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Laurel Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the March 20, 2026 card

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Eight races are carded at Laurel Park today, covering distances from 5½ furlongs to one mile, all contested on the main dirt surface. The card is headlined by a Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 carryover of $19,082 running through races 3 through 8, which creates meaningful overlay potential in any sequence involving the small, scratch-riddled fields projected this afternoon. Several significant late scratches — including the stewards-ordered removal of Enigmatic from Race 5 and Candy Luna from Race 6 — have reduced multiple races to three-horse fields, which fundamentally changes the wagering calculus for the day. Horseplayers should note the small fields carry higher variance but also more opportunity for exactas and trifectas at compressed pricelines.

Weather and Track Conditions

As of the 9:10 a.m. reading at Laurel, Maryland, temperatures stood at 44°F with sunny skies and a light southerly wind of 2 mph. Conditions will warm through the afternoon, with a projected high of 66°F and south-southwest winds increasing to 12 mph by post time. Early races will be run in cool, pleasant conditions; by mid-card the breeze picks up and clouds build. There is a 7% rain chance through the 2:00–6:00 p.m. window and a 52% chance of showers after 8:00 p.m., meaning the racing surface should remain intact throughout the full card.​

The main track is listed FAST this morning on the Laurel Park official site, with no turf course available. No weather events have altered the surface from recent days when track conditions were similarly described as fast. Handicappers should not anticipate any off-track adjustments to form lines today.​

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis

According to the BRISnet at-a-glance report through March 16, 2026, Laurel Park has shown a pronounced speed and rail bias in 5½-furlong dirt races, with 42% wire-to-wire winners at that distance and the rail post posting the best historical winning percentage during the current meet. The six-furlong distance flips partially, with 32% wire-to-wire victories and a mid-to-outside post advantage — meaning horses that get a clean, clear run from posts 3 through 6 have been the most productive.​

Over routes of one mile, the wider, 95-foot track at Laurel provides sufficient room for closers to maneuver, and outside posts have historically shown an advantage, with just 18% of route winners coming from the two inside stalls. Laurel is one of the widest tracks in the region, which helps eliminate extreme rail bias in routes but does not fully eliminate the tendency for horses sitting comfortably 2–3 wide to have room to run. On today's fast surface with a moderate SSW breeze, the early speed at 5½ furlongs will benefit from the rail, while closers in routes should look for clear trips from mid-track positions.​

Race 1 — Starter Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs Dirt, $26,000

Post Time: 12:00 PM

Race 1 is a Starter Optional Claiming event for four-year-olds and up who have started for $20,000 or less and never won three races. The field is six horses deep with The Count Is On (5) scratched, leaving a five-horse contest.​

Pace Analysis

Firmantown (6) and Robert's Moon (2) are the identified early speed horses. Firmantown has produced his two career victories wire-to-wire but was bumped hard at the start last out and subsequently caught between horses on the turn, providing a reasonable excuse for his defeat. Robert's Moon wired the field last start from the outside post but did so on a speed-favoring track against slow fractions — a setup that may not repeat today. If Firmantown gets a clean break from the outside post, an early speed duel develops that could set up closers. The pace scenario leans toward honest-to-contested early fractions, which benefits deep closers.​

Key Contenders

Focusyn (1), the morning line favorite at 4-5, is the consensus top selection across all handicapping sources. He won two starts back at Churchill Downs with a career-best Beyer figure of 85, his third consecutive figure in the 80s. That effort came on the front-end in a gate-to-wire fashion with a 75 Beyer win against a similar condition. He is 110 days off his last start and trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. deploys him with leading rider Yedsit Hazlewood. His uncharacteristic left-lead flip in the lane last out may have flagged a temporary physical issue, and the previous two-back effort is the more relevant form guide. Hazlewood's 28% win rate at the meet makes this combination formidable, and Focusyn gets the short rail post that historically suits horses running from off the pace in today's sprint distance.

Robert's Moon (2) gets the nod as the main speed and connects Jevian Toledo, who is running at a 21% clip in 2026. He has posted sharp recent Beyer figures at Laurel and is listed at 4-1 on the morning line. The key caveat is that his most recent win was recorded in a downgrade scenario — he received an uncontested lead with a slow pace on a speed-biased track — which raises legitimate questions about repeatability.

Secondary Choices

Brindano (3) drew strong praise from handicappers as an eye-catching closer despite losing ground racing wide into the lane from the 5/16 pole last out. He made up the most ground of any closer in the field and finished second. On a fast track today without the speed bias present last time, if Robert's Moon and Firmantown duel early, Brindano's powerful closing punch could carry him to the wire. He is listed at 8-1 morning line and represents the best price in the race.

Longshots

Firmantown (6) carries an interesting angle. He was 4-for-4 in his gate-to-wire wins and suffered his last defeat largely due to a starting gate bump and subsequent traffic issues. Trainer Carlos Mancilla wins at 8–9%. His 126-pound assignment at the top claiming price is a slight disadvantage. Platform (4) raced against the speed bias last out and may offer more today, per handicapper notes, though his form has been inconsistent.

Betting Strategy

Single Focusyn (1) on top in exactas with Robert's Moon (2) and Brindano (3) underneath. In trifectas, box the top three with Firmantown (6) as a saver. This is a winnable race for the favorite but Robert's Moon's downgrade and Brindano's closing form make multi-horse plays advisable rather than a straight win bet at short odds.

Selections

Win: Focusyn (1)
Place: Robert's Moon (2)
Show: Brindano (3)

Race 2 — Claiming $16,000, 1 Mile Dirt, $24,000

Post Time: 12:29 PM

Race 2 is a one-mile claiming event for three-year-old fillies. With Barbados Bulldog (2) and Kittyup (5) both scratched via private veterinarian — one for illness, one for unsoundness — this race collapses to a three-horse field. The surviving contestants are Iamdependingonyou (1), Elusive Sionna (3), and Stroll Trippin (4).

Pace Analysis

With only three fillies, the pace scenario becomes extremely important. Iamdependingonyou and Elusive Sionna are both capable of pressing forward early. The pace will likely be moderate, which benefits whichever filly can settle comfortably and maintain their momentum through the final turn.

Key Contenders

Elusive Sionna (3) is the consensus top selection, listed at 5-2 on the morning line, and draws the added benefit of trainer Gary Capuano — who is running at 37% at the meet — combined with leading rider Yedsit Hazlewood. Elusive Sionna broke her maiden at today's exact distance and surface at Delaware Park last September and has run well in both starts since returning from a 3½-month layoff. She was outpaced sprinting 6 furlongs last out, then galloped out strongly, which handicappers interpreted as a clear sign the return to one mile will suit her better today.

Stroll Trippin (4) exited the same race as Elusive Sionna and was similarly outpaced in the sprint before galloping out with energy, suggesting the added ground will benefit her as well. She gets Jean Gregor Briceno in the irons and trainer Jose Corrales, who has a 18% win rate on the meet.

Secondary Choices

Iamdependingonyou (1) ran well below her usual form last out for reasons that could not be identified on replay, though she appeared to dislike the off going. She was not persevered with from the 3/8 pole, which exaggerated the margin of defeat. If she simply dislikes sloppy tracks and bounces back on today's fast surface, she is a live contender. Trainer Charles Frock operates at 4%, which is a deterrent, but her prior form at this level makes her dangerous in a small field.

Longshots

With only three horses, there are no true longshots. The trifecta is worth playing in multiple combinations.

Betting Strategy

In a three-horse field, the exacta box and trifecta straight are the primary plays. Elusive Sionna (3) to win with a small straight win bet; use all three horses in exacta boxes to capture the value. The morning line suggests Barbados Bulldog was the presumptive favorite, and without her the prices on the remaining runners will adjust dramatically — Elusive Sionna may go off at even money, leaving modest value on Stroll Trippin and Iamdependingonyou at slightly higher prices.

Selections

Win: Elusive Sionna (3)
Place: Stroll Trippin (4)
Show: Iamdependingonyou (1)

Race 3 — Maiden Special Weight, 5½ Furlongs Dirt, $47,000

Post Time: 12:58 PM

Race 3 is the highest-purse maiden special weight of the afternoon at $47,000, and it has been decimated by scratches. Dr. Buzzy (3), Kiss The Ring (4), and R J's Ice (5) are all scratched, reducing this field to just three horses: N. Y. Finest (1), Big Tiger (2), and Bruno (6).​

Pace Analysis

This is a sprint for three-year-old maidens with a three-horse field. The pace will be dictated by whichever runner breaks alertly from the gate. With so few horses, a lone speed scenario is possible, which historically benefits the front-runner at 5½ furlongs on a rail-favoring track.

Key Contenders

N. Y. Finest (1) carries the strongest credentials in the field. He is rated 76 and showed promise with two placed efforts in his prior starts. He tried the 1 1/16-mile distance last out without lasix and struggled to stay the trip; today he returns to his preferred 5½ furlongs and adds Lasix for the first time. Trainer Uriah St. Lewis and jockey Mychel Sanchez are the connections. The combination of class-drop from his last attempt and the addition of Lasix at a distance that suits him makes N. Y. Finest the logical top selection.

Big Tiger (2) is a Vino Rosso gelding making his career debut for trainer Emanuel Geralis. Geralis is running at 12% on the meet. First-time starters in maiden special weight company at 5½ furlongs require exceptional talent to overcome the experience disadvantage, but Vino Rosso is a strong sire producing quality runners. Jockey Ismerio Villalobos gets the call.

Secondary Choices

Bruno (6) makes his debut for Daniel Eubanks, whose Trainer/Jockey combination with Carlos Lopez produced a 50% win rate in the last 21 days heading into today. Bruno is an Independence Hall colt out of Everything Magic and is bred for dirt sprinting. The trainer-jockey hot streak is worth noting in a three-horse maiden race.​

Longshots

With only three runners, no true longshots exist. The trifecta pays regardless of outcome.

Betting Strategy

This race is tailor-made for an exacta box of all three runners. N. Y. Finest is logically on top, but maiden races reduced to three horses carry enormous randomness. A small straight win bet on N. Y. Finest (1) paired with a full trifecta box is the recommended approach. The $47,000 purse and the Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 carryover starting in this race make Race 3 the anchor leg of the Pick 6 sequence.

Selections

Win: N. Y. Finest (1)
Place: Big Tiger (2)
Show: Bruno (6)

Race 4 — Claiming $25,000, 5½ Furlongs Dirt, $30,000

Post Time: 1:27 PM

Race 4 is a five-furlong-and-a-half claimer for three-year-olds with My Boy Bud (4) scratched, leaving a five-horse field. This race features a rematch of the top three finishers from March 8 at Laurel.​

Pace Analysis

Sticktothesystem (1) was identified as earning a pace upgrade from the March 8 running — he set blazing fractions of 22.44 and 46.23 that set up perfectly for the closers behind him, was beaten only three-quarters of a length, and finished an admirable third. Feels So Right (3) contested the early lead in the prior meeting and gave way. Mister Roscoe (6), who won that race going very wide on the turn and hitting the line with taking energy, is considered a legitimate threat but also earned some downgrade given the pace setup. The pace scenario today is genuinely contested — multiple speed horses create honest early fractions that should set up a closer.​

Key Contenders

Laysen (2) is the consensus top choice across the majority of handicapping sources. He clearly improved for the addition of Lasix in his maiden-breaking effort last out, winning going away with energy to spare. Trainer Jamie Ness — the meet's leading conditioner with 16 wins — partners with meet-leader Yedsit Hazlewood, a combination going at 31% together. Laysen carries 119 pounds off the Ness/Hazlewood connection and exits a sharp maiden score. This is the exact profile — improving young horse, hot connections, sensible class placement — that wins races at this level.

Sticktothesystem (1) gets a meaningful pace upgrade. He lost by only three-quarters of a length after setting suicidal fractions in the prior meeting. If he is more restrained today and rated behind the speed, he could control the pace more efficiently and sustain it to the wire. Trainer William Campbell and jockey Xavier Perez are the connections.​

Secondary Choices

Feels So Right (3) drops from $40,000 company today and should contest the early lead. He is listed at 9-5 on some morning lines, giving him significant early price appeal, though the weight of handicapper opinion tilts toward Laysen.​

Mister Roscoe (6) won last out but required an extreme wide trip and a hot pace setup to do so. He is a legitimate closer who will be dangerous if the pace is honest again. Trainer Jose Corrales has multiple entries across the card today with an 18% strike rate.

Longshots

Sugar On Fire (5) was shuffled back near the half-mile pole last time and ended up further back than the rider intended, then rallied strongly to nearly win in a pace-compromised trip. His effort is upgradable and he represents a live longer price. Feels So Right (3) at short odds may give the clearest path to win, but value is minimal.​

Betting Strategy

Laysen (2) is the primary play — use him on top in exactas with Sticktothesystem (1), Mister Roscoe (6), and Sugar On Fire (5). The Ness/Hazlewood combination is an automatic qualifying condition for aggressive play. Trifecta tickets should include all five remaining horses for coverage, with Laysen on top. This race is also the anchor of the Late Pick 5 (races 4–8).

Selections

Win: Laysen (2)
Place: Sticktothesystem (1)
Show: Mister Roscoe (6)

Race 5 — Starter Optional Claiming, 1 Mile Dirt, $24,000

Post Time: 1:58 PM

Race 5 is a one-mile starter optional claiming for older fillies and mares, and it has been drastically altered by the scratches of both Ade (3) and Enigmatic (4). Enigmatic, a dominant recent winner, was removed by the stewards. Ade was scratched as unsound by a private veterinarian. The field is down to five runners: Ginger Girl (1), Rowsie Express (2), It'sfiftyshadetime (5), Why Not Grace (6), and Genieinabridle (7).

Pace Analysis

With Enigmatic — the likely wire-to-wire type — scratched, the pace picture opens up. Ginger Girl (1) has shown early speed tendencies and is a stalker-type. Why Not Grace (6) has produced wire-to-wire victories and could press from her outside draw. The pace will be moderate with no dominant lone front-runner in the field; this sets up a tactical race where mid-pack runners can maneuver comfortably.

Key Contenders

Rowsie Express (2) is listed at 5-2 on the morning line and garners the most consensus support in this revised five-horse field. She was very sharp at this track last fall but has not duplicated that form in two 2026 starts. Handicappers note she needs a bounce-back effort but acknowledge her talent and the favorable rail position. She carries the top weight reduction at 114 pounds on the Lasix — the Ness barn again — and gets Yedsit Hazlewood aboard. Her ability to sit a ground-saving trip on the inside and make one run through the lane is ideal for today's one-mile distance.

Genieinabridle (7) is listed at 7/2 by Irish Racing and makes her debut for new trainer Daniel McKenzie off 13 days rest. She lost ground 3–4 wide on the first turn last out, dueled through close fractions, and tired late — a trip that would normally earn a pace upgrade, but the strong speed bias that day mitigates that interpretation. She will need to bounce back slightly but shows enough talent to factor.

Secondary Choices

Why Not Grace (6) — trained by Michael Gorham, who is running at 24% — earned a slight downgrade from her last win, in which she was gifted a perfect trip saving ground into a closer-friendly pace. She is a legitimate contender who will likely be on or near the front. Her jockey Raul Mena rides at 10% at the meet and will need to find a good trip.

It'sfiftyshadetime (5) did not receive her preferred setup as a closer last out when the pace was slow. Today's likely faster pace over a longer distance suits her better. She is listed at 20-1 morning line and is a longshot, but her chances improve meaningfully with both main speed horses removed.​

Longshots

Ginger Girl (1) ran far below par last out, stopping quickly after traveling well behind horses into the turn. She has shown an aversion to off going before, and today's fast track may help her bounce back. Trainer Joanne Shankle has been modest at 7%, and the horse's form is difficult to rate confidently.

Betting Strategy

This is a wide-open five-horse field following the scratches. Rowsie Express (2) is the clear form horse on paper and gets ideal connections. Use her on top but spread underneath — especially to Genieinabridle (7) and Why Not Grace (6). An exacta box of three horses is sound. ROWSIE EXPRESS (2) to win straight is the primary play, but the small field and uncertain conditions make box wagering prudent.

Selections

Win: Rowsie Express (2)
Place: Why Not Grace (6)
Show: Genieinabridle (7)

Race 6 — Maiden Claiming, 6 Furlongs Dirt, $22,000

Post Time: 2:28 PM

Race 6 is a maiden claiming event for three-year-old fillies. Candy Luna (6) is scratched by stewards, leaving seven runners: I'm A Lil Wicked (1), Onetime For Lar (2), Eimear (3), Fastfeld (4), Galibean (5), Fortune Garden (7), and Kelsey Hill Girl (8).​

Pace Analysis

This is a sprint for maidens with multiple speed-types likely to contest the early lead. The bias data showing a mid-to-outside post advantage at 6 furlongs suggests horses in posts 3 through 6 have a historical edge in this type of race. The pace will be honest given the competitive sprint fields at this level, which could set up a closer from outside.​

Key Contenders

Kelsey Hill Girl (8) draws the widest post but garners significant support as the consensus top choice from most handicapping sources. She rallied well for third in her last start despite competing in a strangely run race where the pace was hot through the first quarter, slowed dramatically through the mid-portion, and then quickened again in the lane. Her result was fair but she could improve in her second start off the bench. Trainer Emanuel Geralis is at 12% at the meet and jockey Kevin Gomez gets the call.

Fastfeld (4) has hit the board in her last four starts, most recently closing well for second behind Kittyup (who is on this card earlier). She carries Luna at Paul Luna in the irons and runs for Kelly Lynn Deiter. Her consistency is notable in a maiden field, and the fourth post position suits the 6-furlong distance per current meet bias data.​

Secondary Choices

Eimear (3) received time off following a dismal January effort and has recorded Beyer figures in the 60s in two prior dirt starts — numbers that would put her in contention here. She has Lasix on today for trainer Kelly Lynn Deiter and gets Paul Luna aboard. Her prior form is exactly what wins this type of race.​

I'm A Lil Wicked (1) from the Annette Eubanks barn has reduced weight with Jose Vargas on a 3-pound claim. She is listed at 3-1/2 on the morning line and could press early.​

Longshots

Fortune Garden (7) goes for trainer Gina Perri, who has not won a race at this meet yet. Galibean (5) runs for Carlos Mancilla with Hazlewood aboard and could bounce off her last start. Onetime For Lar (2) runs without Lasix and comes from the Lawrence Smith barn; trainer Smith has been modest at this meet. None of these represent strong value over the top three.​

Betting Strategy

Key Kelsey Hill Girl (8) and Fastfeld (4) in exactas and trifectas. Eimear (3) is the logical third player. A trifecta box of these three with I'm A Lil Wicked (1) as a saver covers the primary scenarios. This is also the Jackpot Super High 5 race with a $0 carryover; the High 5 can produce overlay value.

Selections

Win: Kelsey Hill Girl (8)
Place: Fastfeld (4)
Show: Eimear (3)

Race 7 — Starter Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs Dirt, $37,000

Post Time: 2:58 PM

Race 7 is the feature sprint of the card — a higher-class starter optional claiming for older males at $37,000. Backnthewoods (1) was scratched by regulatory vet for unsoundness, leaving a four-horse field: Don't Wait Up (2), Bushido (3), Uncle Cat (4), and Radical Right (5).​

Pace Analysis

Bushido (3) is the controlling front-runner in this field. He blew the doors off his rivals in his first start off the Lacey Gaudet claim, setting fast fractions and drawing off under a mild hand ride — a wire-to-wire victory that was both effortless and impressive. The key question is whether he can rate his speed even more efficiently in his second start for Gaudet. Radical Right (5) and Don't Wait Up (2) will likely sit off the early pace. The pace scenario will be modestly fast with Bushido controlling the tempo, setting up a prime sit-and-kick opportunity for closers if he goes too fast.​

Key Contenders

Don't Wait Up (2) is the Racing Biz top choice and earns strong consensus support for his consistent effort level. He has finished second in each of his last four starts and has run Beyer figures of 88 or higher in three of those races — the best consistent figure in this field. He is the only horse in the race capable of running that fast that consistently. Trainer Ferris Allen and jockey JG Torrealba, who has been at 13% at the meet, make this a lively proposition. His last effort included a slight bump at the top of the lane that knocked his back end momentarily off track — a minor but notable excuse.

Bushido (3) is the consensus morning line favorite at 3-2 for trainer Lacey Gaudet. His gate-to-wire win in his last effort showed athleticism and tactical speed that few horses at this level possess. The concern is whether his second start off the claim will produce the same dominant effort or whether a stronger pace challenge from today's field will expose some vulnerabilities. He is 6-for-6 posting career best speed figures in fresh campaigns. Carlos Lopez is aboard; Lopez is running at 19% at the meet.

Secondary Choices

Radical Right (5) drops in class after multiple tries in second-level allowance company. He was noted for lugging out persistently in his last race, aided in part by having rivals on his outside to keep him somewhat on track. From his outside post today without that rail support, his tendency to lug could be a concern. However, class-drop runners at this level are always dangerous.

Uncle Cat (4) gets Andres Chavez and trainer Somraj Singh, who has been at 12%. He has been competitive at this level recently and can close from off the pace at 6 furlongs. At 7/2 morning line, he represents value if Bushido and Radical Right both struggle.​

Longshots

With only four horses in the field, there are no true longshots. All four horses are live contenders.

Betting Strategy

The best value play on the card may be here. Don't Wait Up (2) is likely to go off at 3-1 to 4-1 against the presumptive Bushido favorite, representing overlay given his consistent figure line and the excuse from his last race. A straight win bet on Don't Wait Up (2) is recommended. Back the exacta DON'T WAIT UP (2) over Bushido (3) as the top play, and add the reverse BUSHIDO (3) over DON'T WAIT UP (2) for coverage. Include Radical Right (5) and Uncle Cat (4) in trifecta coverage.

Selections

Win: Don't Wait Up (2)
Place: Bushido (3)
Show: Radical Right (5)

Race 8 — Maiden Claiming, 1 Mile Dirt, $22,000

Post Time: 3:27 PM

Race 8 closes the card with a maiden claiming event for older males (4–6 year olds). Edelweiss (3) and Kitty's Son (5) are both scratched by private veterinarian for illness, leaving a three-horse field: Railroad Inn (1), Soo Handsome (2), and Under The Rug (4).

Pace Analysis

In a three-horse maiden field at one mile, pace will be extremely important. Soo Handsome (2) has raced close to or near the pace in recent starts and may default to the early lead without any pressers in the field. Railroad Inn (1) has both the best early and late pace figures in the field. Under The Rug (4) carries the most weight at 126 pounds from post 4 and is likely a stalk-and-pounce type.​

Key Contenders

Railroad Inn (1) is the Racing Biz and consensus top selection for the nightcap. He has compiled seven in-the-money finishes in 13 career starts and is described as in quickly improving form with both the best early and late pace figures in the field. Trainer Kenneth Cox and jockey Andres Chavez are the connections. Handicappers characterize today as a “now-or-never” spot for a horse that clearly has ability but has not yet won. His pace figure edge in a three-horse route is significant.​

Soo Handsome (2) may take the lead by default in this small field and extend his energy through the lane. Trainer Beverly Strauss and jockey Wilson Esteban Vargas are the connections. If he gets a soft, uncontested lead, the one-mile distance could work in his favor.​

Secondary Choices

Under The Rug (4) is the longer price at 15-1 morning line, carrying 126 pounds for trainer Eveline Kjelstrup and jockey Tais Lyapustina, who has been at 6% at the meet. He is a deeper closer and will need the two rivals to tire in front of him in the lane, which is possible in a slow-paced three-horse field.​

Longshots

With only three horses, Under The Rug (4) is the only longshot by default.

Betting Strategy

Another three-horse field that strongly favors exacta box wagering over straight bets. Railroad Inn (1) to win, with the exacta boxed for all three combinations. The trifecta is a guaranteed cash in any of six arrangements — $1 trifecta box of 1-2-4 is recommended at minimal cost. This is the final leg of both the Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (races 3–8) and the Late Pick 5 (races 4–8).

Selections

Win: Railroad Inn (1)
Place: Soo Handsome (2)
Show: Under The Rug (4)

Jockey Notes and Insights

YEDSIT HAZLEWOOD continues to dominate the Laurel Park jockey standings in 2026, leading all riders with 33 wins from 117 starts — a 28% win rate that is more than double his nearest competitor. He rides six horses today: Focusyn (Race 1), Elusive Sionna (Race 2), Laysen (Race 4), Rowsie Express (Race 5), Galibean (Race 6), and Edelweiss (Race 8 — scratched). Hazlewood is a 25-year-old apprentice who turned professional in 2025 and has been a revelation for the Maryland circuit; his 25% career win rate at Laurel and 46% win rate working with trainer Gary Capuano reflect exceptional natural talent. Any horse Hazlewood rides today must be considered deeply, particularly when paired with his top trainer connections. His partnership with Jamie Ness specifically runs at 31% win rate.

JEVIAN TOLEDO carries a 21% win rate at the meet and rides Robert's Moon in Race 1 and Dr. Buzzy in Race 3 — the latter is scratched. Toledo is a well-established Maryland leading rider who has topped the standings at both Laurel and Pimlico multiple times in his career. His assignment on Robert's Moon in Race 1 is the main book today.

CARLOS EDUARDO LOPEZ is running at 19% on the year and pilots Bruno in Race 3 and Bushido in Race 7. The trainer-jockey combination of Daniel Eubanks/Lopez recently posted a 50% win rate over 21 days, which makes Bruno (Race 3) a horse to watch in the maiden debut. Lopez on Bushido (Race 7) is a quality connection against a manageable four-horse field.

JG TORREALBA handles Don't Wait Up in Race 7 and Genieinabridle in Race 5. Torrealba is at 13% on the meet, which is modest, but Don't Wait Up's consistent form makes the horse capable of winning regardless of that statistic.​

RAUL MENA connects with Why Not Grace in Race 5, and his current 10% win rate is something to factor in when assessing value.​

Trainer Notes and Insights

JAMIE NESS is the clear standout trainer at Laurel Park in 2026 with 16 wins from 87 starts. He has at least two live horses on today's card: Rowsie Express (Race 5) and Laysen (Race 4), both with Hazlewood up. Ness is a consistent winner on the Maryland circuit who also maintains top standings at Delaware Park and Parx; he has structured his stable infrastructure specifically around the Mid-Atlantic circuit. When Ness saddles a horse with Hazlewood, the combination commands respect regardless of the morning line price.

GARY CAPUANO is running at 37% on the meet — the highest win rate among high-volume trainers — and handles Elusive Sionna in Race 2 with Hazlewood. His brother Philip Capuano had Kittyup in Race 2 but she is scratched. Gary Capuano's number is a standout in any meet, and his runner in Race 2 is a primary play.​

ANTHONY FARRIOR leads all trainers in win percentage with a 32% rate (8 wins from 25 starts). He was absent from today's card with his major entrant Dr. Buzzy (Race 3) scratched. When Farrior enters a horse that clears the scratch list, it commands maximum attention.​

JOSE CORRALES has multiple runners today including Stroll Trippin (Race 2), It'sfiftyshadetime (Race 5), Mister Roscoe (Race 4), and Kitty's Son (Race 8 — scratched). His 18% win rate at 76 starts represents a volume operation. Mister Roscoe in Race 4 is his most interesting live runner today.​

LACEY GAUDET trains Race 7 entrant Bushido (3), who blew the doors off the field in his first start for her. While not in the top tier by volume, Gaudet's fresh-horse win record with Bushido specifically is notable.​

MICHAEL GORHAM trains Why Not Grace (Race 5) and Platform (Race 1) and operates at 24%. Gorham's horses tend to show up competitive at the claiming level, and Why Not Grace remains live despite the slight downgrade on her last win.​

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Early Pick 5 — Races 1–5

The Early Pick 5 carries a $0 carryover, meaning the pool starts from scratch today. With three-horse fields in Races 2 and 5, the Pick 5 becomes highly manageable in coverage without excessive investment. A recommended ticket: Focusyn (1) in Race 1, ALL in Race 2, N.Y. FINEST (1) / Big Tiger (2) in Race 3, Laysen (2) in Race 4, Rowsie Express (2) / Why Not Grace (6) in Race 5. This provides five combinations at $1 base = $10 per ticket. Adding Brindano (3) in Race 1 and Sugar On Fire (5) in Race 4 doubles the coverage for $40 total investment.​

Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 — Races 3–8

The $19,082 carryover in the Jackpot Pick 6 (races 3–8) is significant for a mid-week Laurel card. With three-horse fields in Races 3, 5 (after scratches), and 8, the full-coverage cost is dramatically reduced. A recommended approach: ALL three in Race 3, Laysen (2) in Race 4, ALL five in Race 5, Kelsey Hill Girl (8) / Fastfeld (4) in Race 6, Don't Wait Up (2) / Bushido (3) in Race 7, ALL three in Race 8. At $0.50 base, this represents 1 x 1 x 3 x 2 x 2 x 3 = 36 combinations x $0.50 = $18.​

Late Pick 5 — Races 4–8

The Late Pick 5 also carries a $0 carryover. With the final three races featuring small fields, the cost to cover is modest. Laysen (2) in Race 4, Rowsie Express (2) / Why Not Grace (6) in Race 5, Kelsey Hill Girl (8) / Fastfeld (4) in Race 6, Don't Wait Up (2) / Bushido (3) in Race 7, Railroad Inn (1) / Soo Handsome (2) in Race 8. That is 1 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16 combinations at $1 = $16. An excellent value ticket.​

Best Win Bet Value

Don't Wait Up (2) in Race 7 is the best individual win bet value of the day. His Beyer figure line of three consecutive 88+ efforts makes him demonstrably faster than his rivals at a likely price of 3-1 or better. Laysen (2) in Race 4 with the Ness/Hazlewood combination is the best short-price bet — expect him at 5-2 to 3-1 on the board.​

Longshot Alert

In Race 4, Sugar On Fire (5) merits serious consideration in exacta and trifecta plays. His pace-compromised trip last out left his true ability unexpressed, and at 6-1 morning line he is likely to be an overlay given the multiple horses who benefit from the now-scratched My Boy Bud.

Notable Absence

The scratches of Enigmatic from Race 5 and Ade from the same race effectively eliminate the two most likely favorites. Rowsie Express (2) inherits the role of logical top selection in a dramatically weakened field, and her morning line price of 5-2 may actually be too low given the reduced competition — expect the track to revise her morning line or for her to go to post near even money. At that price, trifecta and exacta plays around her rather than straight win bets represent the better return.

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