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: 6-11-3
R2: 8-2-6
R3: 2-8-4
R4: 5-4-13
R5: 9-4-7
R6: 6-14-12
R7: 7-9-5
R8: 1-11-4
R9: 4-7-1
Trip Notes – Recent performances that deserve an asterisk. All others: trust the past-performances.
Race 1: OC16K/SAL16K, 3YO+, 1 1/16 Miles, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #3 BOOKITWITHHADDAD | Starter Alw, LRL, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 10/17/25 – 6th | Traveled well tracking the even pace from ~4L back on the rail to the far turn, then waited inside racing to ¼ pole before advancing slightly under a hand ride entering the lane; straightened for the drive ~2L back on the rail, then tried to advance between the two leaders in the 2P but was shut off and forced to steady, costing him all chance. | Met significant trouble ~1/8th pole when trying to advance between the leading duo; looked loaded at the time and would surely have gone very close with a clean trip. UPGRADE this effort. |
| #8 TOOLPUSHER | Starter Alw, LRL, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 10/17/25 – 5th | Lacked speed; chased the pace from ~7L back in rear while 3-4W racing to the far turn, then made a steady advance despite racing widest of all in the 5P+ racing to the top of the lane; hit the top of the stretch 3-4L off the lead in the 7P+, then stayed on nicely down the center and continued to close, eventually beaten just 1 3/4L. | Was beaten just 1 3/4L but gave away far more ground than that racing extremely wide on both turns. UPGRADE this effort. |
| #11 CAP’N DUSTY | Starter Alw, LRL, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 10/17/25 – 9th | Was squeezed back shortly after the break; chased the even pace from ~7L back on the rail racing to the far turn, then waited while his rider nudged on him to keep the revs up racing behind horses to the top of the lane; straightened for the drive ~5L behind, then advanced slightly under a hand ride along the inside to pass the 3/16 pole just 3L back, seemingly full of run, but he was denied a fully clear path thereafter never truly let himself down. | Lacked room in the stretch when trying to come with a run. He would have finished closer with a clean trip; was better than the result/speed figure suggest and more can be expected of him today. Weight off today. |
| #12 MAYBE IT’S TIME (AE) | Starter Alw, LRL, 1 1/8M, Firm Turf, 11/02/25 – 6th | Traveled well chasing the hot pace from 1-2L back in the 2P to the far turn, then advanced and took the lead at the top of the stretch; straightened for the drive 1L up, held the lead to ~1/8th pole, then faded late on. | Was beaten only 3 3/4L despite sitting close to a hot pace that favored closers. He did best of the forwardly placed runner – PACE UPGRADE this effort. |
| Other notes:
– #6 SUMMER VIBES sat a slightly wide trip last time and finished like he could be better stretched back out to a route (now he is not using lasix). – #7 OWHATANITE had a perfect trip and setup last time; slightly DOWNGRADE that effort. |
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Race 2: Claiming 25K, 2YOF, 6 Furlongs, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #3 LAST GIFT | Claiming 25k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 11/02/25 – 1st | Broke alertly from the outside gate; pressed the even pace from ~1/2L back in 2nd, 2W, to ~1/4 pole, then advanced into a slim lead at the top of the lane, came under a strong ride and extended away. | This was a nice visual performance, but it should be noted that she was forwardly placed throughout on a track presenting a strong speed bias (potential downgrade). The same can be said about her maiden breaking effort at Timonium, two-back. |
| #6 CURLENE’S SPIRIT | Maiden Claiming 25k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 11/02/25 – 1st | Was hustled hard into stride after taking a bump at the break; pressed the even pace from ~1/4L back in the 3P to the turn, then went ahead and took the lead for herself ~3/8 pole; held a 1/2L lead under a hand ride in the 3P to the top of the lane, then drew off. | This was a nice visual performance, but it should be noted that she was forwardly placed throughout on a track presenting a strong speed bias (potential downgrade). |
| #8 NEMAIN | Claiming 25k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 11/02/25 – 3rd | Was outsped from the rail and dropped back (possibly not loving the kickback); passed the 1/2m pole ~9L off the even pace in a detached last, then swung out into the clear 4W and advanced slightly into 4th on the turn; straightened for the drive ~6L back in the 5P, then stayed on willingly towards the center for a 4L defeat in 3rd. | Raced wide on the turn and closed on a track presenting a strong speed bias – UPGRADE this effort. Blinks now on. |
| Other notes: None | |||
Race 3: OC62K/N1X, 2YO, 1 Mile, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #2 HOLLYWOOD IMPORT | James F. Lewis III S., LRL, 6F, Muddy Dirt, 11/08/25 – 3r | Lacked speed; chased the honest pace from ~10L+ back while being nudged on in the 4P to the turn, then advanced slightly while 4W on the bend; passed the ¼ pole ~6L back ~4W, then he was floated way out into the 7P+ racing into the stretch before maintaining his rally down the center for a clear 2nd. | Sat a very wide trip and closed on a speed bias racetrack – UPGRADE this effort. Looked like he’d love today’s trip too. |
| #3 BALA DE PLATA | Allowance, LRL, 1 1/16M, Fast Dirt, 11/02/25 – 1st | Broke sharp from the outside gate, crossed to the 2P and contested the pace around the first turn, then went on and took the a clear 1-2L lead entering the back stretch; set fast fractions in front to ~5/16 pole, then opened up by 4L under a ride at the top of the lane; he then held safe through the lane, despite tiring badly inside the final 1/8th and flopping leads. | This was a solid gate-to-wire effort, however, it should be noted that the track was presenting a strong speed bias this day (potential downgrade). |
| Other notes:
– #4 WILD WARRIOR had pace to run at last time and performed below expectations, period. However, he was also wide on the turns and the track was speed favoring, offering a slight excuse. |
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Race 4: OC16K/SAL16K, 3YO+F, 1 Mile, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #1 BOSSY JEANS | Claiming 7.5k, MED, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 10/17/25 – 10th | Ran in snatches chasing the even pace from ~2L back in a share of 2nd racing to the far turn, then had to check and steady entering the bend as two rivals who had moved up on her outside came across in front of her; from there, she was eased to the wire. | Feels like a race we should toss; she didn’t look herself early on (ran in snatches), then had to check hard entering the far turn and was not persevered with after, exasperating the margin of defeat. Connections clearly happy to go again this afternoon; expect her to return to her better form. |
| #8 FAHNEE | Starter Alw, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 11/01/25 – 7th | Traveled very powerfully chasing the hot pace from ~4L back on the rail into the turn, then steadied slightly ~5/16 pole when running up on heels; jumped back on the bit and continued traveling strongly behind horses to the top of the lane while angling out into the 2P, then came under a ride but met traffic ~3/16 pole; found room again towards rail ~1/8th pole, then stayed on evenly but lacked the turn of foot to truly threaten. Gallop out was okay. | Did not have a clean trip from the rail and could almost certainly have finished closer with a better trip – UPGRADE. Effort gave mixed signals about her getting two-turns, though. |
| #14 RICHIE’S VALENTINE (AE) | Starter Alw, LRL, 1M, Firm Turf, 11/01/25 – 7th | Traveled well tracking the even pace from ~5L back on the rail to the far turn, then waited and was shuffled back slightly behind a struggling rival on the run to the top of the stretch; hit the top of the lane ~8L behind, still under a hold, then switched out into the 4P ~1/8th pole (losing momentum) before finishing evenly. | Tough to gauge where she’d have finished with a clean trip as when clear in deep stretch, she didn’t pick up a great deal. However, this was not a clean trip and she’s at least capable of more than this effort. |
| #15 SKITTLIEDAT (AE) | Starter Alw, LRL, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 11/02/25 – 9th | Traveled well on the rail in mid-pack, racing ~6L off the even pace to the top of the stretch, then found a large rail opening at the top of the lane, came under a ride and quickened slightly but was then shut off and forced to check hard ~1/8th pole, costing her all chance. | Looked as if she could hit the board when badly hampered in mid-stretch. This effort was better than the result/figure suggest. Did sit a lovely, ground saving trip up to that point, though. |
| Other notes:
– Granted, he had pace to run at, but #13 SEVEN’S MAGIC finished up very well over 5 1/2F last time after coming extremely wide into the lane; looked as though he could be effective back at two-turns on the turf. – #4 BOYS GO TO JUPITER’s last start on turf (prior to his romping maiden win last time) was slightly better than it looked as the modest-slow pace ended up favoring front runners (top two ran 1-2 throughout) and he was caught wide trying to close. |
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Race 5: OC16K/SAL16K, 3YO+, 1 Mile, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #6 HAPPY JAUNT | Starter Alw, LRL, 1 1/16M, Firm Turf, 10/17/25 – 4th | Pulled hard between horses in mid-pack, ~4L off the even pace in the 2-3P racing to ~5/16 pole, then very carefully squeezed through a tiny gap between rivals (amongst a very tightly bunched group) passing the ¼ pole and angled out into the 4P at the top of the lane; came under a ride thereafter and responded well for 4th. | There isn’t a bad trip to highlight here, the opposite, in fact; he sat a great trip. Just want to highlight that the ‘steadied in traffic 1/8’ note in the chart comment did not happen. This was a good trip and a fair reflection of this horse’s current (turf) ability. |
| Other notes:
– #3 BIGTONTEN finished up well with good energy over 6F last time; stretching out to a mile could be a good move. |
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Race 6: N1X, 3YO+F, 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #4 FRAPPART | Claiming 40k, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 10/24/25 – 3rd | Was fractious behind the gate, then pinched back at the start and taken up which left her giving the field an 8L head start; chased the pace under patient handling to the turn, then advanced smoothly under a hold while gradually angling out racing to the top of the lane; straightened for the drive ~3L back in the 4P, then stayed on willingly to the wire but could not get by as she was consistently floated out 5Ps in the lane. | Had a troubled beginning, then lost ground being floated out at least five paths through the stretch (UPGRADE this effort). Remains lightly raced and it seems there’s still more to come. |
| #12 BIG EARN | Claiming 40k, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 10/24/25 – 3rd | Was unhurried following a clean break and then eased further back to race in a share of last, ~5L off the even pace after the first 1/8th, then became very keen, ran up on heels and steadied approaching the far turn ~3-4W; continued pulling very hard behind horses in rear racing to the top of the lane, turned for home ~5-6L back, then came under a relatively sympathetic ride and stayed on evenly before galloping out well. | A passive ride from the gate resulted in him getting into trouble entering the far turn when very keen and too far back; he was then given a fairly sympathetic ride in the lane (rider was not all out) before galloping out with energy left. This ride did not allow this big, long striding and powerful horse to show his best; expect more today. |
| #14 COUGAR COCKTAIL | MSW, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 10/18/25 – 1st | Hesitated at the break and gave the field a 2L head start; chased the even pace from ~10L+ back into the turn 2W, then began to creep closer under a hand ride racing to the top of the lane before rallying powerfully between foes, rapidly forging into the lead ~1/16 pole to win going away. | Gave the field a head start on debut, then closed into a pace that held up well and blew by them all in the lane; impressive effort that she can almost certainly improve on with experience and a better break. Passed the eye test. |
| #15 CRUSADER RABBIT (MTO) | Allowance, DEL, 5 1/2F, Fast Dirt, 10/09/25 – 2nd | Broke sharp; pressed the hot pace from ~1/2L back in the 2P while receiving pressure herself from an outside rival racing to ~1/4 pole, then advanced slightly to draw level for the lead at the top of the lane before taking a hard fought 1/2L advantage running to ~1/16 pole; she was then caught late by a fast finishing closer and went down grudgingly in 2nd. | Huge effort pressing the hot pace (that favored closers) from between horses (very tricky position) on a track presenting a closer bias. UPGRADE this effort and expect more second off the layoff today. |
| Other notes:
– Both #7 CHANTICO and #11 PEONY sat notably wide trips last time, but the ground loss was not enough of an excuse to explain their sub par performances. |
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Race 7: OC30K/SAL20K, 3YO+, 1 Mile, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #2 GLUCKSTADT | Claiming 16k, KEE, 7F, Fast Dirt, 10/12/25 – 6th | Broke in, bumped and lacked speed; chased the moderate pace ~7L off the tightly bunched body of the field racing to the far turn; began advancing under a hefty hand ride or acing to the 5/16, then swung widest of all into the 6P+ racing to the top of the lane; straightened for the drive ~2-3L back ~6W, then stayed on well to the 1/8th pole before flattening late. | Raced widest of all while closing from 7L back into a pace that favored horses on the front end (first five finishers were all within 2L of the lead at second call). This effort can be slightly upgraded. Stretches out first off the claim today. |
| #9 ARROW SPEED | Claiming 30k, DEL, 1M 70Y, Sloppy Dirt, 09/25/25 – 3rd | Eased back following a sharp break and crossed to the inside; chased the moderate pace from ~5-6L back racing to ~9/16 pole, then crept closer in hand between horses in the 2P approaching the far turn; passed the 7/16 pole just 2L behind, then tried to advance between horses into the lead ~5/16 pole but was shut off and forced to steady; dropped back, hit the top of the lane ~2L back, then tried to advance between horses again ~1/8th pole but was denied a run and forced to switch inside (onto the slower part of the track); he then finished evenly for a 1/2L defeat in 3rd. | Was shut off when trying to come with a run and then forced inside to race on the slowest part of the (sloppy) racetrack, all while closing into a pace that held well (1,2,4 finishers filled first three positions to the top of the lane). This was an UPGRADABLE EFFORT. |
| Other notes:
– #3 TOPS THE CHART was caught late going 1 1/16m after sitting a slightly wide trip last out. Granted a more ground saving trip, he could be more effective back at a flat mile as he makes his third start off the bench today. – #8 FAN CLUB was able to save ground while closing into a fast pace last time which warrants a slight downgrade. That being said, he is entitled to improve second off the bench today. |
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Race 8: OC40K/N2X, 3YO+, 5 ½ Furlongs, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #1 SWILL | Starter Alw, LRL, 5 1/2F, Firm Turf, 10/25/25 – 3rd | Pressed the hot pace from ~1/2L back in the 5P racing to the turn; dropped back slightly but remained under patient handling while racing 4W to the top of the lane; straightened for the drive ~2L back in the 4P, then came under a ride and responded well, taking the lead ~1/8th pole before flattening slightly late. | Sat close to a fast pace that favored closers and was caught 4-5W throughout – UPGRADE this effort. (His rider was not all out on him through the final 1/16m either). Expect more with a low draw today. |
| #11 MISTER LINCOLN | Allowance, LRL, 6F, Firm Turf, 10/26/25 – 2nd | Tracked the even pace from ~2L back on the rail into to the turn; shifted into the 2-3P, dropped back slightly and came under pressure chasing the quickening leaders while being floated out into the 5P on the bend; straightened for the drive 4-5L back ~5W, then tried to advance between foes ~3/16 pole but was put in tight and steadied slightly; shifted path, regathered stride and then rallied well through horses for a 1/2L defeat. | This was a slightly messy and wide trip; easy to argue he was best in here. Granted a clean trip, we can expect a little more today. |
| Other notes:
– #3 PEALING LAD was running well (aided by a good trip) up until he reached the 1/8th pole last out, when he then started lugging in very badly and bounced off the rail, denting his momentum. (He was then not persevered with late on, exasperating the margin of defeat). If he can straighten himself up in the lane, he can improve second off the bench today. |
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Race 9: MC25K, 2YO, 1 1/16M, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP | NOTE |
| #7 TIZ THE GREAT | Maiden Claiming 25k, LRL, 6F, Fast Dirt, 10/19/25 – 5th | Was unhurried after bobbling significantly at the break and dropped well back early; chased the pace from 10L+ back while 4-5W racing to the top of the lane, then rallied with good energy down the center and improved but ultimately had far too much to do. He then galloped out well. | Fell too far back after a significant bobble at the break, then closed into a pace that held well while very wide throughout (top three finishers filled those positions throughout) – UPGRADE this effort. |
| Other notes:
– Both #1 HARD SWING and #5 OUR HAM SANDWICH sat notably wide trips last out. |
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Horses to Follow
R1: SUMMER VIBES (5/1 ML)
SUMMER VIBES has delivered two powerful efforts since Lacey Gaudet took him off Lasix in October—impressive, considering both came in sprints that don’t truly suit him. His running style, his earlier form for Brendan Walsh, and his pedigree—he’s a half brother to five-time G1 winner SHE FEELS PRETTY—all point to two turns being his true wheelhouse. Which raises the question: how good might he be routing on turf without Lasix? Good enough to take today’s opener; quite possibly. He should sit a lovely stalking trip from gate six and the 5/1 morning-line odds seem fair.
R2: NEMAIN (6/1 ML)
NEMAIN drew the rail in his last start, failed to get forward, and then looked to resent the kickback, dropping himself back into a detached last as the field entered the far turn — not ideal when the race is being run over a very speed-favoring track. Still, once shifted into the clear outside, he managed to overcome both the track bias and the ground lost racing wide, rallying back into third behind LAST GIFT. His effort was much better than it looked.
He now draws the outside post in today’s second, helping him avoid the kickback, and he also gets blinkers on. Both factors should help him take a sizable step forward from that upgradable recent defeat — and that might be good enough to cause a minor upset.
Note: Hazlewood lands here over the favorite, RERUN TABLE, and the joint third choice on the morning line, CURLENE’S SPIRIT.
R3: HOLLYWOOD IMPORT (2/1 ML)
HOLLYWOOD IMPORT earned a strong mention in these lines 15 days ago ahead of the James F. Lewis III S., off a debut at Delaware that was miles better than it looked. He spotted the field a head start, lost significant ground swinging wide on the home turn, and still managed to reel in a highly touted Godolphin-owned favorite late.
He couldn’t reel in Brittany Russell’s hugely impressive BALBOA in the James F. Lewis III, but he ran a terrific race to finish second. Once again, he endured an extremely wide trip, and this time he was trying to close into a track that was strongly favoring speed — yet he still kept on resolutely to finish clear of the remainder. It was another performance that outstripped what the running line suggests.
It feels as though we’ve yet to see anything close to this guy’s best. But now, dropping back into calmer allowance waters — where he can finally take advantage of Hazlewood’s 5-lb apprentice allowance (something he couldn’t do in the stakes race last time) — and stretching out to a mile for the first time with the long run to the second wire ideally suited to his powerful closing kick, today could well be the day he produces that breakout effort. And if he does take the expected step forward, he’s going to be very tough to beat.
Note: Capuano and Hazlewood are 11-for-21 (52%) with 2-year-olds, finishing out of the money only twice — a remarkably strong stat.
