It’s still overcast at Laurel Park as it nears noon but we are supposed to see some sunshine this afternoon. The temperature ahould get up into the mid-60s later on the Maryland Million card, one of the more festive racing days of the year here.

The main track is fast but has some moisture in it from overnight showers. I am told it rained from about 3:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Had a chance to walk the turf course this morning. This area had way too much rain in September and the course has been slow to dry, with turf racing lost on numerous days.

The temporary rail is placed 52 feet out from the inside of the course and the grass is long and very well hydrated. In my opinion, the turf is good to yielding in places with the outer lanes firmer than the inner paths in spots on the course. This may not be the day to try and save ground.

The stretch from the finish line to the three-sixteenths pole felt good, but the grass had more give to it around the far turn and into the upper backstretch. The clubhouse turn into the lower stretch was similar to the far turn.

The Maryland Million card has seven stakes and four starter handicaps.

My Sistersledge will be tough in the Ladies. Lewisfield carries 126 in  the Sprint but should be tough to deny, even though he has had a long campaign this year. Scrap Copper is the horse to beat in the Nursery.

In the Lassie, I think the maiden Miss Philly Dilly has a chance to upset My Star Potential. Miss Philly Dilly chased Enjay’s Brass in her last race and Enjay’s Brass came back to finish second by a nose in a Keeneland allowance.

Phlash Phelps will be shooting for his third victory in the last four years in the Turf. His post 11 draw doesn’t look too bad if my opinion on the outer lanes of the turf course is correct.

I lean toward Clubman and Saratoga Bob in the Classic but the race is competitive and could go to several others runners too.