Trip notes for Laurel Park’s late pick-3 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: OC 20k/SAL 12k, 3YO+, 1M, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| BILL OF RIGHTS | Alw, Lrl, 1M, Fast, 05/02/25 – 4th | Following a clean break, ‘BOR’ worked forward to contest the pace between horses in the 2P early. He remained in this position while under a tight hold all the through the back stretch & around the far turn to the ¼ pole, then came under a strong ride at the top of the stretch. Having traveled best of all to that point, he then found disappointingly little off the bridle & faded through the lane while being floated out a touch by a rival on his inside. He eventually crossed the wire 8L back in 4th. Traveled powerfully contesting the pace in between two rivals to the top of the stretch, then found disappointingly little off the bridle & weakened (looked full of run ~1/4 pole). Likely needs more today. |
| SOUTHERN HORSE (ARG) | SA, Pim, 5F, Firm, 05/10/25 – 5th | ‘SA’ was a step slow into stride from the outside post, then chased the pace in mid-pack while racing on the outside of horses ~5L back early. He held this position into the bend, then came under pressure but struggled to advance racing to the top of the stretch where he drifted out into ~5P, ~6L off the pace. From there, he came under a stronger ride & finished willingly down the centre but lacked the pace to challenge. Sat a wide trip chasing the pace throughout. He showed a likable attitude to stay on into 5th late but was simply not fast enough for this speedy 5F test. Today’s stretch out in trip should be more to his liking. |
| AFRAIDOFTHEBUNNY | SA, Lrl, 1M, Sloppy, 05/04/25 – 5th | AFRAIDOFTHEBUNNY got away well from the outside gate & sped to the lead early but was then joined for the lead by three ovals inside ~1/8th into the race. While racing on the outside of horses in ~5P, he continued to share the lead under a tight hold to ~1/2 mile pole before two rivals on his inside quickened & demoted him back to a share of 3rd ~1L off the pace. Having come under encouragement, he held this position while racing in the 4P around the bend to the top of the stretch before coming under a stronger ride & fading through the lane. Was wide & out of cover throughout which possibly didn’t help his cause. However, that probably wasn’t enough of an excuse as he came up empty at the top of the stretch & ran below expectations. |
| EVERETT’S SONG | SA, Lrl, 1M, Fast, 03/23/25 – 1st | ‘ES’ broke in a touch from the outside gate but was quickly corrected & got away well regardless to adopt a stalking position in the clear 5W ~3L off the pace early. He traveled well in this position to the far turn, then came under strong pressure to keep up with the quickening leaders while racing 3-4W on the turn. He responded well to pressure & managed to stay within striking range of the pace while building good momentum to the top of the stretch, then turned for home 4W ~2L off the pace. From there, he gamely sustained his momentum to steadily close down on the leader, collar that foe ~50yds from the wire & then draw away. He then galloped out very strongly. Sat a wide trip. He was in danger of becoming outpaced on the turn but kept responding to pressure & eventually won with something to spare. He’s the type of horse who, once he’s established a strong forward momentum, seemingly has no bottom. Stamina is his forte – the faster they go the better. His wide trip & strong gallop out suggests he can improve upon this likable effort. |
| ALVY | SA, Pim, 1 1/16M, Good, 05/09/25 – 4th | (Off turf event). ALVY broke okay but wasn’t quick into stride, then very slightly had to ease back as a foe threatened to cross in front of him heading to the first turn. He dropped back to race in rear along the rail around the first turn but was only ~5L off the pace heading into the back stretch. He travelled well enough in this position to ~9/16 pole, then had to be scrubbed on to advance as the horses on his outside moved closer to the pace, threatening to cross in front of him on the rail. He responded to his rider’s urging & advanced to hold his position on the rail, hitting the bend ~2L off the lead inside a tightly bunched field. However, a rival did then manage cross in front of him around the turn which shuffled him back to race in last ~7L off the pace & put him on the back foot ~3/8 pole. Having then come under a strong ride, he found little off the bridle & struggled to recover, losing ground before finishing evenly past a very tired rival in the stretch to finish a well beaten 4th. Had a slightly troubled trip, twice getting shuffled back along the rail. That didn’t aid his chances, however, he was the longest shot in the field & didn’t show enough late to suggest he’d have finished better than 4th with a clean trip. Likely needs more today. |
| MOSE PERFECT | SA, Lrl, 1 1/16M, Fast, 05/09/25 – 5th | ‘MP’ broke sharp from the rail draw but was out sped for the lead who crossed to the rail in front of him heading into the first turn. He therefore moved out into the 2P & then chased that lose leader in 2nd around the bend into the back stretch before he crept closer to that foe under a tight hold to pass the 9/16 pole just 1L behind. He then came under pressure to stay with the leader heading into & around the far turn. He did so to ~3/8 pole but then started to really struggle & dropped back to hit the top of the stretch fully extended in a share of 3rd ~4L back. From there, he faded to the wire & was not persevered with from ~1/16 pole. Clean trip chasing the lose leader, no excuse. He has been much better than this in the past. |
| FAN CLUB | Alw, Lrl, 1M, Fast, 03/21/25 – 5th | Having broken alertly, ‘FC’ wasn’t rushed early & dropped back to adopt a rail stalking position ~3L off the lead early. He traveled well in this position to ~1/2 mile pole, then began losing ground & came under encouragement but struggled to respond & dropped back around the turn to hit the top of the stretch fully extended ~8L back in 5th. From there, despite looking to try hard, he continued weakening to the wire. Clean rail skimming trip. Pace made this race & the order barely changed throughout which didn’t help at all as a closer. He looked to try hard but became outpaced & outclassed from the far turn & faded. Today’s drop in class will definitely help, especially if the pace is more honest. |
| GROUP TICKET | Clm25k, Prx, 1M 70yds, Fast, 05/06/25 – 1st | ‘GT’ was ridden into stride leaving his wide post to race ~1L off the lead heading into the first turn. He then hit the bend 3-4W so eased back off the pressured pace & crossed to the rail in behind the leaders before being hustled forward into the pocket. He then raced slightly behind the bridle in this position ~2L back racing down the back stretch & had to be squeezed forward to hold his position heading to the far turn. He responded well to pressure & did manage to stay within striking range heading into & around the far turn, then tipped out into the clear 4W at the top of the stretch & advanced to join the leaders shortly after straightening for the drive. From there, he came under a strong ride, took the lead ~1/8th pole & gradually edged away. Clean stalk & pounce trip from the rail. Had to work hard to hold his position but gamely kept responding to pressure & drew off late. This was a near career best effort. Can he repeat it today? |
| HOLY SYNCHRONICITY | SA, Lrl, 1M, Sloppy, 05/04/25 – 5th | ‘HS’ bobbled at the start but showed good athleticism to get away well & work forward to pressure the pace between horses in the 2P early. He then eased back from between horses heading into the far turn to hit the bend ~2L back in 4th. From there, he traveled powerfully while boxed in along the rail on the leader’s heels to the top of the stretch before the field fanned & he came under a ride while dropping to the rail to take advantage of a gap. From there, he finished very willingly to the wire but could not get by the eventual 3/5 winner. A huge effort at 21/1. He traveled into the race very well & finished willingly. However, having been boxed in rounding the bend, he was prevented from building the momentum into the lane that could have seen him get the ‘W’. There looked to be no fluke about this near career best effort & it feels he could have more to offer still. |
Race 7: MD-Bred Allowance, 3YO+, 1M, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| JOE THE JET | SA, Pen, 6F, Fast, 03/27/25 – 5th | ‘JTJ’ was hustled away from the rail draw having broken a step slow, working forward to adopt a rail stalking position ~2L off the lead heading into the far turn. He was then ridden along to keep pace with the dueling leaders as he hit the bend but failed to do so & gradually dropped while drifting out to hit the top of the stretch fully extended ~6L off the pace in a share of 4th 4W. From there, having come under a strong ride, he finished evenly & never threatened. Clean trip. Traveled well close to the lead early but then became outpaced when it mattered. Ran like today’s stretch back out in distance will be to his advantage. |
| THATAWAY | Alw, Lrl, 1 1/16M, Firm, 05/03/25 – 2nd | THATAWAY broke alertly from the rail draw, then found himself on the lead heading into the first turn as nobody wanted to go on. He took control, then bowled along in a nice rhythm with his ears pricked ~1L in front heading down the back stretch to the far turn. His rider then gave him a squeeze to increase the tempo while taking pressure from a strong challenging foe who loomed up on his outside heading into the far turn. While leaning out a touch, he raced head-to-head with that to the top of the stretch, then came under a strong ride. From there, he finished very willingly & saw off that challenger to retake a neck lead ~1/8th pole & then he fended off another challenger in deep stretch but he couldn’t stop the eventual winner who blew by everyone on the outside late. A huge effort at 7/1 off the layoff. He set an even pace from the start, then fended off all the challengers when it mattered, save for the 6/5 winner. If stepping forward from this very likable comeback effort, his wonderful attitude will help him have every chance again today. |
| MISSION ARTEMIS | Clm40k, Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/25/25 – 1st | ‘MA’ got away well from his middle draw & then took the lead as nobody really wanted to go on heading into the first turn. That allowed him to cross down to the rail & from there, he set a slow, uncontested lead under a tight hold all the way to the far turn. His rider then slipped him some rein & stepped on the gas rounding the bend which allowed him to get his rivals on the back foot & maintain his lead to the top of the stretch before he came under a strong ride & had enough in reserve to hold safe. Set a slow, uncontested pace all the way to the far turn which helped him hold safe by ~1/2L at the wire. A decent effort, though he’s very unlikely to get the same scenario today against these tougher rivals. |
| CORINGA | SA, Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/26/25 – 1st | CORINGA slightly bumped with a rival leaving the gate but that didn’t stop him quickly getting into stride, zipping to the lead & crossing to the 2P heading into the first turn, from where, he dropped to the rail & set an honest, uncontested lead to the far turn. A rival the came up to apply pressure on him as the field hit the far turn so his rider gave him a squeeze & to that he responded well, increasing the tempo, getting his rivals under pressure & gradually extending his advantage again racing to the top of the stretch. Then, having straightened for the drive ~1 1/2L in front, he came under a ride & opened up further before holding firm late for a comfortable success. A dominant gate to wire victory. He set an honest pace from the start, then kicked smartly in the stretch. Not sure how much he can improve on this effort, especially with other pace rivals in the lineup today, but it was a smart performance. |
| MISSION NORTH | SA, Lrl, 1 1/16M, Firm, 10/18/24 – 1st | (Last flat race. Has run in two hurdle races since). Having taken a slight bump leaving the inside post, ‘MN’ was squeezed forward to take the lead racing into the first turn. He then set an honest pace while racing very keenly ~3L in front around the first turn & down the back stretch to the far turn. He then remained under a tight hold around the far turn as his rivals began to come under pressure in behind. He turned for home traveling best with ~1L lead then, came under a strong ride finished impressively to draw away again in the lane. A dominant gate to wire victory. He pulled hard & was seemingly doing more than his rider wanted heading down the back stretch but impressively, he still had enough in reserve to extend away late. It wouldn’t be surprising if he had more to offer still. |
| KING’S RIVER | SA, Pim, 1 1/8M, Firm, 05/10/25 – 1st | ‘KR’ was not rushed from gate two & dropped to back to race ~9L off the hot pace in the 2P heading into & around the first turn. He held this position while traveling well to ~5/8 pole, then steadily crept closer to the pace & hit the far turn ~6L off the lead. He then weaved his way between horses & built momentum on the bend before working his way out into the clear 4W ~5/16 pole under heavy pressure. Having then turned for home fully extended ~3L off the pace in the centre of the track, he maintained his momentum to stay on well past a tired looking group of horses & take the lead ~1/16 pole before drawing off late. Sat a clean trip closing into a fast from rear, though he was a wide into the lane. He brushed with a rival ~1/8th pole but that was of little significance. This was a solid career best effort & the good thing is that he’ll likely get a similarly strong pace to chase today, opening the possibility of him backing this effort up. |
| ELUSIVE IMAGE | Clm20k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 11/03/24 – 5th | Having been reluctant to load, ‘EI’ was hustled form the gate before settling back into a tracking position ~4L off the lead in the 2P early. He traveled well in this position to the far turn, then advanced into 3rd under minimal on the bend & turned for home ~2L off the lead. From there, he came under a strong ride & stayed on to the wire but lacked the pace to challenge & lost two positions to fast finishing closers late. Reluctant to load. Sat a clean trip & ran well enough at 13/1 but lacked the required pace to challenge late over 5 1/2F. He ran like a horse who’d be suited by 6-7F. |
| MR JEFFERSON | SA, Pim, 1 1/16M, Fast, 05/10/25 – 1st | Having broken cleanly from the outside post, ‘MJ’ was encouraged into stride before taking the first turn ~3L off the pace way out in the 4P. He traveled well chasing the pace in this position through the back stretch to ~1/2 mile pole before he effortlessly advanced upon the leaders to hit the far turn just 1L off the lead, looming menacingly in the 3P. From there, he gradually eased upsides the leaders to take control under confident handling ~1/4 pole before coming under a strong ride at the top of the stretch. He didn’t extend away as one may have expected from the top of the lane, however, he did show an extremely game attitude & maintain strong strides all the way to the wire, fending off the closers to finish well on top. Travelled very well into the race under confident handling & showed a great attitude late. With a more ground saving trip today & this comeback effort from the layoff behind him, he could easily step forward again today as he switched to the turf. |
| CARVELLIAN QUEST | Alw, Lrl, 1M, Firm, 05/02/25 – 2nd | ‘CQ’ broke alertly, then showed speed to get forward & share the lead with two horses while racing under a tight hold in the clear 3W down the back stretch. He remained upsides the two other pace setters into the far turn & traveled well in that position while 3W to ~1/4 pole. He then came under a ride & kicked away into a clear lead 1L at the top of the stretch before coming under a stronger ride. He maintained his lead through the stretch to ~1/8th pole but was then confronted by a fresh challenger who blew by him on the outside & from there, he was left to chase home the winner in a clear 2nd. Sat a wide trip contesting the pace. Kicked away nicely in the stretch but could not hold off the 2/5 winner. This was a solid effort in defeat at 11/1 & he lost nothing in defeat. |
Race 8: OC 20k/SAL 12k, 3YO+, 1 1/16M, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| PRINCE KHOZAN | SA, Pim, 1 1/8M, Firm, 05/10/25 – 3rd | ‘PK’ broke alertly from the rail raw but then lacked speed & dropped well back to be racing 12L off the hot pace in second last heading into the first turn. He was patiently ridden in this position around the first turn into the back stretch before he moved out into the 2P & his rider gave him a squeeze to advance closer to the pace. He managed to get a little bit closer heading into the far turn, then hit the bend ~7L behind in the 3P before he came under a stronger ride while trying advancing around the outside of horses 4-5W. In a labored fashion, he did manage to improve somewhat while wide running to the top of the stretch before he turned for home widest of all ~5L back. He then rallied at one pace past tired horses late to get 3rd, just a nose behind 2nd. Sat a wide trip which no doubt cost him 2nd. Was outrun chasing a fast pace early, then stayed on at one pace past tired horses. This was a decent effort off the layoff in which he showed a good attitude. Based off this effort, he’ll need another wicked pace to run at today, especially over 1/16m shorter. |
| SAKETUMI | Alw, Pen, 1 1/16M, Firm, 08/01/25 – 7th | SAKETUMI broke alertly & showed decent speed early before easing back into a stalking position 3W heading into the first turn. He was then floated out into the 5P as the field hit the first turn but quickly recovered & dropped back down to the rail where he chased the contested pace in 3rd, ~3L behind the leaders to the far turn. He then came under pressure rounding the far turn along the rail but failed to advanced & became outpaced before turning for home ~4L back & weakening in the stretch. Was floated out around the first turn but that made little difference to the result. He traveled well tracking the leaders to the far turn but then became outpaced & weakened. He’ll need more today. Effort followed by layoff. |
| LOVE ME NOT | Alw, FG, 1 1/16M, Firm, 02/22/25 – 8th | Having broken cleanly from his wide draw, ‘LMK’ slotted across to the 2P heading into the first turn & settled into the centre of a well strung-out field ~10L off the hot pace. He traveled well in this position around the first turn & into the back stretch before he gradually crept closer under patient handling. He hit the far turn racing in the 2P ~6L off the pace, then came under slight encouragement & tried to build momentum to the top of the stretch. He then cut the corner into the lane & straightened for the drive ~5L off the pace before coming under a strong ride. He seemed to respond to pressure & rallied slightly to the 1/8th pole but then became leg weary & his run petered out. He then weakened late to be beaten 11 3/4L. Clean trip. Never really got into the race & became leg weary late. This was a fairly unexciting effort, but he was 76/1. Facing easier company today will help. Effort followed by layoff. |
| THE LAST SCIP | SA, Pim, 1 1/16M, Good, 05/09/25 – 2nd | (Off turf event). ‘TLS’ broke alertly from the rail draw & was sent forward to establish the lead heading into the first turn. He then set a slow, uncontested pace under a tight hold down the back stretch to the far turn before increasing the pace under slight urging on the bend. He managed to get his rivals on the back foot but was then strongly challenged by the eventual winner ~5/16 pole. From there, he came under a strong ride & fought head-to-head with that foe into the stretch but could not keep pace from ~1/8th pole & gradually dropped back to be beaten ~1L in 2nd. Set a slow, uncontested pace & had no excuse. However, this was a decent effort off the layoff – he showed a great attitude & went down on his sword but was simply 2nd best to the 1/1 favorite. A switch back to turf today with this solid comeback run under his belt should see him to good effect today. |
| EL DE LARRY | SA, Lrl, 1 1/16M, Fast, 04/05/25 – 4th | ‘EDL’ was sent forward following a clean break to race in a clear second ~1L off the pace while 2W around the first turn. He held this position under a tight hold to the far turn, then his rider slipped him some rein & allowed him to gradually advance upsides the leader on the bend. While traveling best of all, he pushed on past the leader to narrowly take control approaching the ¼ pole but was then strongly challenged by a fresh face on his outside at the top of the stretch. From there, he came under a strong ride but could not go with that rival & lost the lead before weakening in the stretch – not for lack of trying though. Clean stalking trip. Traveled well in the 2P, then took a slim lead ~1/4 pole but could not go on late. A switch back to turf could see him finish better today though he’ll need more. |
| KENDAMA | SA, Pim, 1 1/8M, Firm, 05/10/25 – 2nd | KENDAMA was ridden into stride leaving the gate before he dropped to the rail & settled into a comfortable tracking position ~4L behind the fast pace heading into & around the first turn into the back stretch. He held this position while travelling well under a hold to the far turn, then came under pressure on the bend, worked out into the 3P & advanced to join the leader at the top of the stretch 4W. He then came under a stronger ride & stayed on well at one pace to the wire but lacked the required kick. Sat a clean rail stalking trip though did come slightly wide into the stretch. Traveled well into the race & finished nicely at one pace but lacked a finishing kick. Stamina looks his forte. |
| SELL SOMETHING | SA, Lrl, 1 1/8M, Firm, 10/26/24 – 3rd | Having not been rushed from the gate, ‘SS’ crossed to the rail heading into the first turn & settled into a comfortable tracking position ~3L off the pace rounding the clubhouse turn into the back stretch. He traveled well in this position to the far turn, then came under pressure to keep up as the pace increased. He responded well to his rider’s urgings & held his position rounding the bend to turn for home ~3L back before working out into the clear 3W & coming under a strong ride. From there, he finished willingly & closed to finish 3rd in a bunch finish. Clean rail stalking trip. He traveled into the race well & finished nicely but was 3rd best on this occasion. This was a career best effort at 15/1 in which he showed a very likable attitude. Effort followed by layoff. |
| UNINVITED GUEST | SA, Pim, 1 1/16M, Good, 05/09/25 – 3rd | (Off turf event). ‘UV’ broke alertly from the outside gate & showed good speed to vie for the lead hading into the first turn. He then eased back off the slow pace to stalk in the 2P rounding the bend into the back stretch & held this position to ~1/2 mile pole. From there, he came under pressure to hold his position as the closers swarmed him on both sides & the pace increased heading into & around the far turn. The top two then kicked away & two other rivals became badly outpaced rounding the bend, leaving him to chase the leaders while under pressure in a clear 3rd. He then entered the lane ~5L back & finished at one pace to hold the show spot. Stalked a slow pace, then became outpaced by the eventual top two finishers & stayed on at one pace to hold a modest 3rd. Never really threatened & lacked a finishing kick. Today’s surface switch could help him step forward, but he’ll need more today. |
| NEW YORK PANTHER | NY Alw, Aqu, 1 1/16M, Good, 04/27/25 – 10th | ‘NYP’ lacked speed from the rail draw & dropped well back early to chase the field ~13L back in last rounding the first turn into the back stretch. Under very patient handling, he then dropped further back heading to the far turn, hit the bend ~17L back, then came under a ride but failed to respond & continued trailing to the wire, eventually finishing ~30L last. Lacked speed & was never involved at 68/1, seemingly without excuse. An uninspiring return off the layoff. |
| BIG BIG STAR | Clm20k, Lrl, 1 1/16M, Firm, 10/26/24 – 1st | ‘BBS’ broke alertly from the outside post, crossed to the 2P heading into the first turn, adopted a stalking position in 2nd ~1L back & then traveled strongly in that position to ~1/2 mile pole. Under a tight hold, he then advanced upsides the leader heading into the far turn before taking control as the field his the bend. He opened up by ~1L while traveling best with his rivals under pressure rounding into the lane before he came under a strong & kicked ~2L clear at the top of the stretch. From there, he had his advantage significantly reduced through the lane & was joined by two rivals inside the final 1/16 but managed to stay on enough to get his nose down on the wire. Clean stalking trip. Traveled best into the race, then kicked before staying on at one pace & winning the bob. A determined career best effort. |
Horses to Follow
R6: FAN CLUB (5/1 ML)
A strong case can be made for nearly every runner in today’s sixth race, a one-mile starter allowance on dirt, where seven of the nine entrants are listed at 8/1 or shorter on the morning line. Looking at the morning line prices, though, FAN CLUB stands out as the best value. This 7-year-old son of Street Sense has flourished since joining Claudio Gonzalez’s barn in February, hitting the board in his first two starts for the trainer at 13/1 and 10/1 before breaking through with a win at 5/1, earning an 82 Beyer speed figure two starts back. Gonzalez then tested him against tougher company last out, facing horses like HITHEROADJAK and ASSUME NOTHING – both of whom would be heavy favorites in today’s field. Sent off at 23/1, FAN CLUB could finish no better than fifth. However, as highlighted in the trip notes, the slow pace which led to the running order barely changing throughout severely dented his chances as a mid-pack closer from the start, suggesting the result didn’t fairly reflect his current level of form or ability. Now dropping back into starter allowance company with a more even tempo predicted, FAN CLUB can get back to winning ways with crack bug rider Hazlewood shaving a valuable 7lbs off. He fits squarely with this group on speed figures, should sit the right trip from gate seven, and looks a more than fair price at 5/1.
R7: MISSION NORTH (2/1 ML)
Today’s seventh race, a one-mile turf allowance, promises an abundance of early speed, which might tempt bettors to back a closer like KING’S RIVER. But don’t rule out MISSION NORTH, even though he’ll be battling up front from the start. Trained by Jack Fisher, this 4-year-old son of NOBLE MISSION has improved his Beyer speed figure in every flat turf race he’s run, highlighted by an impressive win last October that earned him a figure of 85. As the trip notes show, he pulled hard that day, burning too much energy early, yet still had plenty in the tank to surge clear late – a promising sign that he can handle today’s projected hot pace and still fight on when it counts. Since that standout win, he’s dominated two hurdle races by a combined 31 lengths over 2¼ and 2½ miles. While that form has limited bearing here, it underscores his bottomless stamina. His speed figures rank among some of the best in this field, and now aged four, he could well have more to offer again. Coming off those hurdle races, he’ll be razor-sharp today, and there’s a chance that he’ll be more than just the best of the speed – he could blow this field apart.
R8: BIG BIG STAR (5/1 ML)
Trainer Keri Brion equipped BIG BIG STAR with blinkers for the first time last September, sparking a noticeable leap in performance. He closed out 2024 with back-to-back wins, the latest of which came over today’s course and distance in October. Trip notes from that race highlight how he traveled powerfully to the top of the stretch, surged clear in the lane, and then held on gamely by a nose, posting his fifth consecutive improved Beyer speed figure. If he builds on that effort today, he’s sure to be in the thick of it. Some bettors may worry about his fitness after a 211-day layoff since that last start, but there’s no cause for concern. The past performances don’t show it, but Brion gave BIG BIG STAR a sharpener in a 1½-mile race at the Greenspring Valley Point-To-Point on March 30, where he beat talented runners like LORD FLINTSHIRE and Eclipse Award winner SNAP DECISION. No speed figures were recorded, but visually, he looked as good as ever – perhaps even better. That outing should have him primed for a peak effort today, setting the stage for him to continue his 2024 upward trajectory into 2025. Regular rider Danny Centeno, who meshes perfectly with this horse, stays aboard, and from their outside post, they can be tactical in a race loaded with early speed. Listed at 5/1 on the morning line, BIG BIG STAR fits well with this group and may still have room to improve.
Good luck playing Laurel today!
