ANALYSIS

BEST BET: RACE 8, THURMAN MERMAN

FIRST RACE

MARGIE’S BAND finished ahead of four of today’s rivals when finishing behind runaway Northern California invader in fast race for this $10,000 level. All six of trainer McMahon’s older (4-yearold and upward) sprint to dirt-route runners have hit the board over the past six months including winners Bustoff (with Russell aboard) and Cort’n Asong. PIGEON CREEK was one of the horses that finished behind the top pick last time out, but appears to be rounding into form for barn that won a $10,000 maiden claimer going sprint to route on New Year’s Day with Carson City Coin (Hamilton aboard that one as well). THIRSTY AGAIN chased Carson City Coin in vain after that rival was conceded the early lead, but it’s worth noting that her best races have come at this distance and she might be able to grab the lead after chasing quick splits on New Year’s Day.

SECOND RACE

FLIP was outrun early in recent two-turn spot after breaking from far outside, but he went gate-towire two starts back from an inside post and might find the pace scenario kinder this time around.

MARDEN seeks third straight after overcoming moderate pace to win in first start off the Gonzalez claim. Barn has won at least one race over the past five Laurel cards, ROBIN HOOD seeks first dirt win, but think he has excuses for several of his recent main track appearances (sloppy track two back, sprint stakes race prior, first start following 172-day layoff before that). Finished behind nextout 86-Beyer winner (via disqualification) Toughest ‘Ombre in most recent dirt start. Good third behind Clubman back in February when finishing ahead of three next-out winners puts him squarely in the mix.

THIRD RACE

THIRST FOR QUALITY took step forward in first route appearance when not only finishing ahead of three of today’s rivals, but also next-out 52-Beyer graduate Two L’s Meow. SOJOURNER and FIFTY SEVEN CHEVY both finished behind the top pick in that December 27 heat, but both fell far, far behind