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: 7-9-2
R2: 1A-5-7
R3: 5-1-3
R4: 2-5-7
R5: 4-7-1
R6: 4-5-2
R7: 4-6-5
R8: 6-4-1
R9: 3-5-4
R10: 3-4-6
R11: 2-8-3
R12: 1-3-4
R13: 12-9-1
R14: 6-3-4
Trip Notes – Recent performances that deserve an asterisk. All others: trust the past-performances.
| Race 1: OC 40k/C Allowance, 3YO+ (F), 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Notes |
| #9 PRECIOUS AVERY | Pinot Grigio Stakes, MTH, 5F, Firm Turf, 10/11/25 – 2nd | Settled well off the modest pace between foes in mid-pack, 2W racing into the turn; steadily advanced when nudged along turn; angled out 4W upper stretch, then straightened for the drive ~4L off the lead before rallying nicely into 2nd. | Her last turf sprint start; this effort is deserving of a small UPGRADE because the modest pace in this race held very well over the speedy Monmouth turf and she was the only runner to do any running from the back; a flat 5F looked a little sharp too, 5 1/2F today should be more to her liking; player if ready off the bench. |
| Other notes:
– #1 SALLY’S GOLD ran with credit to finish 4th last out after pressing fast, closer-friendly fractions throughout. If rationing out her speed a little more efficiently today and/or stripping fitter in her second start off the bench, she may well improve on that run. – Prior to her very nice effort in defeat over today’s C&D last month, it was noted in these lines that #7 EPIC STYLE’s only other turf sprint try this year (FG, 02/06/26) is deserving of a notable upgrade as she closed into a slow pace from last to finish 1 3/4L 4th. Big player right back today. |
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| Race 2: OC 40k/N2X Allowance, 3YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Notes |
| #4 FREEZE THE FIRE | Starter Allowance, KEE, 6F, Fast Dirt, 04/24/26 – 5th | Bumped hard and pinched for multiple strides leaving the gate, away slowly; chased the even pace from ~9L back into the lane, then finished with credit but had far too much to do. | Probably best to be somewhat forgiving of this defeat because speed held very well (1st, 2nd, 3rd place finishers ran 1-2-3 throughout) which, after a troubled start left him far back early, seemingly put him at a disadvantage. He galloped out nicely towards the head of the field and with a cleaner break could well get back on track today. |
| #7 BAND CAMP | Starter Allowance, DEL, 6F, Good Dirt, 07/10/25 – 3rd | Chased modest pace between foes 2W into the turn; briefly paused ~3/8 pole and dropped back; switched out into the 4P ~1/4 and came widest into the lane when 6L off the lead; then finished strongly but had too much to do. | Running at a new track, he simply didn’t receive an adequate setup to suit his running style in this race (best closing into fast paces) that saw speed hold well; he lost ground coming wide into the lane and actually did well to make up almost 5L through the stretch. Provided he’s ready off the bench, with today’s pace forecast to be hot, he should be seen to better effect. |
| #11 MAGIC MULE | Allowance, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 04/11/26 – 4th | Hopped start and rider lost iron; dropped ~14L off the even pace in a detached last while wide as the rider tried to regather herself; fixed the iron ~9/16, then made a creditable and sustained run along the rail to somehow pick up 4th | He massively outran his 90/1 odds by closing into the even pace for 4th despite a complete disaster occurring at the start; while he’ll still need to find a tonne more to threaten today, we have to applaud this effort and mark it up slightly. |
| Other notes:
– #8 DEPOSITION had a slightly troubled trip at Parx last out, steadying into the bend and then racing very wide on the turn; while a cleaner trip would have seen him to better effect, he didn’t really do enough running late over the closer friendly track to suggest he’d have landed any sort of blow and he’ll need more today. – #9 UNCLE CAT moved too soon into the blistering pace (22.00, 44.93) last out: he took an early shot at the dueling leaders (who were always going to stop) on the run to the ¼ pole, edged past them and took the lead in deep stretch, but then tired late on and was caught by a foe who was positioned just 1L behind him at 1st call but delayed their run. A better-timed ride probably sees him win that race (and improve his fig). Note: he failed to switch leads in the lane. |
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| Race 3: MSW, 3-6YO, 1 Mile, Turf | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #6 MUNNY PROBLEM | MSW, LRL, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 04/12/26 – 2nd | Pinched and taken up start, away slowly in last; chased even pace from ~7L back into back stretch; tipped outside 5/8 and steadily crept closer under a hold racing into far turn; made a smooth 4W move far turn before getting pushed out into the 5P upper stretch by the eventual winner, then stayed on well to the wire. | While this mightn’t have been the strongest MSW, with the rails at 87 feet the other closers struggled to get involved in this evenly paced race; he did well to finish a close 2nd after enduring a rough beginning and then racing wide on the far turn; willing to give this a small UPGRADE and expecting improvement with blinkers added today. |
| #7 PENDAR | MSW, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 11/08/25 – 7th | Chased pace inside to ½, then steadied hard approaching the turn as a foe came across him, denting his momentum and knocking him back a few lengths; regrouped and continued pursuit into turn but lacked room ~5/16 and had to wait a little until straightened for the drive; from there he continued staying on with credit but was again denied a clear path, preventing him from properly leveling off (rider used only hands and heels); he was then hardly persevered with when clearly not going to find room ~1/16. | His last start on grass. A fairly woeful trip, he should be capable of improving significantly on this try stretching out in distance today (lack of sprint speed and pedigree points to two turns being his game). |
| Other notes:
– #8 ZENCAT had to steady slightly ~1/4 pole when finishing behind #6 MUNNY PROBLEM last time and after racing a little wide on the turn too, probably should have finished 4th. However, he only had to steady because he was being out-sprinted for the 3W racing line, his momentum wasn’t hurt that badly, and he didn’t quite do enough running on late (just ran evenly) to award an upgrade. Even with a clean trip he’ll need more to reverse for with #6 today. – Exiting the same race as above, #11 CHATBOT had to steady a little entering the first turn when last seen but we cannot use that as an excuse for his underwhelming effort. He’ll need much more today. |
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| Race 4: The Skipat Stakes, 3YO+ (F), 6 Furlongs, Dirt | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #2 PASSAGE EAST | Sandy Bottom Stakes, CNL, 1M, Fast Dirt, 03/14/26 – 3rd | Slight hop start, away slowly in last; chased modest pace under patient handling from ~5-6L back into the turn; tipped outside ~1/2 and crept closer to the lead but remained in last; came 4W into the lane, then made a bid racing to the 1/8 pole before flattening out late. | A small UPGRADE/pass can be given to her for this effort because the track was so fast and speedy at Colonial this day that she was instantly put at a disadvantage when breaking sluggishly. After racing widest on the turn, she then did some nice work to close into the quickening pace racing to the 1/8 pole, but her rivals had saved more than her and over a trip that might just stretch her, she understandably flattened out late. Although this was still a solid try, one has to assume she can offer more again. |
| #5 SPORTING LADY | Allowance, AQU, 6F, Firm Turf, 04/19/26 – 2nd | Was slightly slow into stride from the rail post and last early behind the slow pace; angled out into the 3P and began to advance slightly rounding the turn; turned for home ~1.5L down, then stayed on well to the wire and got to within a length of the leader but did not have enough to score. | Not sure how relevant this turf try is to today’s dirt sprint, but her effort is still worthy of a tiny upgrade as she closed from last while widest into the slow pace that helped the always prominent winner. You can argue that she was best in this race and she’s seemingly coming into this race a fraction better than the PPs suggest. |
| Other notes:
– It seemed as though #3 KAPPA KAPPA just simply failed to stay 1 1/8 miles when last seen in the G3 Comely; if ready off the bench, it wouldn’t surprise to see her bounce back returning to 6F today. – Not denying that #7 MODO has been way the best in her last two starts and has to be respected today, but it does have to be noted that there were speed biases present on both occasions, last time more so than at Sam Houston two-back. Lasix off today. |
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| Race 5: N1X Allowance, 3YO+ (F), 1 Mile, Turf | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #7 MAMBO QUEEN | Allowance, LRL, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 04/18/26 – 2nd | Unhurried from inside post; trailed the pace under patient handling from almost 15L back heading into the far turn; switched out 3W and took slightly closer order far turn yet remained under a hold; angled out 6W off the turn, then finally had the reins shaken at her when straightening for the drive ~11L off the leader; from there she flew home down the center and somehow got 2nd but had way to much to do to catch the winner. | In a race where the pace did not collapse (winner was positioned 2nd, never worse than 1.5L off the lead throughout), she was ridden with way, way too much confidence and after swinging wide off the turn, did unbelievably well to get 2nd. UPGRADE this effort. |
| #10 BUZZAWAY | Starter Allowance, LRL, 1M, Firm Turf, 11/15/25 – 3rd | Chased modest pace under patient handling from ~10L back in rear while riding the rail to ~3/8 pole; angled off the inside while beginning to build steam on the run to the top of the lane; came 6W into the stretch, straightened for the drive still ~8L off the lead, then rallied well for 3rd. | With the rails set at 35 feet, after a 49.85 half, hardly anyone except her got into this race from rear and speed held well (14/1 pace setter finished a close 5th, top two finishers raced in 2nd and 3rd respectively to the ¼ pole). Therefore, after overcoming a wide move off the turn and lack of setup to get 3rd, we can UPGRADE this effort. Makes debut for Bailes off layoff today. |
| #14 LOVELY LOOKIN LILLI | Maiden Claiming 35k, LRL, 1M, Firm Turf, 04/25/26 – 1st | Patiently handled leaving gate; chased even pace from ~8L back in the 4P racing to the ½; crept a little closer approaching far turn, then made smooth progress while circling the field 5-6W far turn; straightened for the drive ~5L back, then inhaled her foes with a middle of the track kick to win going away. | She won this race fair and square despite losing significant ground racing wide on both turns – UPGRADE. |
| Other notes:
– #1 NICK’S NOTION was fairly impressive winning off the layoff last out as he closed into the even/modest pace to win snugly. She took a little while to level off in the stretch but then really powered through the final 100Y and won going away before galloping out nicely with her ears pricked. Strongly suspect there’s more to come from her. – Switched to the turf for her return off the layoff last time, #2 DON’T FOOL WITH ME ran and galloped out (in front) in a manner to suggest she’ll be more effective at today’s mile distance. – While the chart comment correctly highlights how #3 I LOVE GIRAFFES was bothered at the break sprinting 5F on the turf at Gulfstream last time, she then didn’t do enough running for us to use that as an excuse and she now has things to prove trying two turns for the first time. – There’s no denying that #4 SASSARI was much the best when breaking her maiden on debut at odds of 3/5 last time and shaped like a nice horse, but it does have to be noted that with the rails out, she got away with a very soft lead that will have aided her and she’ll now have to likely deal with different circumstances today. – Prior to winning well at short odds last time, #5 SERENITY SONG had run a massively upgradable race on debut, closing into a slow pace while wide after a troubled start. Makes turf and route debut today. – #6 SYNERGISM lost more ground than the neck margin she was beaten by when caught 4W on the turn last out – it’s easy to argue she was best in there and is deserving of a very small upgrade. Note: the bump she took ~1/8 pole was relatively insignificant. – Although #9 TIDEOFTIME was slightly bothered at the break last out, it wasn’t nearly significant enough to explain quite why she ran so far below par, and she now has things to prove switching into Matz’ care. – It was very surprising to see #13 CHILLY GIRL ridden so patiently on turf debut last out given she’d set the pace going 6F on the dirt the time prior. She was ultimately given too much to do but ran well regardless to snatch 3rd. Expecting her to move forward with more positive tactics today. |
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| Race 6: The Sir Barton Stakes ®, 3YO, 1 1/16 Miles, Dirt | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #2 BIG CUDDLE | Allowance, LRL, 5 1/2F, Fast Dirt, 04/18/26 – 2nd | Broke slow; chased even pace from ~6L back into turn; dropped back a little under a ride far turn; entered stretch ~7L+ back in 5th, fully extended and seemingly with little chance but then rallied very nicely late for 2nd before galloping out well. | Off the layoff, he somehow managed to grab 2nd from an impossible position while racing against a SPEED BIAS – UPGRADE. He looked a little green/rusty off the layoff in this race and should be seen to better effect with that return effort behind him on a fairer track today. Running style offers hope he’ll handle the new distance. |
| Other notes:
– Not sure that #1 MINORINCONVENIENCE was overly happy racing in behind kickback (the first time he’d done so) in the Wood Memorial last time; if so, the rail draw today might not be ideal. – There was a speed bias present when #3 LET’S GO LANDO finished 3rd courtesy of a forward trip in the Frederico Tesio Stakes last time – best place an asterisk by that effort. – Not denying that #4 FINAL STORY was much the best when breaking his maiden at short odds at Keeneland last out, but it does have to be noted that he got away with setting very comfortable fractions in front and the track was favoring speed; the top three finishers – including the 13/1 runner up and 7/1 third place finisher – ran 1-2-3 in that order throughout; might be best to place an asterisk by that effort. – Might have missed it, but couldn’t see any visible reason as to why #7 REAGAN’S HONOR ran below par in the Bluegrass last time – does he need the lead and/or lasix? |
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| Race 7: The Chick Lang Stakes, 3YO, 6 Furlongs, Dirt |
| Other Notes:
– Although good in victory, we should note that #3 BUD’S NOTION rode a speed bias on a largely uncontested lead with the bug weight off on his way to winning last time; things will likely be tougher today. – Prior to a very game 2nd in the Saudi Derby last time, #4 OBLITERATION had overcome a stumbling start and slightly wide trip to obliterate his competition in the Renaissance Stakes at Oaklawn. He was eased down late and seemingly won with a tonne in hand. Player. – #6 SHANE’S WONDER won the four-runner restricted Wait For It Stakes at Parx last out under just a mild hand ride. Seems he has plenty more to offer. – #7 TOP MANIPULATOR managed to get the job done last out despite having been unruly and running off pre-race. |
| Race 8: The Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3), 3YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #3 FAUST | Allowance, OP, 6F, Fast Dirt, 04/17/26 – 1st | Pressed the hot pace 3-4W racing to upper stretch, then took over and kicked away through the lane under a fairly gentle ride, winning with plenty in hand. | While accepting that he was the 2/5 fav and supposed to win this, it was still impressive to see him kicking away like he did after pressing the hot fractions (21.74, 44.84) which took a toll of the other speed horses and set up well for closers (1st and 2nd place runner at 1st call finished tailed off in last and second last; closers at odds of 11/1 and 21/1 came through to pick up 2nd and 3rd) – PACE UPGRADE. He won with plenty in hand and may be able to show more today. |
| Other notes:
– #1 BRING THE SMOKE was very headstrong and over-raced in the first half of his last run at Keeneland; taking the blinkers off looks a sensible move to help him settle better and could help him step forward today. |
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| Race 9: The James W. Murphy Stakes, 3YO, 1 Mile, Turf | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #1 MY FAVORITE BIRD | English Channel Stakes, GP, 1M, Firm Turf, 05/02/26 – 2nd | Bumped hard both sides start; traveled well stalking the even pace on the rail in 3rd to the far turn, then continued to travel well while boxed on the rail racing to the top of the lane (when he really wanted to be getting out and rolling), slight check ~5/16; waited inside until the field opened up in upper stretch, then made a bold attempt to run down the wire winner but that foe came out and across him ~1/8 pole, forcing him to steady slightly and costing him any chance of success. | A tough trip in which he steadied twice and was boxed in and forced to wait when he really needed to be building on the far turn. With the rails out, speed also held well inward race, with the 17/1 pace setter going all the way. His effort is deserving of an UPGRADE, and we can expect more with a cleaner trip today. |
| #7 JESSICA’S EYES | Allowance, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 04/26/26 – 4th | Stalked even pace on rail; waited on leader’s heels ¼, then cut the corner into the lane and tried to make an inside bid but immediately had the door shut in his face and his momentum halted; regrouped and then tried to advance again along the inside as a gap re-opened but it quickly closed again, forcing him to alter course slightly ~1/16; from there, he could only finish evenly for 4th. | Not sure he was ever winning this race or how it translates to today’s mile test, but this was a troubled trip returning from the layoff and we can mark the effort up somewhat. |
| Other notes:
– None. |
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| Race 10: The Dinner Party Stakes (G3), 3YO+, 1 1/8 Miles, Turf | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #2 THUNDERING | Allowance, TAM, 1 1/8M, Firm Turf, 04/11/26 – 2nd | Slow break; settled ~4-5L off the modest/slow pace on rail to ½; waited while boxed in (rider visibly looking to get out and advance but couldn’t) racing into and around the far turn; finally found room and angled out ~5/16 before turning for home ~5L off the leader; then kicked nicely between horses for 2nd but had too much to do. | A slower break than normal from him resulted in him being pace compromised in this modest/slow paced race, and he then found himself unable to advance when boxed in at a crucial stage (a time in which he needed to be moving forward). Run this race again and he probably obliges as the chalk – UPGRADE. |
| Other notes:
– #3 CRUISE THE NILE was more impressive in the Henry S. Clark Stakes last time than the winning margin suggests, making a 4-5W move on the turn (possible upgrade) before throwing down a 23.08 final ¼ mile time to catch two talented runners who had looked away and gone in upper stretch, despite not being hard ridden through the final 1/8. Don’t think we saw the best of him here and he’s a major player right back. – #4 FORT WASHINGTON raced widest into the stretch in the Canadian Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream last out, which possibly entitles him to an upgrade. However, he then did himself no favors by lugging in through the stretch which dented his forward momentum and cost him 2nd, and that was as much the reason for his off-the-board finish as the wide trip. Still, it was a solid effort, and he’s entitled to major respect today. – #6 DRESDEN ROW was impressive in victory when making his debut for Pletcher at Keeneland last time and he’s a deserving favorite here. It should be noted, however, that there was no speed signed on in that race, the opening ½ was slow, and nobody did any running from the back. He’ll likely have to overcome different circumstances this afternoon. – #7 HARROW has finished well in his last two races and should be benefited by the extra 1/8 today. Note: he had little pace to run at in his two-back effort, and that run can be upgraded slightly. |
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| Race 11: The Gallorette Stakes (G3), 3YO+ (F), 1 1/16 Miles, Turf | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #8 AWESOME CZECH | Handicap, GP, 1M 70Y, Fast Synth, 01/24/26 – 3rd | Clean break from gate 9; stalked even pace 4W around the first turn to the ½; came under pressure when 5W far turn, then finished evenly through the lane. | She sat a wide enough trip in this race – run over what is possibly her lesser preferred surface – to earn an UPGRADE. Provided she can save more ground today (which might not be easy drawn outside again), we can probably expect an improved showing from her (possibly reversing form with #4 WARMING who saved ground in this race). Returns from layoff. |
| Other notes:
– #1 MAHRA’S LOVE (IRE) had an excellent pace set up when last seen just missing in the Dahlia Stakes last out, closing into fractions of 23.19, 46.31, 1:09.95. In the same race, #2 RIBALTAGAIA did well to hold 3rd after sitting relatively close to the pace; her effort is deserving of a small PACE UPGRADE, and we might be able to expect improvement from her second back today. – #3 ACCENT (GB) didn’t quite do enough running late in the Plenty Of Grace Stakes last time to earn an upgrade (could only finish evenly and lost 3rd in the final 1/8); however, she did have to steady/check a little entering the first turn and she was also a little short of room between foes on the far turn, so it wasn’t a completely clean trip and with upside potential still intact, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her move forward today. – #7 CHILD OF THE MOON (GB) was difficult to load and then popped the gate open before the start prior to running a sub-par race when last seen at Keeneland. Seemed like she was off color that day and we might be best off just drawing a faint line through that run. |
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| Race 12: The Jim McKay Turf Stakes, 3YO+, 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #1 RUN CURTIS RUN | Allowance, CD, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 04/26/26 – 2nd | Was brushed leaving the gate, then tightened up between and forced to check shortly after; chased modest/slow pace from 7th on the rail to upper stretch, then gently angled out into the center, came under a strong ride ~1/8 pole and finished well for 2nd. | He did well to finish 2nd after encountering trouble early and then finding himself pace compromised in this race that saw speed hold well (first four runners at 1st call finished 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th; he was the only horse that closed). UPGRADE this effort and expect more second off the layoff today. |
| #10 FORE HARP | King T. Leatherbury Stakes, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 04/18/26 – 4th | Traveled strongly stalking the hot pace inside to upper stretch, then switched out into the 3P and stayed on well between foes for 4th. | A solid return effort off the layoff (at odds of 112/1!) that’s deserving of a small PACE UPGRADE; he was never more than 2L off the red-hot pace (22.08, 44.08) that ended up collapsing, and he was only passed by deep closers who’d taken advantage of the setup (did best of speed). |
| Other notes:
– Although the chart comment correctly highlights how #2 DETERMINED KINGDOM steadied slightly off heels early last out, we cannot use that as an excuse for his sub-par effort. He’ll need much more second off the bench today. – Although he didn’t sit a bad trip closing into a fast pace last time, #4 CHASING LIBERTY did lose more ground angling 6W off the turn than the neck he was beaten by #8 OUTLAW KID, who scraped the paint and sat a good trip throughout. Second back today, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him reverse form with that foe. Respected. |
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| Race 13: The Preakness Stakes (G1), 3YO, 1 3/16 Miles, Dirt | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #1 TAJ MAHAL | Frederico Tesio Stakes, LRL, 1 1/8M, Fast Dirt, 04/18/26 – 1st | Broke like a shot and cleared from post 10 on the short run into the first turn; dragged his rider (seemingly running off with him) into the back stretch and whizzed through a 47.80 ½ while 10L clear; had his lead dramatically reduced approaching and rounding the far turn; passed the 3/8 pole just over 1L in front, seemingly running on fumes, but then had the reins shaken at him and re broke, spurting away for a wide margin success. | First thing to note is that there was a SPEED BIAS present this day. Still, the way he went about his business in this race – especially from the 3/8 pole home when he powered away from his rivals for the second time in the race (!) despite having exuded so much energy early – was impressive. Would like to think he’ll step forward for this two-turn debut, and although he might need to settle a little better against these foes today, he has to be respected. |
| #2 OCELLI | KY Derby (G1), CD, 1 1/4M, Fast Dirt, 05/02/26 – 3rd | Bumped/crowded start; chased fast pace from rear 2W; advanced with a 5W move far turn; maintained run into the lane to briefly take the lead ~1/16 pole before he was caught by both Renegade and Golden Tempo late. | A huge effort at 70/1 in which he overcame a rough start and wide move. He was undoubtedly aided by the fast pace, though. Note: his two-back effort – closing into a fast pace that collapsed over a closer-friendly track – might need downgrading. |
| #3 CRUPPER | Bathhouse Row Stakes, OP, 1 1/8M, Fast Dirt, 04/18/26 – 1st | Bumped start; took strong hold and advanced to vie for the lead 2W first turn; went on with it and set a comfortable, mildly pressured pace into far turn; dropped inside and edged away from nearest pursuers under hand urging 1/4, then came under a stronger ride upper stretch and held off closers stubbornly to the wire. | All out to record this win after sitting a straightforward enough trip. |
| #4 ROBUSTA | KY Derby (G1), CD, 1 1/4M, Fast Dirt, 05/02/26 – 14th | Bumped start; settled at rear of main body of the field while ~6W to far turn, then dropped back and failed to threaten late. | Wide and overmatched. |
| #5 TALKIN | Bluegrass Stakes (G1), KEE, 1 1/8M, Fast Dirt, 04/04/26 – 3rd | Away well from rail; stalked even pace under tight hold inside to far turn; dropped back as leading trio kicked away ~5/16; shifted out upper stretch, then ran on for a nonthreatening 3rd. | No match for FURTHER ADO but a solid career best effort in defeat regardless. Willing. |
| #6 CHIP HONCHO | Louisiana Derby (G2), FG, 1 3/16M, Fast Dirt, 03/21/26 – 5th | Took strong hold tracking even pace in clear ~3W to far turn; made a brief bid to vie for command 3W far turn, then faded from upper stretch. | Not helped by the fact that he was quite keen racing without cover while wide, he failed to see out the Preakness distance in this race. |
| #7 THE HELL WE DID | Lexington Stakes (G3), KEE, 1 1/16M, Fast Dirt, 04/11/26 – 2nd | Good break; traveled okay but did have to be nudged on slightly pressing the even pace in the 2P to the far turn; steadily crept closer making a bid 2W on the and drew level for the lead upper stretch; then stayed on well to the wire but was no match for the eventual winner. | Perfectly good trip. Would it be harsh to accuse him of hanging a little? |
| #8 BULL BY THE HORNS | Rushaway Stakes, TP, 1 1/16M, Fast Synth, 03/21/26 – 1st | Outpaced chasing honest pace from ~10L back in a detached last to the far turn; crept closer under hand urging to 5/16, then angled out into the 6P ¼ and came with an eye-catching rush around foes to draw level in upper stretch; dueled with runner up to 1/16, then edged away gamely. | Overcame a wider than ideal trip to win nicely and looked like he’d get further. Biggest knock would be that the pace did fall apart a little (running order completely flipped from 2nd call to the wire). |
| #9 IRON HONOR | Wood Memorial (G2), AQU, 1 1/8M, Fast Dirt, 04/04/26 – 7th | Sharp from outside post; knocked around and briefly lost back end when entering first turn ~2L off the red-hot pace in the 5P; settled into a stalking position 4W and traveled strongly in this position; held position after coming under pressure in the 3-4P far turn while closers began to advance, then continued battling hard through the lane but had too much to do. | Sat close to a fast pace over a closer friendly racetrack while also much wider than ideal – possibly an UPGRADABLE effort and certainly not a bad first try at two turns. Note: he was quite keen early on in the Wood, so the removal of blinkers today makes sense and could help him finish stronger. |
| #10 NAPOLEON SOLO | Wood Memorial (G2), AQU, 1 1/8M, Fast Dirt, 04/04/26 – 5th | Sent from rail; traveled well setting fast fractions inside to far turn; asked for effort and responded nicely when challenged 3/8; continued to just about hold the advantage into the lane, then faded grudgingly inside through the final 1/8, just losing 4th in the last jump. | Beaten less than 3L after setting very fast, closer-friendly fractions (22.92, 47.30) over a closer-friendly racetrack – UPGRADE this effort. |
| #11 CORONA DE ORO | Lexington Stakes (G3), KEE, 1 1/16M, Fast Dirt, 04/11/26 – 3rd | Bumped start; sent forward from rail post and managed to get the lead entering the first turn, then set even, mildly pressured fractions to the far turn; responded well to rider when facing outside bid far turn, then made an early lead change to the right (incorrect) lead ~1/4 pole; turned for home about level for the lead, then faded grudgingly inside. | A comfortable front running trip. Third best. |
| #12 INCREDIBOLT | KY Derby (G1), CD, 1 1/4M, Fast Dirt, 05/02/26 – 6th | Bumped start, then quickly angled down to the 2-3P and settled at the back of the main body of the field in 13th/14th ~8L off the fast pace; traveled well in this position to ~1/2, then began to move up through the field under hand urging in the 3-5P; turned for home ~5L off the lead, then angled to the center of the track in upper stretch, brushing with Renegade before that foe came across and bumped him while going past ~1/8 pole; from there he continued staying on for 6th. | Not a 100% clean trip but not as bad a trip as some people made it out to be either; in fact, it wasn’t really a bad trip/setup for a fast-paced Derby, the race being what it is. The bump he took at the 1/8 pole did not catastrophically hinder his momentum and we should not upgrade his effort as a result of it. Still, it was a solid try in defeat and he does deserve credit for the fact that he raced closer to the pace that those who ran by him late. Clearly talented whichever way you look at it, he’ll demand respect right back today. |
| #13 GREAT WHITE | Bluegrass Stakes (G1), KEE, 1 1/8M, Fast Dirt, 04/04/26 – 5th | Sent forward to help set an even pace inside a foe to the far turn; came under pressure racing to the top of the lane as his co-pace setter and Further Ado began to edge away, then faded through the stretch. | The runner who he shared the lead with for the majority of the contest (Creole Chrome) beat him by 8 1/4L at the wire. |
| #14 PRETTY BOY MIAH | Starter Allowance, AQU, 1M, Fast Dirt, 04/25/26 – 1st | Good break; angled inside early, then took back off leader and switched out 6 ½ before moving back up to press the leader 2W; traveled very well (best) going head to head with leader to the ¼ pole, then had the reins shaken at him upon straightening and drew clear nicely. | Although today’s competition is tougher, you have to love how he went about his business in this race, traveling all over his rivals to upper stretch before waving them goodbye with relative ease. Gallop out was only so-so, however. |
| Race 14: MSW, 3YO, 6 Furlongs, Dirt | |||
| Horse | Race | Trip | Note |
| #1 FUNKY SEE FUNKY DO | Maiden Claiming 35k, GP, 5F, Fast Synth, 03/15/26 – 3rd | Away slowly; chased pace while 4-5W in last to turn, then made smooth 4-5W move to take 3rd upon straightening; took a hard bump in upper stretch, recovered, then stayed on willingly to the wire. | A small UPGRADE can be given to his effort here owing to the wide move he made and the bump he took in upper stretch. Returns to dirt and moves back into MSW ranks today. Note: the was a large speed bias at Aqueduct when he made his only start on the dirt. |
| Other notes:
– Making this debut at the tricky distance of 7F against largely more experienced foes, #6 GRANT THE GREAT was caught in a suicidal speed duel (22.05, 44.14) last time and actually did well to hang around for as long as he did before tiring. A respectable effort under the circumstances. Note: he was not hard ridden when beaten, exacerbating the margin of defeat. – There was a speed bias present at Laurel when #8 HOLY MOLY MITOLE finished 2nd at 44/1 on debut courtesy of a forward trip. While it was still a likable and game effort in defeat, we should place an asterisk beside it. |
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Horses to Follow
R8: CELTIC CONTENDER (9/2 ML)
Now aged five, the three time stake winner CELTIC CONTENDER returned off the lay-off with a huge performance over today’s course and distance in March, taking his Laurel Park record to 6-3-3 from 14 starts with a dominant win over PETINGAS TWIN that earned him a career best 100 Beyer. The form of that race has been validated since with the runner-up coming back to win next out with a 90 Beyer which, coupled with a pair of blazing bullet drills since, point towards this guy simply having gotten better. Second back off the layoff today, Hammy Smith’s stable star has landed a plum draw in gate six with the main speed drawn to his inside, opening up tactical options for leading MD rider Forest Boyce in what is projected to be a frenetically run Maryland Sprint Stakes, and 9/2 seems a more than fair price.
R10: CRUISE THE NILE (9/5 ML)
CRUISE THE NILE has been mightily impressive in each of his last four starts, most recently overcoming a wide move and laying down a 23.08 final quarter mile to win the Henry S. Clark Stakes snugly. It doesn’t seem like the four-year-old son of CAIRO PRINCE has peaked yet and another big effort can be expected from him in today’s G3 Dinner Party Stakes.
R12: RUN CURTIS RUN (4/1 ML)
Multiple stakes winning sprinter RUN CURTIS RUN’s last two tries on turf – in the money finishes that have yielded Beyer of 94 and 93, respectively – are even better than they appear on paper owing to the fact that he had no pace to run at on either occasion. Now making his second start back off the layoff with the likes of JEAN VALJEN and FORE HARP present to ensure a better setup, there’s a strong chance he can up his game again in today’s Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes with a ground saving trip forecast from the rail.
