Trip notes for Laurel Park’s two stake races today, plus 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 6: The Ben’s Cat Stakes (Restricted), 3YO+, 6F, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| CRABS N BEER | Dinner Party S., Pim, 1 1/8M, Good, 05/17/25 – 7th | ‘CNB’ was not rushed having broken from the two hole but still managed to adopt a favorable rail stalking position early, ~1L off the slow pace. He traveled keenly in this position to ~1/2M pole, then eased into the 2P to avoid the retreating leader heading into the far turn. As the pace then quickened in front, he became outpaced & dropped back slightly while under pressure on the bend, hitting the top of the lane ~3L down & heading in the wrong direction. From there, he faded further in the stretch. This was a high-quality field he was taking on; however, having established a perfect position behind the slow pace early, he then became badly outpaced when the real running began which wasn’t ideal considering he’s cutting back to 6F today. Trip is likely to be an issue today. |
| KING COVEE | SA, BAQ, 6F, Firm, 06/12/25 – 2nd | ‘KC’ broke okay from gate two, then took a minor bump after the break but wasn’t drastically impeded. He lacked speed initially out the gate & raced towards rear through the opening furlong but then advanced under a tight hold to adopt a favorable tracking position in mid-pack, ~2L off the slow pace while racing in the 2P to the 5/16 pole. He was then angled out into the clear 4W & advanced smoothly around horses to take a share of 2nd at the top of the stretch with the lone leader in sight. From there, he came under a strong ride & finished strongly to the wire but was never catching the winner. Another solid effort in defeat: he traveled well in mid-pack, advanced smoothly in the 3-4P on the bend, then finished powerfully but could not reach the gate to wire winner who had gotten away with setting a slow pace eagerly. He again showed a good attitude & could have more to offer again as he makes his third start of the form cycle, especially if given a stronger pace to run at. |
| SINETIC | MD Alw, Pim, 5F, Firm, 05/10/25 – 7th | Having broken alertly from the rail, SINETIC was ridden forward & showed good speed to vie for the lead early. He traveled well dueling through sharp fractions to the top of the stretch, then came under a strong ride & gamely maintained the lead to ~50yds before the 1/8th pole. However, he then became leg weary, was engulfed by the closers & faded back into 7th. Went hard dueling from the rail, then faded. He showed a good attitude here; however, this is a much tougher group that he faces today, he’s not going to be alone on the lead, & he’ll also have to last another furlong if he’s to score, which seems unlikely. Needs more. |
| GREAT IDEA | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 05/15/25 – 3rd | Following a clean break, ‘GI’ came under pressure to keep up when outpaced chasing the blistering pace to the far turn, ~5L back in the 2P. He then found his stride & traveled better when riding the rail around the far turn but didn’t advance & hit the top of the stretch still ~7L behind. However, he then tipped out into the clear 4W, came under a strong ride & rallied nicely through the lane for a fast-closing 3rd. He was never reaching the winner though. Clean trip. Was outpaced chasing the red-hot pace early, then rallied powerfully in the stretch. Was possibly flattered by the pace scenario but still, this was a decent enough effort. If he shows back up today to make his third start of the form cycle off just a 6-day break, the stretch out to 6F should suit him. Promising. |
| TIDEWATER | Alw, Pim, 5F, Good, 05/16/25 – 3rd | TIDEWATER was restrained from the gate & dropped back to chase the pace in rear, ~10L off the pace racing to the far turn. He remained patiently handled in this position to ~1/4 pole, then worked out into the centre of the track at the top of the stretch, came under a strong ride & finished gamely to the wire, passing multiple rivals to claim 3rd. He lacked the pace to threaten for the win though. Was very patiently handled far off the pace, then finished with interest but lacked the pace to challenge for the win. The pace fell apart a little here, which slightly flattered him; however, he there’s no denying that he showed a likable attitude & ran in a manner to suggest that, as he now makes his third start of the form cycle, he can improve today for the extra yardage. He also stumbled a few times on the ‘good’ listed turf and may have more to offer if the ground comes up firm today. |
| HAD TO HAVE HIM | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Good, 05/31/25 – 1st | (Off turf event). ‘HTHH’ broke alertly from the rail but didn’t want any part of the early pace & eased back to stalk the pace in last, ~1L off the lead early. He traveled well in this position to ~5/16 pole, then gradually eased his way off the rail into the clear 3-4W ~1/4 pole. From there, he steadily advanced around horses, drew level for the lead while still under a hand ride ~1/8th pole, then came under a strong ride & extended away for a comfortable score. Four runner race. This was a convincing win off the layoff: he powerfully stalked the pace, then eased out, advanced under hand urging, drew level ~1/8th pole & extended away nicely late. He won in a manner that suggested 6F could see him to even better effect & he could strip fitter today too. Promising. |
| HUNTER JOE | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Good, 06/01/25 – 4th | (Off turf event). Following a clean break, ‘HJ’ tracked the leaders while being squeezed along between horses in the 3P, ~1L back heading to the far turn. Under a hand ride, he then advanced in the 3P to be racing just a neck behind the pace setters ~1/4 pole. He then came under a stronger ride but could find no more & despite trying hard, faded into last. Sat 3W throughout which maybe cost him a length or two, but not the win. He was under pressure to stick within striking range throughout but could find no more late on & faded. He’s entitled to strip fitter for this comeback run & should improve for both the stretch out to 6F & return to turf; however, it would still have been nice to have seen a little more from him here & improvement will be required. |
| DETERMINED KINGDOM | Jim McKay Turf Sprint S., Pim, 5F, Good, 05/17/25 – 3rd | ‘DK’ took a bump & was forced in slightly at the break which left him chasing the place at the rear of the body of the field, ~5L off the pace early. He was patiently ridden in this position to ~5/16 pole, then received a nudge from his rider & advanced slightly along the rail to hit the top of the stretch ~3L down. From there, he came under a strong ride & responded nicely to draw level for the lead ~1/16 pole. However, as the winner then blew by everyone down the centre, his forward momentum flattened out slightly & he had to settle for 3rd. This was a good effort in defeat against talented horses. Having been impeded at the gate, he had to work hard to draw level for the lead ~1/16 pole which, on the ‘good’ listed turf, possibly explains him flattening out slightly late. Facing slightly easier company today, if granted a cleaner break, he could improve again & be very dangerous as he makes his third start of the form cycle, especially if the turf is firm. |
| WHENIGETTOHEAVEN | Alw, PID, 6F, Synth, 06/04/25 – 3rd | WHENIGETTOHEAVEN broke okay from the rail, then worked forward to stalk the pace under a tight hold in the pocket, ~1L off the lead early. He traveled well in this position to ~1/4 pole, then found room, came under a strong ride & stayed on well to the wire but lacked the pace to challenge the 7/5 winner who had set slow fractions in front from the start & kicked powerfully off the bend. He eventually dead heated for 3rd, just 1/2L off 2nd. Despite the defeat, this wasn’t a terrible effort as he was bottled up behind slow fractions set by the 7/5 favorite from the start which made it hard for him to close late. He did travel well though, show a good attitude & stay on well to the wire. Now returning to the turf with a wide draw in his third start of the form cycle, he can improve. |
| TALL ORDER | Alw, Pim, 5F, Good, 05/16/25 – 7th | Having broken cleanly from gate two, ‘TO’ was restrained back to chase the pace in rear, ~9L off the pace racing to the far turn. He then began to advance along the rial while under a hold but lacked a clear path ~5/16 pole which stalled his momentum somewhat when he really needed to be getting into top stride. He hit the top of the stretch still under a hold ~5L off the lead, then tried to advance but was denied a clear path again. From the 3/16 pole to inside the 1/8th pole, he spent his time sharply angling out into the clear down the centre of the track, then he finally came under a strong ride & finished well but had way too much to do. An upgradable effort: he appeared to be closing nicely from the rear but lacked a clear path from ~5/16 pole to well inside the final 1/8th. With a cleaner trip, one feels he could have gone very close. A wide raw today should help him avoid similar trouble as he makes his third start of the form cycle, & the stretch out to 6F should see him to better effect too. He’ll need pace to run at but off this effort, shouldn’t be entirely ruled out. |
| S S SINATRA (AE) | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Good, 06/01/25 – 2nd | (Off turf event). ‘SSS’ broke sharply from the rail, took a narrow early lead & then set a hot, pressure pace to ~3/8 pole. He was then joined for the lead & came under a ride to hold his position which he gamely did to the top of the stretch. He then came under a strong ride at the top of the lane & continued to battle hard to the wire but could not keep stride with the top two & faded late on. Four runner race. It’s hard not to admirable of this effort having set a pressured pace in front & then battled hard all the way to the wire. However, he’s likely going to be facing pace pressure again today from his wide draw which won’t make getting an extra 1/16M easy, especially as he returns to the turf which seems his lesser preferred surface. |
| CLAUDEE BOY (AE) | Alw, Pim, 5F, Good, 05/16/25 – 4th | ‘CB’ broke okay from the wide outside post, then chased the pace from mid-pack, ~5L off the pace while in the clear ~5W racing to the far turn. He then retained his position while 3W on the bend but dropped further off the pace as the leaders quickened & the field strung out. He hit the top of the lane ~8L off the lead in 7th, then worked out into the 5p, came under a strong ride & steadily closed, but had too much to do & lacked the pace to threaten for the win. Sat a wide trip which arguably cost him a length or two. He chased the pace from mid-pack, then closed steadily in the lane. He can improve if granted a more ground saving trip today & the stretch out to 6F should be in his favor. However, this was a weaker field than he’ll be facing today & it seems he’ll need to find much more to score. |
| SUE LOVES BARBADOS (AE) | SA, Pim, 5F, Firm, 05/10/25 – 4th | ‘SLB’ was unhurried following a clean break & dropped back to chase the pace in mid-pack, ~5L off the lead while riding the rail into the far turn. He traveled well in this position around the bend to the top of the stretch, then advanced slightly but was briefly denied a clear path. He didn’t have to check, but he did have to alter course slightly out into the 5P. From there, when clear, he came under a strong ride & stayed on well enough to the wire; however, he lacked a finishing punch & never threatened for the win. He didn’t have a completely clean stretch run here, but it didn’t really cost him a position & he didn’t have much of an excuse. He’ll need much more today taking on tougher company. |
| BUMP N RUN (AE) | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Good, 06/01/25 – 1st | (Off turf event). ‘BNR’ got away okay from the outside post, then chased the pace from ~2L back while in the clear 4W heading into the turn. He then held this position nicely, despite giving away ground racing 4-5W, possibly lugging out a touch too, around the turn to hit the top of the lane ~2L down in the 5P. From there, he came under a strong ride & after making a slightly late lead change, stayed on strongly down the centre to draw level for the lead ~1/16 pole before edging away late. He then galloped out strongly. Four runner race. This was a solid victory: he traveled well while chasing the pace while wide, then stayed on well to the wire before galloping out nicely. If granted a more ground saving trip today, he could improve a couple of lengths & stretching back out to 6F should suit too. Just not sure he’s quite so effective on turf? Arguably lugged out a touch on the bend too. |
| EMBOLDEN (AE) | SA, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 06/08/24 – 6th | EMBOLDEN was unruly in the gate, then hopped at the break & lacked speed, dropping back to chase the pace in rear, ~9L off the pace while 2W heading into the far turn. He then made very steady headway under minimal urging while 2-3W on the turn to hit the top of the stretch ~8L back, then he came under a ride but found nothing off the bridle & remained well behind to the wire. Lacked speed having been unruly in the gate & then hopped leaving there. He found nothing off the bridle late & never factored. The recent gelding operation will need to have helped a lot for him to factor off the layoff today. |
| SLAM NOTION (AE) | Chick Lang S., Pim, 6F, Fast, 05/17/25 – 8th | ‘SN’ broke awkwardly from the rail & found himself chasing the pace in rear, ~10L off the pace early where he looked uncomfortable facing kickback, climbing. He hit the far turn under heavy pressure ~15L off the pace & was never involved thereafter. Having broken awkwardly from the rail, he looked uncomfortable facing the kickback & never did any running which, as lightly raced frontrunner who’d never faced kickback before, seems a legitimate excuse for this sub-par effort. For now at least, a line can be drawn through this effort & more can be expected today. |
Race 8: The Jameela Stakes (Restricted), 3YO+F, 6F, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| ALLA BREVE | Pan Zareta S., FG, 5 1/2F, Firm, 11/30/24 – 4th | ‘AB’ broke slowly from gate seven & was left chasing the pace between horses in rear, ~7L off the lead early. She then tried to advance entering the far turn but was put in tight & forced to check ~3/8 pole which knocked her back a length or two & put her on the back foot. She then came under pressure racing between horse in the 2P on the turn, hit the top of the stretch still racing towards rear, ~6L off the lead, then angled out into the clear ~4W. From there, she rallied nicely down the centre of the stretch, passing multiple rivals for 4th, just a nose off 2nd, but had too much to do to contend for the win. This was a decent effort against talented horses at 16/1. Had she not been forced to check ~3/8 pole & been able to save a little more ground, she would almost certainly have finished 3rd & with a cleaner trip from the rail today, she could be capable of improving. Does need pace to run at though. Two time winner off the layoff. |
| HOLLYWOOD WALK | License Fee S., BAQ, 6F, Firm, 05/04/25 – 3rd | ‘HW’ bobbled very slightly out of the gate but still managed to break sharply, then dropped back to track the speed under a hold while riding the rail, 3L off the modest pace racing to ~5/16 pole. She then came under encouragement rounding into the lane & stayed on well enough to the wire but lacked the required kick to ever challenge for the win. Clean trip. Not a bad effort at 15/1. A large factor in the result of this race was the modest early pace – the 10/1 winner went gate to wire, while an 8/1 shot ran second from start to finish. That made it slightly difficult for ‘HW’ to close from mid-pack & if granted a swifter early pace to run at today, she could be seen to better effect as she makes her second start of the form cycle. |
| NEXT GIRL | Alw, Lrl, 1 1/16M, Firm, 06/06/25 – 2nd | Having broken cleanly from the outside draw, ‘NG’ worked across to comfortably track the pace in a share of 3rd, ~4L off the pace while 2W racing to the far turn. She then came under a hand ride close in on the leading duo ~7/16 pole & did so nicely, advancing to pass the ¼ pole ~2L off the pace. From there, she floated out into the 4P at the top of the lane, came under a strong ride & then advanced again to be racing ~1/2L of the lead ~3/16 pole. She then ran home willingly to the wire in 2nd but could not get past the winner. This was a solid effort in defeat at 8/1 where she showed a very likable attitude. However, she didn’t have any excuse either & didn’t particularly run in a manner that suggested a cut back to 6F would see her to any better/the same effect. She’ll need pace to run at today. |
| CUT FROM CLASS | Dahlia S., Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/19/25 – 6th | ‘CFG’ showed event speed form the gate, then eased back to powerfully stalk the pace on the rail in 3rd, ~3L off the pace rounding the first turn. She took a strong hold while traveling well in this position to the far turn, then came under encouragement as the pace increased ~5/16 pole but lacked a turn of foot. Closers then passed her & demoted her to 6th ~3/16 pole & from there she finished evenly to the wire. She had no excuse having stalked the pace in a perfect position but lacked a finishing kick & just wasn’t good enough. However, she did show decent early speed, race powerfully through the early stages of the race & stay on well enough late to be beaten just 4 3/4L, indicating that she could be effective as a closing sprinter. She’s entitled to step forward for this return from the layoff & if the pace is strong early, could be seen to good effect today. |
| BOSSERATI | Jim McKay Turf Sprint S., Pim, 5F, Good, 05/17/25 – 1st | BOSSERATI broke like a shot out of a cannon from gate two & sped to the lead early. She then traveled well setting a pressured pace along the rail to the top of the stretch, turning for home still under a hold, ~1/4L in front. From there, she came under a strong ride & showed an extremely game attitude to hold her narrow lead to the wire, scoring by a neck. This was an extremely game gate-to-wire win off the layoff. If getting comfortable on the lead today, her determined attitude could see her carry her speed for another furlong as she makes her second start of the form cycle on firmer ground. Big player. |
| LIFELOVENLAUGHTER | Alw, Lrl, 1 1/16M, Firm, 06/06/25 – 1st | LIVELOVENLAUGHTER showed decent natural speed from the gate, then eased back to track the pace on the rail in 3rd, ~5L off the loose leader rounding the first turn. She travelled powerfully in this position to the far turn, then came under encouragement to go after the leading duo ~3/8 pole & readily advanced. Having then angled out into the clear 3W at the top of the lane, she maintained her forward momentum under a strong ride to draw level ~1/8th pole before edging into the lead & gamely holding firm to the wire. This was a solid score off the layoff. She showed decent early speed, race powerfully through the early stages of the race & stayed on well late, indicating that she could be effective as a closing sprinter. She’s entitled to step forward for this return from the layoff & if the pace is strong early, could be seen to good effect cutting back in trip today. |
| MOONLIT KISS | Fancy Blues S. (Res), CT, 4 1/2F, Fast, 05/31/25 – 3rd | ‘MK’ was hustled hard from the inside gate but didn’t flash her usual early speed, then took a bump shortly after which left her racing in last early. She was then quickly taken to the far outside & ridden hard chasing the pace from ~5L back to the far turn. She was under heavy pressure but failing to advance when racing 3-4W around the turn in 7th, then launched a rally past beaten horses down the centre of the track for 3rd but could not get up in time & was never beating the winner. Other than racing a touch wide on the turn, she didn’t have much of an excuse here. Based on her finishing effort, she could be capable of stepping forward for today’s extra distance & a wider draw may help her adopt a more forward position early; however, it seems she will need a huge career best to factor. |
| JUNIPER JUICE | MD Alw, Lrl, 1M, Firm, 05/24/25 – 7th | ‘JJ’ broke okay from gate eight, then advanced to vie for the lead 4W heading into the turn before floating way out into the 6P. Having then worked back down to the 4P, she chased the fast pace in a share of 3rd while being squeezed along ~2L back to the far turn. She then came under more pressure & advanced in the 4P on the turn to dream level for the lead ~1/4 pole but her momentum then flattened out at the top of the lane & she faded tamely into 7th. Sat a wide trip but that didn’t make much difference. She was under pressure chasing the pace throughout, then flattened out at the top of the lane. There wasn’t much about this effort that suggested a cut back to 6F would bring about improvement & she’ll need much more today. |
| GIFT OF GAB | Alw, Del, 5F, Good, 06/07/25 – 1st | ‘GOG’ was unhurried following a clean break & dropped back under patient handling to race in rear of a tightly bunched field, ~4L off the lead racing to the bend between horses in the 2P. She then made eye-catching headway under minimal urging on the turn to pass the ¼ pole just 2L down. From there, she angled out into the clear 4W, came under a strong ride & maintained her forward momentum into the lane, drawing level for the lead ~1/8th pole before drawing off to the wire. This was a very convincing score in which she was much the best. She traveled well enough to believe that she can adopt whichever position she desires from the outside gate today & finished as if 6F would be no problem. This is a tougher group she faces today, but she could be sitting on another big effort. |
Horses to Follow
R6: WHENIGETTOHEAVEN (5/2 ML)
WHENIGETTOHEAVEN appears well-positioned to defend his title in this afternoon’s Bens Cat S., despite a lack of recent wins. The 6-year-old gelded son of STREET MAGICIAN has gone winless in six starts since narrowly defeating the re-opposing TIDEWATER in this race last year, and he hasn’t yet matched the 89 Beyer he posted in that victory. Still, his two starts this year show he retains a high level of ability. After a 119-day layoff, he returned to finish a strong third in the King T. Leatherbury S. behind FORE HARP and WITTY (the latter won the Jim McKay Turf Sprint S. with a 94 Beyer next out), despite having been caught in a tough spot pressing the hot pace between rivals early on. Then, in his most recent outing over Presque Isle’s synthetic surface, he again finished a game third, even though that race didn’t set up well for him at all, as he found himself boxed in behind slow fractions on the rail, which made catching the 7/5 favorite – who wired the field – nearly impossible. Owing to his lack of match fitness two back and the poor set up he received last time, it’s easy to envisage him taking a big step forward this afternoon and recapturing his best form as he makes his third start of the form cycle. Not only does he get back to sprinting 6-furlongs on the turf at Laurel Park, where he clearly thrives, but he also draws perfectly towards the outside, from where he can adopt a favorable stalking position in what’s likely to be a moderately paced affair, and reunites with jockey Torrealba, who has ridden him in all his top-three Beyer earning efforts. Furthermore, over the the last four weeks, trainer Nolan Ramsey’s runners have produced five wins, three seconds, and two thirds from just twelve starts (42%-win rate, 83% in-the-money, $2.03 ROI), strengthening his case. He comes into this contest as one of the fastest, most hard-trying horses in the line up, has already beaten most of today’s rivals, and despite his recent losses, looks set to become the first repeat winner of the race since Ben’s Cat himself made it five in a row ten years ago.
R8: BOSSERATI (5/2 ML)
Like the Ben’s Cat S., this afternoon’s Jameela S. lacks early speed, which could compromise the 2/1 morning-line favorite ALLA BREVE and instead, leave the door ajar for BOSSERATI to notch a second straight stakes victory and put her tough beat in this race last year behind her. Trained by Brittany Russell, the daughter of HOLY BOSS was last seen determinedly scoring in Pimlico’s The Very One Stakes, where she broke sharply, seized the lead early, and set a pressured pace before digging deep to hold on by a neck at the wire. Concerns linger about her ability to stretch out an extra furlong today, given she just only just clung on in that 5-furlong battle. However, context matters: she faced constant pressure on the front end that day, was returning from a 167-day layoff, and ran on a ‘good’ listed turf course described by jockeys as “sticky and holding.” Today, on paper at least, it appears that she’ll enjoy an easier time of things dictating terms up front, and with that extra race fitness now behind her, plus a firmer turf course playing in her favor, there’s a strong chance that she can go all the way again for the red-hot Russell barn, who have started the meet hitting at a staggering 35% clip (11-for-35).
R9: THIRD TUESDAY (4/1 ML)
Look past THIRD TUESDAY’s most recent effort when she was significantly hampered just over a furlong into what was her turf debut, and a strong case for her in today’s nightcap. Two back, the 4-year-old daughter of GREAT NOTION, now trained by Jonathan Maldonado, posted a 32 Beyer with a strong third place finish over today’s course and distance, beaten just 3 1/2-lengths by SHE’S A GEM and PAPERBACK EDITION, both of whom returned to score next out with Beyers of 51 and 40, respectively. However, that race didn’t come without mishap either, as she stumbled at the start, then checked entering the turn before getting caught four wide. All things considered, she did exceptionally well to finish as close as she did. Now returning to the dirt, if returning to a similar or improved level of form than she showed that day, she could make her 4/1 odds look very generous in this weaker looking contest with apprentice rider Matilda Burnham taking a valuable 7lbs off.
Good luck playing Laurel today!
Hello Will,
2 more double digit winners – Nice! Appreciate all the work you put into your analysis. Thanks!
Wayne Miller
Hey, thanks Wayne!
Yep, that was another very profitable afternoon. Delighted with the price on Third Tuesday.
Thanks again for the support!
Will