TL;DR

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Laurel Park hosts a nine-race thoroughbred card today with first post time at 12:10 PM, featuring a mix of starter optional claiming, maiden claiming, and allowance races. The day presents several carryovers including the Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 4-9) carrying $5,148, making it an attractive betting opportunity. Weather conditions appear favorable for racing with patchy rain possible and temperatures around 72°F (22°C), which should keep both dirt and turf courses in good condition.

Weather and Track Conditions

Today’s forecast calls for patchy rain with only a 0.3mm accumulation expected and temperatures reaching 72°F with light winds. The minimal precipitation should maintain good racing surfaces, particularly important given that three of the nine races are scheduled for the turf course. Track management has set the turf rail at varying distances throughout the day – 87 feet for races 1 and 9, and 35 feet for races 3 and 8.

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Starter Optional Claiming ($30,000)

Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Post Time: 12:10 PM

Key Contenders:
Uncle Jake emerges as the top selection at 8-1 odds despite making just his third start off an 11-month layoff. Under trainer Zoe Valvo, he showed early speed in tougher company and now drops significantly in class, positioning him as the likely pacesetter with a cleaner trip expected.

Into It represents solid value at 7-2 following his claiming victory at Monmouth Park under Kelly Breen’s care. His tactical speed allows him to sit the perfect trip behind Uncle Jake and pounce when the leader tires.

Secondary Choice:
Massif possesses the best late pace figures in the field and benefits from the class drop. Russell Sheldon’s ability to save ground will be crucial for his chances.

Pace Analysis:
Uncle Jake should control the early fractions with potential pressure from Ready to Fly and Bourbonator. The moderate pace setup favors both stalkers and late runners.

Selection: Uncle Jake (Win), Into It (Place), Massif (Show)

Race 2 – Maiden Claiming ($16,000)

Distance: 1 Mile Dirt
Post Time: 12:38 PM

Key Contenders:
Naymar stands out as the morning line favorite at 6-5 odds returning from a 97-day layoff. His previous efforts in straight maiden company showed promise with figures in the 60s, and the class relief should benefit his chances significantly.

Cruisetheforest offers value at 6-1 with tactical early speed that could prove decisive if allowed to control the pace. His dueling tendencies in previous starts may be resolved with a cleaner break.

Secondary Choice:
My Boy Bud has shown consistency with 50s figures in recent starts and represents a solid place/show candidate.

Selection: Naymar (Win), Cruisetheforest (Place), My Boy Bud (Show)

Race 3 – Starter Optional Claiming ($12,500)

Distance: 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf
Post Time: 1:05 PM

Key Contenders:
The Bullion Bomber offers excellent value at 5-1 odds as the only horse running consistent 80s figures in recent starts. His four consecutive grass placings demonstrate reliable form, and better positioning should improve his chances.

Noble Jon drops in class after facing tougher starter optional company and should be a late threat at 5-2.

Longshot Value:
Slippin Jimmy at 4-1 showed strong late kick when third behind The Bullion Bomber last out and could improve with the cutback to one turn.

Selection: The Bullion Bomber (Win), Noble Jon (Place), Slippin Jimmy (Show)

Race 4 – Claiming ($12,500)

Distance: 1 Mile Dirt
Post Time: 1:38 PM

Key Contenders:
Still Game returns to dirt after an unsuccessful turf experiment and possesses a clear class edge with her 77 figure last time on the main track. At 8-5 morning line odds, she represents the logical favorite despite the layoff concerns.

Catarina bounced back to improving form before fading against winners last out. Jockey Ismerio Villalobos maintains the mount, suggesting confidence from connections.

Selection: Still Game (Win), Catarina (Place), Map to the Moon (Show)

Race 5 – Maiden Claiming ($16,000)

Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Post Time: 2:11 PM

Key Contenders:
Stylish Gem ships in from New York for George Weaver with a career-best 65 figure in her last start. Despite finishing third as the favorite, her pressing style and improvement curve make her the one to beat at 6-5.

Holy Storm demonstrated significant improvement last out with a wide rally that nearly held for victory. At 8-1, she offers excellent value for her late-running style.

Value Play:
Final Engagement provides speed and trainer John Robb’s choice of Xavier Perez suggests this No Guts No Glory homebred is ready to fire.

Selection: Stylish Gem (Win), Holy Storm (Place), Final Engagement (Show)

Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming

The sixth race at Laurel Park is an Allowance Optional Claiming event for 2-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf with a $49,000 purse. Post time is 2:43 PM EDT with the turf rail set at 87 feet. This race represents a significant class test for young fillies, featuring connections for $62,500-$50,000 claiming prices alongside straight allowance conditions.

Field Analysis and Morning Line

The field of 11 is headed by In Her Glory at 2-1 morning line odds, followed by Aldene at 3-1 and Dancingwithdestiny at 9-2. The race showcases prominent trainer Michael Trombetta with three entries, indicating his strength with juvenile fillies on grass.

Key Contenders

In Her Glory (Post 5, 2-1 ML)

Jockey: Angel Cruz
Trainer: Michael Trombetta
Owner: Live Oak Plantation

The logical favorite represents the powerful Live Oak Plantation-Trombetta combination that has dominated juvenile turf racing. This Curlin filly brings elite breeding and connections to her first allowance test. Trombetta’s recent success in the Selima Stakes demonstrates his expertise with 2-year-old fillies on grass. With Angel Cruz maintaining the mount and the weight advantage at 122 pounds, she profiles as the horse to beat.

Aldene (Post 3, 3-1 ML)

Jockey: Jorge Ruiz
Trainer: Michael Trombetta

Another Trombetta entry with form figures of 41, Aldene brings experience and class to this spot. Racing for the same connections that have shown consistent success with juvenile turf runners, she represents value at 3-1 odds. Jorge Ruiz’s ability to save ground on the rail will be crucial in the short turf sprint format.

Dancingwithdestiny (Post 7, 9-2 ML)

Jockey: Mychel Sanchez
Trainer: Michael Dini

This filly broke her maiden impressively at Aqueduct and now faces her first turf assignment. The move to grass represents an unknown, but her tactical speed suggests she could adapt well to the surface change. At 9-2 odds, she offers solid value for trainer Michael Dini’s first major turf assignment with the filly.

Secondary Contenders

Tap Into Grace (Post 6, 5-1 ML)

Jockey: Russell Sheldon
Trainer: Brittany Russell

Training under Brittany Russell, this filly represents solid value at 5-1 odds. Russell Sheldon’s tactical ability and the trainer’s improving stable make this an interesting play in the exotics.

Hark Theangelssing (Post 10, 5-1 ML)

Jockey: Ismerio Villalobos
Trainer: Michael Trombetta

The third Trombetta entry racing at 119 pounds due to non-winner allowances since August 3rd. This weight concession could prove significant in a competitive field, and Trombetta’s triple entry suggests confidence in his stable’s depth.

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with moderate early pace, as most fillies in the field prefer to settle and make late runs. Dancingwithdestiny figures to show early speed from post 7, while In Her Glory and Aldene should settle in stalking positions. The one-turn turf sprint format favors horses with tactical speed who can position themselves early and sustain their runs.

Track and Distance Considerations

The 5 1/2-furlong turf distance with rail at 87 feet creates a straightforward test for these juveniles. The wide rail setting provides ample racing room and should minimize traffic concerns. October conditions typically provide firm turf, which should favor horses with tactical speed over pure closers.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Michael Trombetta enters three fillies, demonstrating the depth of his juvenile turf string. His recent Selima Stakes success with Ultimate Love showcases his ability to prepare 2-year-old fillies for major turf assignments. The triple entry suggests he expects one of his runners to dominate.

Angel Cruz gets the call on the favorite In Her Glory, indicating Trombetta’s confidence in both horse and rider for this assignment. Cruz’s experience with Live Oak runners provides additional confidence.

Betting Strategy and Value Plays

Win Bet: In Her Glory (2-1)

Despite short odds, the Trombetta-trained filly represents the logical choice with her breeding, connections, and trainer form.

Value Overlay: Aldene (3-1)

The second Trombetta entry offers better odds than her chances suggest. The stable’s strength with juveniles and her early form make her a solid play.

Exacta Play: In Her Glory over Aldene and Dancingwithdestiny

The Trombetta one-two finish appears likely, with Dancingwithdestiny capable of hitting the board in her turf debut.

Longshot Special: Ballykeefe (30-1)

Training under Kevin Boniface after breaking her maiden at Delaware Park, this filly offers significant value if the pace sets up favorably. At 30-1 odds, she represents an excellent saver in multi-race wagers.

Final Assessment

This race showcases the strength of Michael Trombetta’s juvenile turf operation, with In Her Glory representing the most logical winner despite short odds. The combination of Live Oak Plantation breeding, Trombetta’s recent form with 2-year-old fillies, and Angel Cruz in the irons creates a formidable package. Aldene provides the most value among the top contenders at 3-1, while Dancingwithdestiny adds intrigue with her surface switch. The race should set up for a tactical battle where positioning and pace judgment prove decisive factors.

Race 7 – Claiming ($40,000)

The seventh race at Laurel Park is a $40,000 claiming event for fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won two races. The race covers 7 furlongs on dirt with a post time of 3:15 PM EDT. This represents a competitive claiming level with purse distribution of $25,200 to the winner, making it one of the better claiming races on the card.

Field Composition and Betting Lines

The compact field of six runners is headed by Devastating at 2-1 morning line odds, followed closely by Intrepid Mo at 5-2. The race features a mix of lightly raced fillies and proven performers, creating an intriguing handicapping puzzle for this seven-furlong test.

Top Contenders

Intrepid Mo (Post 6, 5-2 ML)

Jockey: Yedsit Hazlewood
Trainer: Gary Capuano
Weight: 118 lbs

This Outwork filly emerges as the most logical winner based on recent form and tactical advantages. She demonstrated significant improvement when third at Delaware Park in August, posting an 85 speed figure that represents the best recent number in this field. The trip notes reveal she “sat a perfect trip” and “traveled powerfully stalking in the pocket” before being outkicked by a 9-5 favorite, yet “continued trying hard to the wire”.

The seven-furlong distance appears ideal for her running style, as analysts noted she “tired late” in the one-mile race, suggesting the cutback could see her “to even better effect”. Her tactical speed allows her to position early from the wide post, and she’s never run worse than a 75 figure in four career starts. At 5-2 odds with a four-pound weight allowance dropping her to 118 pounds, she represents solid value.

Devastating (Post 4, 2-1 ML)

Jockey: Mychel Sanchez
trainer: Jamie Ness
Weight: 123 lbs

The morning line favorite brings intriguing connections and recent form to her debut for trainer Jamie Ness. She captured a maiden race on turf at Indiana Grand in August, where she “sat a perfect trip” and “pushed on by the leader around the 3/16 pole and stayed on well to the wire”. Her speed figure from that victory “entitles her to respect today” according to trip analysis.

However, significant questions surround her surface switch from turf to dirt. Analysts note she has a “very ‘turfy’ action” and “whether she can reproduce this level of form on the main track is by no means a given”. Ness’s acquisition of this filly for her first dirt attempt suggests confidence, but the surface change represents her biggest unknown factor.

Seaside Road (Post 1, 6-1 ML)

Jockey: Jevian Toledo
Trainer: Katharine Voss
Weight: 123 lbs

This Maryland-bred Summer Front filly brings consistent local form to the race. In her last start, she “traveled while pressing the slow pace in 2nd, 2-3W to the top of the stretch, then stayed on willingly to clearly hold place honors”. The effort demonstrated her ability at this claiming level, though analysts noted “it’s hard to see how she improves further upon this effort today”.

Her tactical speed positions her well early, but the “slow pace held well in this race, potentially warranting a minor degrade” from her last effort. At 6-1 odds, she offers value for exacta and trifecta players seeking a reliable third or fourth choice.

Secondary Contenders

Nancy Mary (Post 3, 4-1 ML)

Jockey: Raul Mena
Trainer: Damon Dilodovico
Weight: 119 lbs (4-pound allowance)

This Wicked Strong filly “endured more of a tricky trip in this race than a bad trip” in her last start. She was “keen while sandwiched very tightly in between horses while tracking the slow pace” and “caught flat footed as the leaders stepped on the gas rounding the home turn”. The analysis suggests “with a smoother path today, she can improve on this effort, and the extra distance will pose no issue to her”.

Her four-pound weight allowance brings her down to 119 pounds, providing a significant advantage. The step up to seven furlongs should benefit her late-running style, making her “capable of more and worth a second look” at 4-1 odds.

Diamond Sue (Post 5, 15-1 ML)

Jockey: Jorge Ruiz
Trainer: Oscar Mancilla
Weight: 126 lbs

The 5-year-old mare represents significant longshot value despite poor recent form. In her last race, she “tracked the pace while in the clear 5W, 4-5L off the even pace” before “gradually weakening”. However, trip analysis reveals several positive angles: her “wide trip entitles her to a minor upgrade,” it was her “first start off a 196-day layoff,” and she “continued trying admirably to the wire” with her “stride didn’t shorten much”.

The combination of “a more ground saving trip, extra ground to work with, a drop in class and additional race fitness” could see her “to better effect today”. At 15-1 odds, she represents an excellent saver bet for multi-race wagers and exotic payouts.

Pace Analysis

The race projects to unfold with moderate early pace, as several horses possess tactical speed without overwhelming early speed. Seaside Road likely sets the early fractions from the rail, with Intrepid Mo and Devastating both possessing the tactical speed to position favorably. The seven-furlong distance around one turn should favor horses with early tactical speed over pure closers.

Trainer and Jockey Notes

Jamie Ness debuts Devastating after acquiring her, representing a significant stable change that often produces improved performances. Ness’s success with new acquisitions makes this filly particularly dangerous despite surface questions.

Gary Capuano conditions Intrepid Mo coming off her career-best performance, and his local knowledge at Laurel Park provides additional confidence.

Yedsit Hazlewood takes the mount on Intrepid Mo and has shown strong recent form at the meeting. The four-pound weight allowance demonstrates the connections’ confidence in both horse and rider.

Betting Strategy and Value Analysis

Win Bet: Intrepid Mo (5-2)

Her tactical speed, proven form at this level, and ideal distance setup make her the logical choice despite not being the betting favorite.

Value Overlay: Nancy Mary (4-1)

The four-pound weight allowance and distance stretch create upside for this improving filly who faced traffic issues last time.

Exacta Construction:

Key Intrepid Mo on top over Devastating, Nancy Mary, and Seaside Road
Reverse exacta with Devastating over Intrepid Mo given the morning line favorite’s connections

Longshot Saver: Diamond Sue (15-1)

Her combination of class relief, improved fitness, and ground-saving potential make her an excellent exotic saver at generous odds.

Final Assessment

This claiming race showcases Intrepid Mo as the most reliable choice based on recent form, tactical advantages, and ideal distance placement. Her consistent performance pattern and the cutback from one mile position her perfectly for victory. Devastating‘s debut for Jamie Ness creates intrigue, but the turf-to-dirt surface switch represents significant risk at short odds. The race should set up tactically with moderate pace, favoring horses who can position early and sustain their runs through the stretch drive.

Race 8 – Allowance

Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Post Time: 3:46 PM

The eighth race at Laurel Park is a $49,000 allowance event for three-year-olds and up which have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, waiver claiming, starter, or Maryland-bred races, or which have never won two races. The contest covers 1 1/16 miles on turf with post time at 3:46 PM EDT and the turf rail set at 35 feet. This represents a significant class test for horses stepping up from starter allowance or claiming company.

Field Analysis and Morning Line Odds

The field of 10 is headed by Hold Out at 5-2 morning line odds, followed by Salted Carmel at 3-1 and Maclean’s Rook at 5-1. The race features several horses coming off impressive recent performances, creating a competitive handicapping scenario.

Top Contenders

Elusive Image (Post 9, 12-1 ML)

Jockey: Jean Gregor Briceno
Trainer: Jason Smith
Weight: 123 lbs

The overlooked winner of Laurel’s opening day allowance emerges as the most compelling value play in this field. His September 5th performance at Laurel was described as “dominant” with a 2 3/4-length victory where he “traveled powerfully in a stalking position on the rail, ~2L off the even tempo” before “finding clear sailing just before the 1/8th pole and from there, he put the race to bed convincingly”.

Trip analysis reveals he “couldn’t have asked for a better trip/setup in this race,” but critically notes “he’s in the form of his life right now and is running speed figures that stack up well against today’s competition”. At 12-1 morning line odds, he represents tremendous overlay value as “he demands plenty of respect” despite others potentially retaining “more upside”.

His tactical stalking style positions him perfectly for the 1 1/16-mile distance, and his proven ability on the Laurel turf course provides a significant home field advantage. The combination of current form, suitable running style, and generous odds makes him the race’s standout value proposition.

Phil’s Prince (Post 2, 6-1 ML)

Jockey: Weston Hamilton
Trainer: Madison Meyers
Weight: 120 lbs

This Cairo Prince gelding impressed when winning at Colonial Downs on August 23rd in his route debut. The trip analysis reveals “lots to like” about his performance where he was “restrained ~10L off the fast pace while 3W early, then began building momentum heading into the far turn, advanced between horses in the 3P rounding to the top of the lane, then stayed on well to inhale the longtime leader late”.

While he received “a very smooth path through and receive a great pace set up (downgrade),” the effort demonstrated his gameness as he was “fully extended ~5/16 pole with still ~6L to make up” yet “there’s no denying he’s very game and he ran a speed figure fast enough to compete this afternoon”.

The analysis notes “stamina is his forte and he’ll need pace to run at again today (lacks a turn of foot)” but expects “further natural improvement” making him “worthy of respect”. At 6-1 odds with the three-year-old weight allowance at 120 pounds, he offers solid value.

Maclean’s Rook (Post 3, 5-1 ML)

Jockey: Horacio Karamanos
Trainer: Michael Trombetta
Weight: 120 lbs

The Michael Trombetta trainee delivered an “impressive display of talent” when winning a Virginia-bred maiden race at Colonial Downs on September 3rd. Despite facing only state-bred maidens, he “overcame a lot to win this race” after being “pinched back leaving the gate which not only resulted in his rider losing his irons but also left him racing in last, 4L behind the slow pace”.

The trip analysis provides significant upgrades: “bad start, closed into a slow pace; upgrade” and “gave away ground racing wide; upgrade” as he “readily swooped the field ~5W” with “an impressive kick in the lane that saw him power away from his rivals”. Critically, he was “still a little green and didn’t switch leads until ~1/16 pole” suggesting he’s “still green; open to further improved”.

The performance earned a speed figure that “makes him live today” and despite “today’s competition being tougher, he has to be high on the shortlist”. The Trombetta angle and natural improvement curve make him dangerous at 5-1.

Secondary Contenders

Hold Out (Post 7, 5-2 ML)

Jockey: Forest Boyce
Trainer: Suzanne Stettinius
Weight: 123 lbs

The morning line favorite brings consistent form but questions about his ability to improve. In his last start, he “dueled through blistering fractions while 2W to the far turn” and deserves a “pace upgrade” for the effort. After being “challenged by the (talented) winner on the far turn and overtaken, he continued showing great determination to hold the place honors late” while another pace setter “faded to 5th, beaten 16 3/4L”.

The analysis suggests “cutting back in distance today should suit, and if able to save a little more gas for the stretch run, he could be able to improve on this effort” making him “high on the shortlist”. However, at 5-2 odds, he offers limited value despite his reliable form.

Salted Carmel (Post 6, 3-1 ML)

Jockey: Mychel Sanchez
Trainer: Keri Brion
Weight: 123 lbs

This gelding “didn’t disgrace himself at all” in a Kentucky Downs allowance but “having sat a perfect trip tracking the even pace on the rail from 1.5-2.5L back, he had no excuse either”. While “today’s competition is easier and on prior form, he’ll demand respect,” the analysis feels “we saw an honest reflection of his current ability in this race, and he’ll need to bounce back somewhat”.

At 3-1 odds, he represents questionable value given the honest assessment of his recent form despite the class relief.

Longshot Considerations

Yara’s Quest (Post 10, 8-1 ML)

Jockey: Jorge Ruiz
Trainer: Jorge Duarte Jr.
Weight: 120 lbs

This gelding offers intriguing value based on his last effort where he “wasn’t at full stretch”. The trip analysis reveals his rider “wasn’t very animated at all when the pair were challenged on the turn and even though he had a clear path in the stretch, he was only given a hand ride”.

The assessment suggests “it seemed that he wasn’t at full stretch and with a stronger ride, he could have finished closer” and “with a more vigorous ride, he could offer more today”. At 8-1 odds with Jorge Ruiz picking up the mount, he represents an intriguing longshot play.

Pace Analysis

The race should unfold with moderate early pace, as several horses possess tactical speed without overwhelming early foot. Phil’s Prince and Maclean’s Rook both showed the ability to stalk pace, while Elusive Image profiles as an ideal stalker from his inside post. The 1 1/16-mile distance around two turns should favor horses with tactical speed and stamina over pure speed horses.

Trainer and Jockey Analysis

Michael Trombetta sends out Maclean’s Rook coming off his impressive maiden victory, and his success with turf horses at Laurel makes this gelding particularly dangerous despite the class jump.

Jason Smith conditions Elusive Image who kicked off Laurel’s fall season with an impressive victory and appears to be peaking at the right time.

Jean Gregor Briceno maintains the mount on Elusive Image, providing continuity after their dominant allowance victory.

Betting Strategy and Value Analysis

Primary Win Bet: Elusive Image (12-1)

The combination of current form, proven ability on the course, and generous odds creates exceptional value despite the morning line suggesting otherwise.

Secondary Value: Phil’s Prince (6-1)

His improvement curve and stamina-laden pedigree position him well for the distance test at attractive odds.

Exacta Construction:

Key Elusive Image on top over Phil’s Prince, Maclean’s Rook, and Yara’s Quest
Box Elusive Image and Phil’s Prince for the most likely value combination

Trifecta Approach:

Elusive Image over Phil’s Prince and Maclean’s Rook over the field for maximum value potential

Place/Show Safety: Hold Out

Despite short win odds, his consistent form makes him a reliable place/show bet for conservative players.

Final Assessment

This allowance race presents Elusive Image as a significant overlay at 12-1 morning line odds based on his dominant recent form and proven ability on the Laurel turf course. His tactical stalking style and current peak form create the foundation for a value wager, while Phil’s Prince offers secondary value with his improving profile and stamina advantages. The race sets up tactically for horses who can position early and sustain their runs, favoring the stalking types over pure pace setters or late closers in this competitive allowance field.

Race 8 – Trainer and Jockey Recent Form Analysis

Trainer Statistics and Form

Michael J. Trombetta (Maclean’s Rook)

Current Laurel Meeting: 7 wins from 34 starts (20.6% win rate) with $314,160 in earnings
Overall 2025 Season: 20 wins from 148 starts (13.5% win rate) with negative ROI of -5.68
Recent Form: Declining slightly from his peak performance earlier in the year, ranking 8th among Laurel trainers
Specialty: Proven success with turf horses and juvenile fillies, recently won the Selima Stakes
Key Stats: Career earnings of $52,040,381 with 1,641 wins from 9,046 starts

Jason D. Smith (Elusive Image)

Current Laurel Meeting: 2 wins from 27 starts (7.4% win rate)
Notable Achievement: Recently scored his first career training victory with Bay of Rocks on September 28th at Laurel Park
Recent Form: Showing improvement with Elusive Image winning impressively on opening day
Background: Son of established trainer, gaining experience and momentum

Madison F. Meyers (Phil’s Prince)

Current Season: 7 wins from 42 starts (16.7% win rate)
Form Trend: Solid mid-level trainer with consistent results
ROI: Positive 3.07 added wins above expected

Suzanne Stettinius (Hold Out)

Current Season: 6 wins from 33 starts (18.2% win rate)
Recent Performance: 2.45 added wins above expected, showing good form
Specialty: Success with allowance-level horses

Keri Brion (Salted Carmel)

Current Season: 4 wins from 38 starts (10.5% win rate)
Form: Negative ROI of -1.90, below expectations this season

Donald H. Barr (Happy Jaunt)

Current Season: 2 wins from 34 starts (5.9% win rate)
Form: Well below expectations with negative added wins

Other Trainers:**

Somraj Singh (Liam’s the Great): 8 wins from 68 starts (11.8%)
Bernard G. Dunham (Toolpusher): Lower-level trainer statistics not prominently featured
James J. Toner (Name It): Mid-level trainer with modest results
Jorge Duarte Jr. (Yara’s Quest): Smaller stable with limited recent data

Jockey Statistics and Form

Jorge Ruiz (Yara’s Quest)

Current Laurel Meeting: 9 wins from 39 starts (23.1% win rate) with $429,235 in earnings
Overall 2025: 84 wins from 584 starts (14.4% win rate)
12-Month Stats: 108 wins from 705 starts (15.3% win rate) with 30% ROI
Place Percentage: Excellent 46.7% in-the-money rate
Key Partnership: Most successful with trainer H. Graham Motion

Horacio Karamanos (Maclean’s Rook)

Current Laurel Meeting: 5 wins from 36 starts (13.9% win rate) with $186,790 in earnings
Recent Form: Solid mid-level jockey with consistent results
Partnership: Regular rider for Michael Trombetta’s stable

Mychel J. Sanchez (Salted Carmel)

Current Form: Recently named Jockey of the Week for heroic actions at Parx Racing
Riding Schedule: Splits time between Parx Racing and Laurel Park
Character: Demonstrates excellent judgment and horsemanship under pressure
Recent Recognition: Honored for preventing potential disaster by helping fellow jockey

Forest Boyce (Hold Out)

Current Season: Consistent presence in Maryland racing circuit
Specialty: Regular rider for multiple mid-level trainers

Angel Cruz (Happy Jaunt)

Current Laurel Meeting: 4 wins from 21 starts (19.0% win rate) with $116,230 in earnings
Form: Above-average win percentage showing good current form
Experience: Regular Maryland circuit rider with solid local knowledge

Jean Gregor Briceno (Elusive Image)

Partnership: Maintained the mount on Elusive Image after their opening day victory
Recent Success: Confidence booster from the impressive allowance win

Weston Hamilton (Phil’s Prince)

Experience: Regular rider in Maryland racing circuit
Partnership: Consistent presence with trainer Madison Meyers

Other Jockeys:**

Tais Lyapustina (Liam’s the Great): Limited recent statistics available
Wesley Ho (Toolpusher): Mid-level circuit rider
Victor R. Carrasco (Name It): Experienced Maryland-based jockey

Key Trainer-Jockey Combinations

Strong Partnerships:

Trombetta-Karamanos: Established combination with proven success on turf
Smith-Briceno: Building momentum after recent victory together
Ruiz with multiple trainers: Versatile jockey showing excellent form

Form Trends:

Michael Trombetta remains the most accomplished trainer in the race despite recent modest statistics
Jason Smith building momentum with recent breakthrough victory
Jorge Ruiz showing the best current jockey form with strong win percentage and earnings
Mychel Sanchez receiving recent recognition for outstanding professionalism

Statistical Advantages:

Jorge Ruiz leads all jockeys in current earnings at Laurel ($429,235)
Angel Cruz shows strong 19% win rate from limited starts
Trombetta brings the most experience and highest career earnings
Sanchez carries momentum from recent Jockey of the Week honor

The trainer and jockey form analysis supports Elusive Image with the improving Smith-Briceno combination, while Yara’s Quest benefits from Jorge Ruiz’s excellent current form and high earnings at the meeting.

Race 9 – Starter Optional Claiming ($16,000)

Distance: 6 Furlongs Turf
Post Time: 4:17 PM

Key Contenders:
Then What Time broke his maiden impressively with an 84 figure and now attempts one turn for the first time. His early speed and improving form make him the logical favorite at 8-5.

New York Strong has shown consistent late kick with back-to-back 70s figures and could benefit from a pace setup. His tendency to hit the board frequently makes him a solid place/show bet at 7-2.

Value Play:
Summer Vibes cuts back to one turn and faces an easier field than his recent attempts against winners.

Selection: Then What Time (Win), New York Strong (Place), Summer Vibes (Show)

Jockey Notes and Insights

Jevian Toledo has multiple mounts throughout the card and shows strong recent form at the Laurel meeting. His experience with the track’s nuances gives him an edge, particularly on Still Game in Race 4 and Stylish Gem in Race 5.

Victor Carrasco maintains his mount on Holy Synchronicity in the opener and picks up Ivy Garden in Race 6, suggesting trainer confidence in his abilities on both dirt and turf surfaces.

Jorge Ruiz rides for several successful barns today, including H. Graham Motion on Regal Kingdom and Carlos Mancilla on Diamond Sue, indicating strong trainer support.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Mike Trombetta sends out multiple runners today, most notably In Her Glory in Race 6. His recent success with 2-year-old fillies on grass, highlighted by the Selima Stakes victory, makes his runners worth following.

Kelly Breen’s recent claim of Into It in Race 1 suggests confidence in the horse’s ability to improve in his new barn.

George Weaver ships Stylish Gem from New York for Race 5, indicating significant confidence in this maiden claiming filly’s chances.

Best Wagering Strategies

Single Race Value Plays:

Race 1: Uncle Jake offers excellent value at 8-1 odds
Race 5: Holy Storm represents strong place/show value at 8-1
Race 8: Elusive Image provides tremendous overlay potential at 12-1

Multi-Race Sequences:

Early Pick 5 (Races 1-5): Key Uncle Jake and Into It in Race 1, spread in Race 2 with Naymar/Cruisetheforest, single The Bullion Bomber in Race 3, use Still Game/Catarina in Race 4, and key Stylish Gem in Race 5.

Late Pick 5 (Races 5-9): Start with Stylish Gem and Holy Storm in Race 5, single In Her Glory in Race 6, use Intrepid Mo/Seaside Road in Race 7, spread Elusive Image/Phil’s Prince/Hold Out in Race 8, and key Then What Time in Race 9.

Exacta Opportunities:

Race 3: The Bullion Bomber over Noble Jon and Slippin Jimmy
Race 6: In Her Glory over Dancingwithdestiny and Ballykeefe
Race 8: Elusive Image over Phil’s Prince for significant payout potential

The Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 carryover of $5,148 makes races 4-9 particularly attractive for multi-race wagering, with several logical singles helping to reduce ticket costs while maintaining coverage of value overlays.