Laurel Park picks and musings: February 20, 2026 * The Racing Biz

Where we pick the races from Laurel Park every day…

First post time: 12:00 PM

transfers:
Chesapeake Jackpot Pick 6 (Races 2-7) – $3,514
Jackpot Super High 5 (race 6) – $7,677
Early Pick 5 (Races 1-5) — $0
Late Pick 5 (races 3-7) — $7,097

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RACE 1: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000, 4 year olds and up, 1 MILE

3-7-1-4

#3 Arrow Speed ​​(3-1) couldn’t make a dent against second-tier rivals (including stakes winner Worcester) in his last start, but historically he has performed better against option starters claiming rivals like these. He and #7 Aztecs (9-5) are the only runners to run Brisnet figures in each of their last three starts in the 1980s. The latter made a perfectly timed move to become the last to win at this level, for his third victory in his last four starts. This is a similar pitch to the one he saw last time, so a repeat of that effort will likely mean victory. #1 My redemption (5-1) won with a dramatic surge from two starts at Penn National, then rallied for fourth, beaten by less than a length, in a race in which almost no one changed positions. The second and third place finishes in that race came back to win their subsequent starts.

RACE 2: ALLOWANCE FOR OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W3X), 4 YEARS AND OLDER, FEMALES AND MARIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS

1-5-3-4

#1 Top Gun Girl (5-1) finished fourth behind better in her last two dirt starts and was an easy winner at this track in late September. Runner-up Cluck Cluck finished second in the Maryland Million Distaff Starter Handicap in a hard-fought second place and then lifted to victory. This one should sit on the rail just off the pace and pack a strong late punch. #5 Home inheritance (6-5) rallied inside for second place in the What a Summer Handicap final. The winner of that race, Passage East, returned last Saturday to upset Takethemoneyhoney in a thrilling Barbara Fritchie Stakes. #3 In my memories (7-2) was an impressive winner against the last enemy of the second level. She achieved a career-best 100, which, while her best final mark of 13 points, is also a dramatic outlier from the rest of her form. Can she run close again? If so, she will be a threat.

RACE 3: GIRL CLAIMING $12,500, 3 year olds, 6 furlongs

2-4-5-1

#2 Impressiveness (8-5) has a very in-and-out shape. He has run a 74 or better three times in his seven-race career. In his other four starts he ran a 61 or worse. His best race easily beats this field, so he gets the highest rating, but buyers beware. #4 Q Got hops (6-1) was no match for runaway winner Sin Sin, who looked best on paper, last. However, he managed to overcome a wide trip and just missed second place in a photo finish with a career best 66. #5 Rio del Valle (5-1) Didn’t offer much in his first two starts, but ran in the 60s both times and faces the easiest field he’s ever seen.