Horse of the day for 12/20

Laurel Park - Race 7
1 Mile
Allowance (n1x)
2-year-olds
Purse $32,000

FIFTY SEVEN G didn't have the easiest of trips last time out when off slowly from the rail, and under hard restraint for the first half-mile. He's better-suited to front-running tactics, and a hustling ride from Winston Thompson may put him on the lead as he makes his route debut on Wednesday. The stakes-placed gelding was flattered just a bit when the runner-up from the December 2 heat returned to win a 'n3l' allowance at Charles Town with a 67 Beyer. His most recent workout matches up with stablemate Disco Fox, the runaway winner of the Norman Hall Stakes for Massachusetts-breds on November 11. Fifty Seven G is listed at 20-1 on the track's morning line, and should be prominent in the early stages. SAMURAI PRINCE earned a very competitive Beyer Speed Figure breaking his maiden on December 1, but is stuck way outside for his first attempt against winners, and may have to rally from off-the-pace in this spot. He wouldn't mind a bit of moisture in the ground. BALTIC KING dominated Mountaineer maiden special weights when allowed to shake loose on the lead, but the son of King Cugat should face a bit more pressure here. ANOTHER VOW may have been aided by a closer's bias when shocking maidens at 32-1 two back, but ran well enough to be third in restricted stake at Philly Park last time. He would benefit from a strong pace up front, and is proven at this distance. ENCAUSTIC had no shot from far outside post in the H S Mitchell Stakes, but was the beaten favorite in his three previous tries, and may be overbet again. ROARING LION is a lightly-raced runner with some upside potential. He showed the ability to stalk and pounce when winning maiden at this distance, and may work out a nice inside-out trip uner Luis Garcia.

The selection: Fifty Seven G to win and place (10-1 odds or more).