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!
Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!
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.
Today features a solid 7-race card at Laurel Park on Friday, February 20, 2026. The card is highlighted by a mix of optional claiming, maiden claiming, and allowance events exclusively on the dirt. With some notable scratches already announced, the fields have tightened up, offering some intriguing betting puzzles. Handicappers will need to navigate a blend of seasoned veterans and unproven three-year-olds.
Weather and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for Laurel Maryland today predicts a high near 54 degrees and a low around 37 degrees. While daytime conditions are expected to be partly sunny, there is a remarkably high chance of rain showers rolling through the area. Depending on when the precipitation hits, the main dirt track could start out fast but transition to wet or muddy as the afternoon progresses. Keep a close eye on the track condition upgrades or downgrades throughout the day.
Regarding track bias, Laurel Park dirt races during the winter meet have occasionally favored early tactical speed, especially in the sprint distances. However, if the track becomes wet and sealed, front-runners often get an even stronger advantage. Monitor the first two races to see if the rail is playing deeper than usual or if speed is holding.
Race 1
Post Time
12:00 PM
Pace Analysis
With Bob Marco in the field, expect an honest early pace. Bob Marco likes to show speed, while Holy Synchronicity and Aztec will likely stalk just off the flank. Arrow Speed will be doing his best running late.
Key Contenders
Bob Marco takes a realistic spot here and has the early foot to control the tempo. Handicappers agree that if he gets away cleanly, he could be tough to reel in. Arrow Speed is a consistent board-hitter who always shows up with a late kick, making him a major factor in the exotics.
Secondary Choices
Holy Synchronicity has faced slightly better fields and drops into a spot where his tactical speed can be utilized effectively. Aztec, drawn on the outside, comes out of the Jamie Ness barn and gets the meet’s leading rider, which automatically commands respect.
Longshots
Jolly by Golly has been somewhat inconsistent but has the back class to wake up at a price. If the pace completely falls apart, he might pick up the pieces.
Selections
Win: Bob Marco (2) – 40% confidence
Place: Arrow Speed (3) – 30% confidence
Show: Aztec (7) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Holy Synchronicity (4) – 10% confidence
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Rely on Bob Marco to dictate the terms. A win bet on Bob Marco and an exacta box with Arrow Speed and Aztec provides a solid foundation for the opening leg of the early Pick 5.
Race 2
Post Time
12:29 PM
Pace Analysis
This 5 1/2 furlong sprint features plenty of early zip. Top Gun Girl and Happy Clouds are likely to lock horns early, setting up a potentially fast pace that could benefit a stalker.
Key Contenders
In My Memories looks prime to sit the garden trip just behind the speed duel. Handicappers note her strong recent form and she fits these allowance optional claiming conditions perfectly. Conquerthosewecan gets the services of top jockey Sheldon Russell and has the tactical versatility to adjust to the pace scenario.
Secondary Choices
Top Gun Girl has brilliant early speed but might be pressured the whole way. If she manages to shake loose, she is dangerous, but the presence of Happy Clouds makes that a difficult task.
Longshots
Dwelling Legacy is lightly raced compared to the rest but gets a significant weight break. She could clunk up for a minor award if the front-runners exhaust themselves.
Selections
Win: In My Memories (3) – 45% confidence
Place: Conquerthosewecan (4) – 30% confidence
Show: Top Gun Girl (1) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Happy Clouds (2) – 10% confidence
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
The pace meltdown angle points directly to In My Memories. Play her on top of trifectas and use her as a single in horizontal wagers like the Pick 3 or Pick 4.
Race 3
Post Time
12:58 PM
Pace Analysis
Maiden claiming races with three-year-olds can be unpredictable. Flying to Work and Admiral Steve project to be forwardly placed, while Impressiveness will likely look to close from mid-pack.
Key Contenders
Impressiveness is the class of the field, trained by Jamie Ness. He has been knocking on the door in similar maiden claiming ranks and simply needs a clean trip to graduate today. Flying to Work drops slightly in class and has shown enough early speed to be a major threat from the rail.
Secondary Choices
Admiral Steve is a first-time starter taking on weak company. Handicappers advise caution but respect the connections enough to include him in multi-race sequences. Rio Del Valle has struggled but gets a favorable outside draw to stay out of trouble.
Longshots
Stormy Brew and Q Got Hops have shown very little in their previous starts, but in a field lacking depth, any forward progression could see them clunking into the superfecta at massive odds.
Selections
Win: Impressiveness (2) – 50% confidence
Place: Flying to Work (1) – 25% confidence
Show: Admiral Steve (3) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Rio Del Valle (5) – 10% confidence
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Impressiveness looks like a standout here. Key him on top of exactas and trifectas, focusing on Flying to Work and Admiral Steve underneath.
Race 4
Post Time
01:27 PM
Pace Analysis
With scratches removing some early presence, Seven’s Eleven and Beach Cowboy will likely dictate the fractions. Catahoula Moon will drop back and make one sustained run.
Key Contenders
Beach Cowboy is drawn perfectly on the outside of the remaining speed and comes in with very consistent recent form. Seven’s Eleven retains a top jockey and has enough back class to handle this group if he fires his best shot.
Secondary Choices
Catahoula Moon is a reliable late runner who will appreciate the 5 1/2 furlong distance, allowing him to launch his bid as the leaders tire. A G Diamond has been indifferent lately but can hit the board on his best day.
Longshots
None of the remaining runners are massive longshots due to the shortened field, but A G Diamond offers the best value for those looking to beat the top two choices.
Selections
Win: Beach Cowboy (5) – 45% confidence
Place: Seven’s Eleven (1) – 35% confidence
Show: Catahoula Moon (2) – 15% confidence
Alternative: A G Diamond (3) – 5% confidence
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Lean heavily on Beach Cowboy and Seven’s Eleven. An exacta box of these two is the most logical play in a depleted field.
Race 5
Post Time
01:57 PM
Pace Analysis
Going 1 1/16 miles, Iamdependingonyou and Secret Oaks will stretch out and likely try to control the pace. Stroll Trippin has off-the-pace tendencies and will look to save ground before tipping out for the drive.
Key Contenders
Iamdependingonyou stretches out and looks like the controlling speed from the inside post. Handicappers love horses with sprint speed stretching out in these lower-level claiming routes. Secret Oaks has the stamina to stay the trip and should be right on the leader’s heels.
Secondary Choices
Holy Storm brings decent route experience into the race and will be doing her best running late. Curlene’s Spirit gets some class relief and could figure into the exotics.
Longshots
Diamond N Dress has struggled in sprints but the stretch out in distance might be exactly what she needs to wake up at a large price.
Selections
Win: Iamdependingonyou (1) – 40% confidence
Place: Secret Oaks (2) – 30% confidence
Show: Holy Storm (3) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Curlene’s Spirit (7) – 10% confidence
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
The inside speed of Iamdependingonyou makes her the top play. Consider a win wager and use her to kick off the late Pick 3.
Race 6
Post Time
02:27 PM
Pace Analysis
This 7-furlong allowance test features a contentious pace. Gluckstadt, Winning Trip, and Prado Road all have early foot. The prolonged sprint distance often tests the stamina of these speed types.
Key Contenders
Prado Road is strictly the horse to beat for top connections. He has been highly competitive at this allowance level and draws well to stalk the early flight. Gluckstadt is a very game runner who will try to take them all the way on the engine.
Secondary Choices
Winning Trip and Davyjonz are both capable of exploiting a pace meltdown. Davyjonz in particular has a strong closing kick that plays well at this 7-furlong distance.
Longshots
Pudge Boy Palace and James P Sullivan are both stepping up in class and will need career-best efforts to factor, but Pudge Boy Palace has sneaky good form that might translate to a minor share.
Selections
Win: Prado Road (5) – 45% confidence
Place: Gluckstadt (1) – 25% confidence
Show: Davyjonz (2) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Winning Trip (4) – 10% confidence
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Prado Road offers a strong win probability. Use him as a key in your trifectas over Gluckstadt and Davyjonz.
Race 7
Post Time
02:57 PM
Pace Analysis
Cocktail Humor is the projected pace setter in this 6-furlong sprint. Sunflower State will try to keep her honest, while Tierra Santa will look to close from the back half of the pack.
Key Contenders
Cocktail Humor drops into a very winnable spot and possesses the best early speed. Handicappers suggest she will be extremely tough to catch. Sunflower State is a consistent performer who should sit a perfect stalking trip right behind the favorite.
Secondary Choices
Bond’s Belle and Tierra Santa both have the closing ability to grab a slice of the pie. Tierra Santa, breaking from the rail, will need to navigate traffic but has the talent to hit the board.
Longshots
Feelin So Lucky has been struggling with consistency but gets a massive jockey upgrade today, making her a live longshot to use in the bottom of your superfectas.
Selections
Win: Cocktail Humor (3) – 50% confidence
Place: Sunflower State (5) – 30% confidence
Show: Tierra Santa (1) – 10% confidence
Alternative: Feelin So Lucky (4) – 10% confidence
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Cocktail Humor is a strong single to close out the card. Play a cold exacta of Cocktail Humor over Sunflower State to finish the day.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Yedsit Hazlewood has been the absolute dominant force at the Laurel Park winter meet, riding with immense confidence and pulling far ahead in the jockey standings. Anytime he is legged up, especially on favorites, you must pay attention. Angel Cruz and J G Torrealba have also been riding in top form and are highly capable of bringing home live mounts. Mychel Sanchez and Sheldon Russell bring undeniable class and experience, making them dangerous on any horse they pilot today.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jamie Ness continues to be a powerhouse trainer at Laurel, consistently fielding well-meant horses that are ready to win. His entries always demand respect at the windows. Hugh I McMahon and Jose Corrales are also enjoying excellent meets, boasting strong win percentages. When looking for value, keep an eye on Carlos Mancilla and Kieron Magee, who frequently have their horses primed for peak efforts in these claiming and allowance ranks.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The most reliable strategy today is leaning on the top jockeys and trainers who are dominating the winter meet. Yedsit Hazlewood and Jamie Ness are a lethal combination.
For the early Pick 5, consider singling In My Memories in Race 2 and Impressiveness in Race 3. This allows you to spread deeper in the bookend races where the fields are a bit more wide open.
In terms of value, Beach Cowboy in Race 4 offers a fantastic opportunity to capitalize on a shortened field where his outside draw provides a significant tactical advantage. Good luck and bet with your head!
