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Parx Racing returns to live action on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, following the cancellation of Tuesday’s card due to weather conditions. Today’s program features an 11-race card with a first post of 12:05 PM ET. The conditions range from maiden claiming to allowance optional claiming, with purses spanning from $18,000 (Race 11) to $50,000 (Races 8 and 10).
The feature races are Race 8, a one-mile 70-yard allowance for four-year-olds and up with a $50,000 purse, and Race 10, a 6.5-furlong allowance optional claiming for three-year-old fillies, also carrying $50,000. Race 9 is a PA-bred restricted allowance at one mile worth $41,000.
Scratch watch is active on several runners. Always in Play (PP2, Race 1) and Confrontational (PP6, Race 1) are flagged as veterinarian scratches. Lucchesi (PP4, Race 2) and Real Talented (PP2, Race 2) are listed as also-eligibles. Warheaded (PP2, Race 3) is an also-eligible. Airman Trevor (PP7, Race 4) and Jadon’s Honor (PP6, Race 4) both appear on the scratch watch for steward and veterinarian reasons. Starlord (PP7, Race 9) is a veterinarian scratch. Solemn Oath (PP8, Race 11) and Union Belle (PP15, Race 11) are flagged for veterinarian and steward scratches respectively. Additionally, Race 4’s number 2, Tiz the Coast, was scratched. These scratches should be confirmed before wagering.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Bensalem, Pennsylvania calls for light rain or snow showers through the morning hours, transitioning to partly sunny skies by the afternoon. The high temperature is projected at 42 degrees Fahrenheit with a low of 38 degrees. Winds will be moderate. Precipitation chances remain low through the afternoon racing hours.
Given the light morning moisture and cold temperatures, the dirt surface is expected to be listed as fast or possibly good at post time. The track has been dealing with a difficult winter, with multiple cancellations in January and February due to snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds. The cold temperatures mean any surface moisture will be slow to evaporate, so watching the track condition designation before the first race is advisable.
If the track carries any moisture, it historically shifts the bias slightly away from the inside rail, as horses drawn inside can get bogged down in wet conditions near the rail.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Parx Racing is widely characterized as a speed-favoring track, and the current meet data confirms this emphatically. Brisnet’s At a Glance report through February 18, 2026 shows the following bias tendencies for the current meet:
At 6.0 furlongs on dirt, 40% of winners have gone wire to wire from 40 races sampled. The best running style is early speed (E), and the best post positions are the rail and inside draws.
At 6.5 furlongs on dirt, the wire-to-wire rate jumps to 50% across 40 races. Again, early speed is the dominant style, and inside posts are favored.
Sprint races at Parx show a pronounced bias toward inside stalls, with over 40% of winners drawn in posts 1 through 4. Posts 5 and 8 have been the weakest historically in sprint races. For route races at the one-mile-and-70-yard distance, horses drawn in posts 4 through 9 tend to fare well due to the longer run into the first turn.
The takeaway for today’s card: in sprints, horses with early speed drawn inside hold a significant structural advantage. In routes, the bias is more neutral, though early pace and stalking positions remain the preferred style on this surface.
Race 1 — Maiden Claiming, 7 Furlongs Dirt, $21,000 Purse
Post Time: 12:05 PM ET
Maiden claiming for three-year-old fillies at a claiming price of $15,000. Field of eight entered, though Always in Play (PP2) and Confrontational (PP6) appear on the scratch watch for veterinarian reasons.
Pace Analysis
Samantha’s Capo (PP4) profiles as the fastest leader in this field and should be forwardly placed from the start. J K Strong (PP5) shows a mid-pack running style and could press or stalk, while Bulma (PP7) also runs mid-pack. Essential Girl (PP8) is profiled as a slower closer, which is a difficult style on this surface. There does not appear to be excessive early speed, meaning the likely leader should get soft fractions.
Key Contenders
Samantha’s Capo (PP4) is the consensus top pick and morning line favorite at 2/1. This filly has three career starts and hit the board in all three, finishing second once and third twice. She carries the fastest leader profile, gets the five-pound apprentice weight allowance from Yedsit Hazlewood (117 lbs), and is trained by Michael Pino, who boasts a 35% win rate at Parx this meet. The PP4 draw is statistically one of the stronger positions in sprints. The Pino-Hazlewood combination is among the most potent on the grounds and should be respected whenever they team up.
J K Strong (PP5) at 9/2 on the morning line is trained by J. Tyler Servis, whose 62% in-the-money rate is excellent. The filly showed a third in her last start going one mile at Parx, which suggests she has stamina. Cutting back to seven furlongs could sharpen her speed. Jockey Luis D. Rivera has a 14% win rate.
Secondary Choices
Bulma (PP7) at 10/1 is the most experienced horse in the field with 12 career starts. She has hit the board four times (0-2-2) and ships in with earnings of $60,000, the highest in the field. The five-pound apprentice allowance from Kendry Rivera (113 lbs) is significant. At double-digit odds, she offers exotic value.
Essential Girl (PP8) at 5/1 has only two career starts, both at Gulfstream Park, where she finished seventh and eighth. She is a slower closer profile, which works against her on this speed-favoring surface. However, jockey Bryan Torres carries a 21% win rate, and the Velazquez barn is worth monitoring for improvement in a second start at Parx.
Longshots
Catrina Zar (PP1) at 15/1 has zero-for-four career record with no in-the-money finishes. She has a slowest stalker profile and does not inspire confidence at any price. However, the rail draw is historically strong in sprints at Parx.
Selections
Win: Samantha’s Capo (PP4)
Place: J K Strong (PP5)
Show: Bulma (PP7)
Betting strategy: Samantha’s Capo looks like a very strong play and may be overbet as the heavy favorite. Consider keying her in exactas underneath J K Strong and Bulma for better value. A trifecta box of 4-5-7 is a reasonable play. If seeking a longshot to spice up superfectas, Catrina Zar’s rail draw gives her a minor structural edge.
Race 2 — Claiming, 6.5 Furlongs Dirt, $21,000 Purse
Post Time: 12:32 PM ET
Claiming for four-year-olds and up that have never won three races. Claiming price $7,500. Field of eight, though Real Talented (PP2) and Lucchesi (PP4) are listed as also-eligibles on the scratch watch.
Pace Analysis
Backtrack (PP8) profiles as the fastest leader in this group and has demonstrated wire-to-wire ability, winning his last race and finishing in the top three in his last three starts. Carnaby (PP1) is a fast stalker, and Tiz the Coast’s scratch (if confirmed) removes another speed presence. The pace scenario could set up for Backtrack to control things on the front end.
Key Contenders
Backtrack (PP8) at 3/1 is the consensus top choice. This four-year-old gelding for trainer Jordan Bullock won his last race at Parx going six furlongs, then finished third and second in his prior two starts. His 18% career win rate and 64% in-the-money rate are the best in the field. The five-pound apprentice allowance from Kendry Rivera (117 lbs) is an added weapon. The outside post is the only concern in a sprint where inside draws dominate, but his speed should carry him to the front quickly.
Real Talented (PP2) at 4/1 morning line is an also-eligible and may not draw in. If he does run, his four career wins and mid-pack leader style would make him a factor. Jockey Luis Ocasio has only a 2% win rate at the meet, which is a concern.
Secondary Choices
My Kid Syd (PP7) at 6/1 won his most recent third-back start at Parx going six furlongs. He has a deeper closing style and is ridden by Dexter Haddock, who carries a 13% win rate and 47% in-the-money rate. Trainer Daniel Velazquez is not lighting up the standings, but this gelding has talent when he runs his race.
Lucchesi (PP4) at 6/1 morning line is another also-eligible. If he draws in, trainer Jacinto Solis’s 26% win rate makes him dangerous. He profiles as a closer, which is not ideal, but the trainer connection is noteworthy.
Longshots
Carnaby (PP1) at 10/1 sits in the rail draw with the fast stalker style that Parx favors. His recent form is poor (fifth, eleventh, ninth in last three) but the class level is soft, and the inside draw is a clear structural advantage in 6.5-furlong sprints where 50% of winners go wire to wire.
Selections
Win: Backtrack (PP8)
Place: My Kid Syd (PP7)
Show: Carnaby (PP1)
Betting strategy: Backtrack’s outside draw creates some risk. Consider using him in exacta wheels on top of Carnaby and My Kid Syd. If the also-eligibles scratch, the smaller field improves Backtrack’s chances significantly.
Race 3 — Maiden Claiming, 6.5 Furlongs Dirt, $22,000 Purse
Post Time: 12:59 PM ET
Maiden claiming for four-year-olds and up. Claiming price $16,000 (PA-breds $20,000). Field of seven with Warheaded (PP2) on the scratch watch as an also-eligible.
Pace Analysis
Imperial Spy (PP5) profiles as the fastest leader with early speed that should put him on or near the lead. Penn Franklin (PP3) is a fast leader as well, creating a potential pace duel. Two Dollar Bill (PP1) has a fast deep style, meaning he shows speed but weakens. Up the Kingdom (PP7) runs mid-pack. The pace scenario suggests honest fractions, which could set the race up for a stalker.
Key Contenders
Imperial Spy (PP5) at 3/1 is the top consensus selection. He has 25 career starts, zero wins, but an incredible 48% in-the-money rate (0-4-12), meaning he hits the board nearly half the time. Jockey Francisco Martinez carries a 15% win rate. The concern is obvious: he has never won. At some point he has to break through, and this class level may be soft enough.
Penn Franklin (PP3) at 5/2 morning line is the most attractive horse from a win-probability standpoint, with 31% win probability in the model. He has been second and third in recent starts at Parx going 6.5 furlongs. Apprentice Yedsit Hazlewood rides for trainer Harold Wyner, and the five-pound weight allowance brings him down to 120 lbs. The PP3 inside draw is favorable in sprints.
Secondary Choices
Two Dollar Bill (PP1) at 5/1 is a shipper from Churchill Downs and Turfway Park for trainer Josue Arce, who boasts a 24% win rate at Parx. The deep running style is a concern on a speed-favoring track, but his rail draw is excellent. Jockey Melvis Gonzalez carries a 10% win rate.
Ten Plus Ten (PP4) at 9/2 was third in his last at Parx going 6.5 furlongs. Jockey Anthony Nunez has a 0% win rate at the meet, which is a significant red flag.
Longshots
Honor for Mandin (PP6) at 20/1 has zero-for-thirteen career record with no in-the-money finishes. This is a throwout.
Up the Kingdom (PP7) at 5/1 has one second and one third from four career starts. He is lightly raced and could show improvement, but his mid-pack running style from the outside post is not ideal.
Selections
Win: Penn Franklin (PP3)
Place: Imperial Spy (PP5)
Show: Two Dollar Bill (PP1)
Betting strategy: Penn Franklin offers better win value than Imperial Spy, who seems destined to run second again. Key Penn Franklin on top in exactas over Imperial Spy. A trifecta with 3 on top over 5 and 1 is the preferred structure. The Brisnet spot play for this card was Race 4, number 3 (Drake Drive), but Penn Franklin in Race 3 offers similar value.
Race 4 — Claiming, 5.5 Furlongs Dirt, $23,000 Purse
Post Time: 1:26 PM ET
Claiming for four-year-olds and up that have never won two races. Claiming price $12,500. Field of seven, but Tiz the Coast (PP2) has been scratched, and Airman Trevor (PP7) and Jadon’s Honor (PP6) are on the scratch watch.
Pace Analysis
Drake Drive (PP3) profiles as the fastest leader in the field. Lovemeakaren (PP4) is a fast leader as well. Sergeant Sinatra (PP5) has a fastest deep profile, meaning he will be running late. Great Composer (PP1) is a slowest leader type. The reduced field after scratches suggests Drake Drive could dictate the pace with minimal pressure.
Key Contenders
Drake Drive (PP3) at 9/2 is the consensus top selection and the Brisnet spot play of the day. This five-year-old gelding for trainer Louis Linder Jr. is ridden by Andrew Wolfsont, who carries a remarkable 38% win rate at the meet. Drake Drive won one of six career starts and profiles as the fastest leader, which is the winning style at Parx. The PP3 inside draw is strong.
Great Composer (PP1) at 7/2 morning line sits in the rail with jockey Francisco Martinez (19% win rate at the meet) and trainer Ruperto Perez (29% win rate). He has the rail draw, which is historically the strongest position in Parx sprints. His one career win and two placings from ten starts show competence at this level.
Secondary Choices
Lovemeakaren (PP4) at 5/1 was second going seven furlongs and third going 6.5 furlongs in his previous starts at Parx. Jockey Julio Correa carries an 18% win rate. The fast leader style is exactly what this track rewards, and the PP4 draw is acceptable.
Sergeant Sinatra (PP5) at 4/1 carries a massive weight advantage at 112 lbs thanks to apprentice Noel Herman. His recent form from Gulfstream is poor (fifth, sixth), but the class drop and weight break make him interesting. The deep running style is a concern.
Longshots
Jadon’s Honor (PP6) at 10/1 is on the scratch watch and has been scratched from two recent starts. If he runs, his mid-pack stalker style and Adam Bowman up could make him a mild threat. Trainer Bobbi Anne Hawthorne has a 9% win rate.
Selections
Win: Drake Drive (PP3)
Place: Great Composer (PP1)
Show: Lovemeakaren (PP4)
Betting strategy: Drake Drive as the spot play of the day deserves strong action. Key him in exactas on top and use Great Composer and Lovemeakaren underneath. If Sergeant Sinatra drifts to 6/1 or higher, include him in trifecta and superfecta sequences at the bottom.
Race 5 — Starter Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs Dirt, $25,000 Purse
Post Time: 1:53 PM ET
Starter optional claiming for fillies and mares four and up. Claiming price $16,000. Field of eight.
Pace Analysis
Calisa (PP7) profiles as the fastest stalker, with some early speed. People Get Ready (PP4) has a fast deep style and should be forwardly placed. Judy’s Flyer (PP5) is a mid-pack stalker. Wine and Roses (PP2) is a fast closer. This race has moderate pace and could set up for a stalker or presser.
Key Contenders
Wine and Roses (PP2) at 4/1 is the consensus top selection. This five-year-old mare for trainer Kathleen Demasi has a strong 65% in-the-money career rate (2-7-11 from 17 starts). She finished fourth, second, and third in her last three Parx starts. Jockey Julio Hernandez carries a 19% win rate and is one of the stronger riders on the grounds. The PP2 draw is excellent in sprints.
Judy’s Flyer (PP5) at 2/1 morning line is the favorite, trained by Scott Lake with jockey Francisco Martinez. She was second in her last two Parx starts and has a 41% career in-the-money rate. The mid-pack stalker style is effective at Parx. She is likely to take the most money.
Secondary Choices
Perugia (PP1) at 9/2 drops in from Aqueduct for the powerful Jamie Ness barn (24% win rate at Parx) and gets apprentice Yedsit Hazlewood at 115 lbs. The rail draw is strong. Her recent form at Aqueduct is poor (seventh, eighth), but the class drop and barn change make her live.
People Get Ready (PP4) at 5/1 won her last at Churchill Downs going six furlongs and is trained by Jacinto Solis, who leads all Parx trainers with a 37.5% win rate. Jockey Andy Hernandez has a 19% win rate. The Solis factor alone makes this filly dangerous.
Longshots
Calisa (PP7) at 10/1 has the fastest stalker profile, which is a winning style at Parx. She was fourth in her last at Parx going six furlongs. At double-digit odds, she could offer exotic value.
Keystormrising (PP8) at 8/1 won her third-back start at Parx going one mile. She is cutting back in distance, which is a concern, and trainer Alan Bedard has only a 5% win rate.
Selections
Win: Wine and Roses (PP2)
Place: People Get Ready (PP4)
Show: Perugia (PP1)
Betting strategy: Wine and Roses at 4/1 offers better value than the even-money favorite Judy’s Flyer. Key Wine and Roses on top with People Get Ready and Perugia underneath in exactas. Include Calisa in trifecta and superfecta bottom slots. The Ness-Hazlewood combination with Perugia makes her an attractive underneath play.
Race 6 — Claiming, 5.5 Furlongs Dirt, $21,000 Purse
Post Time: 2:20 PM ET
Claiming for fillies and mares four and up that have never won four races. Claiming price $7,500. Compact field of six.
Pace Analysis
Lil Sally (PP4) is the fastest leader and should be on the front end. Azure Lady (PP3) is a fast leader as well, creating a potential pace duel in the short 5.5-furlong sprint. Shock (PP1) leads at a slower pace. Melittlefrostgirl (PP5) is a slowest leader type. Shudabeenacowgirl (PP6) stalks from mid-pack. A pace duel between Lil Sally and Azure Lady could set up for the stalking Shudabeenacowgirl.
Key Contenders
Shudabeenacowgirl (PP6) at 7/2 is the consensus top selection. This five-year-old mare won her last start at Parx going 5.5 furlongs, which is the exact distance today. She has a mid-pack stalker style, and jockey Angel Castillo carries a 15% win rate. Trainer Trevor Gallimore’s 11% win rate is modest, but the mare’s recent form speaks for itself.
Lil Sally (PP4) at 3/2 morning line is the numerical favorite and shows the fastest leader speed profile. She gets the five-pound apprentice allowance from Kendry Rivera at 117 lbs. She was tenth in her last start going six furlongs, which is concerning, but she was second and third in the two prior starts.
Secondary Choices
Azure Lady (PP3) at 4/1 has the second-strongest speed figures in the field and a fast leader profile. She has a 21% career win rate (3-5-6 from 14 starts) and a 43% in-the-money rate. The PP3 inside draw is excellent for her front-running style.
Shock (PP1) at 5/1 has the rail draw and has been competitive at the level, with a career record of 2-4-4 from 15 starts. She was seventh in her last start going six furlongs. Trainer Scott Lake has a 13% win rate.
Longshots
Miss Cinnamon (PP2) at 15/1 has a 55% career in-the-money rate from 33 starts (4-7-18), which is impressive. However, her last three efforts were eighth, seventh, and seventh, all at Parx. She is fading.
Melittlefrostgirl (PP5) at 3/1 morning line seems overvalued with only a 7% career win rate and poor recent form.
Selections
Win: Shudabeenacowgirl (PP6)
Place: Azure Lady (PP3)
Show: Lil Sally (PP4)
Betting strategy: Shudabeenacowgirl is a solid play off a winning effort at this exact distance. Azure Lady offers value at 4/1 as a front-runner on a speed track. Use a trifecta key of 6 on top, with 3 and 4 in the second slot, and all others underneath.
Race 7 — Maiden Claiming, 6 Furlongs Dirt, $32,000 Purse
Post Time: 2:47 PM ET
Maiden claiming for three-year-olds at a claiming price of $40,000. Field of six with several first-time starters.
Pace Analysis
Alastar (PP3) profiles as the fastest stalker, meaning he shows early presence and finishes well. Vino Gray (PP1) has a fastest deep style, showing early and fading, then rallying. Lexington Pike (PP6) is a fastest closer. Ragatony (PP2), Stormbreaker (PP4), and El Huirro (PP5) are all first-time starters with no running style data. This race is difficult to handicap with half the field being debut runners.
Key Contenders
Alastar (PP3) at 2/1 is the overwhelming consensus choice. This colt is trained by Michael Pino (35% win rate at Parx) and ridden by apprentice Yedsit Hazlewood at 117 lbs. He has four career starts with a 50% in-the-money rate (0-1-2), including a second in his last at Parx going six furlongs. The Pino-Hazlewood combination is the most dangerous pairing on the grounds, and Alastar has the fastest stalker profile, which is ideal for this surface. He also has another stablemate in Stormbreaker (PP4), giving Pino two shots at the race.
Lexington Pike (PP6) at 3/1 was second in his last at Aqueduct going one mile and has a fastest closer profile. Trained by Michael Catalano Jr. and ridden by Francisco Martinez (11% win rate). He has one second and one third from four career starts. The closing style is a risk at Parx, but his class level from Aqueduct may be higher than this field.
Secondary Choices
Vino Gray (PP1) at 5/1 has the rail draw and five career starts with one third-place finish. Trained by Alfredo Velazquez (19% win rate) and ridden by Julio Hernandez (19% win rate), the connections are strong. His fastest deep profile suggests he will show early but may not sustain.
Stormbreaker (PP4) at 4/1 is a first-time starter for Michael Pino. He carries just 115 lbs with apprentice Jeriel Catala. The Pino barn wins at 35% and is always dangerous with debut runners. Watch the tote board: if Stormbreaker takes money, it is a strong sign.
Longshots
El Huirro (PP5) at 5/1 is a first-time starter for trainer Miguel Penaloza. Jockey Luis Ocasio has only a 3% win rate at the meet, which is a major concern.
Ragatony (PP2) at 5/1 is a debut runner for Kathleen Demasi with jockey Andrew Wolfsont (16% win rate). No form to evaluate but the rider is capable.
Selections
Win: Alastar (PP3)
Place: Lexington Pike (PP6)
Show: Stormbreaker (PP4)
Betting strategy: Alastar is a strong win play but may be overbet at short odds. The exacta of 3 over 6 offers the best value. Include Stormbreaker and Vino Gray in trifecta sequences. If seeking longshot value, Ragatony’s debut for Demasi with Wolfsont up is worth a superfecta inclusion.
Race 8 — Allowance, 1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt, $50,000 Purse
Post Time: 3:14 PM ET
Allowance for four-year-olds and up, non-winners of a race other than maiden, claiming, starter, or state-bred, or which have never won two races. This is the co-feature of the card.
Pace Analysis
Prince Colton (PP7) profiles as the fastest leader and should take the field into the first turn. Chachaching (PP4) is the fastest stalker. Happily Delusional (PP2) and Group Ticket (PP5) are fast stalkers as well. Try Harder (PP6) stalks. Kevin’s Strike (PP1) is the slowest stalker. Hey Porter (PP3) runs mid-pack deep. The pace scenario is moderately contested, with Prince Colton likely leading and Chachaching stalking from close range.
Key Contenders
Prince Colton (PP7) at 9/2 is the top consensus choice and has the highest win probability model at 30%. He won his second-back start at Parx going one mile and was second in his last. He has a career in-the-money rate of 68% (6-18-27 from 40 starts), which is outstanding. Jockey Julio Hernandez (20% win rate) and trainer John Kirby (18% win rate) form a solid combination.
Chachaching (PP4) at 5/2 morning line is the favorite and profiles as the fastest stalker. He was second in his last at Parx going one mile. Trainer Robert Mosco carries a 26% win rate at the meet. Jockey Francisco Martinez (15% win rate) is reliable. The PP4 draw is acceptable in route races at Parx.
Secondary Choices
Group Ticket (PP5) at 4/1 has the most career earnings in the field at $475,112 and is trained by Jamie Ness (24% win rate). He ships in from Laurel Park, where he was fifth in his last two starts. Apprentice Yedsit Hazlewood’s five-pound allowance brings him to 117 lbs, and the Ness-Hazlewood combination is among the best at Parx.
Try Harder (PP6) at 5/1 has a massive career in-the-money rate of 64% (6-20-30 from 47 starts). Veteran jockey Kendrick Carmouche (17% win rate) rides. His recent form at Parx has been mediocre (third, fifth, ninth), and he is cutting back to a route after recent sprints.
Longshots
Kevin’s Strike (PP1) at 15/1 won his last start at Parx going one mile and was third before that. His career in-the-money rate is 53%, and he sits in the rail draw. At 15/1, he offers outstanding value for exotics. Jockey Angel Castillo (10% win rate) and trainer Mary Pattershall (10% win rate) are not flashy connections, but the horse just won.
Happily Delusional (PP2) at 5/1 has career earnings of $498,000, the highest in the field. He was fourth in his last at Parx going one mile. Jockey Luis Ocasio has a 14% win rate in recent outings.
Selections
Win: Prince Colton (PP7)
Place: Chachaching (PP4)
Show: Group Ticket (PP5)
Betting strategy: This is a competitive allowance race with several live contenders. Prince Colton’s front-running style and excellent in-the-money rate make him the top play. Key Prince Colton on top in exactas over Chachaching and Group Ticket. Kevin’s Strike at 15/1 is the bomb to include in trifecta and superfecta bottom positions off his last win.
Race 9 — Allowance (PA-Bred), 1 Mile Dirt, $41,000 Purse
Post Time: 3:41 PM ET
PA-bred restricted allowance for four-year-olds and up, non-winners of one PA-restricted race other than maiden, claiming, or starter.
Pace Analysis
Beyondexpectations (PP4) is the fast leader and should dictate the pace. Mr Flowers (PP6) is the fastest leader as well. Malibu Warrior (PP8) runs mid-pack. McCrakens Ghost (PP3) stalks from off the pace. Cool Million (PP5) has a slower lead profile. This could set up as a pace duel between Beyondexpectations and Mr Flowers, which would benefit stalkers.
Key Contenders
Beyondexpectations (PP4) at 2/1 morning line is the clear favorite with the highest win probability at 30%. He has a 27% career win rate and an 82% in-the-money rate (3-8-9 from 11 starts), which is the best in the field by a wide margin. His last three efforts include a fourth, a second, and a first at Parx. Trained by Robert Reid Jr. (33% win rate) with jockey Frankie Pennington (14% win rate).
Mr Flowers (PP6) at 5/1 is the consensus selection and is trained by Jamie Ness. He has a 71% career in-the-money rate (2-7-12 from 17 starts). He is switching from turf to dirt today, having raced most recently on turf at Aqueduct (tenth) and Laurel (third twice). Jockey Ruben Silvera carries an 18% win rate. The question is whether his turf form translates to dirt at Parx.
Secondary Choices
McCrakens Ghost (PP3) at 4/1 is the second Ness runner in the race, ridden by Yedsit Hazlewood at 117 lbs. He has a 62% in-the-money rate (3-6-18 from 29 starts) and was third in his last at Parx going 6.5 furlongs. The Ness-Hazlewood connection is always dangerous.
Malibu Warrior (PP8) at 6/1 won his last start at Parx going one mile and was second two back. He carries 125 lbs as the high weight, and jockey Patrick Henry Jr. has a 0% win rate at the meet. The recent win is the draw, but the jockey downgrade is real.
Longshots
Cool Million (PP5) at 8/1 won his third-back start at Parx going one mile and has a 64% career in-the-money rate. Jockey Dexter Haddock (8% win rate) rides. At 8/1, he has value.
Chain Lightning (PP1) at 10/1 has the rail draw and a 55% career in-the-money rate. He was fifth in his last two at Parx. Trainer Harold Wyner (15% win rate) and jockey Adam Bowman (14% win rate) are respectable.
Selections
Win: Beyondexpectations (PP4)
Place: McCrakens Ghost (PP3)
Show: Mr Flowers (PP6)
Betting strategy: Beyondexpectations should be favored but the 2/1 odds are fair for a horse with an 82% in-the-money rate. Use him in exactas on top of McCrakens Ghost and Mr Flowers. For trifectas, add Malibu Warrior and Cool Million underneath.
Race 10 — Allowance Optional Claiming, 6.5 Furlongs Dirt, $50,000 Purse
Post Time: 4:08 PM ET
Allowance optional claiming for three-year-old fillies. Claiming price $75,000. This is the co-feature of the card. Field of seven.
Pace Analysis
Angie’s Reward (PP4) profiles as a fast leader and should be on or near the lead. Divine Seeker (PP1) is the fastest stalker. Wanna Go Home (PP3) runs mid-pack. Halo Hottie (PP6) has slower lead speed. Divine Intentions (PP5) is a fast closer. Bounce (PP7) closes from mid-pack. The pace scenario is moderate with Angie’s Reward likely controlling things.
Key Contenders
Divine Intentions (PP5) at 7/2 is the consensus top pick. She has a 50% career win rate (2-3-3 from 4 starts) and a 75% in-the-money rate. She won her second-back start at Parx going six furlongs and was second in her last going seven furlongs. Trained by J. Tyler Servis and ridden by Frankie Pennington (12% win rate). The fast closer profile is risky at Parx, but her class is evident.
Angie’s Reward (PP4) at 5/2 morning line is the favorite with a 50% win rate and a perfect 100% in-the-money rate from four career starts (2-3-4, counting all finishes as in-the-money). She won her last at Parx going six furlongs. Trained by Brandon Kulp and ridden by Angel Rodriguez. The fast lead style is ideal for this track.
Secondary Choices
Wanna Go Home (PP3) at 4/1 has won her last two starts at Parx, going seven furlongs and 6.5 furlongs. She has a remarkable 80% career in-the-money rate (2-9-12 from 15 starts). Jockey Andy Hernandez (13% win rate) rides for trainer Hugo Padilla (20% win rate). She is the most consistent horse in this field.
Halo Hottie (PP6) at 6/1 won her last at Parx going one mile and is trained by John Servis with jockey Kendrick Carmouche (21% win rate). The Servis barn is elite, and Carmouche is the best veteran rider on the grounds.
Longshots
Divine Seeker (PP1) at 6/1 has a 67% in-the-money rate from three career starts (1-2-2), including a win at Parx going six furlongs. Jockey Abner Adorno (16% win rate) rides for trainer Robert Reid Jr. (29% win rate). At 6/1, she offers real value from the rail draw.
Bounce (PP7) at 8/1 has a 40% win rate from five starts with two wins at Indiana Grand. She was seventh in her last at Parx, which is a red flag. The mid-pack closer style is not ideal.
Selections
Win: Angie’s Reward (PP4)
Place: Divine Intentions (PP5)
Show: Wanna Go Home (PP3)
Betting strategy: This is the most competitive race on the card. Angie’s Reward’s front-running style on a speed track gives her the edge, but Divine Intentions and Wanna Go Home are both dangerous. A trifecta box of 4-5-3 is the play. Key Angie’s Reward on top in exactas over Divine Intentions and Wanna Go Home. Include Halo Hottie and Divine Seeker for superfecta value.
Race 11 — Claiming, 6.5 Furlongs Dirt, $18,000 Purse
Post Time: 4:35 PM ET
Claiming for fillies and mares four and up. Claiming price $5,000. Field of 15, the largest of the day, though Solemn Oath (PP8) and Union Belle (PP15) are on the scratch watch.
Pace Analysis
Mexican Sugar (PP6) is the fastest stalker. Fuhgeddaboudit (PP4) runs mid-pack and leads. Goldieness (PP3) is a fast stalker. Moor Strength (PP13) is a fast closer. Shining Spirit (PP9) is a fast stalker as well. Multiple pace scenarios are possible in this large field, and the 6.5-furlong distance at Parx rewards early speed with 50% wire-to-wire winners.
Key Contenders
Shining Spirit (PP9) at 9/2 is the consensus top selection. She has a 64% career in-the-money rate (6-17-23 from 36 starts), the highest in the field. Jockey Angel Rodriguez (10% win rate) rides for trainer Brandon Kulp (11% win rate). Her fast stalker style is effective at Parx.
Goldieness (PP3) at 4/1 has a 46% career in-the-money rate (8-14-18 from 39 starts) and has 8 career wins, the most in the field. The PP3 inside draw is strong in 6.5-furlong sprints. Jockey Eliseo Ruiz (10% win rate) rides for trainer Hugo Padilla (20% win rate).
Secondary Choices
Fuhgeddaboudit (PP4) at 6/1 has the highest career earnings in the field at $568,697 and a 50% in-the-money rate from 48 starts. She won her last at Parx going six furlongs. Jockey Anthony Salgado (8% win rate) is a concern.
Moor Strength (PP13) at 5/1 won her last at Parx going six furlongs and was third two back. Jockey Dexter Haddock (13% win rate) is solid. The PP13 outside draw is a significant negative in a large field sprint.
Longshots
Tomarie (PP1) at 8/1 was third in her last at Parx and won two back. She has a slower closer style, which is not ideal, but the rail draw helps in this large field. Trainer Josue Arce carries a 24% win rate.
Mexican Sugar (PP6) at 10/1 has the fastest stalker profile with the five-pound apprentice allowance from Kendry Rivera (117 lbs). She won her second-back start at Penn National going 5.5 furlongs.
Bon Fire Diva (PP7) at 10/1 won her last at Parx going six furlongs. She has a slower leader profile and could be forwardly placed.
Selections
Win: Goldieness (PP3)
Place: Shining Spirit (PP9)
Show: Fuhgeddaboudit (PP4)
Betting strategy: This 15-horse field is a prime exotic betting race. A trifecta key with Goldieness and Shining Spirit on top over a wider group including Fuhgeddaboudit, Moor Strength, Tomarie, and Mexican Sugar is the approach. The large field should produce generous payoffs. Include Bon Fire Diva in superfecta bottom positions.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Yedsit Hazlewood is the most impactful rider on the card with mounts in Races 1 (Samantha’s Capo), 3 (Penn Franklin), 5 (Perugia), 7 (Alastar), 8 (Group Ticket), and 9 (McCrakens Ghost). Hazlewood’s five-pound apprentice weight allowance is a powerful weapon, and he is ridden at a 25% win rate with a 56% show rate at the meet. He pairs with trainer Michael Pino on Samantha’s Capo (Race 1) and Alastar (Race 7), two of the strongest plays on the card. Every Hazlewood mount deserves serious consideration.
Francisco Martinez rides in Races 3 (Imperial Spy), 4 (Great Composer), 5 (Judy’s Flyer), 7 (Lexington Pike), 9 (Starlord), and carries a 15% win rate. He is a steady, experienced rider who consistently puts his mounts in position. His strongest mounts today are Imperial Spy (Race 3) and Lexington Pike (Race 7).
Julio Hernandez has strong mounts in Race 5 (Wine and Roses), Race 7 (Vino Gray), and Race 8 (Prince Colton). He carries a 19% win rate and is one of the more skilled riders on the circuit. His Race 8 mount, Prince Colton, is a prime win candidate.
Kendrick Carmouche rides Try Harder (Race 8) and Halo Hottie (Race 10). The veteran carries a 17-21% win rate depending on the period measured. His presence on Halo Hottie in the feature Race 10 gives that filly an added edge.
Angel Castillo has mounts throughout the card, including Racket (Race 2), Airman Trevor (Race 4, if runs), Shudabeenacowgirl (Race 6), Kevin’s Strike (Race 8), Willisau (Race 9), and Jezebel Jade (Race 11). His strongest mount is Shudabeenacowgirl in Race 6.
Dexter Haddock rides My Kid Syd (Race 2), Cool Million (Race 9), and Moor Strength (Race 11). He carries a 13% win rate and a 47% in-the-money rate. His best mount is Moor Strength in the nightcap.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Michael Pino is the dominant trainer on this card with a 35% win rate at Parx this meet. He sends out Samantha’s Capo (PP4, Race 1), Alastar (PP3, Race 7), and Stormbreaker (PP4, Race 7). Both Race 1 and Race 7 feature heavy favorites trained by Pino with apprentice Hazlewood aboard. When Pino has the favorite, he wins at an exceptionally high rate.
Jamie Ness has three runners entered today: Perugia (PP1, Race 5), Group Ticket (PP5, Race 8), and two horses in Race 9 (McCrakens Ghost at PP3 and Mr Flowers at PP6). Ness carries a 24% win rate at Parx this meet and is the leading trainer by volume. His two-pronged attack in Race 9 is noteworthy — McCrakens Ghost with Hazlewood and Mr Flowers with Silvera give him two strong shots at a single race.
Jacinto Solis leads all Parx trainers with a 37.5% win rate this meet (lower volume than Ness or Pino). He has Lucchesi (PP4, Race 2, if draws in) and People Get Ready (PP4, Race 5). Any time a Solis runner is entered, the tote board and the form deserve close inspection.
Robert Reid Jr. carries a 29-33% win rate at Parx. He trains Beyondexpectations (PP4, Race 9) and Divine Seeker (PP1, Race 10). Both are live contenders in their respective races.
Trevor Gallimore is the leading trainer by volume on this card with runners in Races 4 (Airman Trevor), 5 (Sandy Girl), 6 (Shudabeenacowgirl), 9 (Malibu Warrior), 10 (Downanddirtydonna), and 11 (Jezebel Jade). His win rate is moderate at 8-11%, but his best runner today is Shudabeenacowgirl in Race 6, a recent winner.
Josue Arce trains Two Dollar Bill (PP1, Race 3), Hey Porter (PP3, Race 8), and Tomarie (PP1, Race 11). He carries a 24% win rate at Parx and is consistently profitable.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The anchor plays on this card are Samantha’s Capo (PP4, Race 1) and Alastar (PP3, Race 7), both trained by Michael Pino and ridden by Yedsit Hazlewood. These two are the most likely winners on the card and should be singled in multi-race sequences to reduce cost.
The best value play of the card is Drake Drive (PP3, Race 4) at 9/2 on the morning line, the Brisnet spot play of the day. He has the fastest leader profile in a field depleted by scratches, and jockey Andrew Wolfsont’s 38% win rate at the meet is outstanding.
The second value play is Wine and Roses (PP2, Race 5) at 4/1 on the morning line. With a 65% career in-the-money rate and Julio Hernandez riding, she offers a better return than the even-money favorite Judy’s Flyer.
Kevin’s Strike (PP1, Race 8) at 15/1 is the longshot of the day. He just won his last race at Parx going one mile at this same class level, has a 53% career in-the-money rate, and draws the rail. At double-digit odds, he is a must-include in exotic wagers.
For multi-race wagering, the late Pick 5 (Races 7-11) can be structured with Alastar singled in Race 7, Prince Colton and Chachaching spread in Race 8, Beyondexpectations singled or used with McCrakens Ghost in Race 9, Angie’s Reward and Divine Intentions spread in Race 10, and Goldieness, Shining Spirit, and Fuhgeddaboudit spread in Race 11. This structure keeps the ticket manageable while covering the most likely winners.
The early Pick 4 (Races 1-4) can be built around singles of Samantha’s Capo (Race 1) and Drake Drive (Race 4), with Backtrack and Carnaby spread in Race 2, and Penn Franklin and Imperial Spy spread in Race 3.
Overall, this is a card that favors speed horses drawn inside, consistent with Parx’s well-documented track bias. Horses with early speed drawn in posts 1 through 4 should be given extra credit across all sprint races on the card.
