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Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Mahoning Valley – Racing News and Analysis for March 26, 2026

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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.

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Mahoning Valley offers an 8-race Thursday card composed primarily of lower-level claiming and Ohio-bred restricted events, with one late allowance for fillies and mares that have never won two races. The program leans heavily on 5 1/2- and 6-furlong dirt sprints, plus a single one-mile route, so speed and post-position dynamics on the main track will be critical to today's outcomes.

Several races are written for horses that have not won since specific dates or have limited wins, so current form versus back class will be a recurring handicapping theme. Ohio-bred conditions in races 3 and 5 tighten the competition within that state-bred pool and can create value when lightly raced, improving types meet exposed veterans. The late sequence from races 5 through 8 looks particularly attractive for horizontal players, culminating in a non-winners of two allowance that should feature some lightly campaigned fillies with upside.

Weather and Track Conditions

Mahoning Valley Race Course sits near Youngstown, Ohio, so the Youngstown March climate is a fair guide: temperatures generally range from roughly the low 30s to mid-40s, with frequent precipitation. Historical March data and typical local conditions suggest a cold day with the possibility of light rain or sprinkles, but no clear evidence points to a major storm or cancellation risk for this date.

Given the time of year, the dirt track often plays on the tighter side; when moisture is present the surface can be sealed or harrowed to maintain consistency, often enhancing the existing speed-favoring tendencies. Without specific track-maintenance bulletins for this card, it is prudent to anticipate a cool, possibly damp afternoon that should still favor forward, inside trips if the surface retains its usual profile.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Public bias analyses and historical trip notes for Mahoning Valley indicate a notable inside bias in dirt sprints, particularly at 5 1/2 and 6 furlongs, where posts 1 through 4 show materially higher win percentages. The configuration features relatively tight turns and a modest stretch run, which tends to make early speed and tactical position into the first turn more important than deep late kick.

Bias reviews in recent meet reports show that at 6 furlongs, posts 1 through 3 have historically produced the strongest winning percentages, with a gradual tapering as you move outward. In routes around two turns, the inside bias remains but is somewhat moderated, since the longer run to the first turn gives outside riders more opportunity to work over and secure stalking positions. On sealed or winter-tight surfaces, both the inside and early-speed advantages have been observed to increase, making today's sprint races especially sensitive to gate draw and break.

Race 1: Claiming 5 1/2 Furlongs

Purse $10,900. For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have not won a race since March 26. Claiming price $4,000. Six entrants. Post time 12:15 PM.

Early pace projects to be moderate, with Ashlee's Ring (1) likely to show positional speed from the rail and Danza Magic (2) pressing just outside, while Vitaemi (6) can attend from a tracking spot. The combination of inside bias at 5 1/2 furlongs and the absence of a clear need-the-lead type suggests that the mare who secures the pocket or pace-pressing trip just off the leader has a strong advantage.

Key Contenders: Ashlee's Ring (1) benefits from the rail at this distance and fits perfectly in this non-winners since date condition as a hard-knocking six-year-old with enough tactical foot to secure the inside lane into the turn. Vitaemi (6), an 11-year-old warhorse, still retains enough finishing punch to be a threat against this group when she catches the right setup and is not forced extremely wide.

Secondary Choices: Danza Magic (2) has back class and will need to show that she still has the necessary early interest from an advantageous inside post. Opulent Ways (3) brings an eight-year-old's durability and has produced enough midpack efforts at similar levels to merit inclusion underneath in exotics.

Longshots: Lucky Phoenix (4) will need a large form turnaround but receives rider Yuri Yaranga, who is capable of working out inside-to-midtrack trips. Pearlintherough (5), another seasoned seven-year-old, has occasionally jumped up with an improved race at this level and could sit an outside stalking trip if the inside gets congested.

Race 2: Claiming 5 1/2 Furlongs

Purse $11,100. For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have not won two races since March 26. Claiming price $4,000. Six entrants. Post time 12:43 PM.

The second race presents more early gas than the opener, with multiple mares possessing prior front-running efforts at similar sprint distances. One Night Stand (1) can show rail speed, Iron Pyrite (2) has drawn well to attend just outside, and Whats Goin On (6) has enough early foot to be pressing three wide into the turn. A strong but not suicidal pace is likely, which should still favor those in the first flight.

Key Contenders: Iron Pyrite (2) looks particularly well-spotted here as a five-year-old mare with tactical speed and the benefit of an advantageous inside-mid gate. One Night Stand (1) is an eight-year-old veteran who retains the ability to pop out of the gate and try to wire fields from the rail in a 5 1/2-furlong heat.

Secondary Choices: Whats Goin On (6) draws the outermost stall but owns enough speed to clear or at least sit just off the primary pace. Blazing Zenna (3) is an eight-year-old who profiles more as a midpack grinder; she tends to keep coming but lacks the turn of foot to blow past rivals.

Longshots: Patty's Having Fun (4) has a recent scratch on the record under stewards' direction, which raises some questions about current condition, but she gets a capable rider in Charle Oliveros and drops into a softer claiming spot here. Lady Giuliana (5) is a six-year-old who gets a 5-lb weight allowance with Jefferson Skerrett aboard, which could help in a race where every positional edge matters.

Race 3: Claiming 6 Furlongs (Ohio-Bred)

Purse $19,400. For registered Ohio-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won two races. Claiming price $10,000. Six entrants. Post time 1:11 PM.

This six-furlong Ohio-bred non-winners of two event shapes with a fairly honest but not overwhelming pace. Anotherwinner (1) and Special Collette (2) can both show early speed from inside posts, and Princess Em (4) will likely be forwardly placed as a seasoned six-year-old mare. Forever Flowing (3), the three-year-old, may sit a stalking trip behind the older speed, hoping to capitalize late.

Key Contenders: Anotherwinner (1), a four-year-old filly trained by Richard Zielinski, draws the rail and should be able to break running and establish a ground-saving position. Special Collette (2) enters for Julie Pappada with Jose Bracho aboard, and this combination tends to fire consistently with Ohio-breds at Mahoning.

Secondary Choices: Forever Flowing (3) is a lightly raced three-year-old filly from the same Zielinski barn as Anotherwinner (1), and she receives a significant weight break at 116 lbs. Rivers Run Red (6) is a five-year-old who often does her best running late; she will need pace assistance and a clean outside run but at this class level she can mow down a few fading rivals.

Longshots: Princess Em (4) and Emerald Eyes (5) are veteran mares whose upside is limited but who remain capable of landing minor shares. Princess Em (4) will likely be close to the early action, but her finishing punch has been inconsistent.

Race 4: Claiming 1 Mile

Purse $12,800. For three year olds and upward which have not won a race since September 26. Claiming price $5,000. Six entrants. Post time 1:39 PM.

The lone route on the card presents a more nuanced pace picture, but once again the field lacks a true need-the-lead speedball. Lomachenko (1) from the rail and Law Of The Jungle (2) from the two-post both have enough tactical speed to secure solid inside positions into the first turn. Food Foodie (3) and Bobby's Gift (4) are seasoned routers who can attend the pace or sit midpack.

Key Contenders: Lomachenko (1) is a five-year-old gelding who fits this non-winners since date route condition and lands the rail with Rocco Bowen for Mikhail Carmichael. Food Foodie (3) is another key contender, a six-year-old gelding with Alexander Chavez up for Amy Sondej, who has often shown a grinding style that works well at this level.

Secondary Choices: Law Of The Jungle (2) is a seven-year-old gelding who will appreciate the inside draw and can attend the pace from the second slot on the rail path. Bobby's Gift (4) is a multiple-season campaigner who has the back class to be dangerous at a 5,000 tag when properly spotted.

Longshots: Auld Lange Syne (5) is a ten-year-old gelding whose best days are likely behind him, but he occasionally clunks up for minor awards in slow-paced routes where his stamina comes into play. Land Mark Deal (6), a nine-year-old, will be asked to overcome the outside draw and likely will be taken back early, hoping for a late run.

Race 5: Claiming 6 Furlongs (Ohio-Bred)

Purse $19,400. For registered Ohio-bred three year olds and upward which have never won two races. Claiming price $10,000. Seven entrants. Post time 2:07 PM.

This is a key race on the card for horizontal wagering, and it has the potential for a fairly lively early pace. Moonshine Joe (1) draws the rail and can show enough speed to hold a forward position, while He's My Boy (2) and Playfulasitgets (3) both possess sprint speed that should have them contesting or pressing the lead. From the outside, Balki Bartokomous (6) and Gone Wild (7) can also be involved early if sent.

Key Contenders: He's My Boy (2) arrives as a four-year-old gelding with Rocco Bowen for Stephen Trevino, and he profiles as a strong fit for this non-winners of two Ohio-bred claiming condition. Take Dictation (4), ridden by Laureano Sosa for Israel Flores, stands out as a potential pace-controlling stalker who can sit just off the inside speed and pounce when the leaders begin to weaken.

Secondary Choices: Moonshine Joe (1) has the benefit of the rail and Ohio-bred experience, and he may appreciate the chance to cut the corner and hold a share even if he cannot withstand all challengers late. Playfulasitgets (3) is a five-year-old gelding who has been competitive at similar levels and should attend the early pace. Balki Bartokomous (6), with Jose Bracho aboard for Shane Meyers, is another with enough talent and tactical speed to loom as a threat if he can avoid losing too much ground from an outside position.

Longshots: Agnello City (5) is a six-year-old gelding who carries only 119 lbs with Jefferson Skerrett, and his late-running style might be well-suited to a hot pace meltdown. Gone Wild (7) completes the lineup and is a four-year-old gelding with Anthony Rodriguez riding for Robert Cline; from the far outside, he faces a tricky trip.

Race 6: Claiming 6 Furlongs

Purse $12,200. For three year olds and upward which have never won three races. Claiming price $5,000. Seven entrants. Post time 2:35 PM.

This non-winners of three sprint includes several horses with proven early speed at lower-to-mid claiming levels. Wings Of God (1) from the rail, Golden Goal (3), Action Man (4), Ghostagain (6), and Hello Jello (7) all have shown some degree of pace presence in prior efforts, leaving little chance for a slow early tempo. With multiple speeds signed on, the race could favor a horse able to sit just off the leaders and then finish.

Key Contenders: Wings Of God (1) draws perfectly inside with Kevin Gonzalez riding for Jami Poole, and he should be able to either set or closely track the pace while saving crucial ground. Action Man (4), with Luis Alberto Batista up for Jason DaCosta, profiles as a talented four-year-old gelding who has been facing slightly stiffer competition and now finds a realistic winning spot.

Secondary Choices: Ghostagain (6), ridden by Jose Bracho for Justin Radosevich, is a four-year-old gelding who often runs well at this level and can either press or stalk from just outside the primary pace. Golden Goal (3) and Hello Jello (7) both have early foot and can contend for the lead, but must avoid compromising each other by going too fast early.

Longshots: A La Carte (2) is an eight-year-old gelding who may be better suited to routes, but in a hot-paced sprint he could be passing tired horses late for a minor check. Pupil (5) is a lightly raced three-year-old gelding with Alexander Chavez for Nestor Rivera, and while the class and condition may be a bit stiff, youthful improvement always leaves room for an upside surprise.

Race 7: Starter Optional Claiming 6 Furlongs

Purse $27,000. For three year olds and upward which have started for a claiming price in 2025-2026 or entered to be claimed for $25,000. Claiming price $25,000. Six entrants. Post time 3:03 PM.

This is one of the day's classier events, and it features a blend of speed and stalkers. Fivefive Six Champ (1) from the rail, Saint Goar (2), and Admiral Nelson (3) all have enough early pace to be involved from the break, while Mighty Les (4) and Defending Albert (6) can sit tactical trips just off the leaders. At this level, trip quality and tactical judgment will be critical.

Key Contenders: Fivefive Six Champ (1), a seven-year-old gelding with Brandon Tapara up for Jay Bernardini, holds a strong rail advantage in a 6-furlong starter-optional field. Admiral Nelson (3) is a four-year-old gelding with Anthony Rodriguez for Raquel Castro, and he may be the most naturally improving horse in the field, coming into his prime with potential for another forward move.

Secondary Choices: Saint Goar (2), an eight-year-old gelding, has plenty of experience and can attend the early pace from an ideal inside-mid draw, giving him every chance to finish in the top three. Powerful (5) is a six-year-old horse with Luis Raul Rivera riding for Penny Rone, and his prior efforts suggest he can be very dangerous at starter level when he fires his best shot.

Longshots: Mighty Les (4) and Defending Albert (6) round out the field and both possess enough talent to spring an upset if the primary contenders falter. Mighty Les (4), with Fernando Salazar Becerra for Raquel Castro, may sit midpack and look to launch a mid-race move, while Defending Albert (6), ridden by Charle Oliveros for James Watkins, will need to work out a trip from the outside.

Race 8: Allowance 6 Furlongs

Purse $25,900. For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won two races. Seven entrants. Post time 3:31 PM.

This allowance for non-winners of two closes the card with a field containing several lightly raced three-year-old fillies and a couple of older mares. Dos Amores (1), Honor And Obay (2), and This One's For Us (3) all project to show early speed from inside posts, while Little Value Added (4) and Motown Story (5) can stalk from just behind. The likely flow is a strong but controlled inside-driven pace that heavily rewards whichever of the inside three breaks best and secures the rail or pocket.

Key Contenders: Dos Amores (1), a three-year-old filly with Luis Raul Rivera riding for Penny Rone, draws the rail and can immediately take advantage of the track's inside bias at 6 furlongs. Honor And Obay (2), another three-year-old filly, gets Alexander Chavez for Saul Morales and should break alertly from the two-post, either dueling with or pressing Dos Amores (1).

Secondary Choices: This One's For Us (3) is a three-year-old filly with Deshawn Parker for Johanna Urieta, and she shapes as a classic pace-pressing or stalking type from an ideal inside-mid gate. Glitter Queen (6), a four-year-old filly with Fernando Salazar Becerra for Robert Gorham, is an experienced allowance-type who may be coming from just off the pace.

Longshots: Little Value Added (4) is a three-year-old filly from the Shane Meyers barn with Erik Barbaran, and she has enough ability to stalk the inside trio and potentially crash the exotics at a price. Motown Story (5), with Chelsey Keiser riding for David Wolochuk, has a scratch history tied to a vet decision earlier in the meet, which raises questions, but if fully sound she can be dangerous as a late-running or stalking type. Sexarito (7), a five-year-old mare with Charle Oliveros for Eric Reed, will need a career-best effort to overcome both the outside post and the upward class ask.

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