Posted inTracks

Laurel Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the March 27, 2026 card

No CommentsPosted inTracks


Get more in-depth analysis, expert picks, handicapper reports, AI picks, handicapping tools, in-article data tooltips, NO ADVERTISEMENTS, and other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!

The Pick Pony Handicapper's Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!

Laurel Park offers an eight race Friday card on March 27, 2026, with a mix of lower level claiming events, starter optional claimers, and a key maiden special weight and allowance for three year olds that will anchor most multi race wagers. The sequence is compact, with several small fields that will reward precise opinions on pace and intent rather than blanket coverage.

The undercard features a pair of restricted starter allowance routes in races 2 and 4 that look tactical more than fast, while the late double is built around a competitive allowance optional claimer for three year olds sprinting six furlongs and a seven furlong claiming event for older fillies and mares. Class levels are relatively uniform, and the program lacks true stakes class standouts, which tends to keep prices fair even in short fields.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecasts for the Laurel, Maryland area call for a dry, mild afternoon, with temperatures generally in the upper 50s to low 60s and no meaningful precipitation in the window covering the race card. Hourly outlooks show no rain and light to moderate winds, so the main track should be listed as fast throughout the day.

Given the dry pattern, there is no indication of excessive moisture in the surface, and no track maintenance issues have been reported in the days leading up to this card. With a fast dirt surface and no weather interruptions, you can handicap assuming honest but not tiring conditions, which tends to keep the door open for both speed and mid pack runners depending on race shape.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Recent meet level data at Laurel Park through March 22, 2026 show that at 5.5 furlongs on dirt, 41 percent of winners have wired the field, with early speed being the preferred style and the rail performing very well. At six furlongs on dirt, wire to wire winners drop to about 32 percent, with early speed still favored but winners more evenly distributed across middle and outside posts.

In route races around two turns, outside posts have performed somewhat better than the inside, with a lower share of winners from the two innermost stalls compared with the mid and outside gates. Overall dirt statistics suggest no extreme path bias on a fast track, but there is a modest lean toward forward placement, especially in the shorter sprints, and a subtle edge to mid outside posts in routes.

1st Race – Laurel Park – Friday, March 27th, 2026

Claiming, 1 1/16 miles dirt, for fillies and mares four and up which have never won two races. Purse 22,000 dollars, claiming price 12,500 dollars (10,000 dollars with weight allowance).

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 12:00 PM local.

Pace Analysis

The pace scenario here is not overly contentious, with several mares preferring to stalk rather than commit to outright front running roles. The most likely early initiators are Luminous Secret (4), who has shown enough tactical speed to attend the pace, and Poor Mans Lady (5), who projects to be involved early stretching around two turns. Rehoboth Avenue (6) can be forwardly placed from the outside if asked, but her rider may elect to sit just off the top pair to avoid an early duel.

Worries Unfounded (1) and Boys Go To Jupiter (3) typically settle in mid pack and look to make one run, while Fire At Midnight (2) has been scratched previously for veterinary reasons and has a pattern that suggests her rider may be content to lag behind early and look for a late run if she goes. The projected shape is an honest but not suicidal pace, favoring tactical stalkers who can sit second or third and pounce turning for home.

Key Contenders

Luminous Secret (4) lands in a very logical spot as a lightly raced four year old filly for the Ness barn in a non winners of two lifetime claiming event. The connections are aggressive with placement, but they tend to move horses forward in second and third starts at this level, and this filly has the tactical speed to take advantage of Laurel's mild early pace bias at the route distance. The rider has already proven capable of rationing speed for this stable in similar spots, and the inner draw of main pace horses gives Luminous Secret (4) a chance to clear into a comfortable tracking position early.

Poor Mans Lady (5) also qualifies as a primary contender. She is a four year old with enough stamina and positional speed to be in the first flight, and the Michael Gorham barn is reliable in placing stock in realistic spots when dropping or holding at this type of claiming condition. Her rider Madeline Rowland tends to be aggressive when she perceives a chance to control a slow route, which could translate into either the lead or a pressing trip just outside Luminous Secret (4). If she gets a clear lane into the far turn, she has every right to prove best.

Secondary Choices

Worries Unfounded (1) is an older mare with more seasoning than many of her rivals, and she draws the rail, which can be an asset if she is able to hold position into the first turn. Her rider Carlos Eduardo Lopez is adept at saving ground and waiting for a seam, which suits a mare who prefers one sustained run. While not as likely as Luminous Secret (4) or Poor Mans Lady (5) to control the race, Worries Unfounded (1) has the profile of a horse who can clunk up for a piece if the pace melts just a bit late or if the top pair overdo it early.

Boys Go To Jupiter (3) is a four year old filly who may be still learning, and she benefits from having Jose E. Vargas in the irons for trainer Kerry Hohlbein. Her pattern suggests she lacks early foot but can sustain a run around the far turn when the leaders begin to feel pressure. Against this modest group she is not impossible if she gets a clean trip and the race turns into a grind, although she seems more of an underneath play at this stage.

Longshots

Fire At Midnight (2) is a nine year old mare with past scratches for veterinary reasons, and she must answer questions about current soundness and form. She retains Raul E. Mena for trainer Aimee Hall, and while the rider can finish well, the combination of age, physical concerns, and limited early speed make Fire At Midnight (2) a difficult win proposition, though she could sneak into a minor placing at a price if the race collapses. Rehoboth Avenue (6) is a four year old with an outside draw and a light weight assignment under Warren Ebow III for Willie J. Kee; she figures to be overlooked on the board but could be the one to try to improve position early from her post, and if she relaxes, she is not a hopeless exotics filler.

Selections

Win Luminous Secret (4)
Place Poor Mans Lady (5)
Show Worries Unfounded (1)

2nd Race – Laurel Park – Friday, March 27th, 2026

Starter optional claiming, one mile dirt, for four year olds and upward that have started for 20,000 dollars or less and never won two races, or claiming 20,000 16,000 dollars, never won two.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 12:31 PM.

Pace Analysis

This compact five horse field offers a fairly straightforward pace picture. Party With Smarty (3) for the Ness barn has the profile of a forwardly placed runner who can use his natural cruising speed to control the tempo from the outset. Tell Em Im Comin (2) and Brighty (4) both have enough tactical foot to sit close, but neither is an all out need the lead type, which suggests they will track Party With Smarty (3) rather than attack early.

Brindano (1) on the rail and Gaelicheartofgold (5) on the outside look more like mid pack stalkers or closers, with both likely to save their best run for the stretch. The absence of multiple confirmed front runners points to a moderate pace that tilts this race toward the main speed horse if he breaks cleanly, with the best chance for an upset coming from a mid pack runner who gets first run if the leader falters.

Key Contenders

Party With Smarty (3) emerges as the most likely winner. The combination of barn form, class placement, and projected pace advantage makes him the one to beat, especially on a fast Laurel main track that does not penalize a horse who can secure the lead and relax. With jockey Martin Chuan up for Jamie Ness, Party With Smarty (3) should be able to establish control going into the clubhouse turn and dictate proceedings from there, making him an obvious single candidate in rolling multi race wagers.

Gaelicheartofgold (5) is an interesting key contender from the outside gate. With Forest Boyce aboard for Benjamin W. Perkins Jr., Gaelicheartofgold (5) figures to enjoy a stalking trip sitting just off the main trio inside. Boyce is particularly adept at timing late runs, and if she senses that Party With Smarty (3) is getting mild pressure from Tell Em Im Comin (2) or Brighty (4), she may angle Gaelicheartofgold (5) into a three wide position turning for home and try to outfinish them.

Secondary Choices

Tell Em Im Comin (2) is a five year old gelding who brings enough tactical speed to sit second or third along the inside under Matilda Burnham for trainer Jose Corrales. His form suggests he is consistent at this class level, and with an honest trip he looks likely to be somewhere in the trifecta, though his upside for the win depends heavily on whether he can either pressure Party With Smarty (3) into a mistake or outkick Gaelicheartofgold (5) late. Brighty (4) under J. G. Torrealba for Rodolfo Sanchez Salomon has a similar profile as a pace tracking type who might find himself in the mix turning for home, but he may be a half step below the top pair on raw ability.

Brindano (1) is a gray gelding by Vino Rosso who draws the rail and gets weight off with Jose E. Vargas up for Sergio Pradenas. He may need some racing luck to find room late, but if the inside opens up he has a chance to rally into the exotics at a decent price given the short field.

Longshots

There is no complete toss in a five horse field, but of the quintet Brighty (4) projects as the least likely winner on paper. That said, an aggressive ride and a ground saving trip could elevate his chances above expectations, particularly if the top selection has an off day. The compact nature of the field argues for spreading a bit in deeper exotic structures rather than leaning too heavily on one longshot.

Selections

Win Party With Smarty (3)
Place Gaelicheartofgold (5)
Show Tell Em Im Comin (2)

3rd Race – Laurel Park – Friday, March 27th, 2026

Maiden claiming, 5 1 2 furlongs dirt, for maiden fillies and mares ages four to six. Purse 22,000 dollars.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 1:03 PM.

Pace Analysis

This maiden claimer should feature genuine early speed, with Greatwhitefleet (5) and Loaf Of Sof (1) the primary candidates to contest the lead. Greatwhitefleet (5) comes from an aggressive barn and gets J. G. Torrealba, who tends to send from middle gates in short fields, while Loaf of Sof (1) from the rail under Jevian Toledo for Brittany Russell has shown enough early interest to hold position into the turn. Valerie Street (3) adds further pace pressure if she breaks cleanly, given her prior sprint attempts and connections.

Brunchesoflove (6) and Chestertown Jane (2) project more as stalking or closing types, with Cashpoint (4) a bit of a wild card following multiple trainer scratches earlier in the meet. The overall tempo should be lively, and with Laurel's 5.5 furlong dirt data showing a meaningful share of wire to wire winners, the key question is whether the main speed survives or sets the table for a mid pack runner to finish over the top late.

Key Contenders

Loaf Of Sof (1) for Brittany Russell looks like the right favorite if she shows expected improvement in her second or third start at this level. Russell excels with maidens dropping into claiming company, and with Jevian Toledo aboard, Loaf of Sof (1) should break alertly from the rail and either set the pace or sit a pocket trip behind Greatwhitefleet (5). Given the rail's solid performance in 5.5 furlong sprints at the current meet, she has an ideal setup to take a significant step forward.

Greatwhitefleet (5) for Anthony Farrior with J. G. Torrealba is the other key contender. Farrior's barn routinely gets good efforts from speed types at this level, and Greatwhitefleet (5) has the tactical advantage of being able to sit just off Loaf Of Sof (1) if necessary or to try to outfoot her early and cross over. In a race where many rivals are still struggling to put races together, a filly with clear speed and a strong barn behind her becomes a very serious player.

Secondary Choices

Chestertown Jane (2) under Julio A. Hernandez for Benjamin W. Perkins Jr. may not be as flashy early but has some appeal as a filly who can make a late run if the main speeds get into each other. Her connections are patient, and Hernandez tends to ride these maiden claimers with an eye on saving ground and then angling out at the top of the stretch. Valerie Street (3) for Rodolfo Sanchez Salomon with Jose E. Vargas is another possible secondary choice; she has had prior issues including steward scratches, but if she breaks well, her combination of tactical speed and mid gate draw could put her in a good striking position.

Brunchesoflove (6) is trained by Timothy L. Keefe and ridden by Andres Chavez. She is likely to be overlooked on the board but may be the one picking up tired rivals late, making her interesting for the bottom of vertical exotics.

Longshots

Cashpoint (4) has been scratched multiple times for trainer reasons in prior starts, and with Christian Maldonado aboard she must be considered a longshot until she proves she can put a full race together. Her form is muddied by those prior scratches and minor issues, and she will likely need this race for conditioning. Brunchesoflove (6), while a possible minor award candidate, also sits in the longshot category for win purposes, as she will need a meltdown up front and a big step forward on the clock to threaten the top tier.

Selections

Win Loaf Of Sof (1)
Place Greatwhitefleet (5)
Show Chestertown Jane (2)

4th Race – Laurel Park – Friday, March 27th, 2026

Starter optional claiming, one mile dirt, for fillies and mares four and up which have started for 20,000 dollars or less and never won two races, or claiming 20,000 16,000 dollars.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 1:36 PM.

Pace Analysis

This is another small field route with a fairly compact pace picture. Tasty Time (2) projects as the most natural pace element under Angel Cruz for Kenneth M. Cox, with enough early speed to go to the front if asked. Chickin Lickin (5) carries Carlos Eduardo Lopez for W. Robert Bailes and also has some positional speed, so she could choose to press from the outside or even try to clear and cross if she breaks sharply.

Margaret P (1), Shes Not a Lad (3), and Diamond Sue (4) are more comfortable tracking or closing, and none appear to be confirmed need the lead types. Expect an honest but controlled pace, with the leaders cruising through moderate fractions, and the race likely being decided by which of the top three or four receives the best ground saving, traffic free trip into the far turn.

Key Contenders

Tasty Time (2) holds a slight edge as the likely pace setter or inside presser. With an experienced local rider in Angel Cruz and a trainer in Kenneth Cox who spots his mares realistically, Tasty Time (2) should be able to establish a comfortable tempo and save enough for the stretch. Laurel's two turn dirt profile does not overly penalize this style, especially when the early pace is not pressurized.

Shes Not a Lad (3) for John E. Salzman Jr. with Jevian Toledo is a key contender from just outside. She brings a useful blend of tactical speed and finishing ability and may be ideally suited to sitting third or fourth early before unleashing a sustained run down the lane. Toledo's familiarity with the circuit and ability to time moves in small fields makes Shes Not a Lad (3) a serious threat, particularly if Tasty Time (2) faces even modest pressure from Chickin Lickin (5).

Secondary Choices

Chickin Lickin (5) is a solid secondary option. Under Carlos Eduardo Lopez for W. Robert Bailes, she can be forwardly placed and might even improve if allowed to sit just off Tasty Time (2) rather than duel. Her form suggests she is capable of sticking around for a share even when she does not get an ideal trip, making her a logical exacta and trifecta inclusion.

Margaret P (1) from the rail for trainer Jose J. Magana with Andres Chavez has more of a grinding style but could benefit from saving every inch of ground along the inside. If the leaders come back to the field at all, Margaret P (1) has a chance to nibble late and get into the frame, though she seems more of a minor award type in this spot. Diamond Sue (4) with Joseph Rocco Jr. for Oscar G. Mancilla rounds out the secondary tier; as a six year old mare with experience, she may be in need of some pace help but has the back class to bother the top tier if they falter.

Longshots

In a five horse field, there are no complete throw outs, but the least likely winner on paper appears to be Diamond Sue (4) given her age, recent form, and probable trip scenario. Nonetheless, her experience can allow her to land in the bottom half of vertical exotics if one of the key contenders underperforms.

Selections

Win Shes Not a Lad (3)
Place Tasty Time (2)
Show Chickin Lickin (5)

5th Race – Laurel Park – Friday, March 27th, 2026

Maiden special weight, 6 furlongs dirt, for three year old fillies. Purse 47,000 dollars.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 2:08 PM.

Pace Analysis

This is one of the more intriguing races on the card, as maiden special weight sprints for three year old fillies often produce key horses for future allowances. Several in here have either clear speed pedigrees or connections who are comfortable sending from the gate. Boost (2) with Jeiron Barbosa for W. Robert Bailes and Snow Bella (4) with Forest Boyce for Madison F. Meyers both figure to be prominent early, with Butler Road (6) under Andres Chavez for Timothy L. Keefe also a candidate to show speed from the outside.

Serenity Song (3) with Sheldon Russell and Have One More (1) with Mychel J. Sanchez both have the option to sit just off the top tier and pounce, while Raisin Weekend (5) with J. G. Torrealba for Horacio De Paz is likely to be more mid pack early before launching a bid. Given the nature of maiden special weight company, the overall tempo should be solid to fast, and the winner will likely be the filly who can either clear early without pressure or relax in a stalking role and finish strongly.

Key Contenders

Serenity Song (3) for Brittany Russell with Sheldon Russell in the saddle looks like a key filly in this lineup. Russell's barn is highly effective with maiden special weight three year olds, particularly those drawn in middle gates where they can adapt to the flow. Serenity Song (3) projects to sit a perfect stalking trip behind Boost (2) and Snow Bella (4), and given the barn's strong win percentage in similar spots, she deserves significant respect.

Have One More (1) for Michael J. Trombetta with Mychel J. Sanchez also shapes up as a top contender. The rail can be advantageous for debutantes or lightly raced maidens with speed, and Trombetta is known for having his fillies fit and ready at this level. Have One More (1) could hold the inside position into the turn, forcing others to chase wide, and if she handles kickback and keeps her composure, she has every chance to be there at the finish.

Secondary Choices

Boost (2), under Jeiron Barbosa for W. Robert Bailes, is a major pace factor and a legitimate win candidate if she can shake loose. Barbosa tends to ride aggressively out of the gate, and Boost (2) may find herself in front or dueling down the backstretch. If the track is playing kindly to speed at six furlongs, she becomes particularly dangerous. Snow Bella (4) with Forest Boyce offers a similar profile as a filly with enough early foot to be involved from the outset and a rider who excels at nursing speed along the inside or just off the rail.

Raisin Weekend (5) for Horacio De Paz and Butler Road (6) for Timothy L. Keefe both look like filly types who might need a race or two to show their best, but Raisin Weekend (5) in particular could be an interesting late runner if the top four hook up and cook themselves early. Either can get into the trifecta or superfecta with proper setup.

Longshots

Butler Road (6) appears to be the longest shot among plausible contenders, particularly if she cannot keep up early with the sharper speeds. Her outside draw is an asset in terms of avoiding traffic, but she will need to show new dimension or a significant jump forward to threaten for the win. Raisin Weekend (5) is less of a longshot in terms of ability, but her running style leaves her more dependent on race shape, so she belongs more as a minor award contender than a primary win pick at this stage.

Selections

Win Serenity Song (3)
Place Have One More (1)
Show Boost (2)

6th Race – Laurel Park – Friday, March 27th, 2026

Claiming, 6 furlongs dirt, for four year olds and upward that have not won two races since September 27 or have never won five races. Purse 18,000 dollars, claiming price 7,500 dollars (6,000 dollars with allowance).

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 2:39 PM.

Pace Analysis

This is one of the deeper pace races on the card. Tiny Lake (5), Prom Knight (1), Pit Stop Man (2), and Kbcya Later (7) all have some measure of early foot, and Tuff Constitution (3) is not slow either. Uniwinner (4) and B West (6) tend to sit more mid pack or make one run, but even they can be closer if the field breaks evenly. Given the number of potential pace players and the six furlong distance, expect a lively, contested pace with multiple horses vying for position into the turn.

Laurel's six furlong stats show about one third of races won wire to wire, but in fields with multiple speed types, the race often sets up for a stalker or closer. That puts a premium on horses who can sit just off the leaders and still finish strongly, or on a closer who can thread through tiring rivals in the lane.

Key Contenders

Pit Stop Man (2) for Anthony Farrior with Jevian Toledo is a key contender. He has enough tactical speed to be in the first flight but does not absolutely need the lead, and Toledo's versatility in placing him just off the hottest part of the pace is an asset. Pit Stop Man (2) also has experience at slightly higher class levels, and his re entry pattern after a recent scratch suggests the barn has him ready to fire at this condition.

Kbcya Later (7) for Charles A. DeMario with Jeiron Barbosa also deserves top billing. From the outside post, Kbcya Later (7) can see what is happening inside and choose to either press three or four wide or sit a length or two back. Barbosa's familiarity with speed horses at this level should allow him to avoid getting hooked in an unsustainable duel, giving Kbcya Later (7) a chance to be the best of the early pressers.

Secondary Choices

Tuff Constitution (3), with Yedsit Hazlewood riding for Jamie Ness, is a seven year old gelding who may benefit from the chaotic pace. If Hazlewood can tuck him in behind the main speed and keep him relaxed, Tuff Constitution (3) has the back class to pounce when the front end begins to weaken. B West (6), trained by Kieron Magee and ridden by Jose E. Vargas, is another who could take advantage of a meltdown, provided he is sound and ready off a series of prior injury related private vet scratches. If he is fully fit, B West (6) can absolutely outrun his likely odds.

Uniwinner (4) with Matilda Burnham for Cesar Nambo and Tiny Lake (5) with Christian Maldonado for Rodolfo Sanchez Salomon slot into the secondary tier. Uniwinner (4) tends to be more of a stalking type who could work out a decent trip just behind the speed from his middling post, while Tiny Lake (5) is more of a pure speed horse who must be respected if he breaks on top and secures the rail.

Longshots

Prom Knight (1) for Cesar Nambo under Paul A. Luna faces a tough task from the rail, where he must either gun hard and risk a duel or take back and potentially get shuffled in tight against the fence. His recent veterinarian scratch at Charles Town is a further concern, making Prom Knight (1) a tough sell as a win candidate. Tiny Lake (5), while dangerous on his best, is also something of a longshot for win purposes if the pace collapses, but he should be used on some tickets as a speed horse who might hang on for a piece.

Selections

Win Pit Stop Man (2)
Place Kbcya Later (7)
Show Tuff Constitution (3)

7th Race – Laurel Park – Friday, March 27th, 2026

Allowance optional claiming, 6 furlongs dirt, for three year olds that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, waiver claiming, starter, Maryland sired or Maryland bred, or which have never won two races, or claiming price 62,500 50,000 dollars. Purse 49,000 dollars.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 3:11 PM.

Pace Analysis

This small but competitive field of six has a genuine sprint shape. Caseofthemondays (4) for Jamie Ness with Mychel J. Sanchez is a natural speed horse who has been re entered following a prior illness related scratch and should be ready to show his best. Our Day Will Come (6), trained by Gina Perri with Matilda Burnham up, also has speed, as do Flirty Bajan (1) for Henry Walters with Carlos Eduardo Lopez and Slay Sadie Slay (2) for Richard E. Dutrow Jr. with Sheldon Russell. Buds Notion (3) and Palacios (5) have enough tactical speed to stay in contact but may prefer to sit just off the main pace line.

The overall expectation is for a fast early pace, with two or even three horses pressing one another through the opening quarter. Laurel's six furlong profile suggests that in such scenarios, a stalking or just off the pace runner can have an edge if he is fit and able to sustain a drive.

Key Contenders

Caseofthemondays (4) is the leading win candidate. His prior illness scratch is a caution flag, but the fact that he returns at this level in a short field suggests the Ness barn believes he is healthy and ready. With Mychel J. Sanchez aboard, Caseofthemondays (4) can use his gate speed to take the lead or sit just off Flirty Bajan (1) or Slay Sadie Slay (2), and given his class and connections, he should have every chance to hold late.

Slay Sadie Slay (2) under Sheldon Russell is a major threat. Russell fits this type of colt well and can either push the pace from the inside or sit just outside the leaders. The Dutrow barn is known for having horses cranked for spots like this, and Slay Sadie Slay (2) may be poised to take a step forward in his three year old season, making him extremely dangerous in this company.

Secondary Choices

Buds Notion (3) for Gary Capuano with Yedsit Hazlewood might get the ideal stalking trip. With several runners wanting to be on or near the lead, Buds Notion (3) can sit a length or two behind and angle out turning for home. If the top pair soften each other up, Buds Notion (3) could be the one rolling late to pick up the pieces, and he is an important exacta and trifecta inclusion.

Palacios (5) for John E. Salzman Jr. with Joseph Rocco Jr. is another colt who figures to settle just off the main pace and make one run. Rocco is adept at working out ground saving trips in these small fields, and Palacios (5) has the seasoning to capitalize if the race falls apart a bit. Flirty Bajan (1), while possessing speed, will need to prove he can withstand the heat of multiple challengers from the inside post, so he is more of a secondary option for minor awards.

Longshots

Our Day Will Come (6) for Gina Perri with Matilda Burnham is the biggest question mark following multiple illness related scratches earlier in the meet. While his prior class placement suggests ability, he may not be fully cranked and could be more of a longshot in this comeback spot. Flirty Bajan (1) is not a complete toss by any means, but the inside draw and likely early pressure make his job difficult, so he sits on the fringe of longshot status for the win.

Selections

Win Caseofthemondays (4)
Place Slay Sadie Slay (2)
Show Buds Notion (3)

8th Race – Laurel Park – Friday, March 27th, 2026

Claiming, 7 furlongs dirt, for fillies and mares four and up that have not won a race since September 27 or which have never won four races. Purse 18,000 dollars, claiming price 7,500 dollars (6,000 dollars with allowance).

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 3:42 PM.

Pace Analysis

This is a compact five horse field with an interesting pace scenario. Infastuation (1), trained by Linda L. Albert and ridden by Tais Lyapustina, has enough positional speed to be prominent from the rail but is not a need the lead type. Bugged Out (2) for Charles A. DeMario with Raul E. Mena is more of a closer, while Ginger Girl (3) for Joanne Shankle with Jose E. Vargas is a stalker who prefers to sit mid pack. Baby Sox (4) for Jonathan Maldonado with Kevin Gomez can be involved early but often does her best work from just off the pace.

Kissed At Dawn (5), another DeMario trainee with Jeiron Barbosa aboard, is the most natural speed in the race and has shown the ability to lead going shorter. With that profile, Kissed At Dawn (5) is likely to go to the front, with Infastuation (1) and Baby Sox (4) tracking, and Ginger Girl (3) and Bugged Out (2) settling behind them. The seven furlong distance at Laurel often proves testing for pure speed types, and the race could set up for a stalker if Kissed At Dawn (5) faces any sustained pressure.

Key Contenders

Ginger Girl (3) stands out as a key contender based on speed figures and overall consistency. She is a six year old mare with a strong record of hitting the board, and recent analysis pegs her as a stalking type who finishes well even when the early fractions are honest. With Jose E. Vargas, a rider showing excellent win and in the money percentages in this kind of race, Ginger Girl (3) is very likely to get an ideal mid pack trip and should be rolling late.

Infastuation (1) for Linda L. Albert with Tais Lyapustina is another top contender. Her recent figures place her squarely among the best in the field, and while she may not have the same late punch as Ginger Girl (3), she can secure a favorable ground saving trip just behind Kissed At Dawn (5). If the rail is playing fairly and she gets a clean run, Infastuation (1) has a solid chance to be right there at the finish.

Secondary Choices

Baby Sox (4) with Kevin Gomez for Jonathan Maldonado is a solid secondary option who could upgrade to win status if the pace scenario tilts slightly more in favor of forwardly placed runners. She has shown she can handle the seven furlong distance and carries a form pattern that suggests she is capable of a strong effort when placed correctly. Bugged Out (2), a closer with Raul E. Mena up for Charles A. DeMario, is more pace dependent but has the ability to run on late into the exotics if the leaders come back.

Kissed At Dawn (5), despite obvious early speed, feels more like a secondary choice because seven furlongs at Laurel can be unforgiving to front running mares stretching beyond six, especially when they must fend off multiple stalkers. Still, if she is allowed to dictate an easy tempo, she can certainly take this group a long way on the lead.

Longshots

Given her prior private vet illness scratches, Kissed At Dawn (5) is somewhat risky and qualifies as a longshot for win purposes despite her speed profile. Bugged Out (2), with recent veterinarian scratches at Penn National, is also a longshot win candidate, though she can certainly round out the trifecta or superfecta with a late run if she is fully sound today.

Selections

Win Ginger Girl (3)
Place Infastuation (1)
Show Baby Sox (4)

Jockey Notes and Insights

The Laurel Park meet has featured several of today's riders performing at high levels in similar conditions. Jevian Toledo continues to be one of the premier local jockeys, excelling with pace versatile types who can sit just off the lead and finish, which makes his mounts Loaf Of Sof (1) in race 3, Tuff Constitution (3) in race 6, and Shes Not a Lad (3) in race 4 particularly live given their likely trip profiles. His ability to judge speed and save ground around both turns is a notable edge.

Jose E. Vargas has also been riding in sharp form, with strong in the money percentages and an excellent record aboard horses who make sustained mid race moves. His mounts Brindano (1) in race 2, Valerie Street (3) in race 3, B West (6) in race 6, and Ginger Girl (3) in race 8 all could benefit from his patient style, especially Ginger Girl (3), who appears tailor made for his strengths as a stalk and pounce rider.

Jeiron Barbosa and Matilda Burnham are effective with speed types and aggressive trips. Barbosa, aboard Boost (2) in race 5 and Kbcya Later (7) in race 6, is likely to put his mounts in the race early and try to take advantage of their tactical speed, while Burnham on Tell Em Im Comin (2) in race 2, Uniwinner (4) in race 6, and Our Day Will Come (6) in race 7 should be watched for opportunistic rides when the pace scenario is unclear.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Jamie Ness has multiple live runners on today's card, including Luminous Secret (4) in race 1, Party With Smarty (3) in race 2, Tuff Constitution (3) in race 6, and Caseofthemondays (4) in race 7. Ness tends to place horses aggressively where they can win, and his barn is particularly strong in starter and allowance optional claiming events, making Party With Smarty (3) and Caseofthemondays (4) key horses for multi race wagers. His entries often improve second off layoffs or in their second or third start at a given level.

Brittany Russell has a couple of important runners, most notably Loaf Of Sof (1) in race 3 and Serenity Song (3) in race 5. Russell's record with maiden special weight fillies and maiden claiming types is excellent, and she frequently has them prepared to run well first or second time out. Her partnership with riders like Jevian and Sheldon Russell provides further confidence in those mounts.

Trainers like Rodolfo Sanchez Salomon, Horacio De Paz, and Michael J. Trombetta also have well placed entrants. Sanchez Salomon saddles Brighty (4) in race 2 and Tiny Lake (5) in race 6, both in realistic spots relative to their ability. De Paz sends out Raisin Weekend (5) in race 5, a filly who could be an under the radar late runner, and Trombetta's Have One More (1) in race 5 fits the profile of a live maiden special weight filly who could attract support.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Given the short fields and the presence of several strong favorites, the best approach may be to focus on multi race wagers and vertical exotics where you can lean into strong opinions.

In the early races, Luminous Secret (4) in race 1 and Party With Smarty (3) in race 2 can serve as keys in daily double and early Pick 3 structures. Using Luminous Secret (4) and Poor Mans Lady (5) as A level horses in race 1, and Party With Smarty (3) with backup tickets including Gaelicheartofgold (5) and Tell Em Im Comin (2) in race 2, allows you to anchor early multi race bets around likely winners while still respecting logical alternatives.

Race 3 offers a potential value play in Greatwhitefleet (5), who may drift a bit in the wagering versus Loaf Of Sof (1) but has very real gate speed and the right connections to take them all the way. Singling Greatwhitefleet (5) on some Pick 3 or Pick 4 tickets can open value if Loaf of Sof (1) takes the bulk of the money. In race 5, Serenity Song (3) and Have One More (1) are strong A types, with Boost (2) and Snow Bella (4) as B level backups in multi race structures.

In the late Pick 3 and Pick 4, keying Pit Stop Man (2) and Kbcya Later (7) in race 6, Caseofthemondays (4) and Slay Sadie Slay (2) in race 7, and Ginger Girl (3) and Infastuation (1) in race 8 can create a solid backbone. Ginger Girl (3) in race 8 in particular looks like a strong value play, as she combines consistent figures with a perfect running style for the projected pace, and she should be included prominently in win bets as well as in exacta combinations over Infastuation (1), Baby Sox (4), and Bugged Out (2).

For players interested in vertical exotics, consider pressing exacta and trifecta combinations that lean on your strongest opinions rather than spreading too widely in small fields. Examples include keying Party With Smarty (3) over Gaelicheartofgold (5), Tell Em Im Comin (2), and Brindano (1) in the race 2 exacta, and Ginger Girl (3) over Infastuation (1), Baby Sox (4), and Kissed At Dawn (5) in the race 8 exacta and trifecta.

Tags:

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Talkback