Laurel Park Tips and Trips – Sunday, March 15, 2026

–        Having been jostled notably between horses at the break, #1 SCHRADER was under pressure from the start and flat out to keep up with the early tempo last time (6F, LRL, 02/28/26), dropped back a little on the turn, then swung out 5W at the top of the lane and rallied strongly to be beaten just a length. His effort strongly pointed towards him being more effective stretched back out to a route of ground, which he gets today.

–        Once again, #5 MUGATU probably didn’t quite get the right set up last time (1 1/16M, LRL, 02/22/26): he broke a step slow and was ridden into stride, then was used while angling widest around the first turn, gradually took closer order towards the center down the far side and joined the leaders 3 deep as the field passed through a half in 50.71; he then dropped back while 3-5W and came under pressure as the real running begun on the far turn, turned for home ~8L back, then offered another mild rally. Once again, he ran in a manner to suggest that a really strongly run race (and preferably a more ground saving trip) can see him get back into the winners’ circle.

–        #2 ARMED N DANGEROUS (off layoff; tracked pace in pocket on rail, dropped back a little under pressure far turn, tipped out slightly off home turn, then rallied nicely and galloped out in front; strong effort off bench); #3 ALBERT FINNIGAN (was bumped and pinched slightly at the start (inconsequential, in the grand scheme of things) but still managed to adopt a forward position, tracked honest pace ~4 deep, made 3-4W bid (on wrong lead) far turn and advanced to lead ~3/8 pole, turned for home in front, then inconsequentially brushed foe upper stretch and steadily drew off, despite flopping leads again late; solid enough effort, though tough to see him stepping forwardly massively and his lead changes were undesirable); #4 SUMMER VIBES (set even fractions on a clear, uncontested lead to ~1/2, was joined and dueled to ~3/8, dropped back under pressure turn, then continued to fade grudgingly through the lane); and #6 DATS MY PHARAOH (took a strong hold towards rear on rail, came under pressure far turn but failed to respond, swung wide into the lane (fairly inconsequential), then failed to threaten under a hand ride; the rider did drop the crop ~1/4 in this race, but it’s impossible to say it made any real difference to DMP’s performance), all sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        Following an upgradable debut and a solid win two-back, #4 CAMPAIGN MISCHIEF ran too bad to be true without a visible excuse last week (6F, 03/07/26); while concerning, something seemingly was amiss as he just never lifted a hoof – maybe he resented the muddy track? Should we just toss the effort, because we know he’s better than that?

–        #1 DISNEY BELLE (pressed even pace 2W to far turn, then retreated; maybe bounced off big effort two-back; drops today); #2 TIPMANEE (was under pressure to keep up towards the inside throughout and failed to respond); #3 HOTMESSNESS (pressed even pace from between horses (often unideal – possible extra credit), rail far turn, dueled into lane, emerged as clear second best stretch; cuts back today on debut for Geralis); #5 LAST GIFT (four runner race; pressed the honest pace set by winner in 2P, game but second best in lane; the rider did stand up close home, possibly exasperating the margin of defeat by 0.5-1L, but no more); and #6 MY GIRL BACK HOME (showed speed from outside post, crossed and set even fractions on rail to ~1/4, then powered away under firm handling), all sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        After chasing the even pace under pressure 3-4W into the lane, #3 GREYLINE STATION rallied nicely towards the center and then galloped out well in front last time (5 1/2F, LRL, 02/22/26), strongly suggesting he’ll be better suited by today’s 7F distance.

–        Having been unsuited by slow paces in his prior three starts, #4 VINO GRAY closed well into an honest pace from a long way back last time (6F, PRX, 03/05/26) and then galloped out okay, despite having flopped leads close home; suspect that, if the pace is honest enough (a hot pace looks key for him), he can build on this effort with an extra 1/8 to work with today. He also deserves some credit for running into and through the atrociously sloppy kickback last out.

–        After becoming outpaced on the bend and losing contact with the front three (who filled those positions throughout), #5 CALL ME VICTORIOUS stayed on well enough with a likable attitude last time (6F, LRL, 02/06/26) to suggest today’s extra distance can see him to better effect.

–        Last out (6F, PRX, 02/17/26), #6 BIZ WHIZ showed speed and sat close to the even pace on the rail racing into the far turn, came under heavy pressure to hold his position while a touch tight to the rail racing to the ¼, then dropped back and faded on his left lead in the lane while lugging out a little; no real excuse, lasix on today.

–        #1 ANY FOOLS GOLD (chased pace from mid-pack/rear, angled out ¼, offered mild rally through lane, then flattened out late; fine effort); #2 ESROH (was used form rail draw, took hold tracking modest pace while close up racing into the turn, then stopped quickly and was not persevered with late; for the second time in a row, there was no visible reason for her sub-par effort); #3 CENTSAMILLA (got away well despite minor bobble, established lead, set even fractions with uncontested lead into stretch, then held firm to wire, fully extended); #4 SUNFLOWER STATE (broke from outside, let contested speed go early, took closer order while ~3W far turn, emerged as clear second best through lane, trying); #5 INSTAGRAD GIRL (on speed bias track; broke from outside, worked forward to take clear lead entering turn, then gradually faded between foes on left lead; returns from layoff today); and #6 BOND’S BELLE (unhurried, chased even pace on rail into turn, came under a ride and stayed on evenly past two beaten foes for a clear, unthreatening 3rd), all sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        Granted, he sat a dream ground saving trip last out (7F, LRL, 02/20/26) and was gifted a beautiful opening on the rail at the top of the lane, but #2 CRAB DADDY was impressive last out and visually did not appear to be all out crossing the wire; he looked to have won with a little in reserve and his strong gallop out would back that up. And while the short field may make this negligible information, he was also the only horse in that race to improve his position. Player right back.

–        #3 TENEBRIS was caught in a tricky spot contesting the pace between horses last time (6F, LRL, 02/21/26) which forced him to run a little harder through the early portion of the contest than his rider seemingly was hoping for; consequently, this may have depleted his finishing effort; still some concerns about him at 7F, though. In the same race, returning from a lengthy layoff, #6 CADEAU D’ARGENT was bumped at the start, trailed by many to the ¼, then finished with good energy through the lane and made up a notable amount of ground despite not being vigorously ridden; he then galloped out okay. His finishing efforts suggests that his true ability is greater than this result/speed fig suggests, and he could be much sharper second off. Not ruled out.

–        #5 MAGIC MULE lost ground racing ~4W through the duration of the turn last out (7F, LRL, 02/05/26) but his wide trip does not fully explain why he ran below par – he had a good setup and although wide, a smooth trip; needs to bounce back today.

–        Last out (6F, LRL, 02/06/26), #7 RAMPAGIUS chased the honest pace while 2W to ~1/4, drifted 4W into the lane, ranged upsides the leader ~1/16 pole, then stayed on willingly to the wire despite having been bumped and persistently pushed out into the center of the track (interference he was later promoted to 1st for). This was a very sharp effort that he could be capable of building on (slightly) third off the bench with a trouble-free stretch run. Leading player today.

–        #1 HITTHEROADJAK (chased honest pace on rail into turn, dropped back a little and came under pressure as real running began, cut corner into lane, then finished evenly; fine effort); and #4 SMUGGLER’S GOLD (outrun on rail to far turn, angled out and failed to improve; needs more today), both sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        Willing to give #1 GREEK HEIRESS a small pace upgrade for her last effort (6F, LRL, 02/12/26) as she sat close to and then formed part of a hot early tempo that ideally favored closers while 2-3W before fighting off all challengers in the lane to hold on gamely. A likable effort.

–        #2 BELLE OFTHEDANCE might be entitled to a slight pass for her last effort (1M, AQU, 12/13/25) as she lost her back end at the break and was away awkwardly in rear which forced her to race against the heavy speed bias present; she was also 6W on the turn and has been off for three months since, possibly suggesting something was amiss (tweaked something at the break?). Note: she was racing against a speed bias two-back also. Returns from break and cuts back in trip today.

–        #5 KRISSI N caught a slightly wide trip last out (6F, LRL, 02/21/26) while also attempting to close into a slow pace that held relatively well; things were against her, yet she still ran with credit. Seemingly capable of a little more.

–        Cut back to sprinting, #7 SASSAFRASSNESS ran a huge race last out (5 1/2F, LRL, 02/15/26), closing around horses 4W into a just an even pace that held well in front (an upgradable effort); today’s extra 1/16 could see her to even better effect. Player.

–        #3 FABIA (chased even pace from a distant 3rd, took closer order while 3-4W far turn, edged into a slim lead in the lane and fought gamely to the wire but was just out closed and missed by a head); #4 MS NOTION (off layoff; stalked even pace while 2W into lane, then fought gamely through stretch but was 3rd best; solid effort off bench, could strip fitter today); #6 DECREE AND DECLARE (traveled well stalking the honest pace in 2nd to far turn, came under a strong ride to hold her position and responded, then gamely and steadily wore down the leader in the lane, just up; looks ideally suited by strongly run contests; returns off bench making debut for Morey today); and #8 DESTINATION (off layoff; sett even fractions on an uncontested lead, set down stretch, held firm, gallop out just okay), all sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        #6 BRIGHTSHININGLIGHT made a very likable debut (6F, LRL, 06/20/26): he broke sharp, contested the hot,-closer friendly pace while 4-deep into the turn, dropped to the 2P and stuck to the leader’s girth as the other early speeds dropped back racing to the top of the lane, then stayed on very willingly through the stretch, only to lose 2nd to a deep closer – who had received a great setup – late on. His effort is deserving of a small PACE UPGRADE. Returns off layoff today.

–        #1 MOMENTUM FILES (travelled strongly tracking the even pace in the 2P, ranged up to challenge the leader between horses on the turn, lugged in slightly off the bend, then finished evenly, maybe hung a little; cuts back to 5 ½F (which he has the speed for) with blinkers on making barn debut off layoff); #3 DREAMSDOCOMETRUE (outrun from the start, needs much more); #4 BALTIC (chased the modest pace from 2nd throughout, evenly; blinkers on today); and #5 MY MILITARY HERO (showed speed, pressed hot pace inside to turn, dropped back and came under a ride turn, switched out and stayed on evenly, getting back up to catch his tiring rival for 2nd), all sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        Last out (6F, LRL, 02/06/26), #5 BUILT BY KHOZAN passed the post in front but was then DQ’d (deservedly) for drifting out under left handed urging and interfering with the runner up through the lane. That shouldn’t take away from what a good effort he put in though: recovering from a bobble/messy start, he rocketed into a clear lead early, traveled powerfully setting even/honest fractions in front to ~1/4, then (drifting aside), battled very tenaciously through the stretch. If keeping straighter in the lane (which one suspects he can with a more disciplined ride), he can possibly improve on this effort again (the drifting and bumping in the lane did him no real favors either).

–        #1 WINNING TRIP (broke a step slow, pulled hard between rivals and moved forward to press the even pace 2W, raced in a share of the lead to the top of the lane, briefly took the lead upper stretch, then weakened – despite trying – on left lead; could be suited by drop back to 6F today); #2 FEAR NOTHING (chased even pace from ~4L back, took slightly closer order while continuing to scrape paint into the lane, then flattened out; perfect trip); #3 JAMES P SULLIVAN (broke from outside, chased even pace from last into lane, then finished evenly without threatening; at this level, he seemingly needs pace to run at); #4 PRADO ROAD (broke sharp, traveled well setting even fractions in front to turn, joined and dueled into lane, then finished very gamely in a battle with WINNING TRIP to hold 2nd but had no chance with winner); and #6 GALPIN SUNDAY (with blinkers on; rushed up along the rail, set honest, pressured fractions to ~1/4, dismissed of pace rival, then ran home strongly in a solid looking effort), all sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        #1 LOVE YOU MORE was bumped hard and pinched at the start last out (7F, LRL, 02/04/26) which, considering she’d won in gate to wire fashion the last twice, probably wasn’t ideal; she ended up towards rear, then pulled hard and advanced ~2W into the even pace racing into the turn, angled out and continued to make a bid while losing ground ~4-5W on the bend, then stayed on willingly at an even pace for 4th. Don’t think this race went to plan for her at all yet she still ran well and could offer more with a smoother, more favorable set of circumstances today.

–        Last out (6F, LRL, 02/22/26), #2 TAP DANCIN COWGIRL over-raced slightly on the heels of a slow pace racing into the turn, angled out into the 4-5P (lost a little ground) while following the eventual winner’s move racing to the top of the lane, then stayed on evenly for 3rd; a more honestly run 7F contest could see her to better light; it was a solid effort nonetheless. In the same race, #5 I’M A CUTIE PIE was part of that slow early pace (beneficial) while parked 3W (lost less ground than TDC), then stayed on evenly in the lane – despite drifting a little – to hold 2nd. ‘IACP’ had a much more favorable trip than ‘TDC’ (who galloped out in front); wouldn’t be a shock if the places were reversed today.

–        #3 TOO MANY KISSES was positioned a little further off the slow pace (that favored forwardly placed horses) than ideal last out (7F, LRL, 06/14/25) and also lost a little ground racing ~4W on the turn. She did well to rally into 2nd (behind a winner who had a more favorable trip/setup) and is deserving of a small upgrade; it’s easy to argue she was best in there. Returns off layoff today.

–        #4 MARY Q (saved ground chasing even pace to top of lane, rally, just missed, maybe hung a little; cut back today seems questionable); and #6 KILO ROAD (outrun while saving ground to top of lane, then offered a mild rally to just miss the show; 7F could suit better), both sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        Last out (7F, LRL, 02/05/26), #4 GOODBYE NOTE broke from the outside gate, pulled very hard while contesting a hot, closer friendly pace while 3-deep into the turn, was forced to go on with it sooner than ideal ~3/8 (his other two pace contenders were done ~3/8 pole, leaving him in a clear lead which he needed to retain), turned for home with a healthy lead, then stayed on very willingly to hold a clear 2nd through the lane, despite flopping leads close home. His effort is deserving of a PACE UPGRADE, and he looks as if he’ll be well suited by today’s cut back to 6F.

–        There was a closer bias at Parx when #5 NO EASY DAYS last ran (6 1/2F, PRX, 02/11/26), which potentially aided him a little in victory. However, his effort was still very likable: he checked when tight between foes leaving the shoot, then again slightly entering the bend (resulting in him racing further off the pace than he could have been); he then lost ground racing slightly wide (3-4W) on the turn and turned for home well back; from there, however, he kicked in the afterburners, rallied strongly and scooted clear with good energy to win comfortably, seemingly with a little in hand. Despite the bias, there visually seemed no fluke about the fact that he was best, and he looms as a live contender again today. Note: his two back effort was UPGRADABLE.

–        #7 BUMP N RUN ended further off the pace than ideal early last time (5 1/2F, LRL, 12/21/26) having been bumped and pinched at the start; not sure the inconvenience really entitles his effort to an upgrade, though, as he sat a fine closers trip thereafter and had plenty of pace to run at but failed to make any meaningful headway (simply stayed on evenly passed tired foes) while remaining on his left lead.

–        #1 HOWGREATISNATE (urged along chasing pace while 3W to ¼, angled slightly wide into lane (a little ground lost but not much), then finished willingly at an even pace for a non-threatening 4th); #2 KARAN’S NOTION (tracked modest pace on rail into lane, then finished willing at an even clip to just hold 3rd; good trip); #3 BOUNCER (tracked even pace 3W to ¼, floated out 5W into lane when making bid (lost a little ground but was okay), then finished willingly but was only 3rd best); #6 PRINCE OF JERICHO (set a modest pace while scraping the rail into the lane, opened up ~1/8, then was run down and settled for 2nd, again; no excuse); and #8 STUDLYDORIGHT (no speed, chased even pace on rail into stretch, then failed to advance; returns off layoff with first lasix today), all sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.

–        The chart comment notes how #2 BJORN ‘checked 3/8’ last out (6F, LRL, 02/05/26); while this did happen (at the 7/16), it really wasn’t that significant, and his effort is not worthy of a notable upgrade (maybe just a length or so). Stretches back out to two-turns (which his even effort suggests could help him step forward) as he makes his second start off the bench today.

–        #3 MAUPANSANT lost a little ground racing ~6W into the lane when staying on evenly from a detached last into a fast pace last time (1M, LRL, 02/22/26); the pace setup and fact that he was able to maintain his momentum by angling wide reduce the ability to upgrade his effort, but if he could have saved more ground while receiving that setup, he might have finished closer to (or beaten) CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. In the same race, #4 UNCLE GREY was bumped and pinched at the start and also a little wide into the lane. However, despite the start, he sat closer to the pace than MAUPANSANT early and wasn’t as wide on the turn. Also, he’s a closer by trade and received that same favorable pace setup. He’ll need more if he’s to reverse the form with either CHRISTMAS SPIRIT or MAUPANSANT today.

–        Having broken from the outside gate, #5 SHOT FOR THE MOON sat a very wide trip (3-5W throughout) while also trying to close into a slow pace when making his two-turn debut last time (1 1/16M, LRL, 02/05/26); with the route experience under his belt and a better trip/setup, he can likely step forward off this upgradable effort today.

–        #1 CHRISTMAS SPIRIT (was hustled along to keep up with the honest pace 2-3W to ½, dropped inside and rode rail into lane, inconsequentially brushed winner upper, then stayed on evenly but was 2nd best); and #6 SALVO TRIGGER (stalked the slow pace inside to the ½, made a bid between horses in 2P far turn, then flattened out in the lane), both sat perfectly fine trips in their respective last starts and were ridden through the line – their results/speed figs seem fair.