Laurel Park Picks Thu, Oct 29

1. 7Top pickLeave MeCheminaud V · De Paz Horacio

Why Leave Me: Has run the fastest numbers of anyone entered. Was only a length from winning last time. Posted the fastest of 37 works at 4 furlongs on Oct 2.

Value play9 Kuhner Bet at 4-1 or higher
Should be a bigger price than this horse's chances deserve. Drops from a $40,000 claimer to $35,000. Second-best recent figures in the field.

Also eligible, runs only if there are scratches: Lundi Loot, Celtic Flame, Sicilian Defense, Elko County

1. 5Top pickQuaker CitySanchez M J · Ness Jamie

Why Quaker City: Broke through with a win in his last start. Finds a softer field today. Jamie Ness gets good results with last-out winners.

1. 5Top pickMagic in My EyesToledo J · Green Amelia J

Why Magic in My Eyes: Turf router with a late kick, which usually matters most here. Drops from a $35,000 claimer to $16,000.

Also eligible, runs only if there are scratches: Tai Tai Rush, Matadora, Common Sense, Wanting Attention

1. 2Top pickStop WatchSanchez M J · Lynch Cathal

Why Stop Watch: Last start was a clear jump forward for her. Drops from a $32,000 claimer to $20,000. Owns 2 wins on turf.

1. 4Top pickNoble JonKaramanos H A · Geralis Emanuel J

Why Noble Jon: Right there on speed with the top runners. Comes in off a win. Has hit the board in 5 of his last 6 starts.

Value play9 Frye Island Bet at 7-1 or higher
Rates as a live contender but projects as an overlooked price. Has hit the board in 5 of his last 6 starts. Steps down in class off a allowance.

Also eligible, runs only if there are scratches: Night Preacher, Shear Magic

1. 4Top pickMiles AheadRodriguez J · Ness Jamie

Why Miles Ahead: Tops this field on recent speed. Just ran a sharply improved race. Was only a nose from winning last time.

Value play1 Fightertown Bet at 6-1 or higher
The kind of contender the betting tends to underrate. Took a big step forward last time. Can use his gate speed to get first run in this sprint.

1. 6Top pickVery VolatileRosario E · Capuano Gary

Why Very Volatile: Likes Laurel Park, with 2 wins here. Posted the fastest of 11 works at 5 furlongs on Oct 22. Trainer Gary Capuano has a strong record with allowance runners.

1. 3Top pickBellablazeRussell S · Russell Brittany T

Why Bellablaze: Just ran a sharply improved race. Steps down in class off a stakes. Brittany Russell gets good results with two-year-olds.

Value play8 Scabiosa Bet at 12-1 or higher
Went off at 18-1 last time but rates as a real contender here. Just ran a sharply improved race. Finished 3rd in her last start, 3½ lengths behind the winner.

Also eligible, runs only if there are scratches: Laflordelacanela

1. 4Top pickFloy JoyBatista J A · Lynch Cathal

Why Floy Joy: Nobody else in the field has run as fast as her lately. Gets an easier spot than last time. The Cathal Lynch barn does well with horses coming off a layoff.

Value play5 Danni's Rhythm Bet at 9-2 or higher
The kind of contender the betting tends to underrate. Down in price, from $12,500 to $7,500. The Robert Bailes W barn does well with horses coming back in 31 to 60 days.