Laurel Park Saturday February 13th, 2021
Best Bet: Race 2: (9) Golden G
Longshot: Race 7: (4) Estilo Talentoso
Race 1: (7) Manicomio might not be able to run anymore but could get a pace advantage here and either be the leader or track just off the pace. He has run against much tougher and now is down to the bottom level here. Throw out his last race as he seems to run his worst races over a track with moisture in it. (1) Watchthebourbon was over his head last time out and now drops into a more realistic spot. (5) Imagine Winning goes back to a route of ground here which his trainer excels out with horses who route to sprint (32%). Another who should be forwardly placed.
Selections: 7-1-5
Race 2: (9) Golden G will be helped with the outside post here. He was towards the inside last time out and was rushed up in that race. It was a race where horses with success made outside moves while he was hindered down towards the rail. Should be on the lead once again and can easily wire this field. (5) Aloysius Luck gets to cut back in distance after pressing the pace last time out, also gets Lasix for the first time here. (1) Exculpatory comes in after a steady string of works, including a bullet work last time out at Pimlico.
Selections: 9-5-1
Race 3: (1) Tiz Mandate was compromised by a slow pace last time in a race where the first and second place horse went 1-2 around the racetrack. Some shippers coming in should ensure a faster pace than last time out and he can close and upset this field. (2) Newyearsblockparty has been facing tougher in his last few starts and made the first move last time out losing to Nova Rags, who came back to finish second the Sam Davis last time out. (5) Kenny Had a Notion was helped by a pace setup last time out, but he could have the advantage again over (4) Maythehorsebwithu as he is perched outside of that one and can press or take the lead early if he wants it.
Selections: 1-2-5
Race 4: (7) Galerio raced well last time as he was up on a pace that fell apart. He may be able to control things in this spot and goes back to a distance where he recorded his best speed figure (91). (8) Bankit is the fastest horse in this race figure wise and always shows up. (6) Dixie Drawl has raced fast figures in two of his last three starts, the race he ran slower in was over a sloppy track, gets to cutback as well.
Selections: 7-8-6
Race 5: (4) Lucky Move was beating a then in lifetime best form Mrs. Orb up in New York two and three back. Last time out she was in a race that was dominated towards the front end, also she was inside for most of the race and it was a track where you did not want to be all the way down inside. (9) Lucky Stride did benefit from a race that collapsed last time out but is clearly the horse to beat here. (1) Landing Zone was up on a pace that collapsed last time out.
Selections: 4-9-1
Race 6: (5) Street Lute has not faced a horse that can apply pressure like (7) Little Huntress can. Little Huntress really improved in her blowout Maiden Victory last time out and can keep improving. (3) Fraudulent Charge will get a good setup this time out with the two favorites knocking heads early. She just got nosed out of a win over Street Lute after Street Lute had everything her own way in that race.
Selections: 7-3-5
Race 7: (4) Estilo Talentoso had to chase a pace that fell apart last time out which helped the big favorite in that spot. She gets to cutback here and will just be able to settle mid-pack and make one run, which will help her chances. (8) Hello Beautiful is the horse to beat here, will be on the lead early. (1) Sharp Starr looks to rebound after losing to a horse in career form last time out.
Selections: 4-8-1
Race 8: (2) Funny Guy was compromised last time out as the rail could have been the place to be, but he was in the 2-3 path the whole way. The horse that beat him rode the rail around the far turn and swung out to beat him. There is also an argument he may have moved too soon in that race as he started making his move around the 3/8ths. Could get the setup he wants here in this spot. (3) Lebda was on a pace that collapsed last time out and still ran well to be third. (6) Share the Ride had no chance last time out after nonaggressive tactics hindered his performance. Will need to be aggressive and be on top of the pace to have a chance here.
Selections: 2-3-6
Race 9: (3) Flat Cat pressed a dominating Maiden winner in his last start. Can improve here second time out. (4) Hemp should be sitting right off the pace of our top selection after chasing a pace last time out where the winner came from last. (1) Imagine Hongkong got a good trip last time out, but just could not catch the winner in that race, who got the jump on him.
Selections: 3-4-1