There appears to be no escape the poor weather projections for the Laurel area today and tomorrow, putting the featured 5-1/2 turf sprint in jeopardy to being switched to the main track.
Should that happen, Main-Track-Only entrant Tappin Cat (5-2) has a performance figure edge and a strong challenger. But it just could be that Sky Magician (6-1) is the way to go and either surface.
Making his third start off a layup for Mike Trombetta (17%), gelded 4-year-old is 2-for-2 on the Laurel lawn but also raced well in the slop here last fall. His poor recent off-track return was his first start of 2020 and was used needlessly hard early.
Better with a target, regular rider Julian Pimentel takes a return call for this LAY-3 ride, the same conditions that proved successful when a state-bred allowance winner here in the aforementioned October score.
Today’s NX2/optional claimer is a tougher set but conditions and dynamics suit but we need 5-1 or better for win and straight wagering. No exacta play due to unknown turf conditions at posting. If rescheduled, an exacta box with the MTO makes sense.
