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The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated 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.
The racing program at Laurel Park for Friday, February 13, 2026, presents a competitive ten race card featuring a mix of maiden claiming, allowance, and high level claiming events. With several notable scratches throughout the day, the pace dynamics have shifted, placing a premium on tactical speed and class relief. The afternoon is highlighted by deep fields in the middle of the card and high quality allowance races that will test both speed and stamina on the dirt surface.
Weather and Track Conditions
Conditions at the track today feature sunny skies and a high of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Brisk northwest winds around 9 mph are expected. The main dirt track is rated as fast and is expected to remain dry and consistent throughout the afternoon. Given the temperature and wind, the surface should favor fit horses that can handle the cold, crisp Maryland air.
Track Bias and Pace Dynamics
Recent trends at Laurel Park suggest a relatively fair playing surface with no significant disadvantage for inside or outside post positions at most distances. While early speed is always a dangerous weapon on a fast track, the racing surface has allowed for successful closing moves when the early fractions are contested. In today’s sprint races, look for horses capable of stalking just off the lead, while the route races may reward those who can secure a lonely lead on the front end.
Race-by-Race Summary
The first race is a one mile maiden claiming event where Mezzo Soprano 1 and Play It Cool 3 appear most likely to benefit from the stretch out in distance. Master Schemer 4 and Tiz the Great 5 should provide the early tempo. The second race at six furlongs centers on the speed of Formaggio 2, who cuts back in distance and will be pursued by Cross of Valor 4. Secondary options include the consistent C C Commander 5 and late running Chilly Girl 6.
In the third race sprint, El Divino Nino 7 and Kerness K 5 are the primary threats against a field that includes Paco the Taco Man 6 and the rail drawn Top Blood 1. The fourth race features an allowance matchup where Worker Bee 2 and Rhodes 1 lead the charge, with Ihaveanappforthat 5 and Top Manipulator 4 expected to factor in the early stages. The fifth race sees Lady Charlotte 9 and Bay Street 6 as the class of the field, while Isabella’s Glory 2 and Yumyum Eat Em Up 3 provide veteran consistency.
The sixth race maiden event highlights Princess Charming 8 and Emma Mermaid 3 as the leading pair, with Princess Azara 1 and Campaign Mischief 7 providing additional depth. Moving to the seventh race, Boss Mode 7 and Tactics 3 look to control the action against Feels So Right 1 and Prince of Darkness 4. The eighth race allowance feature is led by Bells Beach 5 and Dazzy 4, with Diamond Sue 1 and The Goddess Factor 3 rounding out the top flight.
In the ninth race, the class dropping Guaponess 2 is a significant standout against Suremeanttoobe 4, while Change My World 5 and Medagooch 7 provide late running options. The finale in race ten features Runsweetly 6 and Map to the Moon 4 as the main contenders, with Scarlet’s Dream 1 and Meg 7 expected to be involved in the final outcome.
Jockey and Trainer Insights
The jockey standings are currently dominated by Yedsit Hazlewood and Angel Cruz, both of whom are winning at rates exceeding 20 percent. Martin Chuan and Jevian Toledo also remain highly productive and are often found on the live runners in claiming ranks. On the training side, Jose Corrales and Hugh I. McMahon have their barns in peak form, while Jamie Ness continues to lead in overall in the money percentages. Michael J. Trombetta and Gary Capuano also bring a high win percentage to the card today, making their runners essential to any analysis.
