Laurel Park Tips and Trips – Friday, November 13, 2026

by Will Humphrey23 hours ago18 min read

Top pick selections for all races at Laurel Park today, plus select trip notes and horses to follow. Good luck!

Make sure to check out the excellent daily handicapping guide put together by the MJC Team and grab your FREE DRF Laurel Park PPs via THIS LINK.

Race Selections

R1: 2-8-12

R2: 1-8-4

R3: 2-11-8

R4: 1A-3-6

R5: 4-8-3

R6: 9-11-1

R7: 7-1-10

R8: 2-8-9

R9: 4-5-2

R10: 4-7-3

 

Trip Notes – Recent performances that deserve an asterisk. All others: trust the past-performances.

 

Race 1: Claiming 16k, 3YO+ (F), 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf
Horse Race Trip Notes
#8 CAROLINA SUN Claiming 16k, LRL, 1M, Firm Turf, 10/23/26 – 3rd Bumped start but away okay; crossed to rail and took a strong hold tracking the hot pace from ~2L back racing to the far turn; advanced smoothly as other speed horses faltered approaching the top of the lane; took command and opened in upper stretch; held the lead gamely to the 1/8 pole but was then collared and faded grudgingly late on. Despite racing off a layoff, she did by far the best of the speed in this fast run race (23.97, 47.66) that was eventually dominated by closers – PACE UPGRADE.

Cuts back in trip which should suit second back, player.
Other notes:

–        #1 SCARLET’S DREAM (MTO) can be somewhat excused for her most recent effort going a mile on the turf as she sat close to a hot, closer-friendly pace while wide; cuts back today.

–        #5 CONCEPTUALIZE’s two-back effort can be marked up slightly as she was having her first run for 449-days and set a taxing, closer-friendly pace in front (22.22, 44.91); she clearly didn’t handle the dirt last time and more can be expected third back.

–        Exiting the same race as CAROLINA SUN, #9 FAHNEE went too fast in front (23.97, 47.66) when retrying a mile last time; she should be seen to much better effect back sprinting today.

–        #16 EACHPEACHPEARPLUM ran another winning race in defeat last time but maybe wasn’t helped by again meeting a wet turf course (the sixth time it’s happened in her last seven turf starts); cuts back in trip today.

 

Race 2: Claiming 12.5k, 3YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
Other notes:  

–        #2 HALF A LEAGUE sat a very wide trip going a mile at Delaware last time; he can improve simply for saving more ground; cuts back today.

–        Speed held well in #3 AIRBRUSH’s last start, with the 1-2-3 finishers holding those positions throughout and arguably compromising his chances; he shaped like today’s 6F trip could suit better and he deserves a second look switching surfaces.

–        Despite a wide trip on the turn, #6 HOLIDAY EXPRESS finished with good energy behind ZIO LINO and RAILROAD INN when last seen in September; a more ground saving trip and/or faster pace to run at might see him to better effect.

–        After bobbling at the break (negligible), #7 FLYING TO WORK benefited from a closer bias two-back.

 

Race 3: MSW, 2YO, 1 Mile, Turf
Horse Race Trip Note
#2 ECCE QUAM BONUM  MSW, LRL, 1M, Good Turf, 09/26/26 – 6th Reluctant to load; step slow from outside post; hustled and ran keen while wide and out of cover racing into the first turn; light bump entering turn 3W, then settled into a stalking position ~1L off the even pace 2W; faced outside pressure approaching the far turn between horses in the 3P, then found himself in tight rounding the turn and was shuffled right back; angled out and came under a ride but struggled to respond entering the lane, then lugged in and faded. This was a messy trip from a green first-time-starter; it would be disappointing if he wasn’t capable of stepping forward from this try second out today.
Other notes:  

–        #1 PLAYIN FOR GIN didn’t handle kickback at all when making his debut in an off-turf MSW last month; we may be best to treat him as a debutant.

–        With blinkers added, #3 BISHOP MOON did not settle that well last out and wasted energy pulling over the ‘yielding’ turf; he was then bumped twice in the stretch when on the retreat, slightly exacerbating the margin of defeat; there are ways in which he can step forward getting back to the grass today.

–        #6 BELOV became quite worked up in the inside gate on debut, then took a lot of kickback in the race which, for a first out 2yo, isn’t always ideal; he still showed a willing attitude in defeat and now switching to the turf, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him step forward.

–        Although the track was favoring closers which helped him, it should be noted that #7 DADDY MONEYBAGS (MTO) stumbled badly at the break last time too, which definitely didn’t help him.

–        #8 TOLEDO BEND was wide and outpaced from the start when last seen sprinting 5 ½F at Ellis Park, and he wasn’t overly aggressively ridden through the lane either, exacerbating the margin of defeat; today’s step up in trip combined with the switch to turf, a stronger ride and a more ground saving trip can help him improve on debut for Nixon.

 

Race 4: OC25k/SAL20k, 3YO+, 1 Mile, Dirt
Other notes:

–        Based on recent evidence it seems #1 BEALE STREET BOY needs to be forward/out of kickback to show his best which, after drawing the rail over 7F, was not the case last time, and he may be able to show more now drawn four over further. Note: there was a speed bias present when he finished fourth courtesy of a forward trip two-back.

–        There was a slight inside lean when #5 MARCAN LOVE rallied towards the center and won snugly two-back; that effort can be slightly marked up; he was then overmatched while also racing against a strong speed bias last time, and we can be somewhat forgiving of that try now back racing against slightly softer company.

–        #1A BIZ WHIZZ absolutely romped last time when cruising to a facile 9 1/2L victory; he ran down the lane with great energy while still under a hold and very much looked to be in just second gear; seems he has way more to offer.

 

Race 5: Claiming 12.5k, 3YO+, 7 Furlongs, Dirt
Horse Race Trip Note
#3 PROM KNIGHT Claiming 7.5k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 10/30/26 – 4th Broke outward, bumped; chased while being nudged on in rear racing into the turn; initially failed to respond to pressure and passed the 5/16 ~12L off the lead in last; came 4W into the stretch, then angled out into the center when still double-digit lengths behind; rallied late but had far too much to do. He didn’t have that much pace to chase in this 6F sprint (22.70, 46.58) and the top three finishers held those positions throughout; he was therefore against the flow and did well to grab fourth having been so far back early; a stronger pace and extra 1/8 can help him improve on this effort today.
Other notes:

–        Although #1 VENETO has been best the last twice, period, it should be noted that he’s been afforded uncontested leads on both occasions which has helped him. Note: the running order did not change once in that last race, possibly leaving a question mark over the validity of the form.

–        #8 ROBERT’S MOON did not do enough to earn an upgrade last time; however, he was tasked with closing into a slow pace over a heavily speed biased racetrack, which did not help.

 

Race 6: OC40k/N2X Allowance, 3YO+, 1 Mile, Turf
Horse Race Trip Note
#3 WICKED PRANKSTER MD Million Turf S., LRL, 1 1/8M, Firm Turf, 10/24/26 – 6th Bumped start, away half step slow; gradually worked forward while pulling 3-4 deep and took the lead entering the back stretch; went on with it and set a fast pace with a lone lead into the far turn; held the lead under pressure to ~1/8 pole, then faded grudgingly once headed by a few deep closers inside the final furlong. The pace that he set while racing keenly was hot (23.28, 47.76) and led to something of a pace collapse, yet he still managed to beat half the field and finished less than 4L off the winner; a solid effort that is deserving of a PACE UPGRADE; today’s cut back to a flat mile could suit.
#4 DYNACITO Allowance, LRL, 1 1/16M, Good Turf, 09/26/26 – 6th Broke sharp; slim lead on rail rounding first turn, then lost the lead as a rival went on with things entering back stretch; pulled hard chasing fast pace to far turn; regained slim lead between foes 2W far turn, then came under a strong ride ~1/4 pole when a head in front; gamely continued to respond to his rider’s urgings through the lane and held on for a neck victory. It was impressive that he managed to get the win here considering he wasted energy pulling while also forming part of a fast early pace (23.42, 48.10); he was very game in the lane and if settling/rationing out his speed a little more efficiently today, he may be capable of offering more again.
#11 MONGOLIAN APPLE Allowance, LRL, 1M, Firm Turf, 10/31/26 – 1st Quickly into stride; crossed to the rail and set an honest pace on a 2L lead to the far turn; increased pace racing to the top of the lane and extended his advantage in upper stretch, then ran through the lane with good energy, never giving his rivals a chance. A better performance than the bare PPs suggest, running away with things after setting a solid early tempo (23.53, 47.26) which his nearest pursuers early could not handle (early trackers finished 7th and 8th); he won in a manner to suggest there’s more to come and he has to be respected right back.  
Other notes:  

–        Returning off a layoff in a 6F sprint at Presque Isle, #1 FINAL WAR very much ran in a manner to suggest he’ll improve for the extra distance second back today.

–        In his last start on turf (08/28/26), #10 MY IMAGINATION made an early move into a fast pace which resulted in him getting to within a length of the lead in upper stretch and then tiring again late on; a better-timed ride may see him step forward on that effort getting back to turf today.

 

Race 7: Ratings Optional Claiming (65-1), 3YO+, 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf
Horse Race Trip Note
#8 RADICAL RIGHT Ratings Optional Claiming, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 10/25/26 – 3rd Broke fast; bumped shortly after the start and dropped back to press the hot pace from back between horses in the 2P racing into the far turn; came under a ride to hold his position tight between horses on the turn and responded willingly; turned for home a neck down, then drifted out and bumped with a rival before staying on willingly for 3rd behind two closers. He did very well to hold 3rd here after dueling through hot fractions that took a toll on the other pacesetters; getting caught between foes racing into and on the turn was far from ideal, as were the bumps he took at the start and in the lane; a big effort, he needs respecting switching back to grass today.
#11 BRIGHTY Starter Allowance, LRL, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 10/24/26 – 9th Good break and speed; took a strong hold between foes while tracking the even pace in the 2P between horses first turn; settled better in a tracking position racing into the far turn; nudged along to hold position and responded racing into the lane, then stayed on evenly in the 4-5P; looked set to hit the board until checking hard ~1/16 pole. His finishing position was 9th, but it could have possibly been 2nd or 3rd if he hadn’t had to check hard late on; he was better than the finishing result suggests, and his early aggression (keen) could suggest today’s cut back will be okay.
Other Notes:

–        #1 INCINERATOR has finished really well into just even paces the last twice and may be capable of offering more again with a truly fast pace to run at.

–        #9 WAR HUMOR didn’t do enough to earn an upgrade last time; however, we can be forgiving of his defeat as he raced prominently to a fast pace that collapsed late, and he was bumped and jostled in upper stretch too (admittedly when already on the back foot), exacerbating the margin of defeat; he’ll be suited by the cut back in trip today.

–        #12 ELON ended up much further behind than normal after taking a hard bump/getting pinched between foes at the break last time; expecting him to show speed once again from a wide post today.

 

Race 8: Ratings Optional Claiming (65-1), 3YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
Horse Race Trip Note
#2 PERFECT FORCE Ratings Optional Claiming, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 10/25/26 – 4th Outsped from gate; chased hot pace from ~4L back in last, 2W early; came under a strong ride and held position racing to the top of the lane; briefly paused in traffic upper stretch, then tried to squeeze through a tight gap between horses ~1/8 pole but was denied a clear path and forced to check and steady hard, costing him momentum, ground and position; ran on again late once regrouped but all chance was gone. A very tough trip making his debut for Ness; seemed like he’d have finished 2nd at the worst with a clear path, and he has to be massively respected right back.
#7 EASY ACTION Starter Allowance, PRX, 6F, Fast Dirt, 10/25/26 – 4th Hustled forward along the rail to contest the hot pace inside two foes racing into and around the far turn; continued to be nudged on dueling to the ¼; could not go with the eventual winner off the turn and dropped back a little but continued on willingly regardless for a 2 1/2L defeat. A poor ride: he didn’t break on top like he often does and instead of then spotting a duel was developing in front and opting for plan B (a patient, off the inside tracking ride) the rider used his run riding him forward and engaging in the duel himself, wasting stretch energy (22.24, 45.51); he’s capable of more than this, especially from a wide post.
Other notes:

–        #3 NIGHT TIME NAP was very game in defeat when last seen beaten a nose in May, overcoming a bump in upper stretch and the fact that he was placed in an intimidating spot tight up along the rail racing through the stretch; cuts back in trip for the return today.

–        #4 HOLY SYNCHRONICITY stumbled at the start last out but it’s hard to say that that was the reason for his 21L defeat; needs to bounce back.

–        #9 TOPS THE CHARTS sat a wider-than-ideal trip when returning from a lengthy layoff with a nice effort last time; respected.

 

Race 9: OC40k/N2X Allowance, 3YO+, 1 1/16 Miles, Dirt
Horse Race Trip Note
Other notes:

–        There was a strong speed bias present when #5 ASSUME NOTHING finished 2nd after setting the pace last time; the track could well have aided him that day, and we should take the form with a pinch of salt.

 

Race 10: Claiming 16k, 3YO+, 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf
Horse Race Trip Note
#7 HOPPETOSSE Claiming 16k, LRL, 5 1/2F, Good Turf, 10/02/26 – 2nd Chased even pace from 3L back to the turn; dropped to rail and advanced to stalk in the pocket rounding into the stretch; briefly thought about splitting foes in upper stretch but instead cut back inside; rival then came down and closed the rail gap, forcing him to wait at a pivotal moment; found room again inside the final furlong and then stayed on willingly for 2nd but the winner had already flown. His two-back effort, prior to a fine try last time:

Although he never checked, having to wait on the rail in mid-stretch did cost him momentum while also allowing the eventual winner to open up an unassailable lead; not sure he’d have won with a better stretch run, but he would have gone close and more might be expected of him today.

Note: his three-back effort deserves a small pace upgrade.
Other notes:

–        #3 ENZO didn’t do enough to earn an upgrade last time; however, he did clip heels after a slow break which instantly put him on the back foot and gave him too much to do.

–        #4 LIFE BOAT was an impressive maiden winner last time: he broke sharp, secured the lead, set a fast pace and had his rivals on the back foot, then opened up further in the lane before coasting late on; he demands respect with further improvement possible.

–        #6 ROYAL RENEGADE had to pause very briefly in the stretch last time, but it didn’t really make any difference to the result; he will be hoping for pace to run at.

 

Horses to Follow

 

R4: BIZ WHIZ (9/5 ML)

BIZ WHIZ was offered the opportunity to run long on the dirt for the first time since he was a two-year-old when last seen, and he really couldn’t have been any more impressive. While the 73 Beyer he earned in victory doesn’t stand out in today’s fourth, the fact that he was never once asked for an effort and coasted around the track with consummate ease suggests he has plenty left in the tank, and it would be no surprise to see him double up this afternoon.

R8: PERFECT FORCE (6/1 ML)

PERFECT FORCE made his debut for Ness in a tough 6F sprint here at Laurel 19 days ago and really should have gone close. However, a brutal stretch run ended any chance of success, and he actually did well to finish as close as he did. He has the back class to compete with these foes, and a better trip could be all it takes for him to score at a nice price.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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