As if this audience needs to be told, trips matter. Our default was to go to last fall’s Maryland Million Classic winner given same dynamics, Forest Fire (4-1), who suddenly has gone off form or now hates the Parx surface.
But upon further review, as they say, you need to check out that same race as to what happened to Tattooed (5-1).
First, he was leaning against the stall when the field broke, bearing in the same direction to lightly brush with a rival. But he found himself 3-4 wide on the first turn in close quarters between rivals.
Not wanting further issues, the rider took him farther out, into about the five path and was parked out from there. Put in a drive mid-turn, he passed several rivals with a sustained move looming a threat a headstretch.
He was no match for Forest Fire but that one had it far easier. Tattooed kept trying, tiring only jumps from the wire where he he on the wrong end of a three-way show photo; unlucky for sure. His early odds offer great value under the circumstances. Tim Keefe has given the call to Angel Cruz.
Check out the Laurel Park Live Video on our homepage, Laurel RACE 10 on OCT. 19. We’re taking Tattooed to win, no price restrictions, and key-boxing exactas with Forest Fire and recently improved Totalitario (10-1) for Kieron Magee.