LAUREL PARK LIVE-OCT 8

Nothing like a limit field of turf sprinters to get the blood racing for the reopening of Laurel Park. These events are always competitive but there is a Saratoga shipper, the early line favorite, who on class and ability is a very tough out.

That was the bad news; the good news is that she has speed and can stay, the outside post gives her jockey options, and that rider is the Trevor McCarthy, who’s riding the local turf at a phenomenal 20% clip.

The last time Shippy (9-5) was in action, she was fighting on a hot, pressured lead, finally cleared after a half-mile of 44 1/5 but understandably tired late, beaten only 1-1/4 lengths as She’s My Type went on to win the Coronation Cup in 1:01 3/5.

This spot is much softer and Shippy has shown when spotted correctly, she can use her speed later and finish up instead of leaving. George Weaver is winning races at a 21% rate this year and is profitable, especially with horses returning with this kind of rest.

We’re taking Shippy to win, with no price restrictions, and will key-box exactas with LAY-2 price shot Aiken to Be (12-1) for Mack Robinson, profitable when going dirt to turf, and also with four-time late running course winner, Unaquoi (5-1).