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Weather and Track Conditions

Sunday’s racing at Laurel Park will take place under excellent conditions with sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 71°F with minimal chance of precipitation. The turf courses are set with the rail at 17 feet for early races and 70 feet for later turf events, indicating firm conditions favorable for closers and horses with tactical speed. Track conditions should remain consistent throughout the afternoon with light winds and good visibility.​

Race 1: Claiming $40,000 – 5½ Furlongs Turf

This claiming sprint on grass features 10 entrants with several horses taking significant class drops. Huggy enters from trainer Robert Reid Jr. making a rare Maryland appearance and should benefit from the substantial class relief after competing in tougher company at Saratoga. The gelding showed mild late punch in recent dirt starts and the surface switch to turf at a more appropriate distance could awaken his form.​

Rockingham Joe presents value despite his modest 1-for-19 career record, as most previous efforts came against superior competition. He possesses tactical speed that should prove valuable in what projects as a contentious early pace scenario. Moon Sniper also benefits from class relief after struggling against first-level allowance company at Kentucky Downs.​

The pace setup appears favorable for horses positioned just off the early leaders, with several speed types likely to engage early. Elon and Surf’s Up figure to press the pace, potentially setting up a closing kick scenario.

Wagering Analysis: Huggy offers value at morning line odds of 5-1 given the class drop and surface switch. The race sets up well for an exacta involving the main contenders.

Race 2: Claiming $12,500 – 6 Furlongs Dirt

City Panda enters this claiming sprint off a solid second-place finish where he held clear of his dueling partners despite engaging in early fractions. The gelding consistently shows early speed and should be prominent throughout.​

Brindano closed powerfully to break his maiden in late June and followed with a respectable third at Timonium against non-winners of two. The class drop positions him favorably for improvement. Issano provides consistent late pace figures and rarely finishes worse than fourth in these conditions.​

Pace Analysis: City Panda and other speed types should establish honest fractions, potentially setting up late runners like Brindano for their strongest finishing kick.

Race 3: Maiden Special Weight – 1⅛ Miles Turf (Fillies & Mares)

Tight Line returns second off a layoff after showing good late kick on debut at Monmouth Park. The return to Jorge Ruiz strengthens her chances significantly. Queens Fable (IRE) represents the powerful Chad Brown stable making a rare Laurel Park appearance, suggesting significant confidence in this filly’s ability.​

Firestreak produced a stunning debut effort at 118-1 odds, rallying for third and beaten only a neck. While the odds won’t be nearly as generous today, she demonstrated considerable ability in that effort.​

The two-turn distance should favor horses with tactical speed who can position well through the early stages. Protective Custody from the Claude McGaughey III barn also deserves consideration given the trainer’s success with similar types.

Race 4: Maiden Claiming $12,500 – 6 Furlongs Dirt

Railroad Inn has steadily improved his figures across three consecutive dirt starts, peaking with a 73 Beyer when third in softer company. Furious George set the pace and finished second in his most recent effort, displaying renewed speed that had been absent in recent starts.​

Jose Can’t Say appears better suited to sprint distances and should benefit from the cutback from a mile. The pace scenario appears moderate with several horses likely to press forward early.​

Race 5: Allowance Optional Claiming – 1 Mile Turf

This $56,000 allowance optional claiming event for 3-year-olds and upward represents one of the most competitive races on today’s card, featuring several horses with proven stakes credentials and strong turf form.​

Key Contenders

Forever Souper (2/1 favorite) emerges as the standout choice based on his exceptional recent achievements. The 6-year-old gelding trained by Michael Trombetta was honored as the 2024 Florida-bred champion turf male after winning five of eight starts, including setting a mile-and-a-sixteenth course record at Presque Isle Downs. His victories included the $95,000 Sunshine Turf at Gulfstream Park, the $100,000 ESMARK Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs, and the $96,000 Prince George’s County Stakes at Laurel Park.​

Trombetta has transformed this horse since taking over training duties from Mark Casse in 2022, with Forever Souper posting four wins, a second, and two thirds in nine starts under his care. The trainer noted that “some horses improve as time goes on” and Forever Souper appears to be one of those late-developing types. His 5-1-3 record from 11 lifetime turf attempts demonstrates consistent excellence on the grass.​

Eff Thirty Five (5/2) presents the primary threat based on his course-and-distance victory here in April 2025. The 4-year-old gelding scored “his most significant win to date” with a powerful sweeping move in a $53,000 allowance race over this exact conditions. His last effort saw him flatten after making a big move, but he faced an exceptionally strong field where both the winner Dripping Gold and runner-up Raptor’s won their subsequent starts. The combination of proven course form and the return to Brittany Russell’s barn with Sheldon Russell aboard makes him a serious threat to repeat.​

Secondary Contenders

There Are No Words (7/2) brings proven stakes credentials having “almost wired back-to-back stakes races at Monmouth” before getting caught late in both efforts. His ability to withstand fast early fractions while maintaining his speed demonstrates the tactical versatility needed in this competitive field. The Chuck Spina-trained gelding has been multiple stakes placed in open company and possesses the class to be competitive at this level.​

Hunter Joe (15/1) represents significant value as a 7-year-old gelding with proven ability over the Laurel Park turf course. His record shows 7 wins from 34 career starts with an impressive 4 wins from 12 turf attempts. Most significantly, he captured a victory at Laurel Park on October 12, 2024, winning at 1 mile 110 yards on firm turf conditions. The Hamilton Smith trainee returns to his preferred surface and distance after a layoff that could have him primed for improvement.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with moderate early pace pressure, with Hittheroadjak likely to show early speed from the inside. There Are No Words has demonstrated front-running ability in stakes company and should be forwardly placed. This scenario could favor closers like Forever Souper and Eff Thirty Five, both of whom have shown devastating late moves in their best efforts.​

Feeling Woozy (4/1) adds another dimension as a boom-or-bust type for trainer Jamie Ness. When he wins, “he does so impressively,” and his gate-to-wire victory at Parx Racing in his most recent start demonstrates his tactical speed. However, his outside post position may compromise his ability to secure early position.​

Trainer and Jockey Analysis

Michael Trombetta continues his excellence with turf runners, particularly with Forever Souper, who has flourished under the trainer’s care. Trombetta’s patient approach has allowed this gelding to develop into a stakes winner, and the recent form suggests continued improvement.​

Mychel Sanchez partners with Trombetta aboard Forever Souper, and this jockey has shown particular skill with the trainer’s turf runners. The combination should ensure tactical positioning for the favorite’s signature late rally.​

Brittany Russell reunites with Eff Thirty Five for the first time since his April victory at this track. Her knowledge of the horse’s preferred trip and the successful partnership provides confidence for another strong effort.​

Wagering Analysis

Win Bet: Forever Souper at 2/1 odds represents fair value given his stakes credentials and recent form superiority. His proven ability at this level and excellent trainer/jockey combination make him the logical choice despite the modest odds.​

Place/Show Value: Hunter Joe at 15/1 morning line odds offers exceptional value for place and show wagering. His course-and-distance victory and proven turf ability make him a strong candidate to hit the board at generous odds.​

Exacta Strategy: Key Forever Souper on top with Eff Thirty Five, There Are No Words, and Hunter Joe underneath. The reverse exacta using Hunter Joe over the favorites could provide significant payouts if the longshot runs his race.

Trifecta Play: A 1-2-3 trifecta using Forever Souper and Eff Thirty Five with all horses provides reasonable coverage while focusing on the two most likely winners.

Final Selection

Win: Forever Souper
Place: Hunter Joe
Show: Eff Thirty Five

Forever Souper’s combination of recent stakes success, proven ability under Trombetta’s training, and tactical advantages in the expected pace scenario make him the clear choice despite the modest odds. Hunter Joe represents the best value play in a field where his proven course form and generous odds create an attractive wagering opportunity.

Race 6: Maiden Claiming $25,000 – 6 Furlongs (2-Year-Olds)

My Little Nico G sat an ideal trip on debut, working past early leaders before settling for third behind two rallying long shots. Despite the slight class increase, he should improve with experience.​

Tiz the Great has performed well in both one-turn attempts, with connections to subsequent winners Post Time and Our Day Will Come. Prince of Darkness finished a close third on debut, beaten less than a length for second place.​

The juvenile division at Laurel Park has been competitive this season, and several of these newcomers possess pedigrees suggesting improvement with racing experience.

Race 7: Starter Optional Claiming – 1 1/16 Miles Turf (Fillies & Mares)

Divining Smile earned a creditable third in the Maryland Million Turf Distaff Starter Handicap despite racing further back than usual. The class relief and expected improved trip position her as the logical favorite.​

Bella Estrela captured her last start at this level with a well-timed move, though against somewhat softer competition. Buzzaway has excelled over this course with two wins in four starts plus a narrow second.​

Trip Notes Analysis: Lakeside Getaway from the Trombetta barn showed competitive efforts in previous starter company and could factor at odds. The pace should develop naturally with several early speed types engaged.​

Race 8: Maiden Claiming $16,000 – 1 Mile (2-Year-Olds)

Lux Et Veritas makes his debut for trainer Brittany Russell with Jevian Toledo aboard. While Russell’s recent record with first-time starters has been modest, this colt has shown morning activity suggesting readiness.​

My Boy Bud earned a career-best 64 Beyer last out while pressing pace and fading in his first mile attempt. Birdy Whisper recorded a solid 61 figure against maiden special weight competition before struggling against better.​

Most of this field has shown limited ability, potentially elevating the first-time starter if he can produce even modest speed figures.

Race 9: Allowance Optional Claiming – 1 Mile Turf (Fillies & Mares)

This $53,000 allowance optional claiming race for fillies and mares represents the most intriguing betting race on today’s card, featuring several horses with untapped potential and strong recent form. The 13-horse field includes multiple trainers with proven turf success and several lightly raced prospects with significant upside.​

Prime Contender

Stop Watch (3/1) stands out as the most compelling choice based on her perfect 2-for-2 turf record and demonstrated ability to overcome adversity. The 3-year-old filly by Not This Time has shown remarkable talent in her brief career, with her form line reading “211” – indicating wins in her most recent start and debut, with a second-place finish in between.​

Her most impressive performance came on August 27, 2025, at Delaware Park where she captured a maiden special weight race with Angel Cruz aboard, winning by 1¼ lengths at odds of 4.50-1. What made this victory particularly noteworthy was her ability to overcome significant trouble in the stretch, checking sharply at the 1/16 pole before regathering her stride and winning going away under a hand ride.​

Trainer-Jockey Combination Analysis: The partnership of trainer Cal Lynch and jockey Angel Cruz has been exceptionally productive recently, producing seven wins from 15 starts (47%) this month with an impressive $11.95 return on investment. Lynch has established himself as a “Multiple Graded Stakes Winning Trainer” with proven success developing young horses. The fact that Cruz continues to ride Stop Watch demonstrates the connections’ confidence in her ability.​

Strong Secondary Choices

Flowers for Me (4/1) presents the most significant threat based on her dramatic improvement since returning from a 21-month layoff. The 4-year-old West Coast filly won at Laurel Park on November 17, 2023, going off as the 11/4 favorite with Daniel Centeno. After the extended absence, she returned at Saratoga on August 17, 2025, finishing a creditable second at 10/1 odds.​

This recent runner-up effort at Saratoga represents a significant forward move, especially considering she was facing tougher competition after her layoff. Trainer James Ryerson has shown patience in bringing her back, and the class drop to this level should position her favorably for another forward step.​

Amie’s Symphony (5/2) brings impressive recent credentials from the Michael Trombetta stable. The daughter of Mendelssohn out of Amie’s Legend “dazzled when dispatching a nice group of maiden fillies” in an $87,500 race at Colonial Downs. She followed that breakthrough victory with another impressive score at Colonial Downs, demonstrating consistency at this level.​

Trombetta’s success with turf fillies is well-documented, and the partnership with Country Life Farm adds credibility to this filly’s prospects. Her pedigree suggests continued improvement as she gains experience, with Mendelssohn proving an excellent sire for turf runners.​

Value Contenders

Pure Beauty (8/1) offers intriguing value despite her lofty connections to trainer Claude “Shug” McGaughey III. The Florida-bred daughter of Malibu Moon was a $435,000 yearling purchase who has competed at the highest levels, including the Grade 3 Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct in her quest for Kentucky Oaks qualifying points.​

While she finished third in that Gazelle effort behind eventual Kentucky Oaks participants, the experience at stakes level provides valuable seasoning. Her previous victory came in maiden special weight company at Gulfstream Park going a mile, demonstrating her effectiveness at this distance. The class drop to allowance company could unlock significant improvement.​

Sal’s Blue Jacket (6/1) provides tactical speed that could prove valuable in the expected pace scenario. The 5-year-old mare for trainer Michael Stidham “claimed a third career victory in near identical fashion, setting the pace” in her most recent effort. Her most significant victory came at Colonial Downs in September 2023 in a $70,000 event.​

Her front-running style offers a different tactical approach than most of the field, and she’s proven capable of wiring fields when conditions align favorably. Jockey Jevian Toledo’s aggressive riding style should complement her natural early speed.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with moderate early pace pressure, likely featuring Sal’s Blue Jacket and Cha Cha Tap showing early speed. Amie’s Symphony has demonstrated tactical versatility and should position favorably just off the leaders. This scenario should favor closers like Stop Watch and Flowers for Me, both of whom have shown powerful finishing kicks in recent efforts.​

The rail position at 17 feet suggests firm turf conditions that should favor horses with tactical speed who can secure good position early while maintaining their rally for the stretch drive.

Other Considerations

My Charm represents trainer Brittany Russell with Sheldon Russell aboard, a combination that has shown consistent success with turf runners. Corinna brings the prestige of trainer Michael Matz, whose careful placement suggests confidence in this 6-year-old mare’s current form.

Hold Your Breath completes the field for trainer John Servis, whose patient approach with developing horses often produces improving efforts in spots like this.

Wagering Strategy

Win Bet: Stop Watch at 3/1 odds represents solid value given her perfect turf record and the successful Lynch-Cruz combination’s recent form.​

Exacta Strategy: Key Stop Watch on top with Flowers for Me, Amie’s Symphony, and Pure Beauty underneath. The reverse combinations using any of these horses over Stop Watch could provide generous payouts if the favorite falters.​

Trifecta Coverage: Use Stop Watch and Flowers for Me in the first two positions with Amie’s Symphony, Pure Beauty, and Sal’s Blue Jacket filling out the trifecta.​

Value Play: Pure Beauty offers exceptional value at 8/1 morning line odds given her stakes experience and the McGaughey training. A small win bet combined with place/show coverage provides attractive risk-reward potential.​

Daily Double Opportunity: Stop Watch to Worcester in Race 10 creates an appealing combination of improving horses with proven abilities returning to favorable conditions.

Final Selections

Win: Stop Watch
Place: Flowers for Me
Show: Amie’s Symphony

Stop Watch’s combination of perfect turf form, ability to overcome trouble, and the hot Lynch-Cruz trainer-jockey tandem makes her the logical choice despite facing her toughest competition to date. Flowers for Me’s forward progression off the layoff provides the most likely upset scenario, while Amie’s Symphony’s consistent recent form under Trombetta’s expert turf guidance rounds out the top three selections.​

Race 10: Allowance Optional Claiming – 6 Furlongs Dirt

This $56,000 allowance optional claiming sprint represents the most competitive dirt race on today’s card, featuring several horses with proven stakes credentials and strong recent form at Laurel Park. The 11-horse field includes multiple graded stakes winners and local track specialists competing at a distance that favors tactical speed and strong finishers.​

Prime Contender

Worcester (4/1) emerges as the standout choice based on his exceptional transformation since joining trainer Brittany Russell and his proven dominance over this exact track and distance. The 5-year-old son of Empire Maker has been “red hot” since moving from Bob Baffert’s barn, posting two wins and two seconds from four starts under Russell’s expert care.​

His most impressive recent performance came in the $100,000 Frank Y. Whiteley Stakes at Laurel Park on April 12, 2025, where he produced a spectacular last-to-first rally over this exact 6-furlong distance. Breaking from post 3 under jockey Sheldon Russell, Worcester was unhurried early, tracking the pace in sixth while racing wide before unleashing a powerful five-wide move into the stretch. He dueled with stablemate New King in a thrilling stretch battle, eventually muscling past to secure a 1½-length victory in 1:24.38 over a sealed muddy surface.​

Russell-Worcester Partnership: Since transferring to Brittany Russell’s barn, Worcester has blossomed dramatically, winning three of five starts and pushing his career earnings over $270,000. Russell has established herself as Maryland’s leading trainer for two consecutive seasons with 118 wins in 2024 and 113 wins in 2025, demonstrating exceptional skill with horses transitioning from major barns. The partnership with jockey Sheldon Russell adds another layer of confidence, as their combination has proven highly effective with dirt sprinters.​

Strong Secondary Choices

Seven’s Eleven (5/2) brings impressive credentials as the 2023 Maryland-bred Champion 3-year-old Male and winner of that year’s Maryland Million Sprint. The homebred for Cottonwood Stable LLC returned to trainer Carlos Mancilla after a brief separation, reuniting with the conditioner who guided him to his championship season.​

His 2023 campaign was remarkable, featuring wins in the Maryland Million Sprint and the $75,000 Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial Stakes. In the Bender Memorial, he “drew off to win” with Angel Cruz aboard, completing the distance in 1:23.34 over a fast track. His career record shows 5 wins from 12 starts with earnings of $222,330, including a perfect 5-0-1 record with $209,210 in earnings during his championship season.​

Recent Performance Analysis: Seven’s Eleven finished third in the Frank Y. Whiteley Stakes behind Worcester and New King, demonstrating his competitiveness at this level. That effort came after pressing the early pace and holding determinedly, showing he maintained his tactical speed despite the extended layoff. His return to Mancilla’s barn suggests renewed confidence in his ability to return to championship form.​

No Cents (6/1) presents exceptional value based on his outstanding Laurel Park record and recent partnership with the hot Lynch-Cruz combination. The 7-year-old gelding boasts an excellent 4-for-12 record at Laurel Park with four additional in-the-money finishes, demonstrating remarkable consistency over this track.​

His most significant recent victory came in April when he wired the field gate-to-wire, demonstrating his effectiveness over this exact track and distance. The combination of trainer Cal Lynch and jockey Angel Cruz has been particularly effective recently, producing impressive results with their tactical approach. No Cents’ front-running style offers a different tactical dimension that could prove valuable if the pace scenario develops favorably.​

Value Contenders

Dean Delivers (8/1) brings Grade 3-winning credentials despite his recent struggles. The 6-year-old gelding captured the Smile Sprint (G3) at Gulfstream Park and finished second in Saratoga’s Grade 1 A.G. Vanderbilt before experiencing a career renaissance under trainer Ned Allard.​

His most impressive streak came after moving to Allard’s barn, where he “reeled off four consecutive wins, all in stakes,” including a front-running victory in the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash at Laurel Park. However, his 2025 form shows 0 wins from 3 starts with earnings of only $25,300, suggesting he may be past his peak. Still, Allard’s comment that “he’s sharp as a tack and feeling good” after a freshening suggests renewed optimism.​

Faster Gator (12/1) offers intriguing longshot value as a 3-year-old facing older horses. The son of Vekoma has shown flashes of ability with wins at Charles Town in July 2025 and at Laurel Park in both March 2025 and 2024. His versatility over different distances and surfaces suggests adaptability, though his recent form has been inconsistent.​

Northern Flame (10/1) represents trainer Bruno Tessore with jockey Samuel Marin aboard, providing another potential upset candidate. His morning line odds suggest he’s been competitive in similar company.

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with moderate early pace pressure, likely featuring No Cents pressing forward from his favorable post position. Seven’s Eleven has demonstrated front-running ability in his best efforts and should secure good early position. This scenario favors closers like Worcester, who has shown devastating late kick ability in his Whiteley Stakes victory.​

Dean Delivers possesses tactical speed but may need to utilize his early pace to remain competitive in his current form. The six-furlong distance should suit most of this field, with the winner likely coming from horses who can secure good position early while maintaining their rally for the stretch drive.​

Trainer Analysis

Brittany Russell continues her dominance as Maryland’s leading trainer, and her success with former Bob Baffert horses like Worcester demonstrates her ability to unlock improvement in talented but underperforming horses. Her 42% strike rate with Sheldon Russell-ridden dirt sprinters getting lasix in allowance races strengthens Worcester’s credentials.​

Carlos Mancilla has proven his effectiveness with Seven’s Eleven during their previous successful partnership, including the Maryland Million Sprint victory. His return to training this horse suggests mutual confidence in renewed success.​

Cal Lynch has been particularly effective recently, especially when partnered with jockey Angel Cruz. Their combination achieved a milestone 1,000th career victory earlier this year at Laurel Park, demonstrating their strong partnership.​

Wagering Strategy

Win Bet: Worcester at 4/1 odds represents solid value given his proven track record, trainer excellence, and demonstrated ability over this exact conditions.​

Place/Show Value: No Cents at 6/1 morning line odds offers exceptional value for place and show wagering given his outstanding Laurel Park record and front-running style.​

Exacta Strategy: Key Worcester on top with Seven’s Eleven, No Cents, and Dean Delivers underneath. The reverse combinations could provide generous payouts if any of the secondary choices outrun Worcester.

Trifecta Coverage: Use Worcester and Seven’s Eleven in the first two positions with No Cents, Dean Delivers, and Faster Gator completing the trifecta combinations.

Daily Double Opportunity: Worcester in Race 10 to any of the top choices in Race 11 creates an attractive late double opportunity.

Longshot Special: Faster Gator at 12/1 offers intriguing value as a lightly raced 3-year-old who could benefit from the weight allowance and tactical speed.​

Final Selections

Win: Worcester
Place: Seven’s Eleven
Show: No Cents

Worcester’s combination of proven track dominance, excellent trainer-jockey partnership, and demonstrated ability to overcome adversity makes him the logical choice despite modest odds. Seven’s Eleven’s return to his championship connections provides the most likely upset scenario, while No Cents’ outstanding Laurel Park record and tactical speed offer solid each-way value.​

Race 11: Maiden Claiming $16,000 – 5½ Furlongs Turf

Long Straw produced respectable mid-to-upper 60s Beyer figures against stronger maiden company. The class drop positions him favorably despite his modest odds.​

Quamash narrowly missed as the 9-10 favorite last out, setting pace and holding gamely to the wire. The gelding has consistently shown early speed in turf sprints but needs to prove he can sustain the effort.​

War Thunder Analysis: This son of War Dancer produced his career-best 48 Beyer in his turf debut but encountered significant trouble. After breaking poorly and rushing up mid-race while wide, he briefly contended before weakening late. A more patient ride and cleaner break could yield significant improvement at 30-1 morning line odds.​

Dats Tap has recorded competitive figures that would win this race but continues searching for his maiden victory after 18 attempts.​

Jockey Analysis

Jevian Toledo maintains excellent form at the current meet and handles multiple mounts today including promising horses in competitive spots. His combination with trainer Michael Trombetta continues producing consistent results.​

Mychel Sanchez rides for several top trainers today and has shown particular skill with turf runners and improving types making class drops.​

Angel Cruz teams with trainer Cal Lynch in Race 9 aboard Stop Watch, a combination that has delivered impressive recent results.​

Trainer Insights

Michael Trombetta saddles multiple runners including Forever Souper and Abundant Love, both in competitive positions. His consistent approach with allowance-level turf runners makes his horses automatic considerations.​

Brittany Russell sends out Worcester in Race 10, returning to his preferred surface and distance. Her 42% strike rate with Sheldon Russell-ridden dirt sprinters getting lasix in allowance races strengthens Worcester’s case.​

Cal Lynch has been particularly effective recently, especially when partnered with jockey Angel Cruz.​

Wagering Strategies

Best Single Play: Stop Watch in Race 9 offers the most upside potential given her limited experience and demonstrated ability to overcome adversity.​

Value Plays:

• Huggy in Race 1 at 5-1 morning line odds represents solid value given the class drop
• Worcester in Race 10 offers redemption potential at 4-1 odds returning to his home track
• War Thunder in Race 11 provides intriguing longshot value at 30-1 if he can secure a better trip

Multi-Race Strategies:

• Late Pick 5 (Races 7-11) appears manageable with several logical favorites
• Pick 3 covering Races 9-11 allows focus on the strongest opinions
• Exacta combinations in Race 9 using Stop Watch on top with Flowers for Me and Sal’s Blue Jacket

Daily Double Opportunities: Race 9 Stop Watch to Race 10 Worcester provides an attractive combination of improving horses in favorable spots.