Trip notes for Laurel Park’s late pick-3 today, plus three horses to follow. Good luck!
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Race 7: MD-Bred Allowance, 3YO+F, 6F, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| SEASIDE ROAD | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Fast, 06/01/25 – 3rd | ‘SR’ broke a step slow, then was bumped on both sides leaving the gate which left her racing in last early. She was patiently ridden in this position while in the clear 5W, ~6L off the pace racing to the far turn, then she advanced slightly under minimal urging in the 3P to pass the ¼ pole ~4L behind in 5th. From there, having swung 4-5W into the lane, she came under a throng ride & stayed on well to the wire for 3rd but lacked the pace to challenge for the win. She then galloped out in front. Having been troubled at the start & given away ground racing wide on the turn, there’s reason to believe that she can improve today, especially as her finishing effort & strong gallop out indicated 6F would see her to better effect. If she takes to the turf, she could jump up to run well today. |
| WORTH A DIME | MD MSW, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Good, 05/23/25 – 1st | ‘WAD’ lacked speed & was unhurried following a clean break, dropping back to chase the fast pace in last, ~10L off the pace racing to the 7/16 pole. She then came under pressure to advance while riding the rail on the bend but didn’t make much of an advance. However, having then swung 5-6W off the bend into the lane, she came under a strong ride & rallied powerfully down the centre to draw level ~1/16 pole before edging away under hand urging late. This was a solid last-to-first score on debut in which she showed a likable attitude & strong finishing kick. She’s entitled to step forward for this first start & should improve for the extra 1/16M today; however, the red-hot early pace did fall apart in this race which arguably flattered her somewhat. Will likely need pace to run at again. |
| SOLVING PROGRESS | Alw, Lrl, 1M, Firm, 11/10/24 – 7th | Despite having broken out a touch from gate nine, ‘SV’ showed great early speed to vie for the lead in the 2P racing to the first turn. She then drifted out into the 4P before dropping back down to the 2-3P & engaging in a speed duel with a lone rival, ~8L clear of 3rd. She raced keenly dueling for the lead to the far turn, then began to tire while learning out & was caught by the closers at the top of the stretch. From there, she faded tamely on tired legs to 7th. Simply went too hard dueling for the lead & was done at the top of the lane. Cutting back to 6F should see her to better effect; however, it may also blunt her greatest weapon – her early speed. Wore a run out blinker & will need more off the layoff today. |
| 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. |
| PREPAREFORTAKEOFF | SA, Del, 5 1/2F, Fast, 06/05/25 – 5th | PREPAREFORTAKEOFF lacked speed from gate four & dropped back to last where he chased the pace in the clear 5W. She then advanced into 3rd while 5W on the bend but got no closer to the leading duo who had scampered clear. She hit the top of the stretch fully extended ~7L off the lead in the 5P, then failed to close any further & lost two positions again in the lane. Sat a wide trip but it didn’t make much difference. She lacked early speed & a finishing kick, never threatening. She could improve for a more ground saving trip back over 6F on the turf today but really needs to prove her 55/1 score two back was no fluke. |
| DIVINE WORKS | Alw, Lrl, 1M, Fast, 06/07/25 – 6th | ‘DW’ was not rushed from the outside gate but pulled hard against her rider early while in the clear ~3-4W which resulted in her vying for the lead to the far turn. She then advanced her struggling sparing partner ~1/2M pole & briefly took a slim lead but was quickly headed afterwards by a stronger traveling foe ~3/8 pole. From there, she came under pressure to stick with that foe but struggled to do so & dropped back to pass the ¼ pole ~6L down in a share of 3rd, then she was eased to the wire. Pulled her way into a share of the lead early, then weakened tamely through the lane. Seeing as she clearly didn’t stay 1M here, the cut back to 6F today should be to her advantage; however, it’s hard to take a ton of confidence from this effort. |
| MONEY’S WORTH | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 04/19/25 – 6th | ‘MW’ showed decent a speed following a clean break to closely stalk the pace between horses in the 4P early before easing back to track the leaders, still in between horses ~1L behind in the 2P racing into the far turn. She traveled powerfully while boxed into this position rounding into the lane, then found daylight & came under a ride but was outkicked in the lane & faded while finishing evenly. This wasn’t a terrible effort off a lengthy layoff, but she didn’t have much excuse from the position she was in either & will need to find a better finishing kick this afternoon to score. Dropping back into restricted company should definitely help. Seems she’d be seen to best effect closing into a fast pace after being dropped out, but she may have too much natural speed for that. |
| CHIKAHOMINY | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 11/02/24 – 6th | CHIKAHOMINY lacked speed following a clean break & dropped back to chase the pace on the rail, ~5L off the lead early. She traveled well in this position to the far turn but was then put in tight entering the bend which forced to check hard & knocked her right back to 9th, ~11L off the pace ~3/8 pole. From there, she was ridden to regain lost ground; initially struggled to do so & hit the top of the lane still ~9L off the lead. However, she then angled into the centre of the track, came under a strong ride & rallied powerfully to be beaten just 3L in 6th. She simply had too much to do. Was badly impeded entering the far turn & ultimately did well to finish as close as she did. This race can be upgraded/tossed. If ready off the bench today, her prior three start will be a better guide to her chances today, suggesting she can go close. Will appreciate pace to run at. |
| SPEIGHTFUL SIS | Alw, Tam, 5F, Fast, 04/12/25 – 7th | (Off turf event). ‘SS’ broke in a touch but still got away alertly & showed good speed to press the pace from 3rd, ~1L off the pace while racing 3W into the turn. She traveled well in this position to ~5/16 pole, then came under pressure to stick within striking range of the leader. Gamely, she managed to do so to the top of the stretch. However, she then became leg weary from the top of the lane & gradually faded to the wire. Clean trip. She showed decent early speed but could not maintain it in the lane & faded, despite trying hard. Getting back onto the turf should help her step back in the right direction today, just wonder whether 6F is too far for her? |
| SHINE ON MOON | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 06/07/25 – 3rd | ‘SOM’ broke okay from the three hole but lacked the speed to adopt a forward position & was left chasing the pace while being squeezed along from ~3L back in the 2P early. She then tried to work out into the clear outside racing into the far turn but was beaten to that position by other closers & instead found herself getting shuffled back in the 3-4P on the bend. She had dropped back to be racing ~5L off the pace behind horses in 9th ~3/8 pole, then angled out into the clear 6W & began building momentum around outside of horses at the top of the lane. From there, she came under a strong ride ~1/4 pole & rallied nicely down the centre of the track past beaten horses into 3rd but was never doing better than that. Was slightly outpaced chasing the hot pace early, then got stuck slightly & was shuffled back a touch before working out even wider & rallying. Feel her inside draw dented her chances here & with a smoother trip, she could possibly have finished 2nd. A wider draw should help her today as she makes her third start of the form cycle. |
Race 8: MD-Bred Allowance, 3YO+F, 6F, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| DWELLING LEGACY | Clm40k, Lrl, 6F, Fast, 06/01/25 – 1st | ‘DL’ only broke okay from gate four but then quickly jumped on the bridle & pulled her way forward to takes a share of the lead in the 2P early. She traveled well while dueling though to ~7/16 pole before disposing of her sparing partner & taking ~1L lead rounding the bend. She traveled best of all ~1L in front to the top of the stretch, then came under a strong ride & despite remaining on her left lead, held firm along the rail to score determinedly. Traveled well dueling early, then took the lead rounding into the lane & held firm to the wire. This was solid victory & if breaking a touch sharper than she did here, she looks well positioned to adopt similar front running tactics today with the rail draw. Only negative about this effort was that she remained on her left lead late which resulted in her grinding to the wire as opposed to kicking clear. Against tougher company today, that could leave her vulnerable. |
| A P M NOTION | Clm16k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 06/15/25 – 8th | ‘APMN’ was unhurried from gate three & raced in mid-pack through the opening furlong, then she was restrained further back to pass the 1/2M pole in 9th, ~8L off the lead. She traveled was patiently ridden in this position to ~7/16 pole, then briefly steadied as a rival threatened to drop to the rail in front of her which left her racing ~11L off the lead ~5/16 pole. From there, she then came under pressure to close but failed to respond & remained well behind to the wire. Was restrained to rear early, then lacked a kick/the ability to get back involved. She was briefly steadied ~7/16 pole but based on her finishing effort, it made little difference. She’ll need much more returning to the dirt today. |
| GREAT ANDREI | Alw, Lrl, 6F, Fast, 05/11/25 – 1st | ‘GA’ was quickly into stride from gate six, earned the first call, then crossed to the 2P & established a clear 1L lad racing into the far turn. She traveled well while setting an even pace to ~1/4 pole, then came under pressure & responded well, gradually extending her lead to the wire, despite drifting out late. A nice gate-to-wire score. She wasn’t pressure in front while setting an even pace early, which certainly helped; however, she had her rivals cooked at the top of the stretch & was seemingly much the best anyway. Hard to tell how much more she has in the locker but regardless, a repeat of this performance should see her go very close again today. |
| FAIR TRADE | Clm10k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Fast, 06/14/25 – 1st | ‘FT’ broke well from gate four, then eased back from between foes to stalk the leading duo from ~1L back in the 2P early. She traveled well in this position to ~3/8 pole, then eased out into the clear 3W & effortlessly advanced to take a share of the lead ~1/4 pole before easing into the lead, traveling much the best, at the top of the stretch. She was then shaken up & kicked away impressively under a hand ride to win by many. A visually impressive performance. She traveled much the best throughout & remained under a hold to the top of the stretch, then kicked impressively under a hand ride, as if she had more to offer. She’ll no doubt have to raise her game to compete with these stronger rivals today & the tight turnaround will have to be overcome; however, she’s showed here that she’s currently in fine form & it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her play a role. |
| SASSAFRASSNESS | Clm40k, Lrl, 6F, Fast, 06/08/25 – 1st | SASSAFRASSNESS broke inwards from gate four & bumped with a rival, but that didn’t stop her flashing good early speed. She worked forward to contest the lead in the 2P through the opening furlong but was then outsped by the leader ~5/8 pole & left chasing the pace under slight pressure in 2nd to the far turn. She responded well to pressure & as the leader then began to tire, she drew back upsides for the lead ~5/16 pole before disposing of that foe & opening up ~1L lead at the top of the stretch, traveling best. From there, she came under a strong ride & drew clear for a comfortable score. Clean trip. Showed good early speed, responded to pressure well & looked to get better the further she went. She seems tactical & looks to be improving. Could play another big role today as she makes her debut for the Russells. |
| READY FOR MAGIC | MD Alw, Lrl, 1M, Firm, 05/24/25 – 10th | ‘RFM’ broke okay from the gate, then showed speed & worked forward to contend for the lead between horses in the 2P racing to the first turn. She then stuck like glue to the pace setter’s neck & pressed the fast pace in the 2P racing to the far turn. However, she then became leg weary ~3/8 pole & plummeted back through the field on the far turn to straighten for the drive in last ~6L off the lead. From there, she had no more to give & faded further to the wire. Pressed the hot pace to the far turn, then stopped. Cutting back to 6F should help her today as she definitely didn’t stay the mile here. However, it would have been nice to see her carry her speed further than she did to strongly endorse her chances today. Needs more. |
| KILO ROAD | Clm40k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Good, 05/31/25 – 2nd | (Off turf event). ‘KR’ was unhurried from the gate & quickly dropped ~5L behind her lone rival while being squeezed along racing to the far turn. She then came under more pressure & did manage to close slightly, despite leaning out a touch & racing wide on the turn. However, having then hit the top of the lane ~2L off her stronger traveling rival in the 5P, she made a late lead change ~1/8th pole & despite trying very hard, failed to gain sufficiently. Two runner race. Was outpaced early, then leant out a touch on the bend & made a late lead change in the stretch which, despite the fact that she showed a very game attitude, made it impossible for her to close sufficiently. Getting back to 6F will help her today& her likable attitude should make her a player today. However, whether the added ground will help her enough to find the winners’ circle is debatable. |
Race 9: MC 25k, 3-6YO+F, 5 1/2F, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| TIERRA SANTA | MSW, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Good, 05/31/25 – 5th | (Off turf event). ‘TS’ broke a beat slow & inwards from gate four, bumping with a rival, then she became involved in some scrummaging through the opening strides which restricted her ability to get into stride & left her chasing the pace in last early, ~11L off the pace. She then quickly came under pressure ~9/16 pole to keep up & did very, very steadily advance while riding the rail around the bend but was still ~8L behind at the top of the lane. From there, she stayed on evenly to ~1/8th pole but then flattened out late & faded agin to finish well beaten in 5th. Was involved in some scrummaging early which put her on the back foot, then failed to get back into the race. Dropping in class & switching to the turf could help her step forward as she makes her second start of the form cycle today, as will a cleaner break. However, it would have been nice to see her hit the lie a little harder with today’s long stretch in mind. |
| WHISKEY BREW | MC20k, CD, 6F, Fast, 05/09/25 – 6th | Replay unavailable. Chart comment: ‘slight hop start, slow into stride, lagged behind, outrun’. Never passed a rival at odds of 18/1 & seemingly has more to find today. |
| BAJAN BASHERT | MC25k, Pen, 6F, Fast, 06/05/25 – 3rd | ‘BB’ showed good athleticism to recover from a stumble at the start & showed decent speed early to adopt a stalking position on the rail, ~1L off the lead racing to ~1/2M pole. She was then ridden hard approaching the far turn to get up inside the leader but lacked the pace/time to do so & briefly had to steady back out of there which put on her on the back foot & she dropped back to 4th, ~2L off the lead. She then came under pressure to recover & hold her stalking position while riding the rial on the bend & gamely did so before sneaking through a slim rail opening at the top of the lane. From there, she came under a strong ride & stayed on well to the wire but narrowly failed to catch the top two who had built a head of steam on the far turn & kicked clear down the centre. It’s easy to argue that having stumbled out of the gate, then been steadied entering the bend, ‘BB’ was actually best in here. She showed a very likable attitude & was determinedly closing again at the wire before galloping out in front. Granted a smoother trip today, she can improve as she makes her third start of the form cycle & returns to the turf. |
| FANHEE | MD MSW, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 06/14/25 – 5th | FANHEE broke well from the two hole & showed good early speed to vie for the lead along the rail early. She then took ~1/2L lead heading into the fart turn & traveled well setting an even pace to ~3/8 pole. However, she then lugged out extremely badly (almost bolted on the far turn) which restricted her forward momentum, hindered her rivals & resulted in her dropping back to race in 3rd, ~1L off the lead at the top of the lane. From there, she came under a strong ride & straightened up but found nothing for pressure & faded tamely. Showed good early speed but then tried to bolt on the turn & stopped at the top of the lane. She appears to be green & can improve with racing experience, plus today’s drop in class. However, it’s hard to endorse her chances off this effort. |
| KOBE’S HOPE | MC16k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 06/15/25 – 2nd | ‘KH’ broke a beat slow from gate eight & bumped hard with a rival which left her chasing the pace in mid-pack, ~7L off the pace racing to the far turn. Having worked down to the rail, she traveled well in this position to ~3/8 pole, then shimmied around a retreating foe into the 3P, came under a hand ride & steadily advanced between foes to hit the top of the lane in a share of 4th, ~6L off the leader who had kicked off the bend. From there, she came under a strong ride & stayed on well into 2nd but could not catch the gate to wire winner. She then galloped out strongly in front. Was a touch slow & bumped at the break, then had to work around traffic on the bend before finishing well & galloping out very strongly in front. This was an eye-catching second start/turf debut. Given a smoother break/strong pace to run at today, she could well improve again to go close this afternoon. Her powerful gallop out hints that the race didn’t tax her too much, offering hope that she can rebound off just 7 days rest too. Player. |
| DRIFTING | MC45k, Pim, 5F, Muddy, 05/09/25 – 5th | (Off turf event). DRIFTING broke alertly from the rail, then flashed good speed while being hustled along & dueled for the lead into the turn. She then took ~1/2L lead on the turn & traveled well in front to ~1/4 pole. However, having then come under a strong ride at the top of the stretch, she became leg weary & despite trying hard, faded into 5th. Dueled along the rail into the bend, then took control racing to the top of the stretch but had no more to offer late; feel that she could have done with a more patient ride. Today’s drop in class should help, however, based on this effort & her start prior, today’s extra 1/16M could be an issue. |
| FONTABELLE | MSW, Del, 6F, Fast, 05/17/25 – 6th | FONTANBELLE broke alertly from the rail, then flashed good speed while being hustled along & took a slim lead racing to the far turn. She traveled well setting a pressured but even pace to ~5/16 pole. However, she then B ace leg weary & dropped back to hit the top of the lane ~3 1/2L down in 3rd before fading quickly in the lane. She was not persevered with late. Showed speed from the rail & traveled well in front to ~5/16 pole but then stopped fast. She’s entitled to step forward for this comeback run & will appreciate dropping in class today; however, this wasn’t a good effort & it’s hard to endorse her chances following this run. |
| BEYOND QUESTION | MSW, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 05/25/25 – 7th | ‘BQ’ hopped out of the outside gate & was slow away but quickly jumped on the bridle after & still managed to show speed, eagerly racing her way forward into a favorable stalking position in 3rd, ~1L off the pace in the 3P racing to the far turn. She traveled very strongly in this position while 2W around the bend to the top of the stretch, then came under a strong ride when just 1L behind the leader in 2nd. However, she had no more to offer at this point & despite trying hard, faded quickly into 7th. This wasn’t a bad effort off the layoff in a competitive MSW & she’s entitled to strip fitter as she makes her second start of the form cycle against weaker foes this afternoon. Would have liked to have seen her relax a little better & finish stronger here; however, with some of the freshness now out of her, she may well do today & on figures, she looks to be a player. |
| KISSED AT DAWN | MSW, Pen, 6F, Fast, 06/12/25 – 4th | ‘KAD’ showed good natural speed following a clean break & adopted a favorable stalking/pressing position early, ~1L back while in the clear 4-5W. Having worked down to the 2-3P, she traveled well in this position to ~5/16 pole, then came under pressure to stick with the quickening leader but struggled to do so & gradually dropped back to hit the top of the stretch ~3L down in 2nd. From there, she faded further in the lane to finish a well beaten 4th. Traveled well stalking the leader to ~5/16 pole, then waved the white flag. Switching to the turf may help her carry her speed further today, as will dropping in class; however, she didn’t look to be crying out for an extra 1/16M. |
Horses to Follow
R7: CHIKAHOMINY (8/1 ML)
Although CHICKAHOMINY will have to overcome a 232-day layoff if she’s to score in today’s seventh, her 8/1 morning line odds are too enticing to overlook. The gritty daughter of GREAT NOTION was last seen finishing sixth, beaten by 3 lengths in a 5½-furlong allowance, when the re-opposing trio of SPEIGHTFUL SIS (9/2), SHINE ON MOON (12/1), and JUNIPER JUICE (4/1), all got the better of her. However, as noted in the trip notes, she was much better than the bare result suggests that day, as she was forced to check hard entering the bend which knocked her back to the rear of the field, over ten lengths off the pace at the 3/8 pole. The way in which she then rallied to be beaten just 3 lengths was impressive, to say the least, and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest that she was actually best. Now stretching out to 6-furlongs for the first time – a distance that looks sure to bring out the best in her – she can validate that belief with a cleaner trip. She proved when running back-to-back 79 Beyers last summer that she’s capable of winning at this level, has run well off the bench before, goes out for the in-form Robbie Bailes barn, and should get an honest pace to run at. At 8/1, she’s at least worth using in exotics.
R8: SASSAFRASSNESS (2/1 ML)
SASSAFRASSNESS isn’t exactly a speed-figure standout, so her likely short price in today’s eighth race might be tough to stomach. Still, the lightly raced daughter of UNIFIED does appear to be the most probable winner. After breaking her maiden over this course and distance in March, “SASS” bounced back from a lackluster second start with a gritty third at 32/1 in a tough allowance race two starts ago, then stepped up again to demolish a $40k claiming field by 5¼ lengths last time out. As highlighted in the trip notes, she showed good early speed that day, then consistently responded to pressure while chasing a fast pace in second, forged into a clear lead at the top of the stretch and powered away for visually striking win, posting her third straight improved Beyer figure (64). As a half-sister to multiple stakes-winning Maryland-bred router SPEEDYNESS, it was no surprise to see her staying on so powerfully towards the line that day, and as she now makes her first start for the red-hot Brittany Russell, who claimed her out of her prior race, she has a perfect opportunity to continue her upward trajectory with her two main rivals, DWELLING LEGACY and GREAT ANDREI, set to vie for the lead up front and provide her with an ideal ‘stalk-and-pounce’ set-up. She already fits with this group on speed figures, yet retains upside that others lack, and with Russell’s ‘first-off-the-claim’ record at Laurel standing at 13-for-27 (42%, $2.72 ROI) over the last five years, she looks a tough favorite to bet against.
R9: BAJAN BASHERT (2/1 ML)
The 5-year-old mare BAJAN BASHERT earned the nightcap’s fastest last-out Beyer speed figure when finishing third in a $25k maiden claimer on the dirt at Penn National 17-days ago, and a repeat of that effort should see her go very close again today. However, she stumbled out of the gate that day, then steadied entering the bend which put her on the back foot at a crucial stage of the race and ultimately, having then rallied in the lane to be beaten just half a length and galloped powerfully out in front, cost her the race. It easy argue that she was better than her 49 Beyer would suggest, and as she now returns to make her third start of the form cycle, granted a cleaner trip, she should be able to improve on that figure. Having hit the board in two competitive turf MSW sprints when trained in California and earned a career best 64 Beyer the other time she tried the grass, today’s surface switch should see her to great effect too, and with speed to adopt a comfortable stalking position from gate three, a maiden breaking success looks well within sight.
