Saturday's 7th race at Laurel is a very competitive Allowance Optional Claimer for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles over the turf. Even better, we might have ourselves a vulnerable favorite to play against.
On paper, #10 Major Marvel looks formidable, having won 2 of 4 lifetime starts (after being disqualified from a 3rd win). He also appears to be the speed of the speed. So why am I playing against him? Well, as a Beernstein colt, he might be better suited for slightly shorter distances. Also note that his lone performance on turf other than "firm" was not his best effort. While the weather should be great on Saturday, it's been very wet all week, so that might be something to play close attention to.
I'm betting that #9 Steppedoutofplace will get a great trip stalking from jockey Julien Pimentel and look to make first run at Major Marvel as the field turns for home. The son of Out of Place has been reclaimed by trainer Jessica Campitelli, who seemed to be getting the best from him when they were last together.
Underneath you've got to include the favorite (Major Marvel), but a couple of price horses also make sense, starting with #3 Class Bopper (5/1) who should be rolling well late. If you have the ability to, you might want to consider #7 Brother Sky (12/1), who has won 2 of his last 3 starts, and #1 The Real Future (15/1), who is the top earner ($188k) and most accomplished of the field with 9 lifetime wins.
Selections:
W -#9 Steppedoutofplace (7/2)
P - #10 Major Marvel (7/5*)
S - #3 Class Bopper (5/1)
Exacta: 9, 10/ 1, 3, 7, 9, 10
Trifecta: 9/ 3, 9, 10/ 1, 3, 7, 9, 10
Best of luck!
