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Today’s twelve-race card at Laurel Park features a solid mix of claiming, allowance, and maiden races with purses ranging from $22,000 to $53,000. The track is expecting fast conditions on the main track with firm turf, despite cloudy skies and temperatures around 45°F.​

First post time is scheduled for 11:50 AM with several carryovers in play including a $4,869 Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 covering races 7-12, a $569 Super High 5 jackpot in Race 6, and both early and late Pick 5 sequences.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Current conditions show cloudy skies with calm winds and temperatures at 45°F. The dirt track is rated fast and the turf course is firm with rails positioned at 87 feet for several races and 35 feet for others. These conditions should favor horses with tactical speed and proven turf form on the grass races.​

Detailed Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Starter Optional Claiming $16,000, 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf

Key Contenders: Then What Time enters as the morning line favorite after encountering significant traffic trouble in his last start on October 3rd, where he was heavily backed as the 9-5 second choice but checked sharply twice on the backstretch. His previous one-turn grass effort produced a sharp 84 Brisnet figure when breaking his maiden, indicating significant ability at this distance with a clean trip.​

Secondary Choices: Gotta Have a Guy was a surprising 16-1 second-place finisher in that same October 3rd race, matching his career-best 77 figure with a solid late rally. The gelding appears better suited to shorter distances after struggling in two-turn races earlier in his career.​

Longshot Consideration: Corrected Pedigree finished third at this level last out, making good ground in the center of the track after lagging behind early. At 12-1 morning line odds, he offers value if he can move sooner in today’s renewal.​

Pace Analysis: With several speed horses entered, including Just for Giggles and New York Strong, the early pace should set up well for closers like Then What Time and Gotta Have a Guy.

Race 2 – Claiming $12,500, 1 1/16 Miles Fillies and Mares

Key Contenders: Sheezahotmess broke her maiden impressively last out, winning by 16 lengths after being bet like a sure thing. Her powerful closing kick at two turns makes her the one to beat here.​

Secondary Choice: Sweet Wine broke her maiden around two turns at Delaware Park in her second start off a seven-month layoff, drawing off easily. While she hasn’t matched Sheezahotmess’s speed figures yet, she shows a high ceiling for improvement.​

Pace Analysis: The distance should suit both top choices, with moderate early fractions expected.

Race 3 – Maiden Claiming $25,000, 7 Furlongs

Key Contender: Bodybuilder closed well on grass in his debut before being claimed by trainer Kieron Magee, who immediately switches him to dirt. The surface change and added experience should benefit this improving 3-year-old gelding.​

Secondary Choice: Manseeyasway has shown improved form recently with good tactical speed that could position him well behind expected pace-setter Bernie the Star.​

Race 4 – Starter Optional Claiming $12,500, 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf Fillies and Mares

Key Contender: Wonder Girl has won twice in succession at this level, though she didn’t win as impressively last out when having to hold off Late Power Nap. Her consistency makes her the logical choice despite the moderate recent effort.​

Secondary Choices: Gift of Gab returns to starter optional claiming company where she has excelled with two wins and a second from three starts. Bustin Bullet races first off the claim by Anthony Farrior and possesses early speed from the rail.​

Race 5 – Maiden Claiming $16,000, 2-Year-Olds, 5 1/2 Furlongs

Key Contender: Sugar On Fire awakened dramatically in his third career start at Delaware Park, battling for the early lead in a multi-way speed duel before holding on gamely for second. The improvement curve suggests he’s ready to graduate.​

Secondary Choice: El Papacito struggled when stretched to a mile last out but his efforts at sprint distances are more encouraging.​

Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 2-Year-Old Fillies, 6 Furlongs Turf

This allowance optional claiming race for 2-year-old fillies represents one of the most competitive events on today’s card, featuring several promising juveniles making their second or third career starts. The 6-furlong turf distance with the rail at 87 feet should provide ample racing room for these developing fillies.​

Detailed Contender Analysis

In Her Glory (Post 12, 5-2 Morning Line)
Jockey: Mychel Sanchez | Trainer: Michael Trombetta

The clear class of the field based on recent performances and connections. This Live Oak Plantation homebred daughter of Constitution broke her maiden impressively at Saratoga on August 16th, earning an 83 Beyer Speed Figure while defeating a competitive field. The form from that Saratoga maiden has worked out exceptionally well, with runner-up Sadie Earp winning next out at Kentucky Downs and third-place finisher Bibi Dahl returning to win a maiden at Monmouth Park.​

In her subsequent start, In Her Glory stepped up significantly to contest the $100,000 Presque Isle Debutante Stakes, where she improved to an 87 Beyer while finishing a close second on the synthetic surface. This represented her first try on an all-weather surface, making the effort even more impressive.​

After being scratched from a similar allowance race on October 3rd, she has maintained her condition with three solid workouts, indicating trainer Michael Trombetta has her primed for this return to turf competition. The combination of Live Oak breeding, proven turf form, and Trombetta’s recent success with 2-year-old fillies makes her a formidable favorite.​

Amberia (IRE) (Post 8, 12-1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Kevin Gomez | Trainer: H. Graham Motion

This Irish-bred daughter of Coulsty brings solid European credentials to her North American campaign. She broke her maiden easily at Leicester in July before competing in stakes company at Newmarket and Royal Ascot, including the Princess Margaret Stakes at Group 3 level.​

In her American debut in the Selima Stakes at Laurel Park, she struggled with the two-turn mile distance, but her European form suggests she’ll be much more effective at today’s sprint distance. Her Leicester maiden victory and subsequent stakes placings in England demonstrate she possesses the class to compete at this level.​

Trainer Graham Motion has an excellent record with European imports, and his decision to drop her back to a sprint distance after the routing experiment shows tactical awareness. At 12-1 odds, she represents significant value if she adapts to the one-turn grass configuration.

Dale’s Bluff (Post 7, 6-1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Yedsit Hazlewood | Trainer: Phillip Capuano

This Maryland-bred daughter of Street Sense has shown consistent improvement through her brief career. She won impressively on debut at Delaware Park on July 12th, demonstrating natural ability on first asking. In her most recent start, she finished a strong second at this exact condition behind a Michael Trombetta-trained runner who dominated the field.​

Her progression pattern suggests she’s still improving, and the step back to allowance company after facing winners should suit her development. Dale’s Bluff has shown versatility in running style, capable of pressing the pace or stalking from just off the leaders.​

The weight concession (114 pounds) due to recent conditions gives her a tactical advantage, and jockey Yedsit Hazlewood’s familiarity with Laurel’s turf course adds confidence to this selection.

Aldene (Post 6, 3-1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Jorge Ruiz | Trainer: Michael Trombetta

The second Trombetta entry provides excellent value given her connections and morning line odds. As part of the trainer’s strong juvenile string, she benefits from the same preparation methods that have made In Her Glory so successful.​

While she hasn’t matched In Her Glory’s speed figures yet, the stable’s decision to enter multiple horses suggests confidence in their overall strength. At 3-1 odds, she offers better value than her stablemate while still benefiting from Trombetta’s exceptional record with 2-year-old fillies.

Secondary Contenders

Tap Into Grace (Post 5, 8-1 Morning Line)
Trainer: Brittany Russell

From the Russell stable, which has shown effectiveness with horses returning from brief layoffs. Her connections and morning line odds suggest she could factor if the pace sets up favorably for late runners.

My Lady Jbella (Post 4, 6-1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Daniel Centeno | Trainer: Jane Cibelli

Was scratched from recent engagements but brings solid connections and breeding to this assignment. Her works suggest she’s maintained fitness during her brief absence.

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with moderate early fractions, as most fillies in the field prefer tactical or closing styles. Dale’s Bluff and potentially Aldene figure to show early speed, while In Her Glory and Amberia are more likely to settle in stalking positions.​

The 6-furlong distance on turf typically favors horses with tactical speed who can position themselves well early and sustain their runs. The wide rail setting (87 feet) provides ample racing room and should minimize traffic concerns for the larger field.

Jockey and Trainer Angles

Michael Trombetta enters with tremendous confidence, running two fillies in the same race. His recent success includes winning the Selima Stakes with Ultimate Love, demonstrating his ability with juvenile turf fillies. The trainer’s 14 wins from 63 starts this meet shows he’s hitting at a solid percentage.​

Mychel Sanchez gets the call on the favorite, indicating the stable’s confidence in both horse and rider. His partnership with trainer Jamie Ness has been productive this meet, though today he rides for Trombetta.

H. Graham Motion brings his expertise with European imports to bear with Amberia. His record of successfully transitioning foreign horses to American racing adds credibility to this longshot’s chances.

Wagering Analysis and Recommendations

Win Bet: In Her Glory represents the logical choice despite short odds. Her class advantage, proven turf form, and trainer’s confidence make her the standout.

Value Play: Amberia at 12-1 offers excellent value given her European stakes experience and Graham Motion’s record with imports. The surface and distance switch should favor her running style.

Exacta Strategy: In Her Glory over Amberia and Dale’s Bluff provides solid coverage with the favorite on top and two value horses underneath.

Superfecta Saver: Include Aldene as the second Trombetta runner and Tap Into Grace for the Russell barn’s effectiveness with returners.

Best Bet Recommendation: The Trombetta entry of In Her Glory appears significantly stronger than this field, making her worthy of aggressive betting despite the short price. Her class advantage and trainer’s current form justify confidence.

This race represents a classic example where the favorite’s class edge overcomes the short odds, while the European import Amberia provides the best value alternative for those seeking larger payouts.

Race 7 – Claiming $12,500, 6 Furlongs Fillies and Mares

Key Contender: Anita Beer defeated Sheezahotmess two starts back before running well in a blanket finish at Delaware. She’s the only entrant to run in the 70s in her last two efforts.​

Secondary Choice: Still Game returns to sprinting after battling on the lead and fading at a mile in her second start off an eight-month layoff. The addition of blinkers and distance cutback should help.​

Race 8 – Allowance, 1 1/16 Miles Turf

Key Contender: McRavin won impressively at first asking, closing with a rush off slow fractions. Subsequent form from that race has worked out well, with runner-up Juris Doctor breaking his maiden and third-place finisher Monterrey winning at Charles Town.​

Secondary Choice: King’s River lost the Maryland Million Turf Starter Handicap by a nose in a photo finish. He should appreciate getting into the clear late in this field.​

Race 9 – Maiden Special Weight, 2-Year-Olds Maryland-Bred, 6 Furlongs

Key Contender: Pont Aven has been working impressively with three bullet workouts in his last four timed drills. His trainer Phil Capuano previously sent out a related horse, Ms. Notion, to victory at first asking.​

Secondary Choice: Caseofthemondays returns on quick rest after running respectably in both career starts despite early pace issues.​

Race 10 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs Turf Fillies and Mares

Key Contender: Bingo’s Birkin dominated the Pinot Grigio Handicap at Monmouth Park last out, digging through fast fractions to win decisively. Her 4-2 record on Monmouth’s grass course speaks to her class level.​

Secondary Choice: Central Casting has speed from inside for the successful team of trainer Jamie Ness and jockey Mychel Sanchez. She wired the field two starts back before running second last out.​

Race 11 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 7 Furlongs Fillies and Mares

This allowance optional claiming event for fillies and mares features a competitive eight-horse field at seven furlongs on the main track. The race is carded as the anchor leg of the late Pick 3 and offers solid betting value with several improving fillies stepping up in class or returning to form.​

Detailed Contender Analysis

Willow Bend (Post 8, 9/5 Morning Line Favorite)
Jockey: Mychel Sanchez | Trainer: Jamie Ness

The clear standout based on class, connections, and recent form analysis. This 5-year-old daughter of Flatter has been remarkably unlucky in three starts since leading trainer Jamie Ness claimed her off a victory in New York this past June.​

Her recent campaign tells a story of consistent bad racing luck: she was nailed on the wire going a mile at Colonial Downs three starts back (a distance that has always stretched her capabilities), then bumped into progressive filly Runaway Diva next time (who subsequently finished second in the Grade 3 Delaware Handicap), before suffering an “insanely wide trip” that destroyed her chances against heavy favorite Passage East, who was riding a five-race winning streak.​

The step down in class quality is significant – today’s field doesn’t approach the caliber of recent opposition she’s faced. Her tactical speed and proven ability at seven furlongs on dirt make her ideally suited for this assignment. Most importantly, the wide post position (#8) should set her up for a clean, forward trip in what projects to be a pace-less affair.​

The trainer-jockey combination adds tremendous confidence: Jamie Ness maintains an impressive 56% win rate with a $2.51 ROI when pairing with jockey Michael Sanchez on favorites at Laurel Park. This statistical edge, combined with Willow Bend’s class advantage, makes her a strong single play.​

Vieux Carre (Post 7, 8-1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Yabriel Ramos | Trainer: Bruce Kravets

The most improved horse in the field and legitimate upset threat. This 3-year-old daughter of Klimt has transformed dramatically since her poor local debut, scoring two victories in her last four starts at Delaware Park.​

Her most significant victory came on September 14th at Delaware Park, where she earned $72,000 in Race 9 while defeating Big Dreamer. That performance demonstrated her ability to handle similar class levels. In her most recent start on October 9th at Delaware Park, she finished third in allowance optional claiming company, rallying from last place to earn the show award after angling toward the outside in the stretch.​

Her come-from-behind running style perfectly suits today’s distance and expected pace scenario. The consistent improvement pattern suggests she’s still ascending in her development, making the 8-1 morning line odds attractive given her recent form and tactical versatility.

My Charm (Post 6, 6-1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Sheldon Russell | Trainer: Brittany Russell

The most intriguing story in the field based on her 2-year-old accomplishments and current connections. She showed tremendous promise as a juvenile, finishing second in the prestigious $150,000 Selima Stakes at Laurel Park in 2024 – a performance that earned $30,000 and established her credentials at stakes level.​

Her impressive 2-year-old campaign included two stakes placings before she began “tailing off” early in her sophomore season. The addition of Lasix for today’s assignment suggests trainer Brittany Russell has identified a potential respiratory issue that may have contributed to her early-season struggles.​

Russell’s patient approach with developing horses has proven successful throughout her career, including her recent Maryland training title. The trainer’s record includes successfully bringing horses back to peak form after addressing physical issues, and My Charm’s consistent workouts since mid-August indicate renewed confidence in her condition.​

At 6-1 odds, she represents excellent value given her proven stakes ability and the Russell stable’s effectiveness with horses returning to form.

Kilo Road (Post 3, 12-1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Yedsit Hazlewood | Trainer: Hugh McMahon

An interesting longshot with tactical speed who benefits from weight concessions. The 4-year-old filly carries just 118 pounds due to race conditions, giving her a significant weight advantage over most rivals.​

Her recent form has been competitive at this level, and trainer Hugh McMahon’s local knowledge combined with jockey Yedsit Hazlewood’s familiarity with Laurel’s main track could produce a surprise effort. The 12-1 odds provide excellent value for exotic wagering coverage.

Secondary Contenders

I’m a Cutie Pie (Post 5, 5-1 Morning Line)
Trainer: Annette Eubanks

Has shown competitive form at this claiming level and brings tactical versatility to the race. Her recent performances suggest she’s capable of hitting the board at generous odds.

Ginger Girl (Post 4, 15-1 Morning Line)
Trainer: Joanne Shankle

The 5-year-old mare offers longshot value but faces a significant class test against this field’s quality.

Pace Analysis

The race sets up perfectly for Willow Bend’s tactical style, as there’s a distinct lack of early speed signed on. This pace scenario typically favors horses with natural gate speed who can position themselves comfortably without pressure, then sustain their runs through the stretch.​

Vieux Carre’s closing style should benefit from moderate early fractions, while My Charm’s versatility allows her to adapt to whatever pace develops. The seven-furlong distance provides enough time for pace to matter while still favoring horses with natural tactical speed.

Jockey and Trainer Angles

Jamie Ness currently leads Laurel Park’s trainer standings with 9 wins from 44 starts and maintains exceptional statistics when using Mychel Sanchez on favorites. His 56% win rate with a positive ROI in this specific scenario provides significant handicapping value.​

Brittany Russell has established herself as one of Maryland’s elite trainers, recently clinching the year-end training title. Her patient approach with My Charm, including the strategic use of Lasix and extensive work pattern, suggests genuine confidence in this filly’s return to form.​

Mychel Sanchez continues his productive partnership with Ness while demonstrating strong familiarity with Laurel’s main track configuration.

Wagering Analysis and Recommendations

Win Bet: Willow Bend represents the logical choice despite short odds. Her class advantage, trainer-jockey statistics, and ideal pace setup justify confidence despite the 9/5 price.

Value Plays:

• Vieux Carre at 8-1 offers the best upset potential given her improving form and proven ability at this class level
• My Charm at 6-1 provides excellent value considering her stakes credentials and trainer’s success pattern

Exacta Strategy: Willow Bend over Vieux Carre and My Charm provides solid coverage with logical pace scenarios. The reverse exacta of Vieux Carre over Willow Bend offers higher payouts if the favorite encounters trouble.

Trifecta Coverage: Include Kilo Road and I’m a Cutie Pie as longshot third-place options to maximize payouts in multi-horse wagers.

Pick 3 Strategy: Willow Bend appears strong enough to use as a single in the late Pick 3 sequence, allowing broader coverage in the earlier legs while maintaining confidence in the anchor race.

Best Bet Recommendation: This race presents a classic scenario where the favorite’s combination of class, connections, and setup justifies aggressive betting. Willow Bend’s recent bad luck masks her true ability level, and today’s conditions should allow her natural talent to shine through.

The pace setup, trainer statistics, and class relief make Willow Bend an exceptional betting opportunity despite the short odds, while Vieux Carre provides the best alternative for those seeking higher payouts with legitimate winning chances.

Race 12 – Starter Optional Claiming $30,000, 5 1/2 Furlongs Turf

Key Contender: Dalinar possesses gate-to-wire speed and has run at least an 83 figure in his last two starts. He draws well inside and retains jockey Jose Batista from his recent Delaware successes.​

Secondary Choice: Where’s Ray surged to beat a similar field in his last start and has maintained consistent form throughout 2025.​

Longshot Value: Cactus dominated a restricted field last out and earned career-best figures of 84 Beyer and 106 TUS. Despite the quick seven-day turnaround, trainer Robert Bailes strikes at 24% this meet and has strong statistics with short rest patterns.​

Jockey Notes and Insights

Angel Cruz continues to be one of Laurel Park’s leading riders and has developed into a stakes-winning jockey since his finalist finish for the 2014 Eclipse Award as champion apprentice. His recent victory in the M.P. Ballezzi Appreciation Mile at Parx Racing aboard Point Dume demonstrates his continued success at stakes level.​

Mychel Sanchez teams with trainer Jamie Ness frequently and has strong statistics on favorites at Laurel Park. This combination should be respected in today’s races.​

Yedsit Hazlewood handles multiple mounts today and has been effective with both claiming and allowance horses throughout the meet.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Michael Trombetta enters today with strong credentials, having earned multiple graded stakes victories and currently showing 14 wins from 63 starts this meet. His recent form includes victories with horses like In Her Glory and connections from that Saratoga maiden win.​

Jamie Ness leads the trainer standings with 9 wins from 44 starts and has particularly strong statistics when paired with jockey Michael Sanchez on favorites at Laurel Park, posting a 56% win rate with a $2.51 ROI.​

Brittany Russell has been effective with horses returning from layoffs, as evidenced by her recent success with Kerness K.​

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Early Pick 5 (Races 1-5): Focus on Then What Time in the opener, Sheezahotmess in race 2, and Sugar On Fire in race 5 as strong singles, while using Bodybuilder and Manseeyasway in race 3.

Late Pick 5 (Races 8-12): McRavin appears solid in race 8, while Bingo’s Birkin offers value in race 10 despite being the morning line favorite.

Best Single-Race Bets:

• Race 2: Sheezahotmess after her dominant maiden victory
• Race 6: In Her Glory off the bench with strong workouts
• Race 10: Bingo’s Birkin with proven grass form

Value Plays:

• Race 1: Corrected Pedigree at 12-1 in the opener
• Race 12: Cactus at 6-1 with career-best recent figures and effective short rest patterns

Exacta Opportunities: Race 6 with In Her Glory over Amberia and Dale’s Bluff offers solid value given the 2-year-old filly division’s unpredictability.

The card presents several horses with strong recent form and trainers hitting at high percentages, making for competitive wagering opportunities across multiple bet types.