Top pick selections for all races at Laurel Park today, plus select trip notes and three horses to follow. Good luck!
Make sure to check out the fantastic daily handicapping guide put together by the MJC Team via THIS LINK.
Race Selections
R1: 1-2-6
R2: 6-5-1
R3: 6-2-1
R4: 2-6-5
R5: 8-1-5
R6: 10-4-1
R7: 7-8-2
R8: 10-3-2
R9: 6-2-3
R10: 2-4-3
Trip Notes – Recent performances that deserve an asterisk. All others: trust the past-performances.
Race 1: Claiming 12k, 4YO+, 1 Mile, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #1 DATS MY PHAROAH | Maiden Claiming 12k, LRL, 1 1/16M, Good Dirt, 12/19/25 – 1st | He was caught 4-5W rounding the first turn while under patient handling ~4-5L off the slow tempo; remained in this position to the far turn, then made gradual improvement under a hand ride while ~3W racing to the top of the lane; turned for home ~1L back in 2nd, then took over and steadily edged away. | Sat a wide trip throughout and closed into a slow pace that held well (6/1 runner up set the early pace, 31/1 third place finisher was positioned 2nd for the majority of the contest). UPGRADE this effort. |
| #7 SALVO TRIGGER | Claiming 7.5k, TP, 1 1/16M, Fast Synth, 12/12/25 – 3rd | He hopped slightly at the break, then chased the pace while ~4-5W rounding the first turn when ~6L off the lead in 10th; crossed behind the body of the field ~5/8 pole, continued chasing the pace into the far turn, then advanced with good energy through a tight gap racing to the top of the lane; very briefly tapped on the brakes ~1/4 pole, then slipped through another narrow rail gap and stayed on well for 3rd. | Worth highlighting this trip as the chart comment doesn’t paint the full picture – “inside run to far turn” fails to mention that he was caught 4-5W+ on the first turn; also had to very slightly tap on brakes ~1/4 pole (maybe didn’t make any difference). Potentially capable of (slightly) more with a route effort now under his belt. |
| Other notes: None | |||
Race 2: OC12k/SAL8k, 4YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #6 SHIPMAN | Claiming 8k, TP, 6 1/2F, Fast Synth, 12/10/25 – 6th | He was extremely heavily restrained (rider was intent on NOT taking the lead) racing close to the even pace along the rail to the far turn; he then had to check off the retreating co-leader’s heels TWICE when still full of run on the far turn; he turned for home still under a hold just 1L off the lead, then came under a ride, switched out into the clear in the 3-4P but could only remain at an even pace; the rider then stood up ~1/16 pole. | His rider denied him an early forward position that his even finishing effort suggests would have suited him well; he also encountered notable trouble on the far turn, and the jockey eased up prematurely instead of riding to the wire. He’s better than this last result or speed figure indicates, and an improved effort can be expected today.
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| #7 FENWICK | Claiming 8k, TAM, 6F, Fast Dirt, 04/23/25 – 1st | He was bumped and jostled around shortly after the start, costing him a couple of lengths; chased the even pace while ~5W+ in the clear to the far turn; built momentum under a ride in the 5P on the bend and improved his position; reached the top of the lane ~3L back in 4th, ~5W, then gobbled up the ground in the stretch, took over ~1/16 pole and won going away readily. | Overcame some costly early bumping and a notably wide trip to win well – UPGRADE this effort. |
| Other notes:
– #1 BACKNTHEWOODS was ridden too aggressively last time, setting a blistering pace, and he ultimately did well to only beaten 3 3/4L. Slightly PACE UPGRADE this effort and expect more if able to conserve a little more gas in front today. – #2 COMMINGLING sat a slightly wide trip last time, though whether it cost him 3rd is debatable. – #3 COACHES MEETING overcame a slightly wide trip last time. |
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Race 3: Maiden Claiming 12k, 4-6YO, 5 ½ Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #2 RAILROAD INN | Maiden Claiming 12k, LRL, 5 1/2F, Fast Dirt, 12/26/25 – 2nd | He was hustled along while chasing the even pace from ~11L back (9th) in ~4-5P racing into the turn; dropped inside entering the bend, then steadied very slightly ~7/16 pole, costing him a little momentum and a couple of lengths; he recovered, regathered stride built momentum into the lane 2W, then rallied nicely into 2nd. | Took a notable step back in the right direction with blinkers removed; he didn’t have a 100% clean trip and closed from a long way behind into a pace that held fairly well – (slightly) UPGRADE this effort. |
| Other notes:
– #4 THUNDER CRY simply went too fast in front last time and understandably tired late; he may be seen to better effect if conserving more energy in front today (under a new rider) and cutting back to 5 1/2F. |
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Race 4: OC30k/SAL20k, 4YO+, 5 ½ Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| Other notes:
– #1 IRISH HERO was positioned close to a very fast pace that favored closers in a tough race last time and understandably tired late; he was also not persevered with when beaten in the final 1/16m, exasperating the beaten margin; may be seen to better effect back at 5 1/2F today making first start for new barn. – #3 MEDAGOOCH sat a slightly wide trip last time which cost him a couple of lengths (only a couple though, he still underperformed). – #4 MURRAY was caught wide on the turn last time which cost him a few lengths. He was also pinched slightly at the start but owing to his running style, that seemed negligible. – #5 RIVER DOG was caught dueling between horses (tricky spot) through very fast fractions that favored closers last time and understandably tired late; if the early pace is slower, he may be seen to better effect back at 5 1/2F today. |
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Race 5: Claiming 7.5k, 4YO+F, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #4 GOLD TIME VIXEN | Claiming 7.5k, LRL, 5 1/2F, Good Dirt, 12/19/25 – 6th | Took a hefty bump at the start losing his back end and momentum; chased the slow pace from ~8L back on the rail into the turn; briefly crept a little closer while under pressure racing to the ¼ pole, then failed to improve in the lane. | Sure, she was never winning this race at 83/1. However, she took a hard bump at the start and was trying to close into a slow pace that favored front runners, so it’s fair to say that this race did not see her to best effect and more can be expected today. |
| #6 YU YUM EAT EM UP | Claiming 7.5k, PRX, 6F, Fast Dirt, 12/30/25 – 6th | Outpaced early, she chased the hot pace while being scrubbed on from ~6L back in the ~5P to the turn; began building momentum and improved despite racing widest in the 5P on the turn; advanced into 4th, 4L off the lead passing the ¼ pole, then took a notable bump at the top of the lane before fading slightly late. | Sat a wide enough trip to warrant an UPGRADE; was also bumped at the top of the lane. This wasn’t a perfect trip and more can be expected of her today. (Her two-back effort was upgradable too – stumbled start, then closed willingly into a slow pace for 3rd). |
| Other notes:
– #1 BUGGED OUT raced erratically (pulling very hard while tossing his head and shifting out off heels) through the first half of the contest last out. He looked unsuited to the slow paced nature of route racing and should be more comfortable back at 6F today. – #2 BAY STREET sat a slightly wide trip last time; it was not enough of an excuse to explain his poor performance, though. – #7 A P M NOTION was not persevered with when beaten in the final furlong last time, exasperating the margin of defeat. – #9 SAPPHIRE BEAUTY floated notably wide off the turn last time, arguably costing her 3rd (the eventual 3rd place finisher, YUMYUM EAT EM UP did have a troubled trip herself, though). |
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Race 6: Maiden Claiming 12k, 3YO, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #4 FLYING TO WORK | Maiden Claiming 16k, LRL, 5 1/2F, Good Dirt, 11/30/25 – 4th | He was pinched between horses and had to check very sharply at the start, giving the field a very head start; chased the field in a detached last 20+L off the lead to the top of the lane, then rallied with decent energy along the inside into 4th. | Lost the race at the start and ultimately did well to finish 4th; more can be expected of him as he makes start #2 as a first-time gelding today. |
| #11 MOMBO JUMBO | Maiden Claiming 15k, MVR, 5F, Fast Dirt, 11/05/25 – 4th | He chased the even pace under pressure from ~1L back ~2W to ~3/8 pole; he then found himself boxed in behind the retreating leader racing to the top of the lane and had to tap on the brakes, hurting his momentum and knocking him back a little; he passed the ¼ pole ~3L back in 4th, then finished evenly on his L lead to the wire. | Tough to assess quite how much being boxed in on the turn hurt his chances but it certainly didn’t help (he really needed to be building momentum at that stage of the race but was instead forced to tap on the brakes). Finishing effort when clear was okay, despite remaining on the left lead; capable of taking a notable step forward second out. |
| Other notes:
– #5 BABBLE sat a slightly wide trip last time (not sure it made much difference to the result, though). – #6 Q GOT HOPS pulled very hard while lugging out badly through the opening half of the contests last time (the trouble identified in the chart comment was completely his own doing). |
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Race 7: MSW, 3YOF, 1 Mile, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #7 WATCH ME SPARKLE | Maiden Claiming 40k, LRL, 1 1/16M, Fast Dirt, 12/07/25 – 1st (DQ’d) | She took a keen hold tracking the even pace on the rail from ~2L back to the far turn; waited when boxed in (full of run) on the far turn, then forced her way out ~1/4 pole; cruised up to take the lead while still on the bridle ~3/16 pole, then ran around a little in front (green) ~1/8th pole, briefly bumping the eventual runner up (interference she was later DQ’d for); she was then shaken up and readily kicked away before galloping out powerfully. | Although DQ’d for interference in the lane, she was much the best in this race and much better than the *winning* margin suggests (had to wait on the far turn, only came under a ride ~1/16 pole and galloped out very powerfully indicating she had more in the tank). Capable of playing another big role today. |
| Other notes:
– #8 HONOR THY COOKIE pulled very hard behind horses in first time blinkers last time; expect her to show speed today; risk that she over-races if failing to find cover from her wide draw but is worthy of respect, regardless. |
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Race 8: OC62k/N1X Allowance, 3YO, 5 ½ Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #8 HELL OFA HILLBILLY | Maryland Juvenile Stakes, LRL, 7F, Good Dirt, 12/06/25 – 8th | He showed decent early speed racing just ~1L off the lead through the opening 1/8th but then found himself in tight between horses and was forced to check slightly; he then chased the hot pace from ~6L back inside to the top of the turn; he reached the top of the lane vying for 4th ~4L off the lead, then failed to improve under a half-hearted ride in the lane. | He lost position early after finding himself in tight shortly after the start, then was given an unsatisfactory ride in the stretch, exasperating the margin of defeat. He’s better than this. |
| Other notes:
– #2 AWESOME ANDY had everything in his favor last time – saved ground while closing into a fast (closer friendly) pace on a closer friendly racetrack; although he’s worthy of respect, his winning effort needs DOWNGRADING. – #3 SKILLIAN was not hard ridden through the stretch when winning last time and appeared to have much more in the tank. – #4 SPIDEY MAN overcame a notable bump at the start and the fact that he formed part of a fast closer friendly pace when winning last time; expect improvement second off the bench with lasix on first time today. – #6 WORKER BEE was rushed up to set unsustainably fast fractions last time before understandably tiring late on; suspect he’s capable of more if more patiently handled/cut back in trip today. – #9 BIG BOLTON was positioned close to an unsustainably fast pace last time while 3W and did well to be beaten just 4L; this run was better than it would appear on paper. – #10 BIKER BALEY won by 15 1/4L on debut despite having run off with his rider pre-race and having remained under a hold throughout; suspect he’s capable of much more than the speed figure suggests. |
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Race 9: OC40k/N2X Allowance, 4YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #6 INTREPID’S LEGACY | Allowance, LRL, 7F, Fast Dirt, 12/20/25 – 1st | He bobbled slightly at the start, then was very heavily restrained racing ~5L off the modest pace while in the clear ~4W racing to the 9/16 pole; he then shifted inside and continued to pull very hard in the pocket racing to ~7/16 pole before his rider realized that he now had nowhere to go and was forced to ease him back outside; he came under a ride and advanced outside horses while being floated 5W+ into the lane, then edged away late. | This ride lacked fluency and made life harder for ‘IL’ to oblige as the 3/5 fav than necessary; he was also forced very wide into the lane and ultimately did well to score; suspect he performed to a higher level than his speed figure would suggest. |
| Other notes:
– #3 BOLD DIVERSION was caught 4W on the turn last time which cost him a few lengths (not a position, though). – #7 KARAN’S NOTION was caught notably wide on the turn last out, arguably costing him 6th/5th. |
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Race 10: Claiming 12k, 4YO+F, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| Other notes:
– #3 TIERRA SANTA took a bump in the stretch last out but was running on empty and heading backwards at the time; might have cost her a length or so, but not a position. – #4 THUNDER IN PARIS stumbled badly at the start last time but it’s hard to conclusively say that it was the reason for her sub-par effort; she underperformed period and will need to bounce back today. – #8 GREGORIAN SOLO had everything in her favor last time, closing into a fast (closer friendly) pace on a closer friendly racetrack – her winning effort needs DOWNGRADING. |
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Horses to Follow
R2: SHIPMAN (6/1 ML)
Young riding sensation Yedsit Hazlewood – an Eclipse Award finalist in the apprentice jockey category – has opted to ride SHIPMAN over RIGHT OF RUSH in today’s second and he could have made a smart decision. Making his first start off the claim for trainer Charlie Frock, the gelded son of MIDSHIPMAN had a productive fall at Churchill Downs that included a comfortable three lengths win (75 Beyer) on September 26 and a fast finishing neck defeat (73 Beyer) on November 23 – a race that saw the third place finisher pop a 90 Beyer next time. As highlighted in the trip notes, a troubled trip and inadequate ride prevented SHIPMAN from displaying his best effort when trying the synthetic at Turfway last time, but he now returns to his preferred dirt surface and projects to sit a comfortable trip from gate six in a race with speed signed on for him to track. If rebounding to the level of form he showed at Churchill late last year, he could be providing value at 6/1 on the morning line with Hazlewood taking 5lbs off his back.
R6: FLYING TO WORK (12/1 ML), ABOVE THE NORM (4/1 ML)
FLYING TO WORK produced an eye-catching debut effort in November, rallying with great energy into fourth after a troubled start left him racing in a hopeless position for the majority of the contest. Now making his second start after a recent gelding operation with Hazlewood up, he looks to be providing value at 12/1 on the morning line in today’s sixth and is certainly worth a second look. A potential play in this wide open race could be to try using him in an exacta with the $400k purchase, ABOVE THE NORM, who goes out for the ever dangerous Brittany Russell barn. This son of MCKINZIE drew the rail on barn debut last time and ended up doing too much in front before ultimately fading to split the re-opposing SUGAR ON FIRE and aforementioned FLYING TO WORK in third. He’s drawn a more favorable outside post today, though, giving Toledo a chance to ration out his speed a little better and help him take the required step forward to reverse form with the morning-line favorite as he continues to develop in career start number three. The main attraction to this runner, however, are the eye-popping stats Russell produces with horses using lasix for the first time, which ABOVE THE NORM gets today. Over the last year, her runners have gone 10-for-18 (56%) in maiden claimers when receiving the aid of lasix for the first time, with fifteen (83%) in-the-money finishes and a positive $2.00 ROI of $3.08.
