LAUREL PARK Neil Petrocelli
October 5, 2018
@augustus_neil
Full fields, a mix of dirt and turf, and great weather expected. Quick perspective note: the card features a recently gelded $1.7M 2yr. old – and he’s not even the pick. Running with a lot of 9’s today – speaks to field size which makes for great betting opportunities. Enjoy!
Laurel Race 1: 9 – 3 – 8
Reconsider It coming off a good race against statebreds at Saratoga – should be ultra competitive in this spot. Giggle Byte will be right there – a repeat of a couple of previous races would be enough. Stratosphera’s last jumps off the page, and looks like there’s enough pace to close into.
Laurel Race 2: 7 – 1 – 4
In a race featuring a $1.7M two yr. old purchase, making the 5th-lifetime start, and first as gelding – must have really ‘hurt’ his connections too; suggestion here is to go with the more affordable ($675K two yr. old) Flying the Flag. Good works, proficient first out barn – known for its patience. Smart Step cuts back in distance looks to get a fast track, two solid works since last out; Toe Curlin Kiss’s last work is too good to ignore, cut back in distance results in more finish.
Laurel Race 3: 4 – 2 – 9
Saturday’s Rein will enjoy the cutback in distance, and her late kick was compromised going long last out when favored. Her race two back takes this. Lovely Sunset will also enjoy the cutback and should lay close and finish. Precocious Peach takes a sneaky class drop and has the speed to clear.
Laurel Race 4: 6 – 9 – 5
Off the drop, and many competitive races Tidy Stripe looks to have found a winning spot. Sweet Walela goes to the lead with a 7 lb. bug and takes them as far as she can. Parched Ghost a definite use underneath.
Laurel Race 5: 9 – 2 – 11
Spicy Girl Red looks to have needed her last, can get up. Tiger Eyes should enjoy the class relief, races at this level all competitive, plenty of grass in pedigree. Shifra Magician can close to get a share, worth including underneath. Cowboy’s Princess will be tough if she gets in.
Laurel Race 6: 4 – 1 – 9
Petticoatsnpistols looks tough on the drop. Should sit a stalking trip and take it through the lane. Given Achance sits the rail trip and completes the exacta. Been competitive at this level. Giolilmiss will appreciate the added furlong and is a use underneath.
Laurel Race 7: 9 – 4 – 10
Artful Move has shown speed in previous turf tries, gets loose, takes these wire to wire. War Tweet on the drop, completes the exacta. Whenallelsefails interesting on the stretch out, if conserved for the finish, may add value.
Laurel Race 8: 3 – 4 – 6
Divine Intervention comes back quick, riding a wave of good form, looks to sit the trip and seems to relish 7 furlongs. The pick. Gorse will jump from the start and will take them as far as he can. Last three dirt figs put him right there. You Can Never Tell always tempted with a first out winner, but will limit use to underneath.
Laurel Race 9: 9 – 3 – 6
Dream Doctor has enough speed to get a position, sit off the speed duel and Finish. Astounding from a formidable barn, will sit the trip and be there late. Conquest See Ya appreciates the return to grass, Russell more patient, adds value.
Laurel Race 10: 6 – 12 – 3
Northern Eclipse a couple of substantial works since last race on dirt. Back to turf makes the difference. Not in Jeopardy form says ‘yes’; work pattern leaves doubt. Limit use to underneath. Life Time Citizen, smart barn, smart works, and turf sprint figs that put her right there.