Jeremy Plonk: Laurel $10 Free Bet Analysis: Friday, Nov. 5, 2021

A big-time Friday of racing coast-to-coast surrounds the opening day of the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar. Get your TGIF off to a flying start with a $10 free bet in the Laurel Park early pick four when you play on the 1/ST BET or Xpressbet platforms. That’s right, you’ll get up to a $10 refund in wagering credits – win, lose or draw.

Laurel Park // Race 2 // 1:04 pm ET // maiden claiming // 1-1/8 miles (turf)

Class-dropping Narmer should improve second off the layoff and taking on easier foes; that was no easy task going 1-1/8 miles vs. maiden special weights after a 12-month absence. Graham Motion trainees win 25% on the MSW to MCL class drop. At 7-2 morning line, this is the top pick. The 9-5 morning line favorite Surfing leaves restricted New Jersey-bred company for the red-hot jockey/trainer combo of Johan Rosado and Claudio Gonzalez. They teamed to win 3 of 4 tandem starts last week at Laurel.

Include: #4 Narmer, #8 Surfing

Also consider: also-eligbles #12-#16 all are considerations if drawn in.

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Laurel Park // Race 3 // 1:42 pm ET // claiming // 7 furlongs

In a race for non-winners of 3 lifetime, 3-year-olds are eligible to run despite their level of prior success. Five-time winner Mi Cleopatra and I stands out while making her second start since coming to trainer Keiron Magee. She exits a fast 6-furlong race for the level, takes a class drop and should handle these. The only caveat is the 7-furlong distance, which she’s yet to try, but there’s nothing in her pedigree to think she can’t handle a bit more.

Include: #4 Mi Cleopatra and I

Also consider: #5 Supreme Blessing, #1 Walk It Out Nanny

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Laurel Park // Race 4 // 2:16 pm ET // claiming // 5-1/2 furlongs

Big Tall Dawg has been facing tougher in recent starts and knocking on the door. While it’s only 5-1/2 furlongs here, there’s a lot of cheap speed that will be fading and Big Tall Dawg consistently finishes stronger than these. Absent a troubled trip, which should not be a big deal with only 6 rivals, expect this one to finish the deal.

Include: #1 Big Tall Dawg

Also consider: #3 Belmullet, #4 Pepe and Heywood

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Laurel Park // Race 5 // 2:48 pm ET // maiden claiming // 1 mile

Big field of 11 has only one obvious toss-out. This will be the spread race to try and catch a bit of a price. For those looking to narrow, preference goes to Gulfstream transfer Power G (15-1 ML), who arrives in Maryland for a high-percentage barn. Axxetator makes plenty of sense off a Delaware third behind a horse who came back to win a Laurel maiden claiming $16,000-level race a notch below this one. Class dropper Natagar goes for a hot barn, Damon Dilodovico (7: 3-1-1 last week at Laurel), while Auction Kingdom makes the often advantageous move from maiden special weight to maiden claiming.

Include: All except #4 Made to Be Lucky (10 runners)

Also consider: none

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Pick Four Ticket

4,8 with 4 with 1 with 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 ($10 for each $.50 play)

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Note: Our weekly Stronach 5 handicapping blog from Frank Carulli returns next week upon his return from vacation.

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