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Today features a solid nine race card at Laurel Park with competitive claiming and allowance events. The scratches will condense several fields, most notably in the second race where the early scratch of two major contenders fundamentally changes the complexion of the sprint. We have a mix of route and sprint distances on the dirt to navigate. Bettors will need to stay sharp and look for value as morning line odds will likely be heavily affected by the changes in the entries.
Weather and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for Laurel Park today calls for a high of 38 degrees and a low of 30 degrees with light rain expected throughout the day, transitioning to snow showers in the evening. Winds will blow from the northeast at 6 miles per hour. Humidity will be high at 88 percent. Given the 79 percent chance of precipitation, the dirt track is very likely to be downgraded to muddy or sloppy. Handicappers must factor in wet track pedigrees and look for horses that have proven form over off tracks.
Track and Post Position Bias
Recent racing at Laurel Park has showcased a relatively fair surface, though the inside paths can become favorable when the track gets wet and sealed. With the forecasted rain, early speed drawn toward the inside posts typically holds a distinct advantage as kickback becomes a significant deterrent for off the pace runners. Horses that can clear early or stalk just off the flank of the leaders will have the best opportunity to find the winner’s circle. Outside posts in the route races may struggle with ground loss around the turns.
Race 1 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
12:00 PM
Pace Analysis
The scratch of Minister from the outside post leaves a compact field of six. Summer Vibes and Tuff Luck both have enough tactical speed to dictate the early fractions. The Count Is On should be able to sit a perfect stalking trip just behind the leading flight, avoiding any early duels while maintaining a clear striking position.
Key Contenders
Mugatu in post 2 is a major consensus threat after a wide trip in his latest outing. Handicappers note that the lack of pace in that previous start compromised his late run, and an honest tempo here would suit him well. The Count Is On from post 4 is another widely respected runner dropping in class slightly to find a highly competitive spot. He finished evenly in his last try and profiles as a strong fit for this level.
Secondary Choices
Tuff Luck in post 6 is a legitimate wire to wire threat who could get brave if left alone on the front end. His speed figures match up favorably with the top tier if the track is playing to front runners. Armed N Dangerous in post 1 can save ground along the rail and pick up the pieces if the early pace gets too hot.
Longshots
Dats My Pharaoh from post 3 has struggled in recent outings but could sneak into the exotics if the track condition turns up sloppy, as his pedigree suggests an affinity for moisture.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
The Count Is On looks like the most reliable runner in the field and offers a solid foundation for the early Pick 5. Playing him on top of Mugatu and Tuff Luck in exactas is the primary approach.
Selections
Win: The Count Is On (4) – 40% confidence
Place: Mugatu (2) – 30% confidence
Show: Tuff Luck (6) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Summer Vibes (5) – 10% confidence
Race 2 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
12:28 PM
Pace Analysis
With both It’sfiftyshadetime and Enigmatic scratched, this field is reduced to just four runners. Skip Thru Da Fire and Golden Charm should contest the early lead, setting up a moderate pace scenario. The small field size means pace will be a tactical chess match rather than an all out sprint.
Key Contenders
Baby Sox from post 1 is the major standout in this abbreviated field. Handicappers point to a premature wide move she sustained in her last outing, suggesting that a cleaner trip on the inside today will make her incredibly tough to beat. Golden Charm in post 5 sat a great trip in her previous start and finished willingly, positioning her as the primary danger to the inside runner.
Secondary Choices
Skip Thru Da Fire in post 4 possesses enough early foot to dictate terms if Golden Charm does not break sharply. If she can establish a soft lead, she may have enough left to hold on for an underneath share.
Longshots
Watch Your Tone from post 3 has back class but her recent form has been uninspiring, leaving her as a purely speculative play for the bottom of trifectas.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Baby Sox is a logical single in all multi race wagers given the scratches. A cold exacta with Baby Sox over Golden Charm is the most efficient way to extract value from this short field.
Selections
Win: Baby Sox (1) – 45% confidence
Place: Golden Charm (5) – 35% confidence
Show: Skip Thru Da Fire (4) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Watch Your Tone (3) – 5% confidence
Race 3 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
12:57 PM
Pace Analysis
Peaceful Union from the rail and Floyness should ensure an honest, contested pace. The sprint distance demands early positioning, and Barbados Bulldog will likely look to apply pressure from the outside, creating an ideal setup for a runner who can track from mid pack.
Key Contenders
Kuaga in post 2 returns after a very game runner up effort. Handicappers widely acknowledge her toughness in defeat last time out and anticipate another forward step today. Floyness from post 4 is a logical top tier contender who brings consistent speed figures to the table and has drawn well to execute a stalking trip.
Secondary Choices
Barbados Bulldog in post 5 rallied well against Kuaga in their recent matchup despite a wide journey. A cleaner trip today puts her right in the mix at the wire. Song to Remember from post 7 had excuses in her last effort and is eligible to bounce back to her previous strong form.
Longshots
Peaceful Union in post 1 will need to flash her best early speed to avoid getting shuffled back on the rail, but her best effort makes her a fringe contender for the minor awards.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Kuaga and Floyness are difficult to separate, so utilizing both in horizontal wagers is advised. An exacta box featuring Kuaga, Floyness, and Barbados Bulldog covers the most likely outcomes.
Selections
Win: Kuaga (2) – 35% confidence
Place: Floyness (4) – 30% confidence
Show: Barbados Bulldog (5) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Song to Remember (7) – 15% confidence
Race 4 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
01:26 PM
Pace Analysis
With the scratch of Galpin Sunday, the early speed landscape opens up. Zio Lino and Enzo are likely to be the main protagonists early on. The pace should be spirited but manageable, giving both front runners and stalkers a fair chance.
Key Contenders
Nantucket in post 6 is the overwhelming consensus selection. He exits a powerful victory off a long layoff and possesses tremendous upside. The outside draw is perfect for his running style. Enzo from post 3 is the most logical threat, bringing strong recent form and the ability to dictate the pace if the others falter at the break.
Secondary Choices
El Junior from post 2 can save ground and secure a cozy trip right behind the leaders. Tethered Soul in post 5 has tactical speed and can keep Nantucket honest on the outside, potentially hanging on for a minor share.
Longshots
Zio Lino from post 4 steps up in class and will need a lifetime best effort to challenge the top two, but his early speed could carry him into the exotics if the track is biased toward the front.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Nantucket is a strong play and a potential single in the Pick 4 and Pick 5 sequences. Bettors should key Nantucket in exactas and trifectas over Enzo and El Junior.
Selections
Win: Nantucket (6) – 40% confidence
Place: Enzo (3) – 35% confidence
Show: El Junior (2) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Tethered Soul (5) – 10% confidence
Race 5 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
01:56 PM
Pace Analysis
The scratches of Its All Gravy and R J’s Ice leave a field of six. Private Peyton and Flirty Bajan should flash the most early speed. The pace scenario points toward a fast early tempo that could benefit a runner sitting just off the flank of the dueling leaders.
Key Contenders
Flirty Bajan from post 6 is a strong consensus pick who drops in class and gets a favorable outside draw. Fayes Heart in post 2 is a highly respected contender who sat a great trip in her last start and was fully extended to the wire, showing the type of grit needed to graduate today.
Secondary Choices
Private Peyton from post 1 has the rail advantage and the speed to use it. If the track is sloppy, her early foot will be a massive weapon. Greyline Station in post 7 will need to overcome the outside post but has shown enough late interest to be considered for underneath wagers.
Longshots
Love Yourself from post 4 has not shown much in recent starts but gets a significant rider switch and could improve at a large price.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Flirty Bajan and Fayes Heart stand above the rest. A win bet on Flirty Bajan paired with an exacta box of the top two choices is the most prudent angle.
Selections
Win: Flirty Bajan (6) – 35% confidence
Place: Fayes Heart (2) – 30% confidence
Show: Private Peyton (1) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Greyline Station (7) – 15% confidence
Race 6 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
02:26 PM
Pace Analysis
In this one mile contest, Right of Rush and Return Fire are expected to contest the pace. The tempo should be moderate, which may hinder the deep closers unless the front runners battle excessively.
Key Contenders
Doomed in post 3 is a highly regarded consensus pick making his debut for a new barn. He ran a sneaky good race at long odds last out and the cutback to a flat mile should suit him perfectly. Maupansant from post 2 ran quite well last time despite an unfavorable pace scenario and represents significant value today.
Secondary Choices
Task Force in post 4 benefited from a closer bias to break his maiden and returns from a layoff, making him a solid but potentially vulnerable underneath contender. Shot for the Moon in post 7 suffered a brutal wide trip last time and is eligible to improve significantly with a better journey.
Longshots
Christmas Spirit from post 5 has been inconsistent but possesses a closing kick that could be effective if the early pace melts down.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Doomed is the top play, but Maupansant offers great value for exacta combinations. Box Doomed and Maupansant, and use both in the Pick 4.
Selections
Win: Doomed (3) – 35% confidence
Place: Maupansant (2) – 25% confidence
Show: Task Force (4) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Shot for the Moon (7) – 20% confidence
Race 7 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
02:56 PM
Pace Analysis
This allowance field features plenty of early zip. Bourbon N Lace and Nobody’s Girl will likely send from the gate. The pace should be swift, setting up nicely for a stalker or closer who can navigate the traffic around the far turn.
Key Contenders
Cruz Ramirez from post 3 is a premier consensus choice following an incredibly impressive debut victory. She looks poised to clear the conditions at the first time of asking. Phlying Phyllis in post 6 is a very strong alternative, having finished a close second in a similar spot last time out. Her outside draw allows her to stalk the expected speed duel.
Secondary Choices
Star Blessing from post 1 will have to deal with the rail but possesses the raw talent to be a major factor if she breaks cleanly. Ashes and Diamonds in post 8 is stepping up in class but has a potent late kick that will play well if the leaders collapse.
Longshots
Bourbon N Lace from post 5 has a history of fading late against this caliber of competition but could hold on for the bottom of the superfecta if she gets loose early.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Cruz Ramirez looks like a very promising filly and is the top selection. An exacta connecting Cruz Ramirez with Phlying Phyllis is the strongest wager in this race.
Selections
Win: Cruz Ramirez (3) – 40% confidence
Place: Phlying Phyllis (6) – 30% confidence
Show: Star Blessing (IRE) (1) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Ashes and Diamonds (8) – 10% confidence
Race 8 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
03:26 PM
Pace Analysis
Tap Dancin Cowgirl and Itsamonstamash are both front running types who will ensure the pace is hot from the outset. This contested early fraction scenario should greatly benefit the off the pace runners.
Key Contenders
Grayson’s Girl in post 3 is the ultimate consensus closer in this field. She boasts an exceptional turn of foot and the pace dynamics in this race are perfectly tailored for her late charging style. Itsamonstamash from post 4 is a very consistent performer who can either lead or stalk, making her incredibly dangerous regardless of how the break unfolds.
Secondary Choices
Tap Dancin Cowgirl in post 1 will try to take them all the way on the engine but the pressure from the outside might soften her up late. Kilo Road in post 2 is a deep closer who will be flying late alongside Grayson’s Girl.
Longshots
Spencerian from post 5 has run well at route distances recently and cutting back to a sprint might be a sharp angle if the track plays fair.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Grayson’s Girl is the best bet on the card given the likely pace meltdown. Single Grayson’s Girl in multi race combinations and play her over Itsamonstamash and Kilo Road in exactas.
Selections
Win: Grayson’s Girl (3) – 40% confidence
Place: Itsamonstamash (4) – 30% confidence
Show: Tap Dancin Cowgirl (1) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Kilo Road (2) – 10% confidence
Race 9 – Laurel Park – Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Post Time
03:56 PM
Pace Analysis
The nightcap is a route for maiden claimers. Fastfeld and I’m a Lil Wicked will likely contest the early lead. Maiden route races often feature slow tempos, so whoever can secure the lead without expending too much energy will hold a massive advantage.
Key Contenders
Quality Swag from post 3 drops into the maiden claiming ranks and gets a major class relief. She should appreciate the company and sits as the most logical winner. Bella Mente in post 6 has been knocking on the door in similar spots and her outside draw should keep her out of trouble going into the first turn.
Secondary Choices
I’m a Lil Wicked from post 1 has early speed and the rail advantage. If she handles the distance, she can wire this field. Kittyup in post 2 has shown marginal improvement and could hit the board with a perfect ground saving trip.
Longshots
Sweet Lexi from post 5 carries a light weight assignment and could provide some exotic value if she can find a late rally.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Quality Swag is the class of the field. A win bet on Quality Swag and an exacta box with Bella Mente concludes the day’s action.
Selections
Win: Quality Swag (3) – 40% confidence
Place: Bella Mente (6) – 30% confidence
Show: I’m a Lil Wicked (1) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Kittyup (2) – 10% confidence
Jockey Notes and Insights
Jevian Toledo continues to ride at an elite level and must be respected on any mount, particularly when paired with high percentage barns. Angel Cruz is having a productive meet and is very aggressive leaving the gate, making him highly effective on front running types. Yedsit Hazlewood is a rising talent who has shown excellent patience on closers and offers great value when riding mid price horses.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brittany Russell continues to dominate the local standings and her runners are always well prepared, especially off layoffs or when making class drops. Hugh McMahon is incredibly sharp with his claiming horses and any runner he steps up in class should be viewed as a serious threat. Michael Trombetta excels with routing types and his turf to dirt transitions are always a profitable handicapping angle.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The early Pick 5 is heavily impacted by scratches, making it an excellent opportunity to find a sequence with logical singles. Baby Sox in Race 2 is a very strong single to build around.
In the late Pick 4, the pace scenario in Race 8 sets up perfectly for Grayson’s Girl, making her the strongest value play on the entire card. Bettors should key Grayson’s Girl heavily and look to spread in the maiden and claiming events to maximize the potential payout. For horizontal wagers, do not ignore the impact of the forecasted rain, as a sloppy track will upgrade early speed horses across all distances.
