Laurel Park Tips and Trips – Sunday, October 11, 2026

–        #7 HOT BOSS failed to stay a mile two-back, then didn’t handle the muddy going in an off-turf event last time; his three- and four-back efforts (most recent sprinting on grass) could be a better guide to his chances today.

–        With lasix removed, #8 CAROLINA SUN ran a very nice race at Colonial last time, staying on well late having raced in last of five behind some slow fractions early; lasix stay off today and if the pace is a little stronger, she could make some noise following a brief freshening.

–        In her last three starts – all at a flat 5F – #10 MIDSUMMER MO has finished very strongly; she should be suited by, and potential improve for today’s extra yardage and long stretch.

–        Having raced a little wide on the turn, #1 CONCHO finished and galloped out nicely sprinting 6F at Delaware on debut; he could well be suited and improve for today’s stretch out to two-turns; contender.

–        #6 BUDTHEGREATONE did not handle the kickback early on when making his debut at Timonium; he dropped back early, then ran evenly to the line; seems he should improve for that experience; stretches right out now making debut for McMahon.

Given her likable fast finish and the 3/4L margin of defeat, it’s easy to argue that the trouble she suffered around the first turn cost her this race; granted a clean trip second out today, she should be capable of stepping forward notably with an extra furlong to work with.

–        #6 HARDSCAPE was allowed to set a very slow, uncontested pace at Colonial last time which very likely aided her in finishing 2nd.

–        #9 MOTOCROSS was allowed to set a very slow pace (24.98, 51.96) that held well last out – possibly downgrade her 3rd place finish; #2 PRETTY VIOLENT (2nd) was also forwardly positioned and aided by the slow pace in that same race.

–        There was plenty to like about #2 SHERIFF RONNIE’s game front running score off the bench at Timonium last time; he’s entitled to strip fitter for that return and deserves respect now making his debut for Magee.

–        The track at Delaware was slightly favoring closers when #3 MR. SQUEAKY WHEELS was just touched off after racing prominently last time – small upgrade.

–        The track was slightly favoring closers last week when #4 BACKNTHEWOODS finished 2nd after setting the pace early – small upgrade.

–        Following an upgradable effort off the bench two-back (raced against a strong speed bias), #7 BEACH COWBOY was aided by being able to set a slow pace (23.65, 47.20) while saving ground last time. In the same race, #4 BACKNTHEWOODS was also prominently positioned throughout in that slowly run race which saw speed hold well; maybe take that form with a pinch of salt.

Note: her two-back effort is deserving of an upgrade as well as she closed into a slowish pace.

–        Regarding #3 BEST NOT MISS’ last start, ignore the chart comment “steadied turn” because it hardly happened and was negligible.

–        #4 AWESOME MCKINZIE was quite headstrong and keen in behind the slow pace going a mile last time; she may be more comfortable back sprinting today, even though she ran well the last day; contender. Note: she was aided by a good pace setup when finishing 2nd over 6F at Colonial two-back.

–        #7 BUTLER ROAD was unruly behind the gate last time. Note: she was afforded a soft lead when breaking her maiden in wire fashion three-back (her lone turf start) – maybe take that form with a pinch of salt.

–        #9 CHRISTMAS JONES has run two improved races at route distances since blinkers went on; she could now be dangerous making her first start sprinting with blinkers on while also debuting for McMahon off the bench; respected.

–        There was no fluke at all about #10 CRAB MENTALITY’s deep closing win last time – the pace was even and played fair; he was much the best and might be capable of more in a stronger paced affair.

–        Although the posted sectionals were solid, speed actually held very well in #11 GETTING CLOSER’s two-back effort (lone turf try), with the top four finishers filling those positions throughout; maybe take that form with a pinch of salt.

–        There was a speed bias present at Delaware on 08/29/26 when both #4 WEEKEND STORM and #9 SEWANEE INN made their debuts and each posted their best speed figs – maybe take that form/fig with a pinch of salt.

–        #7 A. P. CLASS did not handle the kickback at all on debut; seems she can only improve.

–        #8 JESSE MARIE did not have an adequate pace setup as a closer last time and actually did well to snatch 4th; she has consistently shaped like she will appreciate today’s stretch out in trip.

–        #11 HUGH’S LEGEND has been outpaced in both his starts sprinting to date; the slower pace nature of a route race should be much more to his liking and improvement seems very possible.

–        The rider on #6 DYNAMIC ACTRESS hardly made any effort at all from the second they were headed in her last turf start at Colonial two-back; while she mightn’t have won, the margin of defeat was greatly exaggerated and we shouldn’t take that below par result/fig too literally.

–        #9 JUNIPER JUICE didn’t quite do enough to earn an upgrade last out; however, we can be forgiving off her below par effort as the race was not run to suit her style at all (fractions of 25.12, 51.03 turned into a sprint); more, she also found herself boxed in on the far turn which prevented from building any much needed momentum; a return to form looks likely today.

–        The chart comment suggests that #10 SLEEPWALKER met trouble at the 3/8 pole last time, but she didn’t; she sat a perfect trip.

Note: there was a strong speed bias present at BAQ when he posted his fastest Beyer of the year going gate-to-wire in June.

–        #1 FORREST CITY formed part of a slow pace (25.44, 50.04) that held well last time – possible small downgrade?

–        Not a horse to ever streak away and win by a wide margin, #1A OTAGO probably hit the front too soon last time as he got a neck up and then idled; he’s best when he can run at a strong pace and catch the leaders on the wire, and if he gets those circumstances today, he may be capable of stepping up.

–        #3 BRINDANO sat a slightly wider-than-ideal trip last out.

–        #4 THE TOWN benefited from a fast pace and closer friendly track in his last dirt race at Ellis Park two-back – maybe take that form with a pinch of salt.

–        Although it’s hard to strongly argue that it cost him a position, #6 HITTHEROADJAK did stumble at the start last time which didn’t help his chances.

–        #1 GONE FOR GOOD didn’t have a bad trip at Colonial last time; however, he did lose ground when racing wide and greenly on the turn before he leveled off quite nicely in the lane; seems that both an inside post and today’s extra 1/16 should be very much to his advantage as he makes his debut for White.

–        The rider did not make much of an effort on #8 INFUSED last time; he can surely offer more with a stronger ride.

–        #9 UNRELENTINGCOURAGE was very game to almost win last out having endured a stretch duel to the wire while being pressed right up against the rail (an intimidating spot to be in; many horses would have backed out); player with weight off today.