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: 12-3-4
R2: 10-9-1
R3: 10-3-6
R4: 3-5-8
R5: 12-3-13
R6: 11-9-8
R7: 5-4-14
R8: 4-1-6
R9: 1-6-7
Trip Notes – Recent performances that deserve an asterisk. All others: trust the past-performances.
Race 1: MSW, 2YOF, 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #3 CHRISTMAS JONES | MSW, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 10/10/25 – 6th | Broke inwards, bumped hard and broke a step slower than usual; chased the even pace from ~1L back in the clear 3-4W racing to the turn; was then bumped, forced out and shuffled back as her inside rival drifted out violently entering the bend; chased the leaders under patient handling from ~3-4L back between rivals in the 3P to the top of the stretch, then took another hefty bump upon straightening; lacked a 100% clear path for a large portion of the stretch thereafter and was not given a vigorous ride. | A messy and troubled trip that left her racing out of her preferred position (on the lead) from the start; provides a legitimate excuse for her short-priced defeat. Toss this race and judge her off her efforts two and three back. |
| #4 PAINTED BY NANCY | MSW, LRL, 5 1/2F, Fast Dirt, 10/31/25 – 8th | (Off turf event). Stumbled slightly out of the gate, then bumped hard and lost her back end briefly shortly after; got away slowly, then raced uncomfortably in the kickback and was never happy throughout. | Did not like the kickback in this off turf MSW: expect more back on the turf today, second off the layoff. |
| #12 AS THE BELLE TOLES | MSW, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 10/31/25 – 4th (her last turf race) | Showed decent speed stalking the even pace from ~1L back on the rail into the turn, then (for some reason) plummeted back through the field after entering the bend; passed the ¼ pole ~10L back in rear, then picked back up again and stayed on well through the stretch to be beaten just 4 1/4L. | Not sure what happened entering the turn (didn’t have to check but just raced awkwardly and lost all momentum, maybe out of greenness); to then pick back up again from an impossible position and be beaten just over 4L suggests she is much better than the result/fig suggests. Back to turf today. |
Race 2: OC12K/SAL8K, 3YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #9 B WEST | Starter Allowance, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 10/31/25 – 2nd | Was unhurried following an alert break and dropped back; chased the honest pace on the rail from ~10L back racing to ~3/8 pole, then advanced under a hand ride while angling out into the clear 6W+ approaching the top of the lane; straightened for the drive ~3L behind, then stayed on willingly. | As was the case in his start two-back, he gave away many lengths racing wide into the stretch. Both this effort and his effort two back can be slightly upgraded. |
| #10 AMUSING MISCHIEF | Starter Allowance, PEN, 6F, Sloppy Dirt, 10/31/25 – 2nd | Tracked the modest pace from ~1L back inside in 2nd racing to the turn, then edged out into the clear 2W entering the bend; advanced under a hand ride despite being floated out into the 5P+; drew level for the lead at the top of the lane, then extended away. | Managed to run down a loose 8/5 co-fav who was setting slow fractions in front; was also floated very wide into the lane (which was also the case in his start prior). Easy to argue he’s performing to a higher level than either his last two starts (wins) suggest. |
Race 3: MC25k, 3-6YOF, 1 Mile, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #6 MAGIC MOON SPELL | Maiden Claiming 45k, LRL, 1M, Firm Turf, 11/07/25 – 6th | Broke outwards and a beat slow from the outside gate; traveled well 3-4W in mid-pack, ~4-5L off the pace racing to the top of the stretch, then weakened but not for a lack of trying. | Ran with credit against tougher despite being caught 3-4W throughout (upgrade). Granted a more ground saving trip, has the potential to outrun odds again down in class. |
| #10 SUGAR MAGNOLIA | Maiden Claiming 25k, LRL, 1M, Firm Turf, 10/10/25 – 5th | Crossed from the outside gate to the rail early and settled ~8-10L off the honest pace; traveled well in this position to the far turn, then was shuffled back very slightly to last entering the turn as the field bunched; made a steady advance along the rail (despite being in very tight against the fence) racing to the top of the lane, then finished well for a 3 1/4L defeat before galloping out strongly. | Although she probably did end up further back than her rider would have liked entering the far turn, this was more just an eye-catching debut than a poor trip. Showed plenty of likable qualities and looked the type who can take a big step forward second out. |
Race 4: OC62K/N1X, 2YO, 1 1/16 Miles, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #3 WORKER BEE | Allowance, LRL, 5 1/2F, Fast Dirt, 10/26/25 – 4th | Was reset in the gate; broke well from the rail, flashed speed and briefly vied for command but failed to secure the lead and then rapidly dropped back while racing uncomfortably behind kickback; plummeted back to last on the turn, hit the top of the lane 12L+ off the lead, then worked back out into the clear 5W and stayed on well again into 4th. | Clearly resented the kickback having broken from the rail (first time he had faced kickback). Did well to re-rally and finish as close as he did under the circumstances; an asterisk can be placed beside this effort. Expect more today second off the bench. |
| #4 DANCING DENAE | Allowance, LRL, 1 1/16M, Fast Dirt, 11/02/25 – 2nd | Was unhurried from the rail draw and lacked speed; chased the hot pace from ~10L+ behind in a detached last to the far turn; began to advance along the rail racing to the top of the lane, then rallied inside (L lead) for 2nd (at 60/1). | Granted, he saved ground throughout and had pace to run at, he closed and made up an immense amount of ground on a track presenting a strong speed bias which deserves some extra credit. His start two back was slightly troubled too (checked ~1/2m pole; wide turn); easy to argue he’s performing to a higher level than either his last two starts suggest. |
Race 5: OC16K/SAL16K, 3YO+, 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #9 BORLETTI (IRE) | Starter Alw, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 11/01/25 – 8th | Chased the even pace from ~5-7L back on the rail to ~1/4 pole, then angled out into the 3-4P off the turn and tried to offer a rally but was shut off ~1/8 pole and forced to check; switched out into the clear late but it was too late. | Unlikely to have won but would have almost certainly finished closer with a cleaner stretch run. Expect more today. |
| #11 J R JONE Z | Starter Alw, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 11/01/25 – 4th | Traveled well tracking the even pace from ~3L back into the turn, then was shuffled back (very) slightly; advanced around horses in the 5P racing to the top of the lane, then stayed on with credit. | Slightly shuffled entering bend and then wide on the turn; granted a cleaner trip, can at least narrow the gap with UNCLE DAR. |
| #12 THE COUNT IS ON | Starter Alw, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 10/25/25 – 1st | Took a hefty bump at the start, chased the even pace from ~4L back towards the outside of runners; began to advance under a hand ride from ~5/16 pole; swung 7W+ into the lane, then rallied nicely down the center and won going away. | Overcame an extremely wide trip to win snugly and seemingly has more to offer. |
Race 6: MSW, 2YOF, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #8 HOOF AND BOOTS | Maiden Claiming 25k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 10/17/25 – 3rd | Bumped at the start, then was significantly hampered when forced to step over a fallen jockey shortly after the break which left her racing in last early; chased the modest pace from ~6L back to ~9/16 pole, then had to take up and check again as the loose horse caused trouble in front and a chain reaction of checking for a number of runners back through the field; was left chasing the modest pace from 10L+ back in last to ~3/8 pole, then came under a ride and rallied well for 3rd but ultimately had too much to do. | Endured an extremely troubled first half of this contest and did remarkably well to finish as close as she did, especially as the pace she closed into was modest at best. This effort deserves a sizable upgrade. |
Race 7: OC40K/N2X, 3YO+F, 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #5 SOMNIUM | Glen Cove S. (G3), BAQ, 6F, Firm Turf, 10/11/25 – 4th | Showed up well between horses following a sharp break, despite being unhurried; was allowed to drop back and race behind horses after ~1/8m, then checked off heels slightly passing the 1/2m pole; dropped to the rail shortly after entering the bend ~4-5L off the lead, then waited behind struggling rivals racing to the top of the lane; spied a rail opening upon straightening and quickened nicely through it when asked; drew level for the lead ~1/8th pole, then flattened out slightly late, not for lack of trying, though. | Finished 4th at 70/1 and produced a career best speed figure, despite the fact that this was not an entirely clean trip (checked off heels, waited turn), and she’s likely better than this again. Late finishing effort suggests today’s cut back to 5 1/2F will be in her favor, too. |
| #8 SPENCERIAN (MTO) | MD Million Distaff S., LRL, 7F, Fast Dirt, 10/11/25 – 5th | Lacked speed; chased the hot pace from ~9L behind on the rail racing into the turn; was shuffled back a little between the 7/16 and 3/8 poles; angled out into the clear 5W when ~12L behind ~5/16 pole, then began building momentum to the top of the stretch; was floated 7W into the lane, the rider then dropped the crop; straightened for the drive still ~9L off the lead, then finished evenly under a hand ride and improved but simply had too much to do to ever threaten. | Far from perfect trip/race (much further back than usual, shuffled back turn, very wide, rider dropped crop) off a 175-day break; expect more second off bench today. Respected if race comes off-turf. |
| #14 MACANGA | Pebbles S. (G3), AQU, 1M, Firm Turf, 11/08/24 – 7th | Showed good natural speed under minimal urging; crossed to take the lead on the rail entering the first turn; pulled hard setting an honest, uncontested pace to the far turn, then had her lead reduced and came under a hand ride; held just a 1/2L lead at the top of the lane, battled hard to ~1/8th pole, then lost the lead and stopped. | Not a bad trip, just want to highlight her electric gate speed, the fact that she pulled hard early (is comfortable going faster than ideal for a two-turn route) and that she hit a wall at the 1/8th pole, all of which are indications that she could be very effective as a closing sprinter, especially going 5 1/2F here at Laurel with the long stretch run. Lasix first time today, dangerous if ready off bench. |
Race 8: OC62K, 2YOF, 5 1/2 Furlongs, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #1 BALLYKEEFE | Allowance, LRL, 6F, Firm Turf, 10/25/25 – 5th | After breaking cleanly from gate nine, she traveled powerfully tracking the hot pace from ~4-5L back in the 4P racing to ~1/4 pole before coming under a ride and advancing slightly on the approach to the top of the lane; straightened for the drive just 3L back in 3rd, then stayed on willingly to the wire but was nailed late for show honors by a couple of deep closers. | Sat close enough to a fast pace that favored closers while 4W throughout and was only beaten 1.25L – (PACE UPGRADE and WIDE TRIP). A very solid effort that entitles her to major respect today. |
| #4 ALDENE | Allowance, LRL, 6F, Firm Turf, 10/25/25 – 2nd | Broke alertly; tracked the hot pace under a tight hold from 2-3L back racing to the top of the lane, then gradually came under pressure and opened up a clear 1.5L lead ~1/16 pole before getting nailed on the wire by a fast finishing closer. | A simple PACE UPGRADE can be awarded here; she sat close to a fast pace that completely favored closers and just failed; easy to argue she was best and she seems a deserving favorite. |
| #11 JESSICA’S EYES | MD Million Nursery S., LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 10/11/25 – 12th | Was forced in at the start, took a significant bump and got away slowly, then struggled to keep up throughout despite appearing to try hard. | This really was a significant bump that he took at the start (leaving him in rear, not ideal considering he was a gate to wire winner on debut) and then he just looked to really struggle getting over the main track surface. Probably best to toss this race and judge him on start his debut effort. |
Race 9: MC25k, 3-6YOF, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #1 PERSIAN | MSW, LRL, 7F, Fast Dirt, 09/20/25 – 4th | Showed good speed despite having taken a bump at the break; worked down to the rail and traveled powerfully tracking the hot pace from ~1-2L back in a share of 2nd to ~5/16 pole, then came under pressure while angling off the inside and grudgingly faded in the lane. | This effort is worthy of a (small) PACE UPGRADE as she sat close to a fast pace that fell apart; still beat over half the field; a promising effort with today’s 6F distance and drop in class almost certainly in her favor. |
Horses to Follow
R3: SUGAR MAGNOLIA (7/2 ML)
Arnaud Delacour’s second-time starter numbers over the past two years—29% (10-for-35) with a $2.52 ROI—instantly put SUGAR MAGNOLIA on the radar in today’s third, a $25k maiden claimer going a mile on the turf. The Irish-bred daughter of SHAMAN showed plenty of ability on debut 42 days ago, unleashing a determined rail run from well off the pace to finish only 3 1/4 lengths back before powering through the gallop-out. She projects to get a similar setup this afternoon, and with natural second-out improvement plus Hazlewood’s weight allowance in her corner, she looks poised to take a meaningful step forward—one that could easily land her the first win.
R4: WORKER BEE (6/1 ML)
WORKER BEE finished over five lengths behind both BLUE FORTY TWO (5/2 ML) and MR SUPREME (5/1 ML) when all three squared off here at Laurel 26 days ago. However, Gary Capuano’s trainee strongly resented the kickback in that last race and ended up in an impossible position rounding the home turn—almost 13 lengths off the lead in last—after being wrangled back behind horses following a sharp break. His chance of winning had gone before halfway, but still, after shifting back out into the clear in the stretch, he picked up again and rallied with good energy into fourth, strongly suggesting he was much better than the bare result indicates. That was also his first start off a 155-day layoff.
This afternoon, it’s hard to imagine Hazlewood repeating the failed experiment of trying to rate him. From gate three, the straightforward plan should be to let WORKER BEE roll and keep him out of the sandblast zone. If he’s allowed to travel clean-headed and free of kickback, using his speed to his advantage in a race that isn’t packed with early gas, he’s absolutely capable of flipping the script on his re-opposing rivals—and maybe even snatching the W. And if you’re still skeptical, here’s a stat worth chewing on: Hazlewood and Capuano are a scorching 10-for-19 (53%; $3.22 ROI) with 2-year-olds, finishing out of the money only twice.
R9: PERSIAN (4/1 ML)
PERSIAN’s 12-length defeat in her barn debut for Claudio Gonzalez 62 days ago was far better than it looks on paper. She was hooked into a scorching early pace that completely collapsed late, yet still stuck around for fourth and finished in the top half of the field. She finished well clear of the other two speed horses, DESTINATION and FASHION VICTIM, who faded to finish sixth and seventh; both returned to win next out with Beyers of 65 and 57, respectively, which isn’t insignificant at all. She also finished a full length ahead of today’s 5/2 second choice, OVER MY CENTS.
The overall form of that last race has worked out extremely well. As well as both DESTINATION and FASHION VICTIM returning to win next time, the runner-up came back to score in a MSW next out too, and five of the six horses to run back improved their Beyers by an average of 23.8 points, suggesting the original figure came back very light.
PERSIAN now drops out of MSW company, cuts back from seven furlongs to six, and moves into her third start off the layoff—three powerful angles that should move her forward. Gonzalez has been firing lately as well, going 4-for-9 at Laurel this month. In short, this filly is dangerous at a fair price, and the race she ran last time is better than most will notice.
