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The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

Mahoning Valley Race Course presents a ten-race card to kick off the week, anchored by a mix of claiming events and Ohio-bred Maiden Special Weight contests. The sequence features mostly sprint distances on the dirt, with the opener being the solitary route race at one mile and 70 yards. Several full fields, particularly in the later races, promise competitive racing. Top local connections, including trainers Jeffrey Radosevich and Jason DaCosta, are well-represented.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecast: Overcast skies with temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s. Conditions are expected to remain dry during race hours. Track Condition: Fast. Track Bias: The surface typically favors speed, especially in 6-furlong sprints. Horses that can clear early and save ground often hold an advantage. However, handicappers should watch for an “outside flow” bias where the rail can become dead, forcing horses to rally 3-4 paths off the fence.

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Race 1

Distance: 1 Mile 70 Yards Pace Analysis: The pace appears moderate. Charlieslitldevil has tactical speed, but without a confirmed speedball, the early fractions should be comfortable. The race likely favors a horse with a strong late kick or one that gets the jump on the far turn.

• Key Contenders: Bozaano (3) is the horse to beat, fitting well at this claiming level under the guidance of trainer Robert Gorham. He can stalk the moderate pace effectively. Sligotime (2) draws well inside and should be involved early, potentially inheriting the lead if the pace crawls.
• Secondary Choices: Charlieslitldevil (1) benefits significantly from the rail at this distance. If he breaks sharp, he could try to wire the field.
• Longshots: Klimtster (6) offers intrigue for exotics and could pick up pieces if the top choices falter.

Race 2

Distance: 6 Furlongs Pace Analysis: Early speed is often the deciding factor in these maiden sprints. Red Ohio Bred possesses natural speed and draws an attack post, likely vying for the front with Money Magic.

• Key Contenders: Red Ohio Bred (3) is the clear standout from the Jason DaCosta barn. He has shown ability that should handle this field and is expected to be sent hard from the gate. Money Magic (1) draws the rail and has the inside path to challenge if he breaks cleanly.
• Secondary Choices: My Paisan (2) sits between the two speeds and could work out a nice stalking trip, benefiting if the leaders duel.
• Longshots: Lowells Legacy (4) lacks raw turn-of-foot but could plod into a share of the purse.

Race 3

Distance: 6 Furlongs Pace Analysis: Honest fractions are expected with Cowgirl Sara and Chloes Angel showing speed. The race will likely be decided by who can sustain their run coming out of the turn.

• Key Contenders: Mobil Memory (7) is the class of the field. Drawing the outside allows for a clear stalking trip without traffic issues. Kat Trax (6) fits this condition well and draws just inside the favorite, allowing her to track the same path.
• Secondary Choices: Chloes Angel (1) has the rail but must avoid getting pinned down. If she secures position early, she is a threat to hang on.
• Longshots: Commissioner D (4) is a mid-pack runner who could spice up the trifecta if the pace collapses.

Race 4

Distance: 5 1/2 Furlongs Pace Analysis: Speed is king at this short distance. Sweet Lemon Drop and Gapper will likely show initiative. An alert break is essential.

• Key Contenders: Gapper (8) draws the far outside, a great spot at this distance. He can clear the field or sit just off the flank of the leader. Sweet Lemon Drop (5) is an 8-year-old veteran with back class and speed who will be tough to pass if he gets loose.
• Secondary Choices: Matthew’s Patriot (1) has the rail but needs to be hustled to avoid getting buried.
• Longshots: Condemnation (6) is a deep closer who needs a meltdown up front to pick up pieces for third or fourth.

Race 5

Distance: 6 Furlongs Pace Analysis: A large field suggests traffic trouble is possible. High speed is expected from Twerk and Tale of the Lyon, setting up a hot pace for a stalker or closer.

• Key Contenders: Lady Lottie (7) commands respect with the tactical speed to sit just off the leaders and the stamina to finish. Truly Inclusive (11) draws the extreme outside, guaranteeing a clean trip if she can tuck in.
• Secondary Choices: Tale of the Lyon (4) will be part of the early pace picture but may face pressure that softens her up.
• Longshots: Box Step (1) is an older mare who could save ground on the rail and sneak into the superfecta.

Race 6

Distance: 6 Furlongs Pace Analysis: Chasing Orion and Dr Spirito look to be the primary speed in this maiden contest. Connections often provide the best clues for these young horses.

• Key Contenders: Chasing Orion (8) is the one to beat from the DaCosta barn. The outside post gives him options to improve off prior experience. Rascal Flash (5) comes from the Robert Gorham barn and is expected to put in a professional effort.
• Secondary Choices: Dr Spirito (1) has the rail; if he sends, he could lead them a long way.
• Longshots: Rivers of Wealth (6) gets a weight break that could help in the final furlong.

Race 7

Distance: 6 Furlongs Pace Analysis: The pace should be moderate, favoring those near the front. Lionistic and She’s Crafty become the main focus after scratches.

• Key Contenders: Lionistic (4) has consistent figures and should sit a perfect trip just off the speed to pounce in the lane. She’s Crafty (1) is a gritty campaigner who is dangerous if allowed to dictate terms from the rail.
• Secondary Choices: Instigation (5) is an aggressive threat who fits this horse well and can contend for minor placings.
• Longshots: National Diamond (3) could improve at a price and clunk up for third or fourth.

Race 8

Distance: 6 Furlongs Pace Analysis: Here Kitty Kitty and Crackle should be forwardly placed in this lower-level claiming race where reliability is generally low.

• Key Contenders: Here Kitty Kitty (4) has the back class to handle this field and should get a good trip from the middle post. Geegee’s Story (3) lands in a competitive spot and benefits from a strong rider.
• Secondary Choices: Crackle (1) on the rail needs to go; if she clears, she can steal it, but she risks folding if hooked.
• Longshots: Thirsty Accountant (10) is stuck in a wide post but could close late at big odds if the pace is hot.

Race 9

Distance: 6 Furlongs Pace Analysis: The pace will be honest. Big Prankster and Chris’s Revenge give the Radosevich barn a strong hand.

• Key Contenders: Big Prankster (6) is the top selection, showing good form that fits this allowance condition well. Blistering (8) ships in with intent and draws an outside post that allows him to see the field.
• Secondary Choices: Chris’s Revenge (10) has speed and could pick up the slack if the top choice falters.
• Longshots: Sneaky Sneaky (9) could sneak into the trifecta at a price.

Race 10

Distance: 6 Furlongs Pace Analysis: A full field of maidens means traffic will be the main issue. Wild Domain and Silver B B should be prominent.

• Key Contenders: Wild Domain (5) looks like the graduate here, with a work tab suggesting readiness. Silver B B (1) draws the rail, valuable in a 12-horse field if he has the speed to hold position.
• Secondary Choices: Lucky Kater (7) is a steady improver who fits well in the middle of this pack.
• Longshots: Kettle Coalmine (6) is a price play for the exotics.