secondary Choices
Fastfeld as a live debut, Princess Charming gets a trainer upgrade, and Stylish Gem merits inclusion underneath.
Longshots
Mezzo Soprano could pop first out; She’s a Good Girl projects improvement off class drop.
Betting Strategy
Key speed with exacta savers for runners with prior troubled trips or class drop.
Selections
Win: Knickoletta
Place: Kittyup
Show: Bella’s Password
4th Race – Starter Optional Claiming, 5 1/2 Furlongs, Turf, 3yo+
Post Time
1:26 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Tough Workout and One Whirlwind Ride both possess speed; Noah Chance comes off a dirtied-up form but may get a sharp trip off the pace.
Key Contenders
Noah Chance gets class relief and a favorable setup. One Whirlwind Ride should be part of the duel with enough stamina to last. Tough Workout has gameness on the front end; Covert Kat and Vamos Viejo are tactical threats.
Secondary Choices
Declaration Time is a capable closer, and Kbcya Later offers exotics appeal.
Longshots
Bigdaddysboy and Claudee Boy appear overmatched.
Betting Strategy
Box the key speed types with a closer underneath for trifecta value.
Selections
Win: Noah Chance
Place: One Whirlwind Ride
Show: Tough Workout
5th Race – Maiden Special Weight, 1 Mile, Turf, 2yo Fillies
Post Time
1:55 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Bless Her, Brat Pack, and Dutchman’s Map can provide a fair early pace. Coach Mazzula has been close, stretches speed.
Key Contenders
Coach Mazzula adds blinkers and races out of high-percentage connections. Brat Pack offers pedigree and workouts suggesting readiness at first asking. Honor Thy Cookie’s prior routes suggest she can improve further.
Secondary Choices
Diamondquist and Uncatchable have upside potential on the stretchout. Squirrely can sneak into exotics.
Longshots
Lake Worth and Flighttown could improve with trip.
Betting Strategy
Use Coach Mazzula and Brat Pack hard; add Honor Thy Cookie and Squirrely in verticals.
Selections
Win: Coach Mazzula
Place: Brat Pack
Show: Honor Thy Cookie
6th Race – Willa On the Move Stakes, 6 1/2 Furlongs, Dirt, Fillies/Mares 3yo+
Post Time
2:25 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Grammy Girl, Takethemoneyhoney, and Gallop d’Hermes will force an honest early tempo. Onyx Ten, Sultry Lass among those who benefit from hot pace.
Key Contenders
Grammy Girl is proven in tough stakes company. Takethemoneyhoney returns after layoff with undefeated local form. Onyx Ten projects well as a late runner if pace is strong.
Secondary Choices
Sultry Lass deserves consideration, Passage East has a chance if trip works out.
Longshots
Alani and Spencerian have outside shots, Bailintin and Wisconsin Gal appear overmatched.
Betting Strategy
Key Grammy Girl and Takethemoneyhoney in multis, include Onyx Ten as a late threat. Spread underneath for trifectas.
Selections
Win: Grammy Girl
Place: Takethemoneyhoney
Show: Onyx Ten
7th Race – Dave’s Friend Stakes, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, 3yo+
Post Time
2:54 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Subrogate, Twisted Ride, and Sunny Breeze figure prominently. Prince of Jericho’s stamina makes him a fresh threat; expect contested fractions early.
Key Contenders
Subrogate steps out of Grade 3 company, should be sharper second off layoff. Prince of Jericho offers tactical ability. Twisted Ride brings sharp recent form.
Secondary Choices
Sunny Breeze and Maximus Meridius have class and speed to be competitive.
Longshots
Uncle Cat and Dean Delivers round out the field.
Betting Strategy
Focus tickets around Subrogate, Twisted Ride, Prince of Jericho. Include value runners in trifectas.
Selections
Win: Subrogate
Place: Prince of Jericho
Show: Twisted Ride
8th Race – Richard W. Small Stakes, 1 1/8 Miles, Dirt, 3yo+
Post Time
3:24 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Secret Zipper and Hittheroadjak could set a steady pace, Barbadian Runner sits a stalking trip.
Key Contenders
Barbadian Runner was gritty in his Maryland Million Classic win and looks best on paper. Hardspun Reason stretches out to preferred trip, offers strong late run. Hittheroadjak returns to dirt, can improve.
Secondary Choices
Phantom Speed and Formal Affair provide depth to exotics.
Longshots
Secret Zipper has pace advantage but may fade late.
Betting Strategy
Single Barbadian Runner in horizontal bets, play Hardspun Reason and Phantom Speed in exactas/trifectas.
Selections
Win: Barbadian Runner
Place: Hardspun Reason
Show: Hittheroadjak
9th Race – Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, 3-6yo
Post Time
3:54 PM ET
Pace Analysis
Neverworkedaday and Cruise the Nile hold speed, with Stanza making a strong late presence.
Key Contenders
Neverworkedaday comes off a sharp placing and owns good fractions. Cruise the Nile is well bred for the trip. Stanza may relish the surface switch.
Secondary Choices
And Sum offers value for minor placings, Jack o’ Bite can improve.
Longshots
Chatbot is a pedigree play, Notion in Motion and Karma’s Inthehouse are up against it.
Betting Strategy
Focus exactas and tris on Neverworkedaday, Cruise the Nile, Stanza.
Selections
Win: Neverworkedaday
Place: Cruise the Nile
Show: Stanza
Jockey Notes and Insights
Sheldon Russell is currently the hottest rider at Laurel Park, winning five races last week. Yedsit Hazlewood and Martin Chuan are also winning at high rates, while Jorge Ruiz and Mychel Sanchez are both riding competitively and have solid mounts today. Several jockeys show strong return ratios for particular trainers and angles; watch for these pairings to outperform their odds.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brittany Russell continues to dominate, leading all trainers in recent weeks and forming potent combinations with Prince of Jericho and Coach Mazzula. Gary Capuano (Onyx Ten) and Graham Motion (Hardspun Reason, Brat Pack) have exceptional rates with runners in stakes and maidens. Kieron Magee is dangerous on surface switches, as seen with Kendama. Bruce Brown, Rudy Sanchez-Salomon, Elizabeth Merryman, and Michael Trombetta all send out multiple live runners with positive return trends.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Vertical exotics (exacta, trifecta, superfecta) offer strong potential in races with competitive fields, especially maiden and claiming events. The Value Pick 5 (Races 1–5 and 5–9) features a low 12% takeout and should be considered for cross-race plays. Consider singling Coach Mazzula in the fifth or Barbadian Runner in the eighth for horizontal bets. Longshots such as Princess Charming in Race 3 and Buckin’ Right in Race 1 offer price potential for deep exotics and win bets. Overall, watch for races with heavy pace setups to favor late runners given recent track trends and weather conditions.
