Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	A
Speed	D	B
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	F	D
Finish Pos	D	C
Dirt Speed	C	A
Turf Speed	B	B
Distance Speed	B	A
Recent
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	B	B
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	C	A
Early Pace	B	A
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	F	B
Finish Pos	A	A
Dirt Speed	D	A
Turf Speed	D	D
Distance Speed	B	A
Recent
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	A	A
Sprint FPS	B	B
Route FPS	C	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	C	A
Early Pace	B	A
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	F	B
Finish Pos	A	A
Dirt Speed	D	A
Turf Speed	D	D
Distance Speed	B	A
Recent
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	A	A
Sprint FPS	B	B
Route FPS	C	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	C
Speed	A	C
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	C	B
Late Pace	A	C
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	C	C
Turf Speed	B	B
Distance Speed	C	B
Recent
Speed	B	D
Early Pace	B	C
Mid Pace	B	B
Late Pace	C	D
Sprint FPS	B	C
Route FPS	B	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	A	C
Early Pace	C	C
Mid Pace	A	B
Late Pace	A	C
Finish Pos	B	A
Dirt Speed	A	C
Turf Speed	A	B
Distance Speed	C	F
Recent
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	B	B
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	A	B
Sprint FPS	C	B
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	C
Speed	C	C
Early Pace	A	C
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	D	C
Finish Pos	C	B
Dirt Speed	F	C
Turf Speed	A	B
Distance Speed	C	B
Recent
Speed	C	C
Early Pace	A	C
Mid Pace	B	B
Late Pace	C	C
Sprint FPS	A	C
Route FPS	B	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	F
Speed	B	F
Early Pace	B	D
Mid Pace	C	F
Late Pace	D	D
Finish Pos	B	D
Dirt Speed	A	C
Turf Speed	C	D
Distance Speed	A	C
Recent
Speed	D	F
Early Pace	A	B
Mid Pace	B	F
Late Pace	D	F
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	B
Speed	B	C
Early Pace	D	D
Mid Pace	C	C
Late Pace	A	B
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	C	C
Turf Speed	B	C
Distance Speed	C	F
Recent
Speed	A	C
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	A	C
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	B	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	C	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	D	C
Late Pace	D	B
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	A	A
Turf Speed	C	A
Distance Speed	B	A
Recent
Speed	D	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	F	B
Sprint FPS	C	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	B
Speed	D	B
Early Pace	F	D
Mid Pace	C	D
Late Pace	A	B
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	F	F
Turf Speed	C	A
Distance Speed	C	A
Recent
Speed	B	A
Early Pace	D	A
Mid Pace	B	D
Late Pace	A	A
Sprint FPS	D	A
Route FPS	D	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	A
Speed	D	B
Early Pace	B	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	C	B
Finish Pos	B	C
Dirt Speed	F	B
Turf Speed	D	D
Distance Speed	D	B
Recent
Speed	D	B
Early Pace	D	B
Mid Pace	C	A
Late Pace	B	B
Sprint FPS	C	C
Route FPS	D	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	A	B
Finish Pos	D	C
Dirt Speed	B	B
Turf Speed	D	D
Distance Speed	A	A
Recent
Speed	B	B
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	A	B
Sprint FPS	D	B
Route FPS	B	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	F
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	C	F
Mid Pace	C	F
Late Pace	C	F
Finish Pos	B	C
Dirt Speed	C	F
Turf Speed	C	D
Distance Speed	C	F
Recent
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	C	F
Mid Pace	C	F
Late Pace	C	F
Sprint FPS	C	F
Route FPS	C	F

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	F	C
Speed	C	C
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	B	B
Late Pace	C	C
Finish Pos	D	C
Dirt Speed	D	B
Turf Speed	B	B
Distance Speed	D	C
Recent
Speed	F	C
Early Pace	D	C
Mid Pace	D	B
Late Pace	C	C
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	D	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	B
Speed	D	C
Early Pace	C	A
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	D	C
Finish Pos	D	D
Dirt Speed	B	A
Turf Speed	C	C
Distance Speed	B	A
Recent
Speed	D	C
Early Pace	C	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	F	D
Sprint FPS	C	B
Route FPS	C	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	C	B
Finish Pos	B	C
Dirt Speed	A	A
Turf Speed	A	B
Distance Speed	A	A
Recent
Speed	B	B
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	C	C
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	B	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	A	A
Finish Pos	B	B
Dirt Speed	A	A
Turf Speed	B	C
Distance Speed	C	B
Recent
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	D	B
Sprint FPS	B	C
Route FPS	C	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	A
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	B	B
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	A	A
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	A	A
Turf Speed	C	B
Distance Speed	A	A
Recent
Speed	C	A
Early Pace	B	C
Mid Pace	B	B
Late Pace	C	A
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	B	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	D	A
Finish Pos	D	C
Dirt Speed	A	A
Turf Speed	F	B
Distance Speed	A	A
Recent
Speed	D	A
Early Pace	A	B
Mid Pace	A	B
Late Pace	D	A
Sprint FPS	F	F
Route FPS	F	F

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	B
Speed	C	A
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	C	B
Late Pace	C	A
Finish Pos	D	C
Dirt Speed	C	A
Turf Speed	C	A
Distance Speed	B	B
Recent
Speed	B	A
Early Pace	C	D
Mid Pace	C	B
Late Pace	A	A
Sprint FPS	C	D
Route FPS	C	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	B
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	A	D
Mid Pace	A	C
Late Pace	A	B
Finish Pos	C	D
Dirt Speed	A	B
Turf Speed	A	C
Distance Speed	A	C
Recent
Speed	B	C
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	C	B
Late Pace	C	C
Sprint FPS	C	C
Route FPS	D	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	A
Speed	B	B
Early Pace	D	A
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	A	A
Finish Pos	B	B
Dirt Speed	B	B
Turf Speed	C	B
Distance Speed	B	B
Recent
Speed	C	B
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	D	B
Late Pace	B	A
Sprint FPS	D	D
Route FPS	F	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	F	C
Speed	C	C
Early Pace	D	B
Mid Pace	C	B
Late Pace	A	B
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	B	B
Turf Speed	C	B
Distance Speed	B	B
Recent
Speed	D	C
Early Pace	F	C
Mid Pace	D	C
Late Pace	A	A
Sprint FPS	D	D
Route FPS	D	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	D	B
Speed	F	D
Early Pace	F	C
Mid Pace	F	C
Late Pace	F	D
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	F	C
Turf Speed	F	D
Distance Speed	D	C
Recent
Speed	F	C
Early Pace	B	B
Mid Pace	C	B
Late Pace	C	C
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	D	B
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	A	C
Mid Pace	A	C
Late Pace	A	B
Finish Pos	C	C
Dirt Speed	A	B
Turf Speed	A	C
Distance Speed	C	C
Recent
Speed	A	C
Early Pace	D	C
Mid Pace	D	C
Late Pace	A	B
Sprint FPS	D	D
Route FPS	C	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	C	B
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	A	A
Turf Speed	C	B
Distance Speed	A	A
Recent
Speed	A	A
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	C	B
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	D
Speed	A	D
Early Pace	B	C
Mid Pace	B	C
Late Pace	A	A
Finish Pos	A	D
Dirt Speed	A	C
Turf Speed	C	C
Distance Speed	A	C
Recent
Speed	A	C
Early Pace	C	D
Mid Pace	B	C
Late Pace	A	A
Sprint FPS	F	F
Route FPS	D	F

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	D
Speed	D	D
Early Pace	C	D
Mid Pace	C	D
Late Pace	D	F
Finish Pos	B	F
Dirt Speed	B	D
Turf Speed	D	D
Distance Speed	D	F
Recent
Speed	C	F
Early Pace	D	F
Mid Pace	D	D
Late Pace	D	F
Sprint FPS	B	D
Route FPS	A	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	C
Speed	B	D
Early Pace	A	B
Mid Pace	B	C
Late Pace	C	D
Finish Pos	B	F
Dirt Speed	B	D
Turf Speed	B	C
Distance Speed	A	D
Recent
Speed	B	D
Early Pace	A	C
Mid Pace	A	B
Late Pace	A	B
Sprint FPS	B	D
Route FPS	B	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	D	B
Speed	C	A
Early Pace	B	B
Mid Pace	B	B
Late Pace	C	A
Finish Pos	C	B
Dirt Speed	C	A
Turf Speed	B	B
Distance Speed	C	A
Recent
Speed	B	A
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	C	B
Sprint FPS	F	D
Route FPS	C	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	A
Speed	F	D
Early Pace	F	B
Mid Pace	D	B
Late Pace	F	D
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	C	B
Turf Speed	F	D
Distance Speed	F	C
Recent
Speed	B	B
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	C	A
Late Pace	B	B
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	D	B
Speed	D	D
Early Pace	D	B
Mid Pace	F	B
Late Pace	B	C
Finish Pos	C	D
Dirt Speed	A	B
Turf Speed	F	D
Distance Speed	D	C
Recent
Speed	F	F
Early Pace	D	B
Mid Pace	D	A
Late Pace	A	B
Sprint FPS	B	B
Route FPS	B	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	B	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	A	A
Finish Pos	A	C
Dirt Speed	A	B
Turf Speed	B	B
Distance Speed	A	A
Recent
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	B	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	C	C
Sprint FPS	D	C
Route FPS	C	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	C
Speed	B	F
Early Pace	A	C
Mid Pace	A	C
Late Pace	B	D
Finish Pos	B	F
Dirt Speed	A	D
Turf Speed	B	C
Distance Speed	A	C
Recent
Speed	A	D
Early Pace	C	D
Mid Pace	B	B
Late Pace	A	C
Sprint FPS	D	F
Route FPS	B	F

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	F
Speed	A	C
Early Pace	A	F
Mid Pace	A	D
Late Pace	C	D
Finish Pos	D	B
Dirt Speed	C	F
Turf Speed	C	D
Distance Speed	C	F
Recent
Speed	B	C
Early Pace	A	D
Mid Pace	A	D
Late Pace	C	D
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	B
Speed	C	C
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	C
Late Pace	C	C
Finish Pos	A	D
Dirt Speed	A	C
Turf Speed	B	C
Distance Speed	A	C
Recent
Speed	A	C
Early Pace	B	A
Mid Pace	B	D
Late Pace	B	C
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	F	D
Speed	F	D
Early Pace	F	D
Mid Pace	F	C
Late Pace	A	A
Finish Pos	D	F
Dirt Speed	D	C
Turf Speed	D	C
Distance Speed	B	C
Recent
Speed	C	C
Early Pace	D	D
Mid Pace	D	C
Late Pace	C	B
Sprint FPS	D	F
Route FPS	D	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	D	D
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	F	D
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	C	B
Turf Speed	F	D
Distance Speed	D	F
Recent
Speed	B	C
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	F	C
Sprint FPS	A	B
Route FPS	A	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	B
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	B	A
Finish Pos	C	F
Dirt Speed	B	B
Turf Speed	C	B
Distance Speed	D	F
Recent
Speed	D	C
Early Pace	A	B
Mid Pace	A	B
Late Pace	D	B
Sprint FPS	B	C
Route FPS	B	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	C
Speed	C	C
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	C	B
Late Pace	C	A
Finish Pos	A	B
Dirt Speed	C	B
Turf Speed	C	B
Distance Speed	C	C
Recent
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	C	D
Mid Pace	B	B
Late Pace	A	A
Sprint FPS	C	D
Route FPS	C	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	C
Speed	B	C
Early Pace	C	B
Mid Pace	B	B
Late Pace	A	A
Finish Pos	B	B
Dirt Speed	F	D
Turf Speed	A	B
Distance Speed	A	B
Recent
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	B	C
Mid Pace	C	C
Late Pace	C	B
Sprint FPS	A	C
Route FPS	A	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	B	B
Speed	A	C
Early Pace	A	B
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	C	C
Finish Pos	D	C
Dirt Speed	B	B
Turf Speed	B	B
Distance Speed	D	C
Recent
Speed	D	B
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	D	C
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	A

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	A
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	C	D
Mid Pace	C	C
Late Pace	A	C
Finish Pos	A	A
Dirt Speed	B	B
Turf Speed	D	D
Distance Speed	B	B
Recent
Speed	A	B
Early Pace	A	B
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	B	B
Sprint FPS	B	C
Route FPS	A	B

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	D	D
Speed	C	C
Early Pace	D	D
Mid Pace	D	C
Late Pace	A	A
Finish Pos	A	A
Dirt Speed	A	B
Turf Speed	D	D
Distance Speed	A	B
Recent
Speed	B	B
Early Pace	D	D
Mid Pace	D	C
Late Pace	A	A
Sprint FPS	D	F
Route FPS	B	C

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	A	B
Speed	B	C
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	B
Late Pace	D	C
Finish Pos	C	C
Dirt Speed	C	B
Turf Speed	A	B
Distance Speed	B	B
Recent
Speed	B	B
Early Pace	B	B
Mid Pace	B	A
Late Pace	C	C
Sprint FPS	C	D
Route FPS	D	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	F
Speed	D	F
Early Pace	D	F
Mid Pace	D	F
Late Pace	D	F
Finish Pos	C	A
Dirt Speed	D	F
Turf Speed	C	D
Distance Speed	C	F
Recent
Speed	D	F
Early Pace	D	F
Mid Pace	D	F
Late Pace	D	F
Sprint FPS	D	F
Route FPS	D	F

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	F
Speed	D	F
Early Pace	D	F
Mid Pace	D	F
Late Pace	D	F
Finish Pos	C	A
Dirt Speed	D	F
Turf Speed	C	D
Distance Speed	C	F
Recent
Speed	D	F
Early Pace	D	F
Mid Pace	D	F
Late Pace	D	F
Sprint FPS	D	F
Route FPS	D	F

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	F
Speed	D	F
Early Pace	D	F
Mid Pace	D	F
Late Pace	D	F
Finish Pos	C	A
Dirt Speed	D	F
Turf Speed	C	D
Distance Speed	C	F
Recent
Speed	D	F
Early Pace	D	F
Mid Pace	D	F
Late Pace	D	F
Sprint FPS	D	F
Route FPS	D	F

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	F
Speed	B	F
Early Pace	B	D
Mid Pace	B	D
Late Pace	B	F
Finish Pos	C	A
Dirt Speed	B	D
Turf Speed	C	D
Distance Speed	A	D
Recent
Speed	B	F
Early Pace	B	D
Mid Pace	A	D
Late Pace	B	F
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	D

Stat	vs. Current Card	vs. All Horses
Averages
Pick Pony AI Rating	C	F
Speed	A	D
Early Pace	A	D
Mid Pace	A	D
Late Pace	A	D
Finish Pos	C	A
Dirt Speed	A	D
Turf Speed	C	D
Distance Speed	A	C
Recent
Speed	A	D
Early Pace	A	A
Mid Pace	A	A
Late Pace	A	D
Sprint FPS	A	A
Route FPS	A	B

TL;DR

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’s card at Laurel Park features nine races, highlighted by a competitive Allowance Optional Claiming event for three-year-olds in Race 8 and a solid distance test in Race 7 for older horses. The program begins at 12:00 PM EST. We have a mix of claiming, starter optional claiming, and maiden events that offer several opportunities for value, particularly in the multi-race wagers.

Weather and Track Conditions

The forecast for the Laurel, Maryland area today calls for typical late-winter conditions. Expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the low-to-mid 40s. With no significant precipitation in the immediate forecast, the main track should be fast. However, winter tracks at Laurel can sometimes carry moisture from freeze-thaw cycles, so keep an eye on the track maintenance reports.

Track Bias Analysis Laurel Park’s dirt surface often favors horses with tactical speed, especially in sprint races (6 to 7 furlongs). The rail can be a significant advantage if the track is playing tight. In one-mile races, the chute start allows for a fair run to the turn, but outside posts can still be at a disadvantage if they cannot clear the field early. For the 1 1/8 mile distance in Race 7, stamina and the ability to save ground on both turns will be crucial.

1st Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

This 1-mile claiming event features a moderate pace scenario. Rapidity (3) and Agent Kelly (7) have shown the ability to press the issue early. Lucked In (1) from the rail may be forced to send to hold position, potentially heating up the Front End.

Key Contenders

Agent Kelly (7) enters this race in solid form for the Joanne Shankle barn. With consistent Speed Figures and the ability to stalk and pounce, this runner looks like the one to beat, especially with the favorable outside draw allowing the jockey to see how the pace develops.

Rapidity (3) is another Shankle trainee who fits well here. This horse has shown flashes of early speed and should be involved from the break. If the pace isn’t too hot, Rapidity could find herself on the lead or sitting just off it, making her a dangerous threat in the lane.

Secondary Choices

Lucked In (1) draws the rail for trainer Katharine Voss. While the rail can be tricky, this horse has the tactical speed to utilize it. If he can avoid getting shuffled back early, he has a strong chance to hit the board.

Docsgotallthecandy (2) for trainer Sarah White has been competitive at this level. He will likely be coming from off the pace and could pick up the pieces if the front runners tire late.

Longshots

Sincerito (4) has been inconsistent but occasionally pops a big race. At the likely odds, he is worth a look for the bottom of exotic wagers.

Betting Strategy

Focus on the Shankle entry of Agent Kelly. An Exacta box of 7-3-1 covers the most likely outcomes.

Selections

Win: Agent Kelly (7) – 35% confidence Place: Rapidity (3) – 25% confidence Show: Lucked In (1) – 20% confidence Alternative: Docsgotallthecandy (2) – 10% confidence

2nd Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

In this one-mile event for fillies and mares, Stress Reliever (1) and A Cozy Thing (4) appear to be the primary speed. Blo By The Field (2) can stalk. The pace should be Honest but not Blistering.

Key Contenders

Stress Reliever (1) represents the Powerful Jamie Ness barn. Ness excels with horses in these claiming bands, and drawing the rail allows the jockey to dictate the trip. If she breaks clean, she could wire this field or sit a perfect pocket trip.

Blo By The Field (2) has been running consistently and fits the class conditions well. Trainer Mark Salvaggio places his horses effectively, and this one should be right In The Mix when they turn for home.

Secondary Choices

Lord's Lady (3) rarely runs a bad race and should be closing late. She will benefit if the top two engage in a duel. A Cozy Thing (4) has speed but sometimes lacks the stamina to finish the job at this distance. She is a use underneath.

Betting Strategy

Stress Reliever looks like a potential single in horizontal wagers. A win bet on the 1 is the primary Play.

Selections

Win: Stress Reliever (1) – 40% confidence Place: Blo By The Field (2) – 25% confidence Show: Lord's Lady (3) – 15% confidence Alternative: A Cozy Thing (4) – 10% confidence

3rd Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

This 6-furlong sprint for maiden fillies should see Turkish Breeze (1) and Stardust Biggy (3) vying for the early lead. My Girl Back Home (6) also has some early foot.

Key Contenders

Turkish Breeze (1) goes for trainer Kieron Magee, who is deadly with maidens in claiming races. The rail draw is an advantage in a sprint, and if she breaks well, she will be tough to catch.

My Girl Back Home (6) from the Phillip Capuano barn is a major threat. Capuano has a high win percentage at Laurel, and the outside post is often favorable in maiden sprints, keeping her clear of kickback.

Secondary Choices

Stardust Biggy (3) has shown some promise in morning works and could improve here. Eastcoastgirlsrhip (4) is a wildcard who might pick up pieces if the pace collapses.

Longshots

Whimmoffortune (2) adds value to the exotics if she can improve off her previous efforts.

Betting Strategy

A Daily Double linking the likely winner of Race 2 to Turkish Breeze and My Girl Back Home here is a solid strategy.

Selections

Win: Turkish Breeze (1) – 30% confidence Place: My Girl Back Home (6) – 28% confidence Show: Stardust Biggy (3) – 15% confidence Alternative: Eastcoastgirlsrhip (4) – 10% confidence

4th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

A 7-furlong claimer where Pit Stop Man (3) and Rob The Rich (4) look to be the speed of the race. Fightertown (1) can also show initiative from the inside.

Key Contenders

Rob The Rich (4) is another Jamie Ness trainee who drops into a competitive spot. The horse has back class and should appreciate the 7-furlong distance, which allows his speed to carry.

Fightertown (1) for Lacey Gaudet has the benefit of the rail and a good jockey in Carlos Lopez. He should be able to save ground and make a run up the rail or tip out for the drive.

Secondary Choices

Daufuskie Island (6) is a veteran who knows how to win. Trainer Jose Corrales keeps his older horses competitive, and the outside post allows him to stalk the speed.

Mister Agent (2) is a steady performer who can hit the board if the race falls apart late.

Betting Strategy

Rob The Rich is the horse to beat. An Exacta 4-1 and 4-6 offers good value.

Selections

Win: Rob The Rich (4) – 32% confidence Place: Fightertown (1) – 25% confidence Show: Daufuskie Island (6) – 20% confidence Alternative: Pit Stop Man (3) – 10% confidence

5th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

In this maiden claimer at a mile, the pace looks murky. Hello Newman (6) and Tell 'em I'm Comin (4) might inherit the lead by default.

Key Contenders

Under The Rug (1) has been knocking on the door and gets a favorable setup here. The distance suits, and the rail draw is a plus.

Tell 'em I'm Comin (4) drops into a spot where he should be competitive. Trainer Jose Corrales does well with this move.

Secondary Choices

Hello Newman (6) has flashed speed in sprints and stretches out. If he can clear, he might steal it.

Kitty's Son (5) gets a weight break with the apprentice and could be a factor late.

Longshots

Brother Bobo (7) is a longshot who could crash the exotics if the pace is slow.

Betting Strategy

This is a wide-open race. Spread deep in Pick 5 tickets.

Selections

Win: Under The Rug (1) – 25% confidence Place: Tell 'em I'm Comin (4) – 22% confidence Show: Hello Newman (6) – 18% confidence Alternative: Kitty's Son (5) – 12% confidence

6th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

A 6-furlong sprint with plenty of speed. Firmantown (4) and Trulli Warrior (1) will likely hook up early. Paralegal (7) will also be Sending from the outside.

Key Contenders

Firmantown (4) has excellent early speed and has shown the ability to carry it. Trainer Carlos Mancilla has this one in good form.

Trulli Warrior (1) draws the rail and will have to send. Kieron Magee is a master at speed sprints, so expect this one to be dangerous.

Secondary Choices

Paralegal (7) is the stalker in the group. If the top two kill each other off, he will be the beneficiary.

Schrader (2) cuts back in distance and could be closing late.

Betting Strategy

Expect a speed duel. A win bet on the stalker Paralegal could offer value, but Firmantown is the most likely winner.

Selections

Win: Firmantown (4) – 28% confidence Place: Trulli Warrior (1) – 25% confidence Show: Paralegal (7) – 20% confidence Alternative: Schrader (2) – 10% confidence

7th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

The 1 1/8 mile distance Changes the dynamic. Bold Endeavor (1) and Fan Club (3) have tactical speed. States United (2) can also be forwardly placed.

Key Contenders

Bold Endeavor (1) is a classy veteran for Jamie Ness. He loves the distance and has the inside post to save ground. He is the clear Standout on class and form.

States United (2) is in peak form, having won two in a row. He steps up in class but is sharp right now.

Secondary Choices

Fan Club (3) is the “other” Ness and cannot be ignored. He often runs well when Bold Endeavor is in the same race, acting as a potential pace setter or stalker.

Master Of None (4) is a consistent check-earner who fits underneath.

Betting Strategy

Bold Endeavor is a strong key. A Trifecta 1 over 2,3,4 is the Play.

Selections

Win: Bold Endeavor (1) – 45% confidence Place: States United (2) – 25% confidence Show: Fan Club (3) – 15% confidence Alternative: Master Of None (4) – 8% confidence

8th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

The feature race is a 5 1/2 furlong dash. The Big Lep (1) and Wall Art (5) are extremely fast. This will be a burner from the gate.

Key Contenders

The Big Lep (1) for Anthony Farrior is a speed demon. From the rail, he has no choice but to go. If he clears, he wins.

Wall Art (5) for Kieron Magee is the primary challenger. He also has high speed and will apply pressure from the outside.

Secondary Choices

Our Day Will Come (2) will hope the speed collapses. He has a strong closing kick.

Cairo Surprise (4) is another who benefits from a hot pace.

Betting Strategy

The Big Lep vs. Wall Art is the main matchup. Box them in the Exacta.

Selections

Win: The Big Lep (1) – 30% confidence Place: Wall Art (5) – 28% confidence Show: Our Day Will Come (2) – 15% confidence Alternative: Cairo Surprise (4) – 10% confidence

9th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

The nightcap is a 6-furlong maiden claimer. Quahog Republic (1) and Furious George (2) should show speed.

Key Contenders

Quahog Republic (1) drops in class and gets a favorable draw. Trainer Michael Gorham places them well.

Furious George (2) has been consistent and deserves a win at this level.

Secondary Choices

Railroad Inn (4) and Manseeyasway (5) are usable in deep tickets.

Betting Strategy

Keep it simple in the last leg of the Pick 5. Use the 1 and 2.

Selections

Win: Quahog Republic (1) – 33% confidence Place: Furious George (2) – 25% confidence Show: Railroad Inn (4) – 15% confidence Alternative: Manseeyasway (5) – 10% confidence

Jockey Notes and Insights

Yedsit Hazlewood: This apprentice jockey has been getting live mounts from top barns like Jamie Ness and Katharine Voss. Note the weight allowance (indicated by the 5 or 7 next to his name in past performances, though listed as standard weight here, the “GL” often implies the bug). He is aggressive out of the gate, which suits the Laurel speed bias.

Carlos Lopez: A veteran of the Maryland circuit, Lopez is excellent at saving ground. Look for him on horses drawn 1-3, like Fightertown in Race 4.

Mychel Sanchez: When Sanchez ships in or rides for Ness (like on Bold Endeavor in Race 7), it is a sign of high intent. He is a strong finisher.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Jamie Ness: Dominant in the Mid-Atlantic. His horses often improve off the claim or when dropping in class. He has key runners in Races 2, 4, and 7. Bet his horses with confidence, especially when paired with top jockeys.

Kieron Magee: The go-to trainer for maiden claimers and sprinters. Turkish Breeze (Race 3) and Wall Art (Race 8) fit his winning profile perfectly.

Joanne Shankle: A high-percentage trainer who places her horses realistically. Her entry in Race 1 is very strong.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Best Bet of the Day: Race 7, Bold Endeavor (1). The class relief and distance are perfect for this veteran.

Best Value Play: Race 6, Paralegal (7). If the speed duel develops as expected, he offers great value to pick up the pieces at potentially double-digit odds.

Pick 5 Strategy (Races 5-9): Leg 1 (R5): 1, 4, 6 Leg 2 (R6): 1, 4, 7 Leg 3 (R7): 1 (Single) Leg 4 (R8): 1, 5 Leg 5 (R9): 1, 2 Cost for $0.50 ticket: $18.00

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!

Weather and Track Conditions

1st Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Longshots

Betting Strategy

Selections

2nd Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Betting Strategy

Selections

3rd Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Longshots

Betting Strategy

Selections

4th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Betting Strategy

Selections

5th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Longshots

Betting Strategy

Selections

6th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Betting Strategy

Selections

7th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Betting Strategy

Selections

8th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Betting Strategy

Selections

9th Race – Laurel Park – Saturday, February 28th, 2026

Pace Analysis

Key Contenders

Secondary Choices

Betting Strategy

Selections

Jockey Notes and Insights

Trainer Notes and Insights

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Share this:

Related

Comments

TalkbackCancel reply