Laurel Park picks and musings: February 28, 2026 * The Racing Biz

RACE 4: CLAIM $7,500, 4 year olds and up to 7 furlongs

5-4-2-3

#5 Woodline (4-1) has gone gate to wire against similar fields in his last two starts. There is some speed in his immediate outside on Daifuske Island, but no one with his sprint speed is drawn to his inside, so he should be able to catch them off guard again. #4 Rob the rich (2-1) has done most of his best work over the long distance, but he fell flat coming out dead last a mile and 70 yards at Parx. A sprint cut might be what he needs. #2 Mr. Cop (8-1) chased Woodline all the way in his last start and finished second. A similar situation may arise here.

RACE 5: GIRL CLAIMING $12,500, 4-6 YEARS, 1 MILE

6-5-2-4

#6 Hello Newman (5-2) ran in the 70s in each of his first two dirt starts, but then declined a bit after a long trip last at Aqueduct. Still, the 64 he earned that day is the second-best final mark in the race, behind only chronic girl Tell ‘Em I’m Comin. #5 Kitty’s son (4-1) finished well off the track on his final debut in 2026 as he chased Albert Finnegan, who returned on Sunday to win a two-race non-winner. He performed a four-furlong shot round on Saturday, outsmarting many of his stablemates.#2 Bold Mirage (20-1) showed some late interest in an improved effort in the last period and could easily move up for a share at a decent price.

RACE 6: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 4 YEARS AND MORE, 6 FURLONGS

2-7-1-5

#2 Schrader (7-5) ran an 86, his best mark in almost a year, as he finished second to gate-to-wire winner Who’s the King in last. This pace scenario looks much more favorable for him. If anyone wants to use them gate-to-wire, maybe that’s it #7 Paralegal (10-1)who led a huge race in his first start after a 336-day layoff from last. He set the pace and fought hard against the challenge of the pace-stalking Breezing Up, ultimately finishing second, a neck ahead of that rival. #1 Trulli Warrior (5-1) also finished a big race in the lead last. He is very pace-dependent and will probably be able to handle pressure, but he should at least stick around for a while.

RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $12,500, 4 year olds and up, 1 1/8 MILES

5-2-1-6

#5 Bigtons (6-1) has achieved back-to-back career best figures, including an impressive 91 as he easily beat a conditioned claiming field last. The added distance is a bit of a question mark as he hasn’t won by going further than a mile before. However, he did run an 86 two starts back at 1 1/16 miles, so the extra sixteenth place shouldn’t be much of an obstacle. #2 States United (5-1) has won his last two starts by going just off the pace, and should put together another great trip by following the pace on the rail. #1 Bold venture (2-1) made the front quite early and was the last to hold sway at Parx. He has a bit of early speed and can be sent to the front in a race without much speed.

RACE 8: OPTIONAL CLAIM ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3 YEARS, 5 1/2 FURLONS

4-8-2-3

#4 Cairo surprise (7-2) won the battle but last lost the war in the South Mountain Stakes at Penn National. He battled for the lead with Bootleg Runner in the early stages, beating him by 1 ¾ lengths, but could not shake the favorite Tough Guy Tony, who got a perfect trip out of the duel and won. Still, Cairo Surprise remained second, just missing his career-best record with an 82. He got some time off and returned to work in early February. He has posted three timed workouts at Cal Lynch’s Fair Hill base, including a four-furlong shot drill last Saturday. He looks like a serious threat to speed despite his 94-day layoff. #8 Buds Understanding (4-1) also comes from a break; he hasn’t raced since his debut victory in Delaware on September 20. He scored his first gate-to-wire style win that day, beating Power Grid, who won his next two starts. This has also worked well in recent weeks, including a four-furlong workout in an impressive 47 ⅗ seconds last Saturday. He was the fastest of 29 workers that day by ⅖ of a second, including stakes winner Celtic Contender and the promising Lonesome Road. He also worked excessively #2 Our day will come (9-2)who steps up after three straight wins against $40,000 claimants. If the aforementioned two can’t sustain the layoff and get tired, he’ll be there to pick up the pieces.

RACE 9: GIRL CLAIMING $12,500, 4-6 year olds, 6 furlongs

5-4-6-2

#5 Manseeyasway (8-5) has run in the 70s four times in his last five starts. None of his five rivals have run that fast in a while, if ever. He finished third behind Zio Lino, who finished second after two claimants’ $40,000 non-winners on Sunday. This one is now taking a drop in class in his career. #4 Railroad Inn (5-2) closed well for the penultimate out behind 3-5 favorite Run Tzu, who made his local debut ahead of Jamie Ness and took them by surprise. This came second to Souper Vinnie, who returned to Charles Town last Saturday to break his girl gate-to-wire style. #6 Riley’s Cry Baby (12-1) hasn’t raced since April last year, but showed speed both times in his two-race career, and should be able to cross this soft pack and make it clear.