Gabby Gaudet's betting tips and race analysis for Friday's race card at Laurel Park:
Race 1, 1:10 p.m. post time
Selections: No. 1 Porte Cochere, No. 3 No More Excuses, No. 2 Midnight Bounty
The few times Porte Cochere has given subpar efforts sprinting on the turf were when she was either against tougher than today's field or when experiencing trouble. She meets the right company today. No More Excuses has natural speed but didn't break well when making her turf debut off a hefty layoff. Midnight Bounty preferred sprinting on the dirt last out and hopes to transition that to the turf. The trainer, however, is 0-15 with turf sprinters over the past five years, and this one will likely be a short price.
Race 2, 1:40 p.m.
Selections: No. 7 Red Sole Diva, No. 1 Annies Revenge, No. 4 Keys Garboy
Willing to give Red Sole Diva another look in her second race off the layoff, carrying the lightest weight in the field. Annies Revenge looks like she'll have speed from the rail and is the one to beat on the drop. Keys Garboy hopes for the pace to come back to him today.
Race 3, 2:10 p.m.
Selections: No. 5 Thirteenth Avenue, No. 4 Billy the Bull, No. 8 The Pulse
Billy the Bull is very fast but this is a very competitive field for the level and if the old Dreamsgonewild shows up, he won't be alone on the lead. Like Thirteenth Avenue for the slight upset because of his versatile running style and that he facing a bit easier than what he has been lately. The Pulse has improved in his past few starts and I don't think his turf effort was a fluke.
Race 4, 2:40 p.m.
Selections: No. 6 Wana B Wild, No. 1 Koppnout, No. 3 Danish Pastry
There's almost more room for improvement with horses less exposed at this level. Will take a shot with Wana B Wild making her second career start after taking a bit of money in her debut. Koppnout seems a bit slow, especially at this distance but draws a good, ground-saving post position. Danish Pastry was supposed to win last out as the heavy favorite. Will go against here but the barn does well with horses off a freshening.
Race 5, 3:10 p.m.
Selections: No. 5 Icy Miss, No. 1 Capucine, No. 2. Gem
Icy Miss had to be used early last out to get the lead after breaking from the outermost post, and faded against winners for the first time. I like the presence of Boyce who does well with reserving speedy types early. Giving another shot to stalk the speed of Not a Secret. Capucine was extremely game when breaking her maiden and turf sprint efforts serves as credibility to that maiden win. Respect. Gem will enjoy a hot pace and is well posted inside.
Race 6, 3:40 p.m.
Selections: No. 7 Include Gold, No. 10 German Edition, No. 1 Lake Turkana
Include Gold improved getting to synthetic last out and could take a step forward on turf. She looked full of run throughout the stretch at Presque Isle but never had the opportunity to stretch her legs. Gets Hall of Famer aboard today. German Edition finds an easy spot off layoff. Those she faced at Gulfstream went on to improve, including the winner who placed against Grade 3 company over the summer. Is today the day that Lake Turkana finally gets off the duck?
Race 7, 4:10 p.m.
Selections: No. 7 Sea Raven, No. 2 Struth, No. 6 John Jones
Sea Raven sits atop a puzzling subpar effort last out but I'm willing to look past it. It was a small field, an odd pace and I don't think that was a preferred running style. He wants a little more pace to run after, and that's what he gets today. Struth's best career effort was at 7 furlongs and most often we see that transfer to the one-turn mile at Laurel. Speed is his best weapon. John Jones upset the great Ben's Cat in his last start and hopes to have similar success at a distance where he was strongest prior to the claim.
Race 8, 4:40 p.m.
Selections: No. 2 Power Nap, No. 5 Rider On the Storm, 6. Minor Legend
Power Nap was impressive closing into a pace that held together last out. Looks like one that enjoys the turf and may even benefit with more distance to the second wire finish. Rider On the Storm immediately goes to turf after winner first time out in the slop. The Lohnro influence suggests this could be a dangerous move. Minor Legend is best sprinting on the turf, so shouldn't hold his last one against him too much. Toledo stays aboard while getting back to the right distance.
Race 9, 5:10 p.m.
Selections: 9. Tizdejaslew, 8. Jarvis, 6. Storm Candy
Tizdejaslew broke from the rail in his most recent turf start and was caught in an unfavorable position inside while being rank. Draws a better post and should be forwardly placed. Jarvis has been running the highest figures comparable to the field and hasn't been able to carry his speed going two-turns. He's known to have a good, early foot and I wonder if the cutback may take away one of his best attributes. Storm Candy dwelt at the break last out and did little running onward. Hard to overcome a slow break at this distance on the turf. Willing to give another look.
Best Bet: Race 8, No. 2 Power Nap
Price Play: Race 6, No. 7 Include Gold