Another Thursday in October means another chance to take advantage of 1/ST BET and Xpressbet’s “Bonus Boonanza” promotion. I am sure most of you have registered and taken part already, but for those that have not I recommend doing so because this is as easy as it gets. Just bet $100+ at a select track on Tuesdays and Thursdays this month and earn a $10 bonus. Later today Laurel Park takes center stage for the first time. Here are a few horses I will build my day around this afternoon in Maryland.


Race 3:
My first play of the day comes in this MSW for 2YO fillies at 1 1/16-miles over the grass where I expect a big effort from #1 Jespah. The Godolphin homebred makes her second career start after debuting in a two-turn turf race at Delaware Park last month for veteran conditioner Michael Stidham. The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro was floated ridiculously wide into the first turn and from there was never able to save an inch of ground despite fighting to the wire to earn third beaten less than two lengths. Now, Jespah travels the short distance to Laurel Park where she draws the far more favorable rail with jockey Jevian Toledo taking over riding duties. I expect Toledo to use the inside draw to his advantage and give this young filly a far shorter journey from start-to-finish than she had at first asking. This very well could lead to her first career victory at a playable ML offering.

Plays: #1 Jespah (5-1)
Picks: 1-3-4


Race 5:
This optional claimer for fillies and mares at 5.5-furlongs over the grass kicks off the early Pick 5 where I like the chances of #2 Sin Boldly. The Maryland-bred makes her second start of the form cycle for trainer Suzanne Stettinius after failing to fire in a race taken off the grass on September 25. This was not too much of a surprise though since the daughter of Holy Boss competed over the main track last Halloween for the first time and posted a career low number regardless of the speed figure/performance rating used. Sin Boldly should certainly appreciate getting back to her preferred surface where she draws favorably along the inside and gets some class relief over a turf course she has had already had success over. Look for jockey Jerion Barbosa to work out a perfect pocket trip aboard this Gerar Stable filly that should be sitting on her best in her eighth lifetime start.

Plays: #2 Sin Boldly (7-2 ML)
Picks: 2-7-11


Race 6:
My final spot play on the Thursday Laurel slate comes in a wide-open MSW event at one-mile over the main track where I will try first-time starter #6 Dr. Evans. The daughter of Kantharos debuts for trainer Brittany Russell. Russell sports strong numbers in most categories, but her record with 2YOs debuting over this one-turn mile configuration is incredibly strong. Not only has she won with 4 of the last 7 runners she started, but over a five-year sample has clicked with 5 of 14 juveniles for a $2.99 ROI. The Kentucky-bred meets a field of mostly fillies that have yet to show a ton in the afternoons and lack upside, so I am hopeful she is ready to fire big at first asking with Brittany’s husband Sheldon jumping aboard.

Play: #6 Dr. Evans (5-1 ML)
Picks: 6-9-4