Laurel Park Picks & Betting Analysis for October 23
On the Laurel Park calendar, this day, Maryland Millions, is a must-see in Thoroughbred-land. With a 12-race card that is chock full, top to bottom, with "Non-G" contests it is sure to make for some fabulous betting.
At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, as it is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned!
If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Waterworks #6, 3/1):
When it comes to shipping across North America, Steve Asmussen is one of the best. But in this spot, he has a local Maryland bred that is drawn in to contest the Lassie S. This is a very tough spot, but if the filly by Mosler can hang tough with this bunch, then she should be hanging around at the end for the score. The experienced Feargal Lynch gets the call, and look for this jockey to try and build on the MSW victory his mount had last time at Monmouth Park. The speed fig that day was thoroughly tolerable, and showed vast improvement, as she broke her maiden. Time to go get a stakes win now!
Wagering Recommendation: $100, #6
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Rock the Boat #8, 8/1):
I sure am hoping that my pick in this spot does just that … With a namesake like this one, and a turf sprint, how can we lose? Much to like from the Bailes Barn entry because last time the gelding by Great Notion was excellent at Laurel Park in an ALLW Co. try. His 2nd win out of 3 efforts, has seen him improve each time. On this class jump, I think that he is more than ready, and with Forrest Boyce back aboard, that should make for a tasty score. The price is certainly going to be right!
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #8 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 11: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Maryland Million Classic S. $150k, 3+):
The signature event on this expansive “Millions Day” card is this race, the Classic. A good field of 8 is on hand for this one, and it looks as though trainer Gary Capuano has the inside track with the M/L favorite, Tappin Cat #8. This experienced 5-yr-old gelding is pretty smart-looking, and is just shy of $400k in earnings over the course of his 27-race career. He tried this race a couple years back and finished 3rd. Even though he comes in riding a 3-race win streak, all of those efforts were primarily against AOC Co. That is not a knock, all I am stating is that he may not be so “deserved” as some bettors might think. The M/L price of 6/5 makes this one a significant underlay, in my opinion.
Instead, I am much more interested in the capability of a runner like Hamilton Smith’s The Poser #7. I certainly think he will be a much better price come post time than Capuano’s favorite. Maybe he will float towards the double-digit range … one can hope. Coming from Timonium means he was up against lesser competition, but he posted a solid speed fig in an AOC. In other words, coming back to Laurel may prove just the ticket. I always like the riding style of Horacio Karamanos, and this son of Bandbox has the legs to get the job done. A stone-cold Exacta seems in order, and we could be sitting on a nice score with these 2, unless I miss my educated handicapping guess.
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 7 w 8
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Enjoy the day at beautiful Laurel Park! Best of luck on Maryland Millions Day!