LAUREL PARK PICKS AND PONDERINGS: july 6, 2024

Handicapping the card at Laurel Park on Sunday, July 6, 2024.

Laurel Park Picks and Ponderings: July 6, 2024

RACE 1: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE (GRASS)

4-3-2-8

After a troubled debut at Gulfstream in January, #4 Graft (7-2) ran well first off a four-month layoff at Pimlico last out, pressing a hot, destructive pace and ending up fourth. He might find himself on the lead here. #3 Rock Bullet (8-1) was flat at this level last out, but put in strong rallies in his two prior grass starts this season. He should show some late kick with any kind of pace to close into. Shug McGaughey and Forest Boyce teamed up to win on grass yesterday, and they’re back again with #2 Oxford Union (1-1). This one has a big class edge over these, having previously faced better maidens in New York, but his brisnet figures aren’t that much better than those of the others to justify taking a low price.

RACE 2: CLAIMING $12,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

3-1-6-5

#3 G’s Fireball (7-5) cut back to six furlongs last out from 1 1/16 miles, and that did the trick, as she came from off the pace and won going away, matching her career-top brisnet mark of 77. She’s one of two in here who hasn’t lost against winners; the other is #1 Tina Tina Tina (4-1), who came from off the pace, showing a different style than usual, and got up in the last few jumps. She looks as if she fits in against these types. #6 Sheherhers (9-5) faded late after making a premature move into a strong pace, but should be better off cutting back from a mile.

RACE 3: MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000, 3, 4, AND 5-YEAR-OLDS, 1 MILE (GRASS)

2-10-1-7

After two flat efforts off a 14-month layoff, #2 Dominguez (9-2) stepped up third off the bench, closing well at Delaware Park to lose by less than a length against similar. #10 States United (2-1) goes first off the claim by Anthony Farrior and adds lasix. He closed well from far out of it in his first try on this surface last out. #1 He’s the Boss (10-1) has a grass-laden pedigree and has worked well since late March for Kieron Magee. This multi-generational Janon Fisher III/Ann Merryman homebred could fire a big effort at first asking.

RACE 4: CLAIMING $7,500 (CONDITIONED), 3-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, FILLIES AND MARES, 6 FURLONGS

1-2-5-6

#1 Proper Attire (1-1) has run at least a 75 in each of her last four starts. Only one of her rivals has done that at any point within their last four races. She’s taking a big drop in class here off some starter optional claiming tries, but should beat these as long as she has anything left in the tank. #2 Preparefortakeoff (7-2) won in gate-to-wire fashion with a 79 two starts back, then flattened out going a mile last out. She looks as if she’ll be better off at today’s distance, and should get a nice trip near the pace. #5 Hot Lookin Royal (3-1) ran a solid second to Preparefortakeoff two starts back, and should also benefit from a cutback from a mile.

RACE 5: MAIDEN CLAIMING $30,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, 5 FURLONGS

5-2-6-4

#5 Up in Flames (7-5) has run solid mid-60s figures in his first two starts, and drops in for a tag for the first time. He got caught wide on the pace and faded last out; he’ll try to save more ground today. #2 Blessed Candy (7-2) has put in for solid workouts for Antonio Machado, who hits at a respectable 17% with his debuters, This one should put in a strong showing at first asking. #6 Sunflower State (9-2), a stablemate of Up in Flames, was fairly well-bet on debut, but fell far behind early and made mild