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: 5-4-7
R2: 3-5-4
R3: 5-4-2
R4: 3-1A-1
R5: 10-8-6
R6: 10-8-6
R7: 4-1-2
R8: 5-7-6
R9: 7-1-2
R10: 6-1-5
Trip Notes – Recent performances that deserve an asterisk. All others: trust the past-performances.
Race 1: OC20k/SAL20k, 4YO+, 1 1/16 Miles, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| Other notes:
– #4 CHANCE was caught notably wide last time. However, he also had a very favorable setup, closing into a fast (closer friendly) pace on a closer friendly racetrack (as was the case two back, too). – #5 MUGATU ran well after sitting a notably wide trip last out (slightly) UPGRADE this effort. – The bump #7 TUFF LUCK took at the start last time was inconsequential; he underperformed, period. |
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Race 2: Claiming 12.5k, 4YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #3 BLO BY’EM | Claiming 12k, LRL, 7F, Fast Dirt, 12/21/25 – 2nd | He chased the hot pace from ~7L back on the rail to ~1/2m pole, then angled towards the outside; built momentum ~4W on the turn and made steady headway into 4th; he then floated out 6W ~1/4 pole, maintained his forward momentum in the lane and drew level for 2nd ~1/8th pole, bumping (lost his back end) with a rival at that stage while drifting in on his left lead; he then recovered and stayed on well for a clear 2nd. | Not sure whether we should upgrade or downgrade this effort… he had a very favorable pace to close into yet was still beaten as the 9/5 fav and the fact that he didn’t switch leads in the lane was undesirable. However, he also raced notably wide on the bend and the bump he took at the 1/8th pole certainly didn’t help his effort (even if it was his own doing), so we cant exactly call it a ‘perfect trip’. There’s a chance that he shows more today. |
| Other notes:
– #2 NOT SO HOLY had to very briefly pause on the far turn last time but it made little difference to the result. – Both #1 ECUMENICAL and #4 ELLINGER ended up doing too much in front last time and (provided they don’t get caught in a duel), both have the potential to improve on their latest efforts if rationing their speed a little better. – #6 D HOPPER was caught slightly wide going 4 1/2F at Charles Town last time, arguably costing him a length or so (but no more than that). |
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Race 3: Claiming 20k, 3YOF, 5 ½ Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #7 LAST GIFT | Claiming 25k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 12/13/25 – 7th | She was squeezed between horses, briefly losing her back end in a messy break; recovered and showed good speed, working forward to duel for the lead through fast fractions in the 2P to ~5/16 pole; from there, she began backpedaling and weakened through the lane. | Sure, she was never winning this race – her finishing effort was poor, which ever way you slice it. However, after a messy start, she was then caught dueling in a tricky spot between horses through very fast fractions on a slow, closer friendly track – a recipe for defeat. It’s therefore fair to say that things were not in her favor and a better effort can be expected today. |
| Other notes:
– #1 FIESTA LA LUNA ducked out at the start last time, but it made little difference to her trip; she underperformed, period. |
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Race 4: Maiden Claiming 12.5k, 3YO, 1 1/16 Miles, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #3 GONNA MAKE IT | Maiden Claiming 16k, LRL, 1 1/16M, Good Dirt, 12/19/25 – 3rd | He broke sharp, contested the pace 5W into the first turn, then dropped back slightly while giving away ground 4-5W racing into the back stretch; he then chased the hot pace from ~2L back in 2nd racing to the far turn; just about held his position while under heavy pressure in the 3P racing to the ¼ pole, then floated out 5-6W entering the stretch and stayed on evenly for 3rd. | In what was his route debut and just 2nd career start, he gave away enough ground to warrant a slight UPGRADE. A more ground saving trip coupled with route fitness and further racing experience can see him at the very least narrow the gap with the re-opposing #2A PENCIL ME IN. |
| #5 PLENTY ON TAP | Maiden Claiming 16k, LRL, 1M, Fast Dirt, 11/28/25 – 4th | He took a bump at the start and got away slowly in the rear of mid-pack; raced ~6-7L off the pace between horses to the 6/8 pole, then rushed up inside to stalk the leaders on the rail entering the bend; he then had to briefly pause on the leaders’ heels passing the 3/8 pole, halting his momentum somewhat; he then cut the corner into the lane and battled hard while very tight to the fence to the 1/8th pole before fading slightly late. | This wasn’t a terrible trip, however, it’s worth noting that he made a very early mid-race rush up into contention in this race and then had his momentum paused on the turn which wasn’t ideal (it’s difficult for a horse to accelerate twice in a race). This was also his first attempt at a route so there are reasons to believe that we’ll see an improved effort today. |
| #6 RUNAWAY ROOSTER | Maiden Claiming 16k, LRL, 1 1/16M, Good Dirt, 12/19/25 – 5th | He broke sharp, contested the pace ~6W into the first turn, then lost ground in the 5-6P and dropped back racing into the back stretch; chased the hot pace from ~6L back towards the center of the track racing into the far turn, then crept slightly closer while under pressure in the 3-4P on the far turn before losing further ground floating 6W+ into the lane and finishing evenly in the center. | Although he failed top capitalize on a good pace set up in this race, he was also caught racing extremely wide throughout and lost a considerable amount of ground after drawing the outside gate which warrants an UPGRADE. |
| Other notes:
– #4 BOSS LILY was squeezed back entering the first turn in his last race which may be noteworthy considering he was close to the lead two back. The jockey also did not give him the strongest ride in the stretch and today’s rider switch could be a good move. |
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Race 5: Maiden Claiming 40k, 3YO, 7 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #10 CLOSE THE GATE | Maiden Claiming 25k, LRL, 5 1/2F, Good Dirt, 12/19/25 – 2nd | He broke a beat slowly, then looked completely lost on debut and dropped himself out (possibly resting kickback) while not striding out properly; under a ride, he dropped 15L+ off the modest pace rounding the far turn; the penny then seemed to suddenly drop, however, after receiving a tap behind the saddle, and he kicked into overdrive, powering through the lane with good energy through slight traffic to nab 2nd before galloping out in front. | This was a very eye-catching debut: he was visibly green early on, looking completely lost as to what was going on while dropping himself hopelessly far behind a modest pace that held well. The penny then dropped, though, and he rallied impressively against the pace flow (UPGRADE) in a manner to suggest he’s capable of far more than this debut result/speed fig indicates. Expect more today. |
| Other notes:
– Although there was a closer bias present on the day, #5 FINNY was allowed to set slow fractions on an uncontested lead while carrying 10lbs less than all but one of his rivals last time – his effort possibly needs a DOWNGRADE. – #6 POINT AVEN took a bump at the top of the lane in his last race; it didn’t help him, but he was beaten at the time anyway. – #9 BEAUTIFUL QUALITY was caught notably wide on the turn last out, but it didn’t make a major difference to the result. |
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Race 6: Claiming 7.5k, 4YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #10 P J’S SONG | Claiming 7.5k, LRL, 1M, Fast Dirt, 12/21/25 – 4th | Having broken cleanly from the outside post, he chased the honest early pace from ~8L back in the clear while wide racing into the turn; he then came under pressure and began to advance ~4W+ racing to the 5/16 pole, floated out 5-6W entering the lane and then stayed on well for 4th, despite flopping leads ~1/8th pole. | This was a wide enough trip to warrant an UPGRADE. Having only missed the runner-up spot by a head and a nose (from two runners who sat much more ground saving trips), it’s fair to argue that he was actually second best in this race. |
| Other notes:
– #2 KEEPING IT COUNTRY was listed as a vet scratch (12/12/25) after stumbling notably outwards and awkwardly at the break last time and then running a long way below his par – wonder whether something went amiss in that race (tweaked something stumbling at the break?) and whether we should draw a line through that effort? – #3 PROM KNIGHT sat a wide trip last time which warrants a (small) UPGRADE – he ran well at 35/1. – #4 SPOTTED BULL was caught very wide on the turn in his last race (small/medium sized UPGRADE); it doesn’t explain why he performed quite so poorly, however. – #7 SEVEN’S ELEVEN had everything in his favor when finishing 5th last time – he sat a dream ground saving trip while chasing a very fast (closer friendly) pace on a closer friendly track – DOWNGRADE this effort. |
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Race 7: OC62k/N1X Allowance, 3YO, 1 Mile, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| Other notes:
– The chart comment notes that #1 LUNDI LOOT “hung” in his last effort which seems harsh and inaccurate – he stayed on well in the lane and continued trying gamely (in a manner to suggest he can handle today’s extra ground) but he just simply couldn’t reach the promising winner in time. – #2 LET’S GO LANDO sat a slightly wide trip in his last race which possibly cost him 2nd (not the win, though, and his speed fig seems about fair). – #3 HIXON had to very briefly wait in traffic on the far turn before going on to win last time – noting worthy of a major upgrade, but he might have been 3 ½ – 4 lengths the best in that race, not the 3L he did actually score by. – Although he raced wide (worthy of a small UPGRADE), it should be noted that #4 CODE OF SILENCE had a very favorable pace set up last time which no doubt aided his performance (fast pace played heavily into the hands of closers). – #5 TACTICS was caught notably wide on the far turn in his last start – his effort was worthy of a medium sized UPGRADE. – #6 G Q WORTHY worked a very favorable trip closing into a fast pace that fell apart in his last start – although he produced a career best, it’s easy to argue that he wasn’t actually second best in that race – DOWNGRADE his effort. |
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Race 8: OC62k/N1X Allowance, 3YOF, 1 Mile, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #5 NOBLE STATUS | Allowance, LRL, 6F, Good Dirt, 12/06/25 – 4th | She lacked speed despite being ridden hard along the inside racing into the far turn (carried her head high, possibly resisting the kickback); she then steadied entering the far turn as a rival crossed in front of her which knocked her back slightly and checked her momentum; having dropped ~11L+ off the even pace rounding the far turn, she then switched out into the clear 3-4W, came under a hefty ride and suddenly found stride, rallying with eye-catching energy in the lane to finish 3rd before galloping out well. | After a couple of troubled trips, she suffered another imperfect trip in this race, steadying entering the far turn which, considering the pace held well (even tempo, 1-2 finishers filled those positions throughout), was undesirable. Not sure she was in love with the kickback either which (having drawn low in all four career starts) could explain her apparent lack of early interest in her races. What was impressive, though, was the energy she showed down the lane when in the clear – we can expect an improved effort back at 1M today, granted a clean trip. |
| Other notes:
– #1 TIPMANEE was caught notably wide on the turn in her last start; it didn’t impact the result, though (she was well beaten). – #4 GOD I NEED A FAVOR was caught slightly wide on both turns last time which cost her a couple of lengths (and therefore, maybe the runner-up spot) – small UPGRADE. – #6 MISS FULTON GAL stumbled and stutter-stepped at the start last time. It was not enough of an excuse for her sub-par effort, though – she underperformed. – There was a significant speed bias present at Parx when #7 C’EST CHOUETTE finished second last time, likely warranting a DOWNGRADE. |
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Race 9: OC40k/N2X Allowance, 4YO+F, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #2 KILO ROAD | Allowance, LRL, 5 1/2F, Good Dirt, 12/07/25 – 5th | She took a hefty bump at the start, briefly lost her back end and got away slowly; she then trailed the field under heavy pressure, ~12L+ off the lead racing into the lane before finishing well along the inside. | Not sure whether we should upgrade, downgrade, draw a line through this effort or just leave it alone. However, the bump she took at the start was noteworthy and that resulted in her racing much further off the pace than usual; in a race that saw speed hold well, it wasn’t ideal and her finishing effort indicated that she was capable of more than she showed. Wouldn’t be shocked if she improved on this effort/speed figure back at 6F today. |
| Other notes:
– #3 TALK TO THE JUDGE sat a a slightly wide trip while pressing a fast pace on a closer-friendly track off the bench last time. It was a good effort under the circumstances; returns from another lengthy layoff today. – There was a closer bias present at Laurel Park when #4 ITSAMONSTAMASH closed to finish 2nd last time which likely aided her (slight DOWNGRADE). Still, it was a solid effort in defeat. |
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Race 10: Maiden Claiming 12.5k, 3YOF, 1 Mile, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #1 FASTFIELD | Maiden Claiming 16k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 12/20/25 – 3rd | She stumbled considerably inwards at the break and bumped with a rival; recovered and chased the even pace from ~5L back towards the center of the track into the turn; lost ground while racing ~4W+ on the bend, then stayed on with credit between foes in the lane for 3rd. | Although there was a closer bias present at Laurel Park this day (which may have aided her finishing effort slightly), speed held well in this race (top two finishers ran 1-2 throughout); her stumble at the break and wide trip entitles this effort to a slight UPGRADE (suspect she didn’t quite regress in the way her speed figure suggests); she also ran in a manner to suggest today’s 1M trip will be in her favor. |
| #6 TAKE CHARGE CANDY | Maiden Claiming 16k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 12/20/25 – 3rd | She was bumped and pinched at the start which resulted in her getting away in last; chased the even pace from ~7L back ~2W to the top of the lane, then finished evenly with credit for 4th. | Exiting the same race as #1 FASTFIELD, this wasn’t a terrible trip and the aforementioned closer bias present this day may have aided her finishing effort somewhat; still, speed held well in this race which, after her troubled start left her in last early, arguably put her at a disadvantage; this was also her first start off the bench and she ran in a manner to suggest today’s stretch out in distance could be to her advantage, so there are reasons to expect more today. |
| Other notes: None | |||
Horses to Follow
R2: BLO BY’EM (5/2 ML)
Despite a short field, the pace signed on in today’s second race looks frenetic, which should play right into the hands of BLO BY’EM. This gelded son of BLOFELD has run well, despite a messy trip last time, to hit the board in his last two races which Timeform US’ race ratings suggest were tougher than today’s. Even with the barn switch to Charlie Frock this afternoon, Villalobos – who rode BLO BY’EM to his lone victory – keeps the ride, and with a great setup forecast, he seems a fair price to run well on the morning-line.
R4: GONNA MAKE IT (5/2 ML)
Although beaten as the 6/5 favorite, GONNA MAKE IT made a pleasing route debut when fitted with blinkers and running as a gelding for the first time last out. Despite losing considerable real estate racing wide throughout, he stayed on well to finish a hard-trying third, just behind the far more experienced PENCIL ME IN. With reason to believe that he’ll move forward off that two-turn experience and additional dose of route fitness now under his belt, a more ground-saving trip should see him go close in today’s fourth with lasix on for the first time – a positive angle with Brittany Russell trainees. 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.
R5: CLOSE THE GATE (6/1 ML)
Although CLOSE THE GATE’s debut Beyer of 42 falls short of what his main rivals in today’s sixth have achieved, he was visibly green in that race and barely ran a step for the first half of the contest, dropping himself out over fifteen lengths off the lead at second call. When straightened for the drive, however, the penny then dropped and he rattled home with great energy through slight traffic to finish a fast-closing second in a race that saw speed hold well. Having then galloped out in front of the field, it’s fair to assume his ability is far greater than he showed on debut, and with the third-place finisher boosting the form by posting a 55 Beyer – a 15-point improvement – courtesy of a runner-up effort in a MSW next out, it wouldn’t be surprising to see CLOSE THE GATE score this afternoon with a wide draw to help.
