Unlock the other 7 races on today's card, plus AI ratings on every runner and SmartBet ticket construction.

The winner is in our top 4 picks 75% of the time, across 17 tracks.

Daily Picks

Free Laurel Park Picks & Predictions for Today — October 3, 2026

October 3, 202610 racesAll Laurel Park picks

It's a wet one at Laurel Park today. Rain has moved through the area and temps are sitting at 63°F, which means we're almost certainly looking at a sealed, cuppy strip — the kind of surface that flips form on its head and rewards horses with proven wet-track ability. If you haven't checked your contenders' records on an off track, do it before you bet a dime.

Ten races are on the board this Saturday, and it's a card worth your full attention. Four of them are stakes races — including a pair of six-furlong sprints that should be fireworks in the slop — and we've got everything from maiden claimers to allowance company to keep things interesting top to bottom.

TrackWiz has broken down all ten races. The first three are available to everyone, free of charge. Races 4 through 10, including all four stakes, are part of our full premium card breakdown.

3 Free Races Today at Laurel Park

Race 1

4:00 PM EDT

Claiming · 1 1/8 mi · Dirt

A wide-open 1 1/8-mile claiming opener with a heavy favorite who carries a massive ratings edge, but the rest of the field is tightly bunched and capable of heating up the pace.

win4Grey BiggsyML 4/5

Grey Biggsy (4) is the class of this field by a wide margin — a TrackWiz rating of 90 towers over the next-best horse by more than 25 points. Trainer Cathal Lynch sends him out at 4/5 on the morning line, and the longer 1 1/8-mile route should suit a horse who figures to get a ground-saving trip behind a pace that could get heated. Mychel Sanchez picks up the mount, and he's the kind of tactically savvy rider you want on a short-priced horse where positioning early matters.

place5Shakin My HeadML 8/1

Shakin My Head (5) posts the second-highest TrackWiz rating in the field at 64.4 and shares the best average speed figure in the race at 54 alongside Bad Boy Blaze. At 8/1 on the morning line, he's a legitimate value play underneath if you're constructing exactas or trifectas. Trainer Charles Frock keeps him at a comfortable level here, and Jorge Ruiz in the irons gives him a competent pilot.

show2Coco No LocoML 12/1

Coco No Loco (2) earns a TrackWiz rating of 58.27 — third-best in the field — and comes in at 12/1, which makes him an attractive exotics piece if you're spreading underneath. Carlos Eduardo Lopez rides, and trainer Somraj Singh has this one positioned right in the heart of the claiming tag range. Don't overthink it — at those odds, a piece of the show pool makes plenty of sense.

Race 2

4:28 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 7 fur · Dirt

A tidy six-horse Starter Optional Claiming sprint where the top of the morning line is also the top of the ratings board, but Red Spitfire's elite win percentage makes the race more competitive than the odds suggest.

win1Master SchemerML 6/5

Master Schemer (1) leads every meaningful category in this field — a 89.71 TrackWiz rating and a 21% career win percentage that is both respectable and consistent at this class level. Trainer Daniel McKenzie hands the mount to Horacio Karamanos, who knows the Laurel strip well. At 6/5, he's a short price, but in a small six-horse field, the risk-to-reward setup is manageable if you're playing him in exactas with the price horses underneath.

place3Red SpitfireML 7/2

Red Spitfire (3) is the legitimate threat to beat the favorite outright — a 27% career win percentage is the best in the field, and he posts the highest average speed figure among the contenders at 55. Trainer Phillip Capuano keeps him sharp at 7 furlongs on dirt, and Carlos Eduardo Lopez has the horses to find a good spot in the flow of this sprint. He's squarely the one to use underneath at 7/2.

show6Golden DescentML 5/1

Golden Descent (6) quietly owns a 20% career win percentage and the top average speed figure in the entire field at 56 — that raw foot deserves respect. Kevin Gomez gets the mount for trainer Caitlin Keil, and at 5/1 she's the kind of closer who can pick up pieces if the top two set each other up. Worth including in all multi-horse wagers.

Race 3

4:56 PM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

A full field of maiden claimers going a flat mile on dirt, and with all career win percentages at zero, the pace scenario and speed figures do the heavy lifting — there's a clear top two, and then a big drop-off.

win6NapisonmyagendaML 9/2

Napisonmyagenda (6) is our TrackWiz top choice at a fair 9/2 price, posting the highest rating in the field at 84.9 along with a top-end average speed figure of 55. Forest Boyce picks up the mount and trainer Timothy Keefe has form in this race — he also saddles the second pick. Maiden races are inherently unpredictable, but when a horse rates this cleanly above the field, you go with the numbers.

place1Paid VacationML 5/2

Paid Vacation (1) is the morning-line choice at 5/2 and rates just behind the top pick at 81.36 on the TrackWiz scale — this duo separates themselves from the rest of the field. Jorge Ruiz has the mount, and Keefe training two of the top three rated runners in the same race is an angle worth noting. If Napisonmyagenda draws the attention, Paid Vacation is set up perfectly to land second money.

show7Plenty On TapML 10/1

Plenty On Tap (7) represents solid value at 10/1 with a TrackWiz rating of 72.18 — the third-highest number in a large field. Trainer Tim Woolley gives Jeiron Barbosa a horse with an average speed figure of 54, which holds up well against most of this group. In a wide maiden field, a double-digit overlay with this kind of underlying rating is exactly the type of show play worth sprinkling on.

Our three free plays give you a solid start on the day. Grey Biggsy opens the card in a dirt claiming route at 1 1/8 miles — she's our top-rated horse of the afternoon at 90 and should handle the added ground with room to spare. In Race 2, Master Schemer draws our eye in the Starter Optional Claiming at 7 furlongs; a 6/5 morning line suggests the market agrees, and our rating of nearly 90 backs that up. Then in Race 3, keep an eye on Napisonmyagenda — sitting at 9/2 on the morning line in a maiden claimer going a flat mile, this is exactly the kind of price you want on a horse our model likes in soft conditions.

One thread connecting these free picks: all three go on a dirt surface that's going to play differently than the published workouts suggest. Horses that have shown any ability to relax early and still finish on a wet track are getting a bump in our ratings today. That's a big reason Napisonmyagenda looks like a genuine value play despite the maiden tag.

Send me tomorrow's free Laurel Park card before post time.

Free picks in your inbox each morning. No card required, unsubscribe anytime.

Full Card Analysis

Race 4

5:26 PM EDT

Stakes · 6 fur · Dirt

A juvenile stakes sprint at 6 furlongs that sets up as a wide-open upset opportunity — the morning-line favorite actually rates below two double-digit longshots, and the TrackWiz numbers point in a completely different direction.

win7Go New York GoML 10/1

Go New York Go (7) posts the highest TrackWiz rating in this stakes field at 76.88 and also shares the best average speed figure at 57 alongside Piggybunz. Trainer Hugh McMahon sends him out at 10/1 on the morning line — a significant price given how cleanly he rates above the favorite. Charlie Marquez has the mount and if this turns into a pace duel early, a horse with this kind of raw speed rating is positioned to pounce late.

place1MartiniwithatwistML 10/1

Martiniwithatwist (1) comes in at 10/1 and carries the second-highest TrackWiz rating in the field at 73.94, which is a strong number for a horse this far down the morning line. Trainer Gary Capuano, who also saddles Whitten Way, clearly has quality horses in this spot. A 50% career win percentage screams consistent winner, and at this price alongside a high rating, he's a natural underneath play in exactas.

show4Harper's CornerML 4/5

Harper's Corner (4) is the morning-line chalk at 4/5, so calling her a show horse is about managing risk — she rates third in the field at 66.52 on the TrackWiz scale, which actually understates her role as a likely pace factor. Trainer Cathal Lynch is sharp in stakes company at Laurel, and while we prefer the value plays on top, using the favorite for show in exotic wagers is sensible insurance here.

Race 5

5:54 PM EDT

Allowance · 6 fur · Dirt

A nine-horse allowance sprint where the TrackWiz numbers are unusually decisive at the top — Daenerys rates nearly 18 points clear of the field's third-best horse, setting up a clear top-two scenario.

win2DaenerysML 7/2

Daenerys (2) leads this allowance field with a 86.35 TrackWiz rating and posts the highest average speed figure in the field at 57 — tied with The Magic Ofmovies and Sweeterthanwhiskey, but she separates herself on overall rating by a wide margin. Sheldon Russell rides for the hot Brittany Russell barn, which has been a consistent presence in the winner's circle at Laurel. At 7/2 on the morning line, the price is fair for a horse this dominant in the ratings.

place7AldeneML 2/1

Aldene (7) is the morning-line favorite at 2/1 and checks in second on the TrackWiz board at 68.54 with an average speed figure of 56. Trainer Michael Trombetta is one of the sharpest condition-horse horsemen in the Mid-Atlantic, and Jorge Ruiz aboard makes this an attractive duo. She's set up as a natural exacta partner with the top pick, and her overall profile suggests she'll be fighting for the runner-up spot at minimum.

show3The Magic OfmoviesML 4/1

The Magic Ofmovies (3) rates third in the field at 63.81 and posts a 57 average speed figure to match Daenerys — that raw foot is real. Trainer Michael Trombetta doubles up in this race, and Horacio Karamanos takes the mount, giving this filly a capable handler. At 4/1, she's a logical show play and a natural fit in any trifecta.

Race 6

6:27 PM EDT

Stakes · 6 fur · Dirt

A stakes sprint where the morning-line favorite is not the top-rated horse in the field — Harewood carries the highest TrackWiz number at 8/1 and represents real upset potential in a field with some unproven elements.

win1HarewoodML 8/1

Harewood (1) is the TrackWiz top pick despite being overlooked at 8/1 on the morning line — his rating of 79.79 leads this stakes field and backs up the case that the favorite (Walt's Notion at even money) may be overbet. Sheldon Russell rides for the in-form Brittany Russell stable, a combination that has been clicking at this meet. A 33% career win percentage at the stakes level is a legitimate credential, and at this price, the value is real.

place4Walt's NotionML EVN

Walt's Notion (4) draws the even-money morning-line tab and rates 60.00 on the TrackWiz scale — respectable, though not the best figure in the field. Trainer Phillip Capuano keeps him in a familiar spot, and Mychel Sanchez is a trusted hand at Laurel. We're happy to use him underneath at even money as a safety net in exactas, even while preferring the value of Harewood on top.

show5Grind It OutML 5/2

Grind It Out (5) comes in at 5/2 with a TrackWiz rating of 57.5 and carries an average speed figure of 56, the best in the field. Trainer Jorge Duarte Jr. spots him well here, and Johan Rosado takes the call. If this race gets contentious early, a horse with this kind of raw speed figure could be grinding his way past tiring rivals late — solid show play and trifecta piece.

Race 7

7:01 PM EDT

Allowance Optional Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

A full field of allowance optional claimers going one mile, featuring a coupled entry that dominates the morning line — but War Humor rates significantly higher than his 12/1 price suggests, making this race a potential value bonanza underneath.

win1FuerteventuraML 6/5

Fuerteventura (1) is the top half of the Jamie Ness entry and leads the individual TrackWiz ratings at 79.85 — a clear edge over the field outside of the coupled runner War Humor. Mychel Sanchez gets the mount and brings proven tactical ability at the Laurel mile. A 20% career win percentage is modest but steady, and as the entry's primary runner, he figures to be the one Ness is pointing at the win.

place2War HumorML 12/1

War Humor (2) is the genuine sleeper in this race — a TrackWiz rating of 73.96 is second-best in the field, yet he's listed at 12/1 on the morning line. He also posts the highest average speed figure in the field at 57, tied with Antisocial. Trainer W. Robert Bailes sends him out with Jose Vargas in the irons, and that combination with these numbers at double-digit odds is exactly the kind of place play TrackWiz analysis is built to surface. Don't skip this one.

show1AMcCulloughML 6/5

McCullough (1A) is the other half of the Ness entry and rates 62.59 — third-best overall. Coupled with Fuerteventura, he'll go off at the same 6/5 price, and if Fuerteventura wins, this horse can fill the show spot nicely. Carlos Eduardo Lopez is a capable pilot with good Laurel form, and a 29% career win percentage gives him legitimate credentials in a race like this.

Race 8

7:33 PM EDT

Stakes · 1 mi · Dirt

A deep, nine-horse stakes route at a mile where three horses are separated from the field at the top of the ratings — expect this to be a genuine battle, with real value hiding in unexpected places.

win9WavelessML 7/2

Waveless (9) tops the TrackWiz ratings at 86.35 and draws Sheldon Russell back in the irons for the Brittany Russell barn — the same combination we're liking in Race 6. A 28% career win percentage in stakes company is solid, and at 7/2 on the morning line the price is competitive. In a field this deep, going with the top-rated horse and the hottest trainer-jockey combo in the barn is sound strategy.

place1Amalfi DriveML 2/1

Amalfi Drive (1) is the morning-line favorite at 2/1 and rates a strong 79.66 on the TrackWiz scale — second-best in the field. Trainer Michael Stidham is a seasoned stakes horseman, and Jeiron Barbosa is comfortable on the Laurel one-mile oval. A 30% career win percentage in stakes competition gives Amalfi Drive every right to be near the top of the board, and she's a natural exacta partner with Waveless.

show6EspeciallyML 5/1

Especially (6) rates an impressive 79.43 — just a fraction behind the morning-line favorite — yet she's listed at 5/1 on the morning line. The Brittany Russell barn fires with this one as well, with Mychel Sanchez climbing aboard, and a 30% career win percentage matches Amalfi Drive stride for stride on resume. At that price with that rating, she's must-use in trifectas and a legitimate show ticket.

Race 9

8:06 PM EDT

Stakes · 1 mi · Dirt

A seven-horse stakes mile capped by a morning-line favorite who dominates the TrackWiz ratings — but with Mr. Ripple and Zero Blitz both posting strong underlying numbers, the exacta and trifecta can offer real return.

win3WinterfellML 3/2

Winterfell (3) is as clean a top pick as you'll find on this card — a 89.27 TrackWiz rating towers over the field, and she carries an average speed figure of 56 along with Sheldon Russell in the irons for the Russell stable. A 27% career win percentage in stakes racing is a legitimate benchmark, and the 3/2 morning line reflects the market's agreement. She's a short price, but when the numbers are this decisive, you back them.

place5Mr. RippleML 4/1

Mr. Ripple (5) brings the second-best TrackWiz rating in the field at 74.5 and the best career win percentage among the main contenders at 34%. Angel Cruz rides for Timothy Kreiser, and at 4/1 he's reasonably priced to land the runner-up spot. In a race where the favorite is this dominant, the place pool may actually undervalue the second choice — solid play in both straight and exotic wagering.

show7Zero BlitzML 5/1

Zero Blitz (7) is the value gem in this stakes spot — a TrackWiz rating of 69.65, an average speed figure of 56, and the highest career win percentage in the entire field at 53%. Trainer Joanne Shankle also saddles Bold Diversion, but Zero Blitz is clearly the barn's best runner here. Jorge Ruiz has the call, and at 5/1 with those raw credentials, he's a natural trifecta anchor.

Race 10

8:38 PM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 1 1/16 mi · Turf

The card closes with a maiden claiming route on turf — all zero career wins, as expected in a maiden field, but Seger Songs rates clearly above the pack and draws a savvy trainer known for turf performance.

win10Seger SongsML 8/5

Seger Songs (10) leads the field with a 77.28 TrackWiz rating and gets the nod for trainer Keri Brion, who has a strong reputation with turf maidens. Julian Pimentel takes the mount, and the 8/5 morning-line favorite price is short but defensible given the ratings gap over the competition. In a maiden turf sprint of this nature, the top-rated horse with the most credentialed trainer is exactly where you want your money.

place1Feather WishML 12/1

Feather Wish (1) checks in at just 12/1 on the morning line yet posts a 57.38 TrackWiz rating — second-best in the field — and an average speed figure of 55 that is tied for the top mark in the race. Emanuel Rosario picks up the mount for Damon Dilodovico, and on a turf course where pace can compress the field, a horse this well-rated at a generous price is a natural underneath play. This is the kind of value overlay TrackWiz analysis is designed to spot.

show7Extra SpecialML 10/1

Extra Special (7) rates third in the field at 57.14 and also posts an average speed figure of 54 — consistent with the top tier of this field. Trainer Kenneth Cox gives Jeiron Barbosa a live turf maiden at 10/1, and in a full ten-horse field on grass, a horse with these figures at double-digit odds is worth a show play and a prominent trifecta slot.

Premium Content

Get the Full Card Analysis

Unlock expert picks for every race, detailed speed figures, trainer angles, and our SmartBet recommendations.

View Plans Sign In

Bottom line: it's a wet, stakes-heavy Saturday at Laurel with real opportunities for handicappers willing to dig into the off-track angles. Grey Biggsy, Master Schemer, and Napisonmyagenda are your free best bets to get the day started. For the full card — pace projections, exotic ticket strategies, and all four stakes races including that 10/1 longshot angle in Race 4 — the complete analysis is waiting for subscribers. Good luck out there, and stay sharp.

← All Laurel Park picks & predictions

You're reading 3 of 10 races free