Charles Town – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the February 13, 2026 card


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Welcome to an exciting Friday evening card at Delta Downs for February 13. We have a robust ten race program featuring a mix of claiming, maiden claiming, and allowance optional claiming events for Louisiana breds and open company. The fields are full and competitive, offering excellent wagering opportunities for horseplayers looking to find value. The feature races fall in the middle to late portions of the card, highlighting veteran campaigners and developing younger stock navigating the unique configuration of this track.

Delta Downs is a classic six furlong bullring oval. This means the straightaways are short and the turns are tight. Because of the track layout, early speed and tactical positioning are paramount. Horses that get caught wide on the turns often lose too much ground to make up in the short stretch. The inside paths tend to be the most advantageous, and riders who can save ground while maintaining a forward position usually find the most success.

When analyzing the post position bias at Delta Downs, history strongly favors the inside gates. Posts one through three win at a disproportionately high rate, especially in route races and shorter sprints. Outside posts, particularly anything from post seven outward, can be a severe disadvantage unless the horse possesses enough early gate speed to clear the field and get over to the rail before the first turn. Bettors should upgrade horses drawn inside with early speed and downgrade deep closers drawn wide.

Weather and Track Conditions

The forecast for Vinton today is cloudy with a high of 73°F, a low of 58°F, 78% humidity, a 10% chance of rain, and wind at 7 mph from the southeast.

Given the low probability of precipitation, the main dirt track should play fast and firm throughout the evening. A fast track at Delta Downs typically accentuates the natural speed bias of the bullring. Expect frontrunners and pressing types to hold their speed well, making it difficult for deep closers to make up ground late in the races unless the early fractions are suicidal.

Race 1

Post Time

04:45PM

Pace Analysis

In this six and a half furlong sprint for three year old maidens, expect Captain Blood and Catalina Gold to establish the early fractions. With Shahenshah scratched, the pace scenario simplifies slightly, leaving the inside drawn Catalina Gold with an excellent opportunity to protect the rail and dictate terms. The early tempo should be moderate to fast, giving an advantage to horses sitting in the first flight.

Key Contenders

Catalina Gold draws the coveted rail post and possesses the natural early foot to take advantage of it. Javier Antonio Hernandez should send this gelding right to the front to control the race.

Weitzman ships in for Jonathan Wong and gets the services of Harry Hernandez. This barn is always dangerous when dropping in class or placing horses aggressively. He has enough tactical speed to work out a stalking trip just behind the leaders.

Secondary Choices

La Motta Avenue is the other Wong entry and cannot be ignored. Vicente Del-Cid is a top rider here and can navigate a mid pack trip before launching a bid on the far turn.

All Honors has shown flashes of ability and gets a decent middle draw. Jose Luis Rodriguez will need to avoid getting caught wide, but if he finds a lane, this gelding can hit the board at a price.

Longshots

Minimus Maximus could surprise if the pace completely melts down. He will likely drop back early and hope to pick up the pieces late, but the track profile works against this running style.

Selections

Win: Catalina Gold (1) – 35% confidence

Place: Weitzman (2) – 25% confidence

Show: La Motta Avenue (6) – 20% confidence

Alternative: All Honors (7) – 10% confidence

Race 2

Post Time

05:13PM

Pace Analysis

This seven furlong allowance optional claiming event features a compact field following the scratches of Deal With It Daddy and My Pal Sweet. Toni's Inferno and Native Red are the primary speed figures here. Drawing the inside gives Toni's Inferno the edge to set the pace. The tempo should be honest but manageable, favoring those near the front.

Key Contenders

Toni's Inferno is perfectly drawn on the rail for this elongated sprint. Kevin Roman will likely send him out of the gate to secure the lead. If he gets comfortable early, he will be very tough to catch in the short stretch.

Native Red has the tactical speed to press the pace. Carlos Lozada will keep him right on the flank of the leader, ready to pounce if the pacesetter tires.

Secondary Choices

Fiesty Fist is a veteran campaigner with plenty of back class. Joel Dominguez will have him stalking the top two, looking for an opening as they turn for home.

Ice'm Up Boys is an intriguing entry on the outside. He might get a clean trip if the inside horses duel too intensely, allowing him to rally late for a share of the purse.

Longshots

Get Them Justin is an eight year old who seems past his prime but could sneak into the exotics if the race falls apart completely.

Selections

Win: Toni's Inferno (1) – 40% confidence

Place: Native Red (2) – 30% confidence

Show: Fiesty Fist (3) – 15% confidence

Alternative: Ice'm Up Boys (7) – 10% confidence

Race 3

Post Time

05:41PM

Pace Analysis

A five furlong dash for maiden fillies and mares means speed is of the utmost importance. With Charlie Brahms and Mi Ardilla scratched, the pace will likely be contested by Count Chica and Ex Gonna. The fractions will be rapid from the jump.

Key Contenders

Count Chica gets a great draw and the riding services of Vicente Del-Cid. She has excellent gate speed and should be able to clear the field early to avoid any kickback.

Miss Landlock is an older filly dropping into this spot. Johan Rengifo will try to use her experience edge to rate just off the hot pace and make a singular move in the stretch.

Secondary Choices

Ex Gonna shows blazing early speed in her workouts. Carlos Perez just needs to ensure she breaks cleanly so she does not get shuffled back in the opening sixteenth of a mile.

Miss Amber Q could benefit from a fast pace. She has shown a mild closing kick that might be effective if the frontrunners exhaust themselves.

Longshots

My Other Half is drawn on the far outside, which is a major hurdle going five furlongs here. Jansen Melancon will have to work magic to get her into contention without losing massive amounts of ground.

Selections

Win: Count Chica (3) – 35% confidence

Place: Miss Landlock (4) – 25% confidence

Show: Ex Gonna (6) – 20% confidence

Alternative: Miss Amber Q (5) – 10% confidence

Race 4

Post Time

06:09PM

Pace Analysis

This one mile claiming event requires stamina and the ability to negotiate two turns on the bullring. With Smoothdini out, Fort Bonz and Emerald Express look like the pace setters. The tempo should be average, allowing the stalkers to stay well within striking distance.

Key Contenders

Native Star is an incredibly consistent router who fits perfectly in this class. Joel Dominguez should be able to drop him in comfortably behind the leaders, saving ground on both turns before angling out for the drive.

Fort Bonz has the speed to clear early and try to wire the field. Jose L. Rodriguez will need to nurse his speed and give him a breather down the backstretch to ensure he has something left for the final furlong.

Secondary Choices

Insignis draws the rail, which is a huge advantage in two turn races at Delta. Thomas Pompell will save all the ground and look to slip through an opening late.

Emerald Express has tactical speed but draws wide. Timothy Thornton will need to make an aggressive move early to avoid being hung out to dry on the first turn.

Longshots

Secular Stagnation is a ten year old veteran who knows his way around this oval. While he lacks the speed of his younger rivals, he grinds away and often passes tiring horses late to hit the superfecta.

Selections

Win: Native Star (3) – 35% confidence

Place: Fort Bonz (4) – 25% confidence

Show: Insignis (1) – 20% confidence

Alternative: Emerald Express (8) – 10% confidence

Race 5

Post Time

06:37PM

Pace Analysis

This six and a half furlong maiden claimer for fillies will be fast early. Tortuga Coast is scratched. Shinovar and Above the World have the best early speed figures. The inside horses should dominate the early going, making it tough for anyone trying to close from the clouds.

Key Contenders

Shinovar gets the rail draw and has Vicente Del-Cid aboard. She has the quickness to protect her position and dictate the pace. If she gets an easy opening quarter, the race is likely over.

Jetties represents the strong Jonathan Wong barn with Harry Hernandez riding. She ships in with good form and should sit a perfect stalking trip just behind Shinovar.

Secondary Choices

Above the World has shown speed but tends to tire late. Thomas Pompell will try to ration her energy better today.

Leslie's Mojeaux has Brett Calhoun training and Timothy Thornton riding, a highly potent combination. She has been training well and could be a major factor if she takes to the dirt surface under the lights.

Longshots

Classical Echo has struggled in her recent starts but drops slightly in class here. Alex Birzer might try a different tactic and take her back to make one late run.

Selections

Win: Shinovar (1) – 35% confidence

Place: Jetties (6) – 30% confidence

Show: Leslie's Mojeaux (7) – 15% confidence

Alternative: Above The World (4) – 10% confidence

Race 6

Post Time

07:05PM

Pace Analysis

A five furlong sprint for seasoned claimers usually results in a cavalry charge to the first turn. Peanut N Ike and Deal Em Justice will be stepping on the gas pedal from the moment the gates open. Expect sizzling early fractions that could set things up for a stalker.

Key Contenders

Deal Em Justice drops in class and gets Timothy Thornton in the irons. He has the speed to clear the field even from post two. His back class makes him the one to beat in this short dash.

Quinnsaltyofficer draws the far outside but has shown he can overcome bad posts in the past. Vicente Del-Cid will try to get him out cleanly and stalk the blistering early pace.

Secondary Choices

Peanut N Ike draws the rail and will be sent hard by Chris Rosier. If he can hold off the outside pressure, he can steal this on the front end.

Son Carlos is a consistent earner who should sit in the second flight. Kevin Roman will wait for the leaders to duel each other into submission before asking for his run.

Longshots

American Guy has been running evenly without posing a major threat lately. He could spice up the trifecta if he improves slightly off his last effort.

Selections

Win: Deal Em Justice (2) – 40% confidence

Place: Peanut N Ike (1) – 20% confidence

Show: Quinnsaltyofficer (9) – 20% confidence

Alternative: Son Carlos (3) – 10% confidence

Race 7

Post Time

07:33PM

Pace Analysis

This one mile claiming event for horses seeking their second lifetime win is wide open. Asaasy and Jamesy's Empire look to be the controlling speed. The pace should be honest, giving every runner a fair chance to state their case.

Key Contenders

Asaasy drops down to a comfortable level and gets Kevin Roman aboard. He has been knocking on the door in recent starts and this looks like the ideal spot for him to graduate from the non winners of two ranks.

Come On Mulitch ships in with solid form and gets Alexander Castillo. He has a great closing kick that should be highly effective if the leaders go too fast early.

Secondary Choices

Jamesy's Empire will be forwardly placed by Julio Ramirez Jr. He just needs to prove he can handle the full mile distance under pressure.

McZ draws the rail and has Timothy Thornton riding. The inside draw is huge going a mile here, and he should save all the ground before launching his bid.

Longshots

Consecrated has been wildly inconsistent but has shown flashes of brilliance that would make him extremely dangerous at this level.

Selections

Win: Asaasy (3) – 35% confidence

Place: Come On Mulitch (2) – 25% confidence

Show: Mcz (1) – 20% confidence

Alternative: Jamesy's Empire (4) – 10% confidence

Race 8

Post Time

08:01PM

Pace Analysis

A seven and a half furlong event for older fillies and mares. Czar's Ballerina is scratched. Miss Rosie and Apriority Catch will vie for the early lead. The pace should be steady, with the winner likely coming from the top three horses early.

Key Contenders

Apriority Catch is a classy mare who has been facing tougher competition. Harry Hernandez should have her sitting right behind the speed before making a decisive move on the far turn.

Miss Rosie has the rail advantage and Vicente Del-Cid. She loves to dictate terms and will try to lead them on a merry chase from start to finish.

Secondary Choices

Megans Millions is very consistent and rarely runs a bad race. Jose Luis Rodriguez will have her perfectly positioned in mid pack.

Rusty's Sunrise is another consistent earner who figures to be in the mix late. Carlos Perez will try to find a seam along the rail in the stretch.

Longshots

Broadway Pearl has been struggling lately but gets a class drop that might wake her up. Alexander Castillo will need to engineer a perfect trip from the outside post.

Selections

Win: Apriority Catch (4) – 35% confidence

Place: Miss Rosie (1) – 25% confidence

Show: Megans Millions (3) – 20% confidence

Alternative: Rusty's Sunrise (5) – 10% confidence

Race 9

Post Time

08:29PM

Pace Analysis

A five furlong sprint with Lauri's Wish and Stayed in for Half scratched. Perfect Edge and Hi Yah are the main speed threats. The pace will be incredibly fast, potentially setting up a perfect scenario for a late runner if the front end collapses.

Key Contenders

Perfect Edge has the inside post and Thomas Pompell. He is extremely quick from the gate and will look to wire this field. If he gets an uncontested lead, he will be very difficult to run down.

Halmstad is a classy older horse who should sit just off the blazing speed. Elio Barrera will time his move perfectly as the leaders turn for home.

Secondary Choices

Hi Yah has massive early speed but must avoid a duel with Perfect Edge. Juan Vargas will have to decide whether to press or rate early.

Texas Town has a potent closing kick and could fly past everyone late if the pace is truly suicidal.

Longshots

Ocean Jackpot can be unpredictable but runs huge figures when he is in the mood. Vicente Del-Cid might be able to coax a top effort out of him tonight.

Selections

Win: Perfect Edge (1) – 35% confidence

Place: Halmstad (3) – 25% confidence

Show: Texas Town (7) – 20% confidence

Alternative: Hi Yah (2) – 10% confidence

Race 10

Post Time

08:57PM

Pace Analysis

The nightcap is a six and a half furlong maiden claimer. Dixie Strong and Zoom There It Is are scratched. Fosforito and Heart Prints will show the most early initiative. The pace should be moderate as these older maidens try to figure things out.

Key Contenders

Heart Prints drops to the bottom maiden claiming level and gets Carlos Perez riding. He has shown enough in his past starts to suggest he can beat this weak field with a clean trip.

Fosforito draws the rail and will use his tactical speed to stay out of trouble. Jonuelle Pena should have him forwardly placed throughout.

Secondary Choices

Onemotime has been knocking on the door at this level. Javier Antonio Hernandez will try to give him a ground saving trip before tipping him out for the drive.

El Lagarto is erratic but capable of putting in a decent late run against this caliber of opposition.

Longshots

Hay Lover Boy has a terrible post position but might be able to pass tiring horses late to complete the superfecta at a huge price.

Selections

Win: Heart Prints (3) – 35% confidence

Place: Fosforito (1) – 25% confidence

Show: Onemotime (6) – 20% confidence

Alternative: El Lagarto (5) – 10% confidence

Jockey Notes and Insights

Vicente Del-Cid is currently one of the top riders at Delta Downs and has several live mounts tonight. He is exceptionally skilled at judging pace on this bullring and knows exactly when to ask his horses for their maximum effort. Backing his mounts, particularly those drawn well, is usually a profitable strategy.

Timothy Thornton is a veteran who consistently finishes near the top of the jockey standings here. He excels in route races and has a knack for saving ground on the tight turns. His presence on any horse in a two turn race instantly upgrades its chances.

Harry Hernandez ships in to ride for the Jonathan Wong barn, a powerful combination that bettors must respect. Hernandez is aggressive out of the gate, which plays perfectly to the track bias at Delta.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Jonathan Wong brings a few heavy hitters to the track tonight. His stable has an excellent win percentage with shippers and horses dropping in class. When Wong legs up a top jockey like Hernandez, it signals absolute intent to win.

Isai V. Gonzalez has a strong presence on the card with multiple entries that look very competitive. His horses are usually well prepared and perform consistently to their morning line odds or better.

Allen Landry is a cagey veteran trainer who knows the local racing scene intimately. He places his horses in spots where they can win and rarely enters them over their heads. His runners in claiming races are always dangerous.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The most reliable strategy at Delta Downs is playing the track bias. Focus your wagers on horses with early speed drawn in posts one through three, especially in sprints. If a horse has inside speed and a top tier jockey, they are strong candidates for single plays in multi race sequences.

For the Pick 5 starting in race six, consider singling Deal Em Justice in the opening leg to spread deeper in the subsequent races. Race seven is wide open, so hitting the All button or going four deep might be necessary to survive the sequence.

In race nine, Perfect Edge looks like a solid win bet if his odds float above 2-1. His inside draw and brilliant gate speed make him the most probable winner on the card if the track is playing fast as expected. Avoid deep closers tonight unless the pace scenarios clearly indicate a complete meltdown on the front end. Watch the first two races carefully to see if the rail bias is as potent as usual, and adjust your horizontal wagers accordingly.

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