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Laurel Park hosts a nine-race card on Sunday, November 23, 2025, featuring a mix of claiming, allowance, and starter optional claiming races. The event offers competitive fields on both the dirt and turf courses. First post is at 12:00 PM Eastern. The Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 carryover is $4,240, covering races 4-9.
The racing quality features several interesting conditions, including starter allowances, two-year-old races without Lasix, and a variety of distances from sprints to routes. Several trainers are positioning horses for year-end meet dominance, with Jamie Ness, Michael Trombetta, and Brittany Russell all actively competing in the standings.
Weather and Track Conditions
Sunday’s weather forecast calls for mostly sunny conditions with a high near 62°F and a low of 36°F. Morning temperatures will be cool but comfortable racing conditions are expected throughout the afternoon. Light winds from the west at 9 mph with humidity around 43% will provide ideal racing weather. There is a minimal 23% chance of early morning sprinkles, but the track should be fast for the dirt races.
The main dirt track is expected to be fast, measuring 1 mile 600 feet in circumference with a 7 1/2 furlong chute. The turf course, which is 7/8 mile and inset 254 feet from the main track, should be firm with the rail at 52 feet for races 1, 4, 6, and 8. These conditions favor Laurel’s typical racing patterns.
Track bias at Laurel Park historically shows a slight preference for closers on the wide main track, with the turf course favoring middle post positions, especially posts 4 and 5. On longer dirt routes, outside posts 6-8 have demonstrated advantages, while the 1 1/16-mile distance exhibits a strong inside post bias, with the rail position producing excellent results. Only 18% of turf winners have come from the two inside posts, confirming the benefit of middle and outside draws on grass.
Race 1: Starter Optional Claiming – 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Post Time
12:00 PM
Pace Analysis
This 15-horse field for three-year-olds and up features a wide-open race with multiple pace scenarios possible. The extended distance and turf surface should result in a moderate early pace with several horses showing tactical speed. Toolpusher and Garden Leave have demonstrated early pace tendencies, but the field size and turf layout should allow for varied pace distribution. Expect a competitive but not overly aggressive early tempo, giving closers a chance to make their moves in the stretch.
Key Contenders
Cap’n Dusty emerges as the morning line favorite at 5-2 and represents excellent value from the Michael Trombetta barn. This four-year-old gelding has run well in two starts against better fields at this condition during the current meet. Yedsit Hazlewood takes the mount for the first time, and this jockey change could be the catalyst needed. Cap’n Dusty possesses the best late pace figures in the field and draws a favorable outside post position at 10, which allows Hazlewood to save ground or go wide as the race unfolds. His recent ninth and fifth-place finishes at this distance show he has been competing with quality competition.
Owhatanite at 9-2 merits serious consideration after benefiting from a hot pace last out to rally for second behind the favorite Koru. That performance marked a noted improvement from two starts back when he encountered traffic trouble in the stretch. His ability to close from off the pace suits this distance perfectly, and from post 6, he should get a clean trip.
Go Take Charge at 8-1 offers value as a consistent performer who finished just a head behind Owhatanite last out in his fourth consecutive third-place finish. He was fanned very wide in that race and still showed strong late foot, suggesting he has more to offer with a better trip. The wide post 13 is concerning, but his demonstrated ability to overcome troubled trips makes him dangerous.
Secondary Choices
Summer Vibes at 5-1 represents trainer Lacey Gaudet and jockey Forest Boyce. This three-year-old should appreciate the distance and has shown the ability to close from off the pace. Post 4 provides tactical flexibility.
Elfuegomasbrilante and Latin Rebel comprise the entry from trainer Mark Shuman at combined 9-2 odds. Elfuegomasbrilante brings the most experience and class to this field, and the coupling provides exotic play value.
Garden Leave at 6-1 for trainer Don Bryant could set or sit close to a moderate pace under Mychel Sanchez. This gelding has tactical speed that could prove useful in the run to the first turn.
Selections
Win: Cap’n Dusty
Place: Owhatanite
Show: Go Take Charge
Race 2: Claiming $25,000 – 6 Furlongs Dirt
Post Time
12:28 PM
Pace Analysis
This juvenile filly claiming sprint without Lasix should feature honest early speed. Last Gift and Curlene’s Spirit both possess tactical pace, while Rerun Table has shown the ability to establish early position. The pace should be contested but not suicidal, allowing mid-pack runners to stay within striking distance. The six-furlong distance favors those with tactical speed and the ability to sustain their run through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Last Gift at 5-1 presents excellent value after being scratched from a first-level allowance race last Friday in favor of this softer spot. This Jose Corrales trainee is the only two-time winner in the field, having sat a perfect trip to win going away last out with a career-best 76 Brisnet figure. She positions herself near the pace, and while she faded when on the lead after a quarter-mile previously, she appears fast enough to make the lead without engaging in a destructive battle. Andres Chavez takes the mount, and this filly’s tactical speed is a significant advantage.
Curlene’s Spirit at 5-1 returns from a veterinary scratch and drops from an allowance level. This Jose Corrales runner has won twice from seven starts with four additional placings, demonstrating consistency. She has shown the ability to close from off the pace and earned a career-best 76 when winning last out. Jose Vargas picks up the mount with a seven-pound weight allowance.
Tacit Value at 5-2 represents the morning line favorite for trainer Robert Leaf Jr. Angel Cruz rides this filly who won last out at Delaware Park going 5 1/2 furlongs. Her tactical speed makes her formidable, though stepping up from a 17% career win rate requires confidence in the positive trajectory.
Secondary Choices
Rerun Table at 2-1 brings strong early speed credentials for the John Salzman Jr barn. She has won once from five starts with three additional placings. The concern is jockey Micah Meeks has limited experience, though the filly’s natural pace ability could overcome that.
Nemain at 6-1 for trainer Hugh McMahon could benefit from the addition of blinkers in her first start for this barn. Yedsit Hazlewood takes the mount, and this partnership has been productive this meet.
Hotmessness at 12-1 represents Jamie Ness and Martin Chuan, a powerful trainer-jockey combination hitting at 20-21% this meet. She won at Delaware Park and should not be dismissed lightly at this price.
Selections
Win: Last Gift
Place: Curlene’s Spirit
Show: Tacit Value
Race 3: Allowance Optional Claiming – 1 Mile Dirt
Post Time
12:57 PM
Pace Analysis
This two-year-old allowance/optional claiming race should develop into an honest pace scenario. Power Grid has shown early speed in recent races, while Bala de Plata possesses tactical pace that allows him to control position. Hollywood Import can sit mid-pack and make a sustained run. The mile distance provides ample time for pace distribution, and closers should have opportunities if the speed duels early.
Key Contenders
Hollywood Import at 2-1 represents Gary Capuano and receives the services of leading rider Yedsit Hazlewood. This Capuano-trained colt has shown steady improvement with three placings from three starts, including a second last out at Laurel going six furlongs. The trainer is excelling with two-year-olds this meet with a 29% win rate and 71% in-the-money percentage. The step up to a mile should suit this colt’s running style, and Hazlewood’s 22% win rate and 52% in-the-money percentage at this meet provides additional confidence.
Bala de Plata at 5-1 ships in from Jamie Ness with an impressive resume including three wins from five starts. This Florida-bred colt won his last two starts including a victory at 1 1/16 miles on this track. Martin Chuan rides for Ness, and this combination has been highly successful with a combined strike rate exceeding 20%. His tactical speed and proven ability at this distance make him extremely dangerous.
Power Grid at 4-1 enters off a dominant 7 1/2-length maiden victory last out after three consecutive runner-up finishes. That performance produced a career-best 86 Brisnet figure, and he crushed a field that appeared competitive on paper. Xavier Perez takes the mount for trainer John Robb, and the connections have demonstrated competence. The question is whether he can replicate that effort against winners.
Secondary Choices
Longhi at 5-2 represents Hall of Fame trainer Graham Motion making his second start. This Caravaggio colt draws post 1, which could be problematic at a mile, but the connections inspire confidence. Jorge Ruiz rides and brings a 26% win rate to the assignment.
Wild Warrior at 8-1 is the second Capuano entry and broke his maiden at this distance two starts back. He ran a solid third in his first start against winners despite getting caught behind a loose leader while racing wide. The class relief here could spark improvement.
Golden Sand at 15-1 represents value as a first-time gelding for trainer Claudio Gonzalez. Angel Cruz rides this Maryland-bred who has shown closing ability. The surgical procedure and class drop could produce a breakthrough effort.
Selections
Win: Bala de Plata
Place: Hollywood Import
Show: Power Grid
Race 4: Starter Optional Claiming – 1 Mile Turf
Post Time
1:26 PM
Pace Analysis
This 16-horse field for fillies and mares presents significant pace dynamics. Multiple horses show early speed tendencies, including Bossy Jeans, Bourbon N Lace, and Rehoboth Avenue. The large field and turf configuration should produce genuine pace pressure early, setting up closers for late moves. Mid-pack stalkers with tactical speed could benefit most from the pace scenario while avoiding trouble in the crowded field.
Key Contenders
Bossy Jeans at 4-5 represents trainer Keri Brion and jockey Victor Carrasco from post 1. The rail position at a mile on turf historically produces strong results at Laurel. This four-year-old filly has the tactical speed to control position from the rail while maintaining striking position throughout. The connections inspire confidence, though the morning line odds seem short given the field size.
Endless Vow at 7-2 comes from the Horacio De Paz barn with J.G. Torrealba riding. This three-year-old filly draws post 12, which provides options on the turf course. The Torrealba-De Paz partnership has shown competence, and this filly could benefit from the expected pace pressure.
Luminous Secret at 6-1 for trainer Phil Schoenthal merits consideration with Kevin Gomez aboard. Post 5 is historically one of the most productive on the Laurel turf course, particularly at sprint distances. This three-year-old filly should settle mid-pack and have first run on the leaders.
Secondary Choices
Bourbon N Lace at 6-1 represents trainer Michael Gorham and could press or make the pace. Post 3 provides tactical options, and Raul Mena knows how to rate a filly.
Rehoboth Avenue at 6-1 for trainer Nesvil Hernan Bailon brings early speed to the race. Angel Cruz rides from post 7, and this filly could establish position and prove difficult to pass.
Neon City at 9-2 offers veteran experience as an eight-year-old mare who has seen every race scenario imaginable. Paul Luna rides this Cesareo Marquez trainee who could benefit from a chaotic pace.
Longshots
Rock Tune at 15-1 for trainer J. Michael Rogers brings Jorge Ruiz to the assignment. The leading jockey change and post 9 draw warrant attention at this price.
Mischief Motion at 20-1 comes from the Bruno Tessore barn as a six-year-old mare with experience. Jean Briceno rides, and the price offers exotic value.
Selections
Win: Luminous Secret
Place: Bossy Jeans
Show: Endless Vow
Race 5: Starter Optional Claiming – 1 Mile Dirt
Post Time
1:55 PM
Pace Analysis
This nine-horse field should produce moderate early pace with several horses showing tactical speed. Hot Stott and Tapizar’s Temper have demonstrated early pace ability, while Happy Jaunt can sit just off the lead. The relatively small field should allow for clean trips, and the mile distance provides time for horses to establish position without panic. Closers and mid-pack runners should have opportunities if they can navigate the first turn cleanly.
Key Contenders
Indy Charges On at 3-2 represents trainer Anthony Farrior with Yedsit Hazlewood in the irons. The leading jockey at this meet brings 22% win rate and 52% in-the-money percentage to this assignment. While this three-year-old gelding draws the outside post 9, which is concerning at a mile, Hazlewood’s skill navigating troubled trips provides confidence. The morning line suggests respect from handicappers.
Tapizar’s Temper at 6-1 comes from the Jane Cibelli barn with Martin Chuan riding. Post 1 at one mile on dirt has historically been problematic, producing just 18% of winners in route races. However, this three-year-old gelding has tactical speed that could overcome the rail position. The Chuan-Ness partnership statistics are strong, though Cibelli is a different trainer.
Hot Stott at 12-1 represents trainer Nesvil Hernan Bailon with Jeiron Barbosa aboard. This three-year-old gelding draws post 2 and should establish early position without excessive pressure. The price offers value if he can sustain his speed through the stretch.
Secondary Choices
Bigtonten at 15-1 from the Jonathan Maldonado barn brings Ismerio Villalobos to the assignment. This three-year-old gelding has shown ability previously and returns from main track only restrictions.
Happy Jaunt at 15-1 for trainer Donald Barr merits consideration with Angel Cruz riding. Post 6 provides tactical flexibility, and Cruz’s 14% win rate suggests competence.
Straight to Water at 10-1 offers value as a lightly raced three-year-old for trainer Linda Albert. Jose Vargas rides with a weight allowance, and the seven-pound advantage could prove significant.
Selections
Win: Indy Charges On
Place: Hot Stott
Show: Tapizar’s Temper
Race 6: Allowance – 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf
Post Time
2:24 PM
Pace Analysis
This 16-horse turf sprint for fillies and mares should produce significant early speed pressure. Multiple horses possess tactical pace, and the 5 1/2-furlong distance leaves minimal margin for error. The large field creates traffic concerns, and post position becomes critical. Middle posts 4-5 historically perform best in turf sprints at Laurel. Expect honest fractions with horses needing to establish position early while maintaining enough energy for a sustained drive.
Key Contenders
Waittilmidnitehour at 4-5 represents Michael Trombetta with Mychel Sanchez riding. This five-year-old mare draws post 2 and should establish position early in the short sprint. Trombetta ranks among the leading trainers at this meet with 19 wins from 105 starts. The mare’s experience and connections make her formidable despite the short price.
J Z’s Last Schance at 5-1 comes from trainer Scott Wolfendale with Carlos Lopez riding. Post 3 provides tactical options in the turf sprint, and this three-year-old filly could benefit from the expected pace pressure.
Crusader Rabbit at 5-1 represents Brittany Russell with Sheldon Russell aboard. The trainer-jockey husband-wife partnership has been highly successful this meet with Russell leading Maryland trainers in wins. Post 15 is challenging but manageable in turf sprints with the outside providing a clean run.
Secondary Choices
Ithinkiloveyou at 4-1 comes from Hugh McMahon’s barn making her first start for the trainer. Yedsit Hazlewood rides from post 6, which is historically one of the best positions in turf sprints. The jockey change and McMahon’s competence make her live.
Frappart at 8-1 represents Katharine Voss with Jevian Toledo riding. Toledo ranks third at this meet with 23 wins and 45% in-the-money percentage. Post 4 is ideal for turf sprints, and this four-year-old filly could benefit from perfect positioning.
Maidstone at 6-1 from Brittany Russell’s barn provides a second entry for the leading trainer. Jevian Toledo rides this three-year-old filly from post 5, another historically productive position on the Laurel turf.
Longshots
Phlying Phyllis at 12-1 represents Gary Capuano from post 1. Yedsit Hazlewood rides, and Capuano’s 29% win rate with two-year-olds this year suggests his entire stable is performing well.
Greek Heiress at 15-1 from the Lacey Gaudet barn brings veteran savvy. Johan Rosado rides from post 10, and the price offers exotic value.
Selections
Win: Ithinkiloveyou
Place: Waittilmidnitehour
Show: Crusader Rabbit
Race 7: Starter Optional Claiming – 1 Mile Dirt
Post Time
2:54 PM
Pace Analysis
This competitive starter optional claimer for older horses should develop honest early fractions. Don’t Wait Up and Mosler Time both possess tactical pace that allows them to establish position, while Arrow Speed has shown the ability to make the lead. The 10-horse field provides adequate distribution without excessive crowding. Closers like Murray and Gluckstadt will need the pace to set up properly to have realistic closing opportunities.
Key Contenders
Arrow Speed at 3-1 represents Jamie Ness with Martin Chuan riding. This four-year-old gelding enters off a strong record since winning at this track in April. The Ness-Chuan partnership has been exceptional this meet with Ness leading trainers with 17 wins from 84 starts and Chuan contributing 15 wins from 168 starts. Arrow Speed’s tactical pace and proven ability at this distance make him the horse to beat.
Mosler Time at 7-2 provides the second entry from Jamie Ness with Mychel Sanchez aboard. This five-year-old gelding brings consistency with seven wins from 30 starts and a 23% win rate. His tactical speed allows positioning flexibility, and the Ness-Sanchez partnership has been productive. The entry with Arrow Speed provides exotic value.
Hunter Joe at 4-1 represents trainer Hamilton Smith with Forest Boyce riding. This seven-year-old gelding was on the also-eligible list for a recent maiden turf race, suggesting versatility. Boyce brings solid credentials, and the gelding’s experience could prove valuable in this competitive field.
Secondary Choices
Murray at 6-1 comes from trainer A. Ferris Allen III with Yedsit Hazlewood aboard. The leading jockey takes over from post 6, and this six-year-old gelding has shown the ability to close from well off the pace. His 17% win rate from 41 starts suggests consistency.
Don’t Wait Up at 8-1 represents Kieron Magee with J.G. Torrealba riding. This six-year-old gelding won last out going seven furlongs and should appreciate the added distance. Post 7 provides tactical options.
War Master at 10-1 from Michael Gorham’s barn merits consideration with Raul Mena aboard. This four-year-old gelding has been competing at higher levels and finds class relief here.
Selections
Win: Arrow Speed
Place: Mosler Time
Show: Murray
Race 8: Allowance Optional Claiming – 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf
Post Time
3:23 PM
Pace Analysis
This competitive 16-horse turf sprint for older horses should produce significant early speed with multiple horses capable of making the lead. The 5 1/2-furlong distance and large field create a scenario where post position and early speed become critical factors. Middle posts 4-5 again provide advantages. Expect honest fractions with horses needing to establish position immediately while maintaining enough energy for the final furlong.
Key Contenders
Hold Out at 8-1 represents Suzanne Stettinius with Forest Boyce riding. This four-year-old gelding draws post 2, which provides early positioning options in the turf sprint. The connections have shown competence, and the price offers value in a competitive field.
Boltage at 6-1 comes from Michael Trombetta’s barn with Jorge Ruiz aboard. The leading trainer-leading jockey partnership brings 19 wins and 33 wins respectively to this assignment. Post 4 is historically one of the most productive positions on the Laurel turf, particularly in sprints. This four-year-old colt should benefit from ideal positioning.
Normandy Hero at 6-1 represents Jamie Ness with Mychel Sanchez riding. The prolific trainer sends out his third strong contender on the card, and Sanchez brings a 12% win rate and 42% in-the-money percentage to the assignment. Post 13 is challenging but manageable with tactical speed.
Secondary Choices
Take a Hint at 8-1 from Gary Capuano’s barn draws Yedsit Hazlewood from post 5. The historically productive position combined with the leading jockey makes this five-year-old gelding dangerous.
Mister Lincoln at 9-2 provides the second entry for Jamie Ness with Martin Chuan riding. This four-year-old gelding was main track only in his last assignment but returns to turf here. The Ness-Chuan partnership statistics suggest taking this entry seriously.
Billionaires Row at 8-1 represents Trombetta’s second entry with Angel Cruz aboard. This three-year-old gelding draws post 7 and brings tactical speed to the assignment.
Longshots
Swill at 5-1 from Kieron Magee’s barn with Gokhan Kocakaya riding offers value from post 1. The rail in turf sprints can work if the horse has tactical speed.
Fun Notion at 15-1 represents trainer Alexandra White with Kevin Gomez riding. Post 14 provides a wide trip, but the price offers exotic value.
Selections
Win: Boltage
Place: Hold Out
Show: Take a Hint
Race 9: Maiden Claiming – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt
Post Time
3:53 PM
Pace Analysis
This maiden claiming race for two-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles should develop moderate early pace. Several horses are first-time starters, creating uncertainty in pace dynamics. Our Ham Sandwich and Paid Vacation have shown enough in previous races to establish position. The extended distance for juveniles without Lasix will test stamina, and horses with route breeding should have advantages. Expect pace distribution with closers getting opportunities if they have the stamina to sustain their run.
Key Contenders
Hard Swing at 2-1 represents Jamie Ness as part of an entry with Lover Boy Ness. Mychel Sanchez rides this gelding who was well-supported on debut against Maryland-restricted rivals last out. He finished fourth behind runaway winner Let’s Go Lando after encountering a wide trip. The proven ability around two turns at this distance provides confidence, and facing softer rivals should spark improvement.
Our Ham Sandwich at 10-1 comes from trainer Kieron Magee with Gokhan Kocakaya riding. This colt draws post 5, which provides tactical flexibility. The price offers value in a maiden race where form can be difficult to assess.
Tactics at 12-1 represents Brittany Russell with Sheldon Russell aboard. The leading trainer-leading jockey partnership brings strong credentials to this maiden claiming race. This gelding is a first-time starter, but the connections inspire confidence.
Secondary Choices
Paid Vacation at 20-1 from trainer Timothy Keefe with Andres Chavez riding has shown enough in previous races to merit consideration. Post 2 could work if this gelding has early speed.
Tiz the Great at 4-5 represents trainer Henry Walters with Yedsit Hazlewood aboard. The leading jockey brings 22% win rate to this assignment, and the morning line suggests this gelding is respected.
Lover Boy Ness at 2-1 as the entry partner with Hard Swing provides exotic value. Martin Chuan rides for Jamie Ness from post 6.
Selections
Win: Hard Swing
Place: Tactics
Show: Tiz the Great
Jockey Notes and Insights
Yedsit Hazlewood continues his dominant performance at the current Laurel Park meet with 40 wins from 180 starts, good for a 22% win rate and 52% in-the-money percentage. The teenage apprentice from Panama has won the meet jockey title race with five more wins than Jorge Ruiz. Hazlewood leads all Maryland riders with 17.64 added wins, comparing actual wins to wins projected by runners’ odds. He excels with multiple mounts on Sunday’s card including Cap’n Dusty in Race 1, Hollywood Import in Race 3, Indy Charges On in Race 5, Ithinkiloveyou in Race 6, Murray in Race 7, Take a Hint in Race 8, and Tiz the Great in Race 9.
Jorge Ruiz ranks second at the meet with 33 wins from 127 starts for a 26% win rate and 49% in-the-money percentage. The 40-year-old native of Argentina who rode 923 winners in South America brings veteran savvy and tactical brilliance. Ruiz ranks second in added wins with 11.56. He rides Longhi in Race 3, Rock Tune in Race 4, and Boltage in Race 8.
Mychel Sanchez ranks prominently with 17 wins from 139 starts for 12% win rate and 42% in-the-money percentage. His partnership with Jamie Ness has been particularly productive, and he rides Garden Leave in Race 1, Hard Swing in Race 9, Waittilmidnitehour in Race 6, Mosler Time in Race 7, and Normandy Hero in Race 8.
Sheldon Russell brings elite credentials with 23 wins from 85 starts for 27% win rate and 49% in-the-money percentage. He leads all Maryland riders in percentage of purse earned at 22.45%. Russell rides Mortal Sin in Race 1, Wild Warrior in Race 3, Tactics in Race 9, Crusader Rabbit in Race 6, and has several additional mounts.
Martin Chuan excels with 15 wins from 168 starts for 15% win rate and 38% in-the-money percentage. His partnership with Jamie Ness has been exceptional, and he pilots Bala de Plata in Race 3, Hotmessness in Race 2, Arrow Speed in Race 7, Mister Lincoln in Race 8, and Lover Boy Ness in Race 9.
Angel Cruz contributes solid efforts with 14 wins from 153 starts for 14% win rate and 36% in-the-money percentage. He rides Tacit Value in Race 2, Golden Sand in Race 3, Rehoboth Avenue in Race 4, Happy Jaunt in Race 5, and Billionaires Row in Race 8.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jamie Ness dominates the current meet with 17 wins from 84 starts for a 20% win rate and superb in-the-money percentage. The national leader in wins for 2025 is on pace to win over 300 races for the year. Ness maintains full barns at Parx, Delaware Park, and Laurel Park while winning at a consistent 25-26% rate. His stable excellence is evident with multiple strong contenders including Bala de Plata in Race 3, Arrow Speed and Mosler Time entry in Race 7, Normandy Hero and Mister Lincoln in Race 8, and Hard Swing and Lover Boy Ness entry in Race 9.
Michael Trombetta ranks among the leading trainers with 19 wins from 105 starts for 18% win rate and 46% in-the-money percentage. His stable features consistent performers including Cap’n Dusty in Race 1, Waittilmidnitehour in Race 6, Boltage and Billionaires Row in Race 8. Trombetta’s attention to detail and patient approach with horses produces reliable results.
Gary Capuano excels with two-year-olds, showing a 29% win rate and 71% in-the-money percentage with juveniles in 2025. He ranks prominently at the current meet with 10 wins from 28 starts. Capuano sends out Hollywood Import and Wild Warrior in Race 3, Phlying Phyllis and Rina Is Fire in Race 6, and Take a Hint in Race 8. His Maryland-based stable consistently produces competitive runners.
Brittany Russell made history as the first female trainer to lead Maryland’s annual standings in wins, accomplishing the feat in both 2023 and 2024. She enters the final weeks of 2025 competing for the title again with 32 wins from 99 starts at the current meet for an exceptional 32% win rate and 58% in-the-money percentage. Russell’s stable features Tactics in Race 9, Crusader Rabbit and Maidstone in Race 6, and Cougar Cocktail in Race 6.
Jose Corrales contributes 10 wins from 83 starts at the current meet. His stable includes Last Gift and Curlene’s Spirit in Race 2, along with Granuaile in Race 6. Corrales maintains a 15% win rate and 40% in-the-money percentage with his Maryland stable.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The carryover on the Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 covering races 4-9 at $4,240 provides incentive for multi-race exotic wagering. The sequence features competitive fields with legitimate upset possibilities, creating potential for significant returns.
Race 1 presents excellent value with Cap’n Dusty at 5-2 from the powerful Trombetta-Hazlewood partnership. The large field creates exotic opportunities, and using Go Take Charge and Owhatanite underneath in exactas and trifectas offers value.
Race 3 features the Ness-trained Bala de Plata facing the Capuano-trained Hollywood Import in a classic trainer matchup. Both trainers excel with two-year-olds, and boxing these two with Power Grid in exactas provides coverage of the most likely winners.
Race 7 offers the Jamie Ness entry of Arrow Speed and Mosler Time at potentially generous odds. Using both horses in the entry with Murray underneath creates value in multi-race wagers. The Pick 3 covering races 7-8-9 provides realistic opportunities given the competitive nature of all three races.
Race 8 on turf with 16 horses creates chaos and value. Boltage from post 4 with Jorge Ruiz represents the Trombetta stable and merits serious consideration at 6-1. Spreading underneath with Hold Out, Take a Hint, and Normandy Hero provides coverage of the most likely closers.
Daily double opportunities exist connecting Race 2 and Race 3, where Last Gift and Curlene’s Spirit can be paired with Bala de Plata, Hollywood Import, and Power Grid for reasonable investment with strong coverage.
The late Pick 5 covering races 5-9 offers value for aggressive players willing to spread in Race 6 with its 16-horse field. Keying Indy Charges On in Race 5, spreading in Race 6, using the Ness entry in Race 7, spreading again in Race 8, and keying Hard Swing in Race 9 provides a reasonable approach.
Single-race betting should focus on horses offering value relative to their actual chances. Cap’n Dusty in Race 1, Last Gift in Race 2, Bala de Plata in Race 3, and Ithinkiloveyou in Race 6 all represent horses with legitimate winning chances at prices exceeding their actual probability of success.
The turf races carry additional uncertainty given weather variables and potential main track conversions, though current forecasts suggest the turf will be available. Horses with tactical speed hold advantages in turf sprints at Laurel, particularly from middle post positions.
