Today’s Picks › Laurel Park Picks › Fri, Oct 23
- Races
- 9
- Surfaces
- 5 Turf · 4 Dirt
- First post
- 12:00local time
- Top purse · Race 8
- OC 62k/N1X
- Best Bet · Race 7
- 5Target Market Owns the best recent speed figures in the field
- Value play · Race 8
- 2My Hometown Gal Overlooked at long odds last time out
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Race-by-race picks
- 5Top pickTax and TagsBriceno L M · Salzman John E Jr
Why Tax and Tags: Just ran a sharply improved race. Comes in off a win at 18-1. The E Salzman John Jr barn does well with claimers.
Value play11 Derz Smart
Dismissed at 14-1 in his last start, but fits this field. Holds a small speed edge in a bunched-up field. Was only a head from winning last time.
Also eligible, runs only if there are scratches: Andolin, Keep On Coming
- 1Top pickNo More CallsCruz A · Frock Charles A
Why No More Calls: Brings the best recent figures into the race. Coming off the best race of the current form cycle. Steps down in class off a allowance.
Value play6 Chowser
The public let him go at 17-1 last out, and the ratings say that was a mistake. Has run well at 1 1/16 miles before.
- 6Top pickGranite HallSanchez M J · Matz Michael R
Why Granite Hall: Narrowly the fastest on recent figures. Finished 3rd in her last start, 2 lengths behind the winner. By Twirling Candy, and bred to handle the sprint.
Value play5 Lux
Dismissed at 16-1 in her last start, but fits this field. Coming off the best race of the current form cycle. Was only 1½ lengths from winning last time.
- 6Top pickIce ShotRosario E · Kelly Blake
Why Ice Shot: Holds a small speed edge in a bunched-up field. Gets an easier spot than last time. Blake Kelly gets good results with dirt runners.
Value play1 Biz Whiz
Went off at 11-1 last time but rates as a real contender here. Took a big step forward last time. The Jamie Ness barn does well with dirt runners.
- 1Top pickMustbethemunningCheminaud V · Atras Rob
Why Mustbethemunning: Has a slight edge on speed in a tightly matched field. Finished 2nd in his last start, 7½ lengths behind the winner. The Rob Atras barn does well with horses second off a layoff.
Value play2 Gordito
Went off at 13-1 last time but rates as a real contender here. Just ran a sharply improved race. Proven at this kind of distance.
Also eligible, runs only if there are scratches: Chuckie Chips, Battle Lou, Elusive Reward, Rhythm Man
- 8Top pickTethered SoulMarquez C · McMahon Hugh I
Why Tethered Soul: Has the most early speed in a short dirt race. Down in price, from $10,000 to $7,500. Right there on speed with the top runners.
Value play5 King Puck
Went off at 17-1 last time but rates as a real contender here. Drops from a $40,000 claimer to $7,500. Posted the fastest of 8 works at 4 furlongs on Oct 18.
- 5Top pickTarget MarketKaramanos H A · Duarte Jorge Jr
Why Target Market: Owns the best recent speed figures in the field. Took a big step forward last time. Down in price, from $40,000 to $35,000.
Trackside Edge: full top three with win estimates, pace notes and confidence for this race. Unlock
- 8Top pickU Better Kiss MeBatista J A · Bailon Nesvil H
Why U Better Kiss Me: Three straight races of improvement. Broke through with a win in her last start. By Tonalist, and bred to handle the longer trip.
Value play2 My Hometown Gal
The public let her go at 13-1 last out, and the ratings say that was a mistake. Trending the right way, with each of her last three better than the one before. Was only 2 lengths from winning last time.
- 10Top pickDream OvertureBoyce F · Bailes W Robert
Why Dream Overture: On the upswing, getting better every time out. Won last time out in a claimer. Finds a softer field today.
Value play5 Carolina Sun
Went off at 35-1 last time but rates as a real contender here. Trending the right way, with each of her last three better than the one before. Ran 3rd last out, beaten 1½ lengths.
Also eligible, runs only if there are scratches: Eachpeachpearplum, Darrens Delight
Last time at Laurel Park
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, our top picks went 0 for 1 in the races graded so far. See that card.
- Race 10: Red Sea won. Our pick Nostromo was unplaced.
More picks for Friday, October 23
Laurel Park picks archive
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Updated Oct 22, 2026