Laurel Park 12.12.2020
Improved yesterday with three wins, two places and two shows.
Race 1 – $5K claiming fillies and mares 3yo↑ N2L going 6F
#7 Cougar Vision (9/5) is a false favorite to me. #5 Utterly Enchanting (4/1) is my choice as she has better numbers versus better competition. Second off a layoff and second look for Carol Cedeno.
Race 2 - $16K MCL (16-14) 2yo’s going 7F
#1 So Dialed In (4/5): Jonathan Thomas 39% in claiming races and gets hot jockey Sheldon Russell. This shipper from Churchill via Monmouth is, in my opinion, the overlay of the day. Its last race was a $150K claimer and five weeks later he’s at Laurel racing in a $16K maiden plater? Pass. #3 End All Get All (3/1) is my choice. Gelded six months ago, the improvement he has shown of late, appears to have been a result of his maturing from being converted to a capon.
Race 3 - $12.5 claiming fillies and mares 3yo↑ (12.5-10.5) 6.5F
#5 Nine Martinis (5/1) comes out of a key race from an allowance race this summer. That was on turf and one of the winners back gave an improved score on dirt. Another entrant was nipped at the wire, again, at an improved score as well on dirt. She’s from the barn of 29% hot trainer Lacey Gaudet who is a respectable 17% with horses off 120 days↑. Last two works are a 1:01 and :48, this filly is my choice.
Race 4 - $25K MCL 3yo↑ 8.5 furlongs
#1 Blue Sky Paynter (15/1): Michael Trombetta 26% with second starters off more than six months. #2 Johng (9/2) just came off a two turn route at this distance and ended up getting up for place. Second off a layoff, look for improvement and to hit the board. My choice is #9 Mo American (15/1) who was claimed three back and has shown steady improvement for the Castro barn. Perhaps today is the day that he finally lives up to his $200K price tag?
Race 5 - $40K Md Sp Wt 2yo’s one mile
Going with first time starter #4 Dream Big Dreams (5/2) stud trainer Brittany Russell 27% with first starters, 37% in 2yo races, and 34% on dirt. #6 Camp Pendleton (15/1) hot trainer Rodolfo Sanchez-Solomon, 34% in route races can get in for a price.
Race 6 - $5K claimers 3yo↑ NW3 6.5F
#1 Mr. Chesapeakecity (6/1) first off the claim for trainer Jose Magana. Has the best campaign of 2020 of these entrants going 9:1-3-2 for $37K
Race 7 - $25K claiming 2yo’s going 7F
#3 Passage Of Lines (9/2) is the pick. 3:1-1-1 at Laurel. Wes Hamilton retains the mount and is peaking in form cycle.
Race 8 - $8K Starter Optional Claimer 3yo↑ NW$ one mile and a sixteenth
#3 I’m With Him (5/2) will be pressing the pace and take the lead on the turn then turn this into a one-furlong race.
Race 9 - $25K MCL fillies and mares 3yo↑ going one mile
#2 Zola B (9/2) second off the claim for Kieron Magee, look for this horse to be the lone speed.