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Laurel Park Tips and Trips – Saturday, November 29, 2025

by ITM WillHumphrey3 weeks ago17 min read

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: 3-10-12

R2: 7-4-1

R3: 6-3-5

R4: 8-10-3

R5: 4-7-5

R6: 9-7-2

R7: 2-10-4

R8: 8-7-5

R9: 3-5-7

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

Race 1: Maiden Claiming 12k, 3-6YOF, 6 Furlongs, Dirt

HORSE	RACE	TRIP	NOTE
#5 AUTUMN IN VERMONT	Maiden Claiming 12k, LRL, 6F, Muddy Dirt, 11/08/25 – 4th	Chased the slow pace from ~3-4L back while 5W racing to 5/16 pole, then dropped back slightly as the leader kicked and spread the field out approaching the top of the lane; turned for home ~5W in 5th, then kept trying and got 4th.	Raced very wide while trying to close into a slow pace on a speed favoring track; trip didn’t cost her the race, but it didn’t allow her to show her best either. Expect more second off the bench today.
#10 FIFTH GEAR	Maiden Claiming 12k, LRL, 6F, Muddy Dirt, 11/08/25 – 6th	Took a noteworthy bump shortly after the start; chased the slow pace from ~4-5L back ~6W to ~5/16 pole, then shifted out slightly wider entering the lane (losing further ground) before fading slightly in the lane.	Was attempting to close into a slow pace on a speed favoring track while racing extremely wide in her first start off the bench – highly unlikely that this is a true reflection of her ability and we should expect more second off today. She’s shown she has the ability to race more prominently in the past too.
#11 GOTTA BE DA SHOES	Maiden Claiming 16k, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 11/08/25 – 6t	Chased the hot pace from ~10L+ back on the rail racing to ~7/16 pole, then had to take up very sharply, check and steady when a rival plummeted back into her path at a rate of knots; was given time to recover, passed the ¼ pole ~15L off the lead under a hold, then came under a ride and finished with good energy but had far too much to do.	Did well to finish as close as she did after meeting significant trouble on the far turn. This was the second troubled trip she’s encountered in a row (trouble two-back was 2x worse than in this race) and there’s no doubt she’s better than her recent (turf) efforts suggest. Switch to dirt an unknown today, though.
Other notes: – #1 TEA ROSE sat a notably wide trip last time. – #2 INTEL AGENT took a hefty bump at the break last time (though that was arguably insignificant as she always comes from behind) and sat a notably wide trip. She also had a wicked pace to run at which helped, though.

Race 2: Claiming 7.5k, 3YO+, 1 1/16 Miles, Dirt

HORSE

RACE

TRIP

NOTE

#7 HAY CHIEF

Claiming 7.5k, LRL, 1 1/16M, Fast Dirt, 11/08/25 – 3rd

Was squeezed back and forced to take up slightly shortly after the start; chased the even pace under patient handling from ~12L+ back racing to ~9/16 pole, then made smooth headway into and around the far turn despite racing 4W to ~5/16 pole; was floated even wider (~7W+) into the lane, straightened for the drive ~7L back, then continued staying on well for 3rd.

Closed from a long way back after a rough start to finish 3rd, despite the fact the pace was just even, the track was speed favoring, and he gave away a lot of ground racing extremely wide. This effort deserves a significant UPGRADE; expect more third off the bench today.

Other notes:

– #1 MASAKADO found himself tight between foes in mid-stretch last time; it probably didn’t cost him a position, but it didn’t exactly help him either.

– #4 B DAWK ran a nice race off the bench despite a wide trip and a little (insignificant, though) bumping in the lane last time; wouldn’t be a surprise if he offered more today.

Race 3: MSW, 2YO, 7 Furlongs, Dirt

HORSE	RACE	TRIP	NOTE
#3 PONT AVEN	MD MSW, LRL, 7F, Fast Dirt, 10/25/25 – 3rd	Worked forward to contest the even pace between horses in the 2P racing to the top of the lane, then grudgingly faded to 3rd in a game debut effort.	Contested the pace between horses throughout – often a trickier position than it seems. A solid debut he can improve on second with blinkers added.
#5 GOTTA GET IT RIGHT	MSW, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 10/17/25 – 4th	Broke slowly in last; chased the hot pace from ~7L back to the turn, then made stealthy headway in hand despite racing 4W+ on the bend; passed the ¼ pole just ~4L down, then took a bump upon straightening and briefly lost his backend; recovered and then tried to close but was a green and then took another slight bump from the winner ~1/8th pole before staying on again slightly late.	Missed the break, then gave away ground racing wide, was twice bumped in the lane and looked green; did well under the circumstances; expect more in career start #2 this afternoon stretched out in trip (if taking to the dirt).
Other notes: – #1 J J PACHECO has sat two wide trips in a row; not sure either trip have cost him a position, though (maybe just a speed fig point or two); he’s also failed to switch leads in the stretch both times. – #4 FIRST OFFICER sat a notably wide trip last time.

Race 4: MD-Bred Allowance, 3YO+F, 5 ½ Furlongs, Dirt

HORSE

RACE

TRIP

NOTE

#6 PREPAREFORTAKEOFF

Allowance, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 11/14/25 – 8th

Broke like a shot from the rail and set a hot pace inside to the turn; dropped back while being nudged along racing to ~1/4 pole, then found herself in tight along the fence and was forced to check; dropped back to be racing ~8L off the lead shortly after straightening, then stayed on evenly to the wire.

Hit a flat spot on the turn and then had any remaining chance squandered when meeting significant trouble ~1/4 pole. Hard to tell where she’d have finished with a clean trip (seems unlikely she’d have finished 1-2) but she’s at least in better form currently than this troubled effort suggests (on turf).

Other notes:

– #1 SHEHERHERS sat a notably wide trip last time.

– #4 SOCIETY BALL had to very briefly tap on the brakes ~3/8 pole last time; it made no difference to the result/trip, though.

Race 5: OC20K/SAL12K, 3YO+, 1 1/16 Miles, Dirt

HORSE	RACE	TRIP	NOTE
#6 CATATUMBO	Claiming 7.5k, LRL, 1 1/16M, Muddy Dirt, 11/08/25 – 2nd	Was unhurried from the gate and content to rate on the rail early; chased the even pace from ~8L back inside to ~1/2m pole, then angled to the outside and began to advance in the 5P on the turn; straightened for the drive ~4-5L off the lead in 3rd, ~5W, then continued to close powerfully but missed.	Endured a wide trip and closed on a speed favoring racetrack – sizable UPGRADE.
#9 SELF TAUGHT	Starter Alw, LRL, 1M, Fast Dirt, 11/01/25 – 6th	Chased the even pace from ~6-8L back to the turn, then made a big move while 4W+ on the bend to take 3rd at the top of the lane, just 4L off the loose leader; he then battled hard to the 1/16 pole before fading late.	Made a big (early) move while very wide on the turn and understandably ended up flattening out late. He probably wasn’t ever winning this race, but with a different ride one suspects he can improve.
Other notes: – #4 DOCLE VITA saved ground closing into a fast pace on a closer friendly racetrack last out. DOWNGRADE that effort. – The chart comment on #7 TIDAL FORCES’ last race mentions how he waited at the 5/16 and then swung five wide. While these things did happen, neither factor negatively impacted him and overall, it was a great trip/setup he received.

Race 6: Maiden Claiming 16k, 2YOF, 5 ½ Furlongs, Dirt

HORSE

RACE

TRIP

NOTE

#7 BULMA

Maiden Claiming 25k, LRL, 1M, Fast Dirt, 10/31/25 – 5th

Chased the honest pace from ~5L back to the turn, then was shuffled back to last entering the bend; came under pressure to regain lost ground ~4W on the turn and did so racing to the 5/16 pole; dropped back again when coming 5W into the lane, then faded.

Quite liked how she made a little move despite racing notably wide on the turn in this race after being shuffled back entering the bend (this wasn’t a perfect trip); she didn’t stay a mile, so the cut back to 5 1/2F could make sense provided she has pace to run at. Two-back effort was troubled.

Other notes:

– Both #7 BULMA and #8 EVER YOURS had troubled trips two-back (their last starts sprinting).

– #9 BACK WALL BANDIT was racing against a fairly significant speed bias last time.

Race 7: Safely Kept Stakes, 3YOF, 7 Furlongs, Dirt

HORSE	RACE		TRIP		NOTE
#11 PASSAGE EAST		Starter Alw, BAQ, 6 1/2F, Fast Dirt, 10/18/25 – 3rd		Four runner race. Was unhurried from the gate; tracked the modest pace from ~2L back in the 2-3P to ~5/16 pole; eased out into the clear ~5W and came under a ride but failed to advance with any significance; straightened for the drive still ~2L back, then finished evenly for 3rd, lacking the pace to truly threaten.		Was slightly pace compromised (slow pace held well; produced an even finish but lacked the gears to truly threaten late) while wide throughout (UPGRADE). Expect more if the predicted fast pace materializes this afternoon.
Other notes: – The chart comment notes how #2 REPUTATION stumbled at the break last out; it made no difference to her trip/the result. – #4 ONYX TEN was able to save ground while closing into a hot pace on a closer friendly racetrack last out – DOWNGRADE that effort. – Other runners’ recent rips have been clean, and their results/figures seem fair reflections of their abilities.

Race 8: City of Laurel Stakes, 3YO, 7 Furlongs, Dirt

HORSE	RACE	TRIP	NOTE
#3 TOP BLOOD	Allowance, LRL, 1 1/16M, Fast Dirt, 11/14/25 – 6th	Pulled extremely hard in behind horses, fighting the rider furiously ~4L off the even pace 2W racing to ~1/2m pole, then waited under a hold behind tiring foes racing to ~3/8 pole before hitting a wall and tiring himself.	Wasted a lot of energy pulling tremendously hard early, then failed to get home; should be more comfortable back racing at 7F pace around one turn. Although he’s a long shot who’ll likely need a career best today, he can at least bounce back from this poor effort.
#5 BOLD DIVERSION	Allowance, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 11/07/25 – 1st	Chased the even pace from ~4L back to the far turn, then made stealthy headway in the 4P+ racing to ~5/16 pole; swung further out into the ~6P+ while maintaining his forward move to the top of the lane, then forged past the leaders ~1/8th pole and won going away.	Very wide trip, enough to warrant an UPGRADE.
#7 PASCALINE	WV Russell Road Breeders’ Classic S., CT, 7F, Fast Dirt, 10/11/25 – 2nd	Settled ~6L off the pace on the rail racing into the back stretch, then made smooth headway in hand between horses in the 2P to be racing under a tight hold on the leaders’ heels entering the far turn; waited while boxed in racing to ~3/16 pole, then managed to switch out into the 4P, advanced around horses, dove back inside entering the stretch and rallied but missed.	Was forced to wait in behind horses rounding the far turn and then had to switch out into the 4P for a clear run ~3/16 pole, costing him momentum and allowing the re-opposing winner to get the jump on him. This effort needs to be UPGRADED; he was best in here. Gelded since.
Other notes: – #4 OTTER MISCHIEF was very tenderly handled in the stretch when wiring a field by 10L last time; he almost certainly had more in reserve. Possibly worth noting the track was speed favoring that day, though. – #8 SLAM NOTION sat a notably wide trip last time. – #11 DREAMBUILDER lugged out badly throughout and gave away many lengths on the turn last time.

Race 9: OC20K/SAL12K, 3YO+, 6 Furlongs, Dirt

HORSE	RACE	TRIP	NOTE
#4 NOBLE JON	Starter Alw, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 11/16/25 – 7th	Chased the even pace from ~3L back between foes in the 2P racing to the turn, then dropped to the rail; held this position to ~3/8 pole, then was put in tight along the fence and forced to steady sharply, losing momentum and position; dropped back to reach the top of the lane ~9L behind in 7th, then stayed on willingly at one pace to just inside the 1/8th pole; he was then not persevered with late on.	Was traveling well in a nice position when forced to check sharply at a crucial stage of the race, losing all chance. He was then not persevered with in the final furlong, exasperating the margin of defeat. TOSS THIS RACE. Switch to dirt could make this trip note irrelevant today, but at least we know he’s coming into today’s race in better form than it appears.
#6 MAGIC SPIN	Starter Alw, LRL, 6F, Wet Fast Dirt, 11/09/25 – 5th	Chased the even pace from ~1L down while in the clear racing 3-4W to ~3/8 pole; dropped back slightly and came under a ride racing to the top of the lane; responded gamely and held his position in the 4-5P racing to the top of the lane, then stayed on well between horses to ~1/16 pole where he found himself in a little tight and was a forced to steady a little, costing him momentum and maybe 3rd.	Sat a wide trip and then had to steady slightly in deep stretch; wouldn’t have won with a clean trip, but could possibly have finished 3rd and was slightly better than the result/figure suggest. UPGRADE this effort
Other notes: – #1 KISS THEM DEADLY sat a wide trip after taking a bump at the break last time; it didn’t make much difference to the result, though. – #3 FREEZE THE FIRE overcame a slightly wide trip to beat a next out winner nicely last time. – #9 EXECUTIVE POWER was able to save ground setting a slow, uncontested pace last time – DOWNGRADE that effort.

Horses to Follow

R2: HAY CHIEF (5/2 ML)

After a troubled beginning last time, HAY CHIEF was forced to close from over fifteen lengths back on a speed-favoring track while four to seven paths wide throughout. All things considered, he did remarkably well to finish four lengths third with a 65 Beyer — the fastest last-out figure in today’s second. Now returning from that upgradable effort to make his third start of the form cycle in a winnable-looking spot that features plenty of pace to set up his closing kick, he’s a strong selection in the opening leg of the early pick-4.

R5: DOLCE VITA (9/2 ML)

There really isn’t much speed signed on in today’s fifth, which should give DOLCE VITA a strong chance to record his tenth lifetime victory. Although he was aided by the fast pace and closer-friendly track when finishing second on Maryland Million Day last time, he’s clearly in fine form right now and fits squarely with this group. Now stretching back out to his preferred distance of 1 1/16 miles — where his exceptional 5-3-2 record from 13 starts at Laurel Park speaks for itself — and making his third start of the form cycle, he looks well positioned to make it four wins from his last six.

R8: PASCALINE (12/1 ML)

PASCALINE may look overmatched at first glance in the City of Laurel Stakes, but his one-turn résumé suggests he’s a much livelier longshot than his 12/1 morning line implies. He’s run three times around one turn, finishing 1st, 1st, and 3rd while earning Beyers of 54, 70, and 87 — the first two coming as a two-year-old and latter in his 3-year-old debut off a 204-day layoff. There’s clearly talent here when he’s placed in the right scenario. His most recent start at Charles Town was also better than it reads on paper. He was bottled up behind horses on the far turn and had to wait, then angle out to the four path to find running room — a move that halted his momentum and allowed the re-opposing winner, SPOTAFREEONE, to get first run. He’s better than that effort suggests, and today’s setup should give him the chance to show it. Back around one turn, with a fast pace likely to aid his run style, and returning as a new gelding — a change that could unlock further improvement — PASCALINE is far from the forlorn outsider he may appear. Whether he’s good enough to score is a question mark, but he’s an intriguing price play in today’s City of Laurel, nevertheless, and certainly one to consider at a price.