For the first time at their fall meet, Laurel Park’s going to be offering racing on Thursday afternoons! Nine races are on the schedule, with the first race scheduled for 1:10 PM EDT. There’s plenty of big fields and great betting opportunities, and after a very rainy September which saw the area get hit with almost eight inches of rain, great weather is expected for the card on Thursday.
Christopher Woods, our Laurel Park handicapper for Thursdays, is here to provide his analysis of today’s program. Best of luck to everyone following along out there!
As a reminder, you can follow Chris on twitter at @kingcwoods, and the Daily Gallop on twitter at @thedailygallop.
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Race 1
First: #1 Bindlor, has been much better going on the dirt, has the speed and is shortening up. Just lost to Valadier who is entered in race 2 against winners and Worktab who came back to win next out.
Second: #6 Vicar’s Chalice, first race in the new barn, getting blinkers and lasix each for the first time. Should run much better than his debut given the class drop, equipment changes.
Third: #2 Dove Dynasty, runs evenly and consistently in the money but doesn’t show much speed or closing ability.
Race 2
First: #3 Valadier, a top barn pick, this one shows special affinity for Laurel with a win and a second in 2 starts. Just beat Worktab who came back to win next out.
Second: #1 All Spun Up, two nice recent efforts including the best last race Beyer in the field. Should get a good rating trip.
Third: #5 Disco Express, owns the top Beyer in the field in his lone win, although it was on turf. Lost to Midnight Cry last out who came back to win. Solid contender.
Race 3
First: #10 Decorating, coming from Proctor barn, elite turf breeding, has shown improvement in first two races including the best last-race Beyer in the field. Can envision even more improvement and in a full field she should be a healthy price even if she goes off as the favorite. I’d hammer this win bet. Got the bullet first of 24 in most recent drill. Best bet of the day.
Second: #3 Benevida, Kelly Rubley has found her preferred surface as she’s shown significant improvement on the turf. All 3 starts at Laurel she’s finished in the money.
Third: #7 Soar from Shadows, has faced much tougher competition in New York and has performed admirably, finishing in the money in 4 of 7 tries. Trainer is wins 26% MdSpWts.
Race 4
First: #2 Young American, has done his best work over this track, including an 88 Beyer, easily the top in the field back in March. Could get a price due to recent form.
Second: #1a Brahms Romp, fresh off the win at Del from the Ness barn has finished first or second in all 5 of his most recent starts at Laurel.
Third: #6 Roman Warrior, throw last race off the turf out, he is back at his preferred level where he has a win and a second recently.
Race 5
First: #6 Lion Lord, has a win over the Laurel turf and had a decent effort in his most recent off the turf try getting a 71 Beyer. Like the most recent drill going 6F in 1:14.
Second: #5 Stroll Smokin, has the most class in the field including including a second and a third in open stakes company. Couple bullets in the recent drills. A lot to like.
Third: #1 A Rose by Any Name showed massive improvement in his first effort for the new barn. It was over a sloppy track, but he did beat 9 rivals and should improve off that race.
Race 6
First: #1a Top Hat Warrior, just half a length from breaking his maiden last out when getting the added distance and gets blinkers. Great spot for him.
Second: #7 Kosher Kontract, set the pace in most recent try despite tiring over the heavy track.
Third: #2 Jefferson Rock, shown decent ability in maiden special weight company, now drops in for a tag.
Race 7
First: #2 Beltway Bob, throw out the most recent effort in the slop, winner of 2 of previous 4 including a 2nd and a 79 Beyer in open allowance optional claiming company. 3 for 9 lifetime at Laurel with 3 seconds.
Second: #6 Love You Much, a blue collar type horse consistently in the money including 3 wins over this strip.
Third: #10 No Knock Raid, nice win in last out over this surface, 4 wins at Laurel lifetime.
Race 8
First: #1 Benevolent Prince, 4 straight nice efforts over firm turf including the best last race Beyer in the field.
Second: #9 Maryland Price, has the field’s best Beyer two back at Gulfstream. Should be better second off the freshening.
Third: #3 Mr. Bridger, consistent performer, nice race two back at Delaware Park.
Race 9
First: #1 Robbie, turf clearly his best surface, gets the fields best Beyer last out his debut on the grass.
Second: #8 Guthrie’s Collar, decent efforts, now getting class relief.
Third: #1 Stormy Patriot, struggling with this one, but has shown some ability on the turf.