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Laurel Park presents a competitive 10-race card featuring a diverse mix of starter optional claiming, maiden claiming, allowance, and claiming races across both dirt and turf surfaces. The card includes several turf races with contingency plans to move to the main track if conditions warrant, with varying rail positions set for different races.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Current conditions at Laurel Park show fair weather with temperatures around 52°F, northwest winds at 7 mph, and clear skies forecast throughout the racing day. The main track is listed as fast while the turf course is firm, providing ideal racing conditions. The turf rail positioning varies by race, with races running at either 35 feet or 87 feet depending on the specific event.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Starter Optional Claiming, 1 Mile Turf, 12:10 PM

Key Contenders: King Covee enters from post 1 with veteran experience and recent form that suggests he can handle this level. Max Swagger brings consistent form patterns that make him dangerous in this spot.

Secondary Choices: Punxsutawney Phil offers value from the rail, while Robert’s Moon could benefit from the pace setup if it develops as expected.

Longshot Consideration: Hope’s Alive at longer odds presents an interesting play given the trainer’s recent success with similar types.

Pace Analysis: The race sets up with moderate early pace pressure, which should benefit horses with tactical speed or late-running ability.

Race 2 – Claiming $40,000, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 12:38 PM

Key Contenders: Divine Works represents the Michael Trombetta barn and shows the class to be competitive in this spot. Margaret P brings experience and should handle the distance well.

Secondary Choices: Seaside Road could benefit from the pace setup, while Don’t Fool With Me presents value at longer odds.

Pace Analysis: The sprint distance should produce honest early fractions with the winner likely coming from within striking distance.

Race 3 – Claiming $40,000, 1 1/8 Miles Turf, 1:06 PM

Key Contenders: Mambo Queen from the Trombetta stable brings proven turf form and should handle the distance well. Sun Cross shows consistent form patterns that make her dangerous.

Secondary Choices: Devastating represents value with her recent form, while Dead Sexy could benefit from the pace setup.

Pace Analysis: The route distance typically favors horses with tactical speed who can position themselves early and finish strongly.

Race 4 – Maiden Claiming $16,000, 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, 1:34 PM

Key Contenders: Knickoletta from the Russell barn represents a strong professional connection. Judy G shows improving form patterns that suggest she’s ready to graduate.

Secondary Choices: It’s a Breeze could benefit from the pace setup, while Bee Too Sweet presents value at longer odds.

Pace Analysis: Juvenile fillies at this distance typically produce honest early pace with the winner coming from within striking distance.

Race 5 – Allowance, 1 1/16 Miles Turf, 2:02 PM

This is an $49,000 allowance race for fillies and mares three years old and upward who have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, waiver claiming, starter or MD sired/MD bred races, or have never won two races. The field of 13 presents excellent wagering opportunities with several legitimate contenders and intriguing value plays. The rail is positioned at 35 feet, and the race will move to the main track at one mile if turf conditions deteriorate.​

Top Contenders

Souper Williwaw (#9, 9-5 ML) represents the strongest win candidate based on her impressive maiden victory at Monmouth Park in June. The daughter of Hard Spun took advantage of a slow second quarter to draw away convincingly, showcasing both tactical speed and acceleration. She’s making her first start since that breakthrough performance for Mike Trombetta, whose barn has excelled on grass throughout the current meet. With Mychel Sanchez aboard, she brings proven turf form and appears ready to handle this step up in class.​

Summer Whirl (#10, 6-1 ML) closed strongly and just missed in her most recent Laurel Park effort, beaten less than a length by Stop Watch. That runner returned to finish third by a length in a tougher second-level race, giving the form a significant boost. Trained by H. Graham Motion for Hillwood Stable, this daughter of Arrogate has shown consistent improvement in her recent starts and earned a solid 90 Beyer Speed Figure in her last effort. Jorge Ruiz takes the mount and should provide the well-timed ride necessary to get her home in front.​

Lady de Berry (#3, 5-2 ML) couldn’t get settled in her last start at the Meadowlands and subsequently ran below her best. At her peak form, she possesses significant early speed and has the ability to steal away on the front end. Sheldon Russell returns to the irons after setting the pace with her twice over the summer, nearly pulling off gate-to-wire victories in both attempts. The Brittany Russell barn has been extremely successful this season, and this filly represents a bounce-back candidate with improved trip conditions.​

Secondary Contenders

Reply (#4, 120 lbs) also represents the powerful Brittany Russell stable and brings graded stakes experience, having competed in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes earlier this year. Owned by Repole Stable, she’s proven her ability at this level and benefits from the trainer’s exceptional turf record. Sheldon Russell taking the mount provides additional confidence.​

Bottle Rocket (FR) (#11, 123 lbs) brings European breeding and represents Michael Trombetta’s second entry in the race. Her recent form shows consistent efforts, and the French breeding suggests strong turf aptitude. With Horacio Karamanos riding, she could benefit from pace dynamics and provide value in exotic wagers.​

Shine On Moon (#5, 123 lbs) returns to the Cathal Lynch barn where she began her career and represents solid each-way value. Ismerio Villalobos takes the mount, and her recent form suggests she’s capable of hitting the board at larger odds.​

Longshot Considerations

Acheron (#12, 113 lbs) carries just 113 pounds with Christian Maragh aboard, making her an interesting longshot play. The significant weight advantage could prove decisive in a competitive field, and she represents solid value for exotic wagering purposes.​

Ithinkiloveyou (#7, 118 lbs) gets a four-pound weight allowance and represents the Hugh McMahon barn. Yedsit Hazlewood’s strong recent form makes this a potential upset candidate worth including in larger exotic wagers.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with moderate early pace pressure from Lady de Berry, who will likely try to establish position from the rail. Souper Williwaw’s tactical speed allows her to sit in ideal stalking position, while Summer Whirl’s closing kick becomes more potent if the pace develops honestly. The 1 1/16-mile distance on turf typically favors horses with proven stamina and tactical speed, making both Souper Williwaw and Summer Whirl ideal for the conditions.​

Key Angles

Trainer Angle: Both Trombetta (Souper Williwaw, Bottle Rocket) and Russell (Lady de Berry, Reply) have been exceptionally successful on turf this season. The Trombetta barn’s grass success rate makes Souper Williwaw particularly appealing, while Russell’s multiple stakes victories this year highlight her stable’s current form.​

Form Boost: Summer Whirl’s recent near-miss gains significant credibility given Stop Watch’s subsequent strong performance. This form upgrade makes her an excellent value play at 6-1 morning line odds.​

Weight Advantage: Several horses carry reduced weight, with Acheron at 113 pounds presenting the most significant advantage in a competitive field.

Wagering Strategy

Win Bet: Souper Williwaw at 9-5 represents solid value given her class and Trombetta’s turf success rate.

Value Play: Summer Whirl at 6-1 offers excellent odds considering her recent form boost and Graham Motion’s training ability.

Exacta Strategy: Key Souper Williwaw and Summer Whirl on top, using Lady de Berry, Reply, and Bottle Rocket underneath for combination plays.

Trifecta: Use the top three choices (Souper Williwaw, Summer Whirl, Lady de Berry) with deeper horses like Acheron and Ithinkiloveyou for higher payouts.

Race 6 – Maiden Claiming $45,000, 6 Furlongs Turf, 2:29 PM

Key Contenders: Proudly Hailed brings European breeding and should handle the turf surface well. Chimney Sweep shows improving form patterns.

Secondary Choices: Farooq could benefit from the class relief, while Baltic presents value if healthy.

Pace Analysis: The sprint distance on turf typically favors horses with tactical speed and proven turf breeding.

Race 7 – Starter Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 2:59 PM

Key Contenders: Electric Eel shows the class to be competitive in this spot. Sheriff Ronnie brings consistent form patterns.

Secondary Choices: Golden Candy could benefit from the pace setup, while Magic Spin presents value at longer odds.

Pace Analysis: The sprint distance should produce honest early fractions with closers getting their chance if the pace is contested.

Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 Mile Turf, 3:27 PM

This $53,000 allowance optional claiming race for three-year-olds and upward presents one of the most competitive betting opportunities on the card. The field of 15 includes horses with diverse backgrounds, ranging from graded stakes winners to improving allowance runners. The race is set for one mile on turf with the rail positioned at 35 feet, though it will move to the main track if conditions warrant.​

Top Contenders

Boppy O (#9, 5-1 ML) represents the most compelling value play in the race. This graded stakes winner captured the Grade 3 With Anticipation at Saratoga as a two-year-old, becoming the first graded winner for freshman sire Bolt d’Oro. He followed that breakthrough with a victory in the $102,000 Jersey Derby at Monmouth Park in 2023, rallying from off the pace to win decisively.​

The 5-year-old gelding by Bolt d’Oro has earned $388,133 from 24 starts with four wins, seven seconds, and two thirds. Most recently, he has been competitive in Florida, finishing second in three consecutive starts at Gulfstream Park including efforts in the Sunshine Turf and St. Augustine Handicap. Trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Mark Casse and switching to jockey Sheldon Russell, his class advantage and proven turf ability make him dangerous at the morning line odds.​

Mister Lincoln (#4, 6-1 ML) enters off an impressive turf debut victory at Laurel Park in September, winning by disqualification after being impeded in deep stretch. The 4-year-old gelding by Constitution showed tremendous heart in that effort, rallying from last to first despite traffic troubles. His pedigree suggests turf success, being out of juvenile Grade 1 winner Hot Dixie Chick and making him a three-quarter brother to Grade 1 winner Pauline’s Pearl.​

Trainer Jamie Ness purchased Mister Lincoln for just $40,000 after the gelding struggled in his first four starts for Steve Asmussen. The trainer’s decision to geld him immediately proved beneficial, and Ness has indicated the horse “probably deserves another chance” on turf with possible distance increases in the future. With Mychel Sanchez aboard, he represents strong value at 6-1.​

Can Group (#12, 4-1 ML) finished a strong second in his last start despite encountering a wide trip, suggesting improvement with a better journey. Also trained by Jamie Ness for the same connections as Mister Lincoln, he represents a formidable one-two punch from a barn that has been excelling throughout the meet. His recent form shows consistency at this level, making him a logical choice for the superfecta and trifecta combinations.​

Secondary Contenders

Sky’s Not Falling (#10, 8-1 ML) brings extensive turf experience to this spot, having earned over $532,000 in his career. The 7-year-old gelding by Seville has been a consistent performer for Michael Trombetta, finishing third in the recent Maryland Million Turf Stakes. His form shows he remains competitive at this level, and the Trombetta barn’s success on turf makes him a logical contender.​

Hold Out (#7, 6-1 ML) comes off a victory and represents solid each-way value. Forest Boyce takes the mount for trainer Suzanne Stettinius, and his recent win suggests he’s in sharp form. The combination of winning form and trainer change could provide the spark needed for another strong effort.​

Tok Tok (#3, 5-1 ML) steps down in class after a decent performance at a higher level, trained by H. Graham Motion. The class relief combined with Motion’s skill with turf horses makes him a legitimate threat. Jorge Ruiz’s familiarity with turf racing adds another positive element.​

Longshot Considerations

Ruddy Buddy (#2, 12-1 ML) showed an impressive late kick in his last start and could provide significant value for exotic players. Daniel Centeno takes the mount for trainer Robert Werneth, and the combination of closing ability and longer odds makes him an intriguing inclusion in trifecta and superfecta combinations.​

Stormy Flight (#13, 15-1 ML) represents the Hamilton Smith barn and brings back-class from stakes competition. At 15-1 morning line odds, he provides excellent value for players seeking longshot opportunities in the deeper exotics.​

Jack’s Legend (#8, 10-1 ML) has shown consistent form for trainer Kenneth Cox and provides solid value at double-digit odds. Jevian Toledo’s recent success at the meet makes this an interesting play for those seeking value.​

Pace Analysis

The race appears to set up with moderate early pace, which should benefit horses with tactical speed like Boppy O and those with proven closing ability. The one-mile distance on turf typically favors horses who can position themselves within striking distance and finish strongly. Mister Lincoln’s come-from-behind style could be particularly effective if the pace develops honestly.​

The presence of several speed horses suggests the early fractions will be legitimate, setting up the race for closers and horses with tactical speed. Boppy O’s proven ability to sit off the pace and accelerate should serve him well in this scenario.

Key Angles

Class Angle: Boppy O’s graded stakes credentials provide a significant class edge over most of this field. His Grade 3 victory and Jersey Derby success demonstrate ability well above this level.​

Trainer Form: Jamie Ness has been exceptional throughout the current meet, with both Mister Lincoln and Can Group representing strong chances. The barn’s recent success, particularly with turf horses, makes both runners appealing.​

Surface Switch Success: Mister Lincoln’s impressive turf debut suggests he may have found his preferred surface. Horses making successful surface switches often continue that success with proper placement.​

Jockey Changes: Sheldon Russell picking up the mount on Boppy O represents a positive development, as does the continued partnership between Mychel Sanchez and the Ness stable.​

Wagering Strategy

Win Bet: Boppy O at 5-1 represents the best single-race value on the entire card, combining proven class with favorable odds.​

Place/Show Strategy: Both Mister Lincoln (6-1) and Can Group (4-1) offer solid place and show value given their recent form and trainer success.

Exacta Strategy: Key Boppy O on top with Mister Lincoln, Can Group, and Hold Out underneath. Also consider reversing with Mister Lincoln on top over Boppy O.

Trifecta Combinations:

• Use Boppy O and Mister Lincoln on top with Can Group, Hold Out, Sky’s Not Falling, and Tok Tok underneath
• Include Ruddy Buddy as a longshot third option for larger payouts

Superfecta Strategy: Build around the top four choices while including longshots like Ruddy Buddy, Jack’s Legend, and Stormy Flight for maximum payout potential.

Multi-Race Wagers

This race serves as an excellent single in the late Pick-3, Pick-4, and Pick-5 sequences. Boppy O’s class advantage and value at 5-1 make him an ideal choice for players seeking to maximize their investment in the multi-race wagers.

Race 9 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles Dirt, 3:58 PM

This $53,000 allowance optional claiming race for three-year-olds and upward presents a fascinating betting opportunity with a small but competitive field of six runners. The race conditions favor horses that have never won two races other than maiden, claiming, waiver claiming, starter or state bred races, or those that have never won three races. At 1 1/16 miles on dirt, this represents a significant stamina test that should separate the wheat from the chaff.​

Top Contender

Warp Nine (#3, 3-1 ML) emerges as the most logical winner based on his recent form and pace advantages. This 4-year-old colt by Hightail ships in from Parx Racing for trainer Harold Wyner and attracts the services of accomplished jockey Frankie Pennington. His recent form shows remarkable consistency, including a gate-to-wire victory at his home base in June and solid efforts when sitting just off the pace in subsequent starts.​

The son of Hightail possesses the tactical speed necessary to control this apparently paceless affair, having demonstrated both early speed and the ability to rate off leaders. His breeding suggests stamina for the 1 1/16-mile distance, being out of Powertap by Tapit, a cross that typically produces horses capable of handling route distances. With 15 career starts producing one win, two seconds, and six thirds, he’s clearly been knocking on the door of another victory.​

Most significantly, expert analysis suggests he “looks fast enough to assume control of this largely paceless affair,” giving him a significant tactical advantage over his rivals. The combination of early speed, improving form, and apparent lack of pace pressure makes him the logical choice at generous 3-1 morning line odds.​

Secondary Contenders

Sacred Thunder (#6, 2-1 ML) enters as the morning line favorite but faces several challenges. The 3-year-old gelding by Holy Boss was scratched from the Maryland Million Classic just 13 days ago, raising questions about his current condition. Trainer Gary Capuano had concerns about the tougher competition, potentially indicating the horse wasn’t at peak form for that major engagement.​

In his most recent start at Delaware Park, Sacred Thunder finished second to gate-to-wire winner Blue Kingdom, who subsequently finished third in the Maryland Million Classic after setting the pace. This form line provides solid credentials, though he’ll need to improve significantly to turn the tables on Warp Nine if the latter secures an uncontested lead. Yedsit Hazlewood takes the mount, and the barn has shown good form throughout the season with Maryland-bred horses.​

Phantom Speed (#4, 4-1 ML) represents the most intriguing wild card in the field. This 4-year-old gelding by Constitution returned from a year-long layoff to score a dramatic come-from-behind victory at Parx Racing in September. The race replay shows him tracking from far back before unleashing a powerful late rally to win going away.​​

However, significant questions remain about his ability to handle two turns, as he’s never won around two turns in his career. While his talent is undeniable based on his recent comeback performance, the step up in distance and the additional turn present unknown variables. Sheldon Russell picks up the mount for trainer Niall Saville, representing a strong jockey-trainer combination that has shown success throughout the meet.​

Longshot Considerations

Boss Logic (#2, 10-1 ML) brings extensive experience and proven class to this spot for the red-hot Jamie Ness stable. This 7-year-old gelding by Oxbow has compiled an impressive record of 13 wins from 38 starts, demonstrating both ability and consistency over time. His recent form shows he finished third in his last start, suggesting he remains competitive at this level.​

The Ness barn has been exceptionally successful throughout the current Laurel Park meet, making any runner from this stable dangerous regardless of odds. Mychel Sanchez takes the mount, continuing his strong partnership with the Ness operation that has produced multiple winners recently. At 10-1 morning line odds, he represents solid value for players seeking longshot opportunities in the exacta and trifecta.​

Crossland (#1, 10-1 ML) offers upset potential at attractive odds. This 6-year-old gelding brings back-class and experience to the table. J.G. Torrealba takes the mount for trainer Kerry Hohlbein, and at double-digit odds, he provides excellent value for exotic wagering combinations.​

Be Better (#5, 8-1 ML) rounds out the field as another potential value play. The 6-year-old gelding represents the Kieron Magee barn, which has shown flashes of success throughout the season. Carlos Eduardo Lopez takes the mount, and his recent riding form has been solid.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up ideally for a horse with early speed, as expert analysis describes this as a “largely paceless affair”. Warp Nine’s tactical speed advantage becomes even more pronounced in this scenario, as he should be able to secure ideal position without excessive pressure. Sacred Thunder will likely need to overcome the pace disadvantage, while Phantom Speed’s closing style could be compromised if Warp Nine gets away with easy fractions.​

The 1 1/16-mile distance typically favors horses that can establish good position early and maintain that advantage throughout. With limited early speed in the field, the winner will likely come from among the leaders rather than from deep closing position.

Key Angles

Pace Advantage: Warp Nine’s ability to control a paceless race provides the strongest angle in the entire field.​

Trainer Form: Jamie Ness has been exceptional throughout the meet, making Boss Logic a dangerous longshot despite his morning line odds.​

Comeback Pattern: Phantom Speed’s impressive return from layoff suggests he may have found his best form, though the distance question remains.​

Class Relief: Several horses appear to be dropping in class, potentially finding this spot more suitable than their recent competition.

Wagering Strategy

Win Bet: Warp Nine at 3-1 represents excellent value given his pace advantage and improving form.

Value Play: Boss Logic at 10-1 offers tremendous value for the Jamie Ness stable’s current hot streak.

Exacta Strategy: Key Warp Nine on top with Sacred Thunder, Phantom Speed, and Boss Logic underneath. Also consider reversing with Sacred Thunder on top.

Trifecta Combinations:

• Use Warp Nine and Sacred Thunder on top with the entire field underneath
• Include Boss Logic and Crossland as longshot third options for increased payouts

Superfecta Strategy: In a small field, consider boxing the top four choices while using all six horses for maximum coverage.

Multi-Race Considerations

This race serves as an excellent confidence play in the late Pick-3, Pick-4, and Pick-5 sequences. Warp Nine’s pace advantage in a small field makes him an ideal single, allowing players to spread in more competitive races.

Race 10 – Claiming $40,000, 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf, 4:26 PM

Key Contenders: Yo Adrian broke her maiden impressively despite a wide trip and sets the pace figure standard. J Z’s Last Schance brings consistent form and should be competitive.​

Secondary Choices: Frappart offers value at 6/1 and shows improvement potential with better pace positioning. Ticklers comes off a maiden victory but faces tougher competition.​

Pace Analysis: The sprint distance favors horses with tactical speed and proven turf form.

Wagering Strategy: Yo Adrian appears likely to be heavily favored, making Frappart an attractive value play at 6/1.​

Jockey Notes and Insights

Mychel Sanchez continues strong form and has multiple mounts including runners in races 3, 4, 8, and 9. Sheldon Russell picks up the mount on Boppy O, representing a positive jockey change for that runner.​

Victor Carrasco has mounts in races 1, 6, and 10, while Jevian Toledo appears on multiple races throughout the card.​

Trainer Notes and Insights

Michael Trombetta has multiple strong chances including Mambo Queen (Race 3) and Bottle Rocket (Race 5). The Russell stable represents solid value with their typical debut runners and proven form horses.​

Graham Motion sends out Summer Whirl in Race 5, while the Brittany Russell barn has proven success with last-out maiden winners on turf.​

Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Best Single Race Plays:

• Race 8: Boppy O at 5/1 represents excellent value​
• Race 9: Warp Nine appears to have a significant class advantage​
• Race 10: Frappart at 6/1 offers strong value potential​

Multi-Race Strategies:

• Late Pick-3 (Races 8-9-10): Key Boppy O, Warp Nine, and Frappart for value combinations
• Daily Double (Races 8-9): Boppy O with Warp Nine provides solid value
• Exacta Strategy: Focus on races with clear pace scenarios and value overlays

Trifecta Opportunities:

• Race 8: Use Boppy O on top with Hold Out, Can Group, and Sky’s Not Falling underneath
• Race 9: Key Warp Nine over Phantom Speed, Sacred Thunder, and Crossland
• Race 10: Box Yo Adrian, Frappart, and J Z’s Last Schance for potential value​