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Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Penn National – Racing News and Analysis for March 20, 2026

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Penn National offers an eight-race Friday evening card on March 20, 2026, with a mix of claiming, starter optional claiming, maiden special weight, and allowance events, all on the dirt main track. The purse structure is typical for this meet, highlighted by a 36,000 maiden special weight for fillies and mares in race 2 and a 37,000 first-level allowance for fillies and mares in race 7, with the balance of the card comprised of 5,000–7,500 claimers and starter allowance events in the 17,000–22,000 purse range.

Forecast information near Penn National Race Course indicates cold, cloudy conditions with temperatures in the low to mid-30s during the day, light northerly winds, and a risk of late-day wintry precipitation, including light snow or mixed precipitation overnight. These conditions typically correspond to a fast or at worst good dirt surface at Penn, assuming the track crew maintains the surface and significant precipitation does not arrive before or during the card. Given the relatively cool temperatures and limited moisture prior to the races, expect a relatively tight, compact surface rather than a deep, tiring track.

Historical analysis of Penn National suggests that in dirt sprints, early speed is often advantageous because of the short run to the first turn and the track's configuration, with front-end or pressing types performing particularly well. Over longer routes on the main track, however, the distribution of winners has been more even, with inside and middle posts both viable and no overwhelming post bias, though far-outside posts (10 and wider) have underperformed in large fields. Inside posts do not appear significantly disadvantaged on the dirt at Penn National distances, with stalls one through three producing competitive win percentages, especially in routes where saving ground into the first turn can be an asset.

Race 1: Claiming 7,500 – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt (5:45 PM)

The first race features a compact six-horse field of older claimers that have not won a race since December 20. The likely pace scenario is moderate rather than blazing, with Gangly (5) and Rob The Rich (6) the most likely to show early initiative, while Here's Waldo (1) can be prominent from the rail if asked.

Rob The Rich (6) is the primary win candidate based on class, trainer, and probable trip, coming from the Jamie Ness barn with Martin Chuan up. Here's Waldo (1) draws the rail and projects to save significant ground around both turns, making him a major contender if the pace is only moderate. Styner (4) provides another logical alternative from the Bruce Kravets barn with Ricardo Chiappe aboard.

Skimble Shanks (3) is an honest type that fits the conditions and may offer minor value as an underneath player. Gangly (5) is an older gelding who could clear from the outside if ridden aggressively by Angel Cruz, though at age nine, it is fair to question whether he can sustain pressure from younger rivals. Aquitania Arrival (2) looks like the longest shot on paper among this group.

Race 2: Maiden Special Weight – 1 Mile Dirt (6:14 PM)

Race 2 is a seven-horse maiden special weight for fillies and mares going one mile. The projected pace appears honest to potentially contested, with Dance Court (4) a likely pace presence, and Gotta Be Kiddin (6) another candidate to attend the early fractions. Secret Journey (1) from the rail may also show more speed, while Image Of Grace (7) figures to sit mid-pack or slightly off the pace.

Image Of Grace (7) looks like the primary win candidate, with Angel Cruz riding for Todd Beattie, and the filly holding upside as a three-year-old with room to progress. Secret Journey (1) is a five-year-old mare with experience, and her rail draw and David Cora's hands-on riding style may allow her to secure an economical trip. Stone Cold Kelly (5), with Martin Chuan up for James Lawrence II, fits the profile of a second-tier but dangerous contender.

Zeta Jones (2), ridden by Ricardo Chiappe for Flint Stites, must be evaluated in the context of prior scratches or layoff patterns noted in the scratch watch, but on paper she has enough potential to be competitive. Majestic Rain (3) is a three-year-old filly with Wilfredo Corujo riding for Michael Zalalas, and she may show improvement with experience and added distance. Dance Court (4) is a longshot pace type who may influence the race shape, while Gotta Be Kiddin (6) is another candidate to show early pace but may lack the class or finishing power to win.

Race 3: Starter Optional Claiming – 6 Furlongs Dirt (6:43 PM)

Race 3 is a nine-horse starter optional claimer at six furlongs for horses that have started for 16,000 or less and have not won three races. With multiple potential pace players, including Sharon's Prince (1), Minister (6), and possibly Cappetta (7), this race shapes up as one of the stronger early pace contests on the card. Confiscated (4) may also be prominent early, and Gronksflyinseagull (5) can attend the pace from the middle.

Cappetta (7) appears a major player, with Inoel Beato riding for Kevin Fields, and an outside draw that should allow him to track the pace and avoid traffic. Sharon's Prince (1), from the rail with Angel Rodriguez for Brandon Kulp, is a serious contender if he breaks cleanly and uses his positional speed to either lead or sit a pocket trip. Confiscated (4) for Kathleen Demasi with Jomar Torres aboard is another strong player.

Minister (6), ridden by Martin Chuan for Anthony Pecoraro, has the profile of a horse that can either go on with it early or sit second flight, making him flexible in the likely contested pace scenario. Buzz Adams (3), with David Cora for T. Bernard Houghton, is another stayer at this level who can capitalize if the pace melts. Gronksflyinseagull (5), for Joey Martinez, fits as a mid-priced pace-pressing type. Paralegal (2), with Julio Hernandez, is a grinder type who may be outpaced early but could be passing tired horses late. Bejuco (8) with Jordano Tunon, and Solar Glare (9) with Silvestre Gonzalez, are both outside runners that will need significant pace help.

Race 4: Claiming 5,000 NW2L – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt (7:12 PM)

Race 4 is a seven-horse non-winners of two lifetime claimer for 5,000 at 1 1/16 miles. Jake's Affection (2) and Atomico (4) appear the most likely to show early speed, while Stonecoldhandsome (6) and Annihilate 'em (7) should stalk in the second flight. Highly Potent (1) from the rail may be ridden to secure position early.

Stonecoldhandsome (6), ridden by Yabriel Ramos for Bruce Kravets, stands out as a major contender, especially if his prior form at similar or slightly tougher levels is competitive. Annihilate 'em (7), with David Cora for Kevin Fields, offers another strong option, possessing enough tactical speed to stay within striking distance. Atomico (4), ridden by Jomar Torres for Robert Wolfe Jr., has the potential to control the pace from a good inside-middle draw.

Highly Potent (1), with Emilio Flores for Carlos Johnson, is a rail-drawn gelding who may improve if he can secure a pocket trip. Jake's Affection (2), ridden by Edgar Villasmil for Kelly Deiter, is another pace factor that may stick around for a piece. Analyst (3), with Wilfredo Corujo for Kevin Fields, must be evaluated carefully given the scratch watch note. Maggie K (5), the lone mare in the field, gets a weight break with Manuel Aguilar riding and may be overmatched on raw speed and class but could grab a minor share at a price.

Race 5: Starter Optional Claiming – 1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt (7:41 PM)

Race 5 is a seven-horse starter optional claimer at a mile and 70 yards for horses that have started for 16,000 or less and have not won two races. Desperate Proposal (1), Hot Rod Kitty (2), and Spherification (4) all have enough speed to be prominent early, while Coloma (3) and Honor Mags (5) can settle just behind the first flight. Freedom Maker (7) and Brighty (6) are likely to be further back early.

Honor Mags (5), trained by Mark Shuman and ridden by Martin Chuan, looks like one of the strongest win candidates, combining a productive trainer-jockey combo with a pace-friendly running style. Desperate Proposal (1), with Inoel Beato for Panagiotis Synnefias, is a serious contender from the rail. Spherification (4), with Melvis Gonzalez for Irving Rodriguez, is another strong contender who can sit close to the pace.

Coloma (3), ridden by Angel Cruz for Cathal Lynch, is a three-year-old colt with upside, and the weight allowance helps at this distance. Freedom Maker (7), with Julio Hernandez for Paulina Sinnefia, is more of a closing type who will need a pace battle up front. Brighty (6), with J.G. Torrealba, is a mid-pack type who may do his best running late. Hot Rod Kitty (2), under Ricardo Chiappe for Flint Stites, could be overlooked as a one-dimensional speed horse.

Race 6: Claiming 5,000 NW3L – 6 Furlongs Dirt (8:10 PM)

Race 6 is a nine-horse 5,000 claiming event for non-winners of three lifetime at six furlongs. A G Diamond (1), Rolly (2), Stone's Throw (3), and Dixieland Chill (4) all have enough early speed to ensure a solid, perhaps contested pace, while Scudetto (7) and Rock Anna Roll (5) can be close early as well. Doctor's Orders (9) and Stifling Heat (6) may adopt stalking or closing roles.

Doctor's Orders (9), with Carlos Lopez riding for Timothy Kreiser, stands out as a key contender, combining outside speed or stalking ability with a powerful trainer-jockey tandem. Rolly (2), ridden by Ricardo Chiappe for Bruce Kravets, fits well at this level and has tactical speed from an inside draw. Dixieland Chill (4), with Yabriel Ramos for Bruce Kravets, offers another potent option given Ramos's strong Penn National record.

Scudetto (7), ridden by Francisco Martinez for Jorge Diaz, is a mid-priced contender who may sit the right off-pace trip. Rock Anna Roll (5), with Maicol Inirio for Flint Stites, is a seasoned campaigner who can attend or sit off the pace. Stifling Heat (6), with Wilfredo Corujo, is neither a pure closer nor a true speedball but can land a share if he trips out. A G Diamond (1), with Paul Luna for Jose Ramirez, will need a sharp break from the rail. Stone's Throw (3), with Martina Rojas, and Mr Ramirez (8), with Noel Herman, both look like longer prices that will need big improvement.

Race 7: Allowance NW1X – 6 Furlongs Dirt (8:39 PM)

Race 7 is a 37,000 allowance for fillies and mares that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, starter, or Pennsylvania-bred, at six furlongs. Tejas Express (1) at a light weight, Sparkling Ruby (3), Tudox Dahlia (7), and Tempting Lady (8) are likely pace and pace-pressing factors, while Shirl's Delight (2) and Joyous Song (5) can sit just off the leaders. Humoresque (6) and Cardinal War Cry (4) may be better suited to stalking or closing trips.

Joyous Song (5), with Yabriel Ramos riding for Todd Beattie, looks like a top win candidate, combining tactical speed with a strong Penn rider and a trainer known for having horses ready at this level. Humoresque (6), under Joseph Rocco Jr. for Cathal Lynch, has the look of a filly that can stalk or sit mid-pack and finish strongly. Tempting Lady (8), ridden by Ricardo Chiappe for Bruce Kravets, has the speed to be a major player from the outside post.

Shirl's Delight (2), with Angel Rodriguez for Edward Allard, is an older mare with back class who can sit just behind the speed, though recent scratch watch notes warrant monitoring. Tudox Dahlia (7), with Jomar Torres for Elisha Perez, is a pace-pressing filly that can take advantage if the inside speeds miss the break. Sparkling Ruby (3), with Emilio Flores for David Geist, is another inside-middle speed or pace presser. Tejas Express (1), a lightly weighted three-year-old with Wilfredo Corujo, will need to be very quick early to leverage the rail and weight break. Cardinal War Cry (4), with Julio Hernandez, is another price type who may drop back early.

Race 8: Claiming 5,000 – 6 Furlongs Dirt (9:08 PM)

The nightcap is a nine-horse 5,000 claimer at six furlongs for horses that have not won a race since September 20 or have never won four races. Pardsy (1), Capt. Candy (2), Bold Ambition (3), and My Detroit City (5) are all capable of showing early speed, while Keeping It Country (4) and Cantaro (9) figure to be pace pressers or mid-pack stalkers. For Some Reason (6), Tatum (7), and Valore (8) are more likely to sit off the pace.

Bold Ambition (3), with Ricardo Chiappe riding for Bruce Kravets, stands out as a key contender, combining tactical speed with the ability to sit just off the leaders and pounce. My Detroit City (5), with David Cora for T. Bernard Houghton, is another major player, likely to attend the pace or sit in the second flight. Tatum (7), ridden by Inoel Beato for Erin McClellan, projects as a stalking or closing type who could benefit from a hot early pace.

Keeping It Country (4), with Angel Cruz for Daniel McKenzie, has early lick and can be dangerous if he clears or sits a comfortable pressing trip, though scratch watch notes suggest monitoring his status. For Some Reason (6), with Wilfredo Corujo for Michael Zalalas, is a mid-pack grinder who may be passing tiring horses late. Cantaro (9), with Jomar Torres for Silvino Ramirez, is another secondary type who can stalk from the outside. Pardsy (1), with Ajhari Williams, has early speed but also appears in scratch watch with a prior veterinarian scratch. Capt. Candy (2), with Yabriel Ramos for Bruce Kravets, is a proven veteran at this level. Valore (8), with Martina Rojas, looks like a deeper closer type.

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