Remington Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News, Analysis, Expert Picks, and AI Predictions for October 2, 2025

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Remington Park presents a nine-race card featuring a solid mix of claiming races, maiden events, and allowance competition for Thursday evening racing. The card begins at 6:00 PM with a competitive starter allowance on the turf course and concludes with a maiden claiming event for fillies and mares.

The Thursday program showcases Oklahoma-bred racing prominence with multiple races restricted to Accredited Oklahoma-breds, highlighting the track’s commitment to supporting local breeding programs.

Weather and Track Conditions

Based on current forecasting data, Thursday’s racing conditions appear favorable with sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 35°F (95°F) during race time, dropping to around 20°F (68°F) by evening. Recent track conditions show the main surface as fast with the turf course rated firm.

Wind conditions are expected to be light from the southeast at approximately 5-6 mph with fair weather conditions continuing. No precipitation is forecast for the evening racing program, ensuring optimal racing surfaces for both dirt and turf competition.

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Starter Allowance (1 Mile Turf) – 6:00 PM

Key Contenders:
Saline River emerges as the standout selection with Robertino Diodoro training and Ramon Vazquez aboard. Diodoro leads the trainer standings with an impressive 44% win rate, while Vazquez tops the jockey colony with 39 wins.

Secondary Choices:
Sonic Posse brings solid form under David Cabrera’s guidance from Francisco Bravo’s barn. Aaron represents Steven Asmussen’s powerful stable with Erik Asmussen taking the mount.

Longshots to Consider:
Coastal Brink could offer value at longer odds under Floyd Wethey Jr.’s handling for Scott Young’s stable.

Pace Analysis:
The mile turf distance typically favors horses with tactical speed and finishing kick. Saline River’s positioning appears ideal for the scenario.

Key Angles:
The leading trainer-jockey combination of Diodoro-Vazquez provides the strongest statistical advantage in this opener.

Wagering Selection:
Win: Saline River
Exacta: 5-1 (Saline River over Sonic Posse)

Race 2 – Maiden Claiming (1 Mile Dirt) – 6:28 PM

Key Contenders:
Double Rap represents Juan Padilla’s barn with Travis Cunningham aboard, showing as Racing Dudes’ top selection. Prince Pierre brings experience under Emanuel Castillo Zabala for Carl Anthony Cunningham.

Secondary Choices:
Gospel Journey and Gospel Don both represent Steve Williams’ stable, offering potential value in the maiden claiming ranks.

Longshots to Consider:
El Gato Americano under Santos Rivera could provide upset potential at generous odds.

Pace Analysis:
The full mile distance should set up well for closers in this maiden claiming event.

Key Angles:
First-time starter angles and connections with strong win percentages merit consideration.

Wagering Selection:
Win: Double Rap
Exacta: 8-4 (Double Rap over Prince Pierre)

Race 3 – Claiming ($7,500) Fillies & Mares – 6:56 PM

Key Contenders:
Methods represents Dick Cappellucci’s stable under Floyd Wethey Jr., earning Racing Dudes endorsement. The trainer-jockey combination brings solid credentials to this claiming event.

Secondary Choices:
Maui Mistress shows under Diego Iram Vargas for Scott Corderman’s barn. Very Unlikely brings David Cabrera’s hot riding to W. Bret Calhoun’s stable.

Longshots to Consider:
Hakuhia could provide value under Santos Rivera’s handling for Samuel Calvario.

Pace Analysis:
The six-furlong sprint distance favors early speed and horses with tactical positioning.

Key Angles:
Cappellucci’s strong stable form and Wethey’s consistency provide the key statistical edge.

Wagering Selection:
Win: Methods
Exacta: 8-2 (Methods over Maui Mistress)

Race 4 – Claiming ($5,000) – 7:24 PM

Key Contenders:
Pass Line gets Racing Dudes’ endorsement with Ramon Vazquez taking the mount for Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez. The leading jockey aboard provides significant advantage.

Secondary Choices:
I’m a Cowboy represents Danny Pish’s stable under Mario Fuentes. Go West brings Steven Asmussen’s powerful barn with Erik Asmussen riding.

Longshots to Consider:
Roman Giant could offer value despite recent scratches under Freddy Jose Manrrique.

Pace Analysis:
The six-furlong sprint should favor horses with early tactical speed.

Key Angles:
The Vazquez factor remains the strongest statistical play in this claiming event.

Wagering Selection:
Win: Pass Line
Exacta: 1-6 (Pass Line over Go West)

Race 5 – Claiming ($30,000) Turf – 7:52 PM

Remington Park’s fifth race presents a competitive claiming event at the $30,000 level featuring nine three-year-olds and up competing at one mile on the turf course with the rail positioned at 20 feet. This distance and surface combination typically favors horses with tactical speed and strong finishing ability.

Track Conditions and Setup

The turf course remains firm with favorable racing conditions expected for Thursday evening. The 20-foot rail placement provides additional racing room and should accommodate the nine-horse field without significant traffic concerns. The one-mile distance allows for strategic positioning throughout the race.

Detailed Contender Analysis

Top Selection: Gold Front (Post 1)

Jockey: David Cabrera Trainer: Terry Eoff

Gold Front enters as the most logical choice despite recent struggles. His most recent effort shows a third-place finish at Remington Park over seven furlongs, beaten 5 1/4 lengths by Trevaggio while dueling inside and faltering late. However, this stretch-out to one mile on turf appears ideal for his running style.

The three-year-old colt by Summer Front has shown ability at this track and gets the services of David Cabrera, who continues his strong meet with multiple recent victories. Terry Eoff trains and owns this Kentucky-bred, providing the stable confidence indicated by the trainer-owner combination.

Key Advantages:

  • Proven ability at Remington Park
  • Stretch out to mile should help
  • Hot jockey Cabrera aboard
  • Inside post position

Strong Contender: Withering Gaze (Post 2)

Jockey: Diego Iram Vargas Trainer: Mindy Willis

This three-year-old gelding by Improbable presents the most consistent recent form profile. His victory on May 24 at Lone Star Park over 1 mile and 110 yards demonstrates his ability at the distance. Most recently, he finished fourth in the same Remington Park race as Gold Front, beaten just 1 3/4 lengths by Trevaggio.

Withering Gaze has been competitive in his recent starts, including a second-place finish in April at Lone Star Park. Trainer Mindy Willis has been active with the horse throughout 2025, showing consistent placement in competitive company.

Key Advantages:

  • Recent victory at similar distance
  • Consistent form pattern
  • Better recent finish than Gold Front
  • Experience in competitive claiming races

Asmussen Factor: Wow That’s Hot (Post 3) and Rango (Post 8)

Wow That’s Hot – Jockey: Erik Asmussen Trainer: Steven Asmussen

The Hall of Fame trainer enters two horses in this event, with Wow That’s Hot receiving the services of his son Erik. However, the recent form appears questionable, with a fourth-place finish at Lone Star Park beaten 13 3/4 lengths by Colonel Yorke over one mile. The three-year-old colt by Flameaway needs significant improvement to contend.

Rango – Jockey: Stewart Elliott Trainer: Steven Asmussen

Rango presents a more interesting option coming from maiden company with Stewart Elliott taking the mount. Recent form shows a second-place finish in a maiden claiming event at Remington Park. The step up to winner’s company represents a significant class test, but the Asmussen-Elliott combination historically performs well at this track.

Value Consideration: Down the Islands (Post 5)

Jockey: Mario Fuentes Trainer: Sarah Nicole Davidson

This three-year-old colt showed competitive form in his most recent start, finishing third of nine beaten just 2 1/2 lengths by He’s A Striker at Remington Park over one mile. The effort suggests improvement and the ability to compete at this level. The outside post could work favorably if early pace develops.

Veteran Factor: Gold Prize (Post 9)

Jockey: Ramon Vazquez Trainer: Karen Jacks

The six-year-old gelding brings the most experience to this field but has struggled recently. His last start resulted in a 14-1 longshot finish behind Wartime Hero, though he gets the benefit of Ramon Vazquez’s current hot streak. Age and recent form suggest this is a significant challenge.

Pace Analysis

The mile turf distance typically develops with moderate early fractions, allowing tactical speed horses to position favorably for the stretch drive. Gold Front and Withering Gaze both possess the tactical speed to secure good position early. Down the Islands could benefit from a strong early pace setup that might compromise the leaders.

The rail placement at 20 feet provides adequate racing room, though horses drawing inside posts like Gold Front maintain a slight positional advantage.

Key Racing Angles

Class Relief: Several horses step down from higher claiming levels or allowance company, providing potential form improvement opportunities.

Distance Suitability: The stretch from sprint distances to one mile favors horses with proven stamina, particularly Gold Front and Withering Gaze.

Track Familiarity: Horses with recent Remington Park experience hold advantages in surface and track bias understanding.

Trainer-Jockey Combinations: The statistical advantages of leading connections, particularly Cabrera’s hot streak and the Asmussen stable’s depth.

Wagering Strategy and Selections

Win Selection: Gold Front (1)
The combination of class, distance suitability, and hot jockey provides the best statistical foundation despite recent struggles.

Exacta Strategy: 1-2 (Gold Front over Withering Gaze)
This captures the two most logical contenders based on recent form and distance suitability.

Value Play Consideration: Down the Islands (5) at longer odds
Recent competitive effort suggests potential for improvement at favorable odds.

Trifecta Coverage: 1-2-8 (Gold Front, Withering Gaze, Rango)
Including Rango provides coverage of the Asmussen-Elliott angle while maintaining focus on the top selections.

Race Prediction

Gold Front appears positioned to rebound from his recent struggles with the distance stretch and favorable track conditions. Withering Gaze provides the strongest competition with consistent recent form and proven ability at the distance. The pace scenario should favor tactical speed horses that can secure good position and finish strongly in the final furlong.

Race 6 – Claiming ($10,000) – 8:20 PM

Key Contenders:
Perp Walk represents Steven Asmussen’s powerful stable with Stewart Elliott aboard, earning Racing Dudes’ selection. The trainer leads in earnings with strong win percentage.

Secondary Choices:
County Judge brings Santos Rivera’s mount for Jessie Cowan. Hey shows potential under Cassidy Fletcher for Travis Swan Murphy.

Longshots to Consider:
Rockets Red Flair could offer value with Mario Fuentes riding for Danny Pish’s barn.

Pace Analysis:
The six-furlong sprint distance favors horses positioned near the early pace.

Key Angles:
The Asmussen-Elliott combination provides elite trainer-jockey statistics for this claiming level.

Wagering Selection:
Win: Perp Walk
Exacta: 4-1 (Perp Walk over County Judge)

Race 7 – Maiden Special Weight (Oklahoma-Bred Fillies) – 8:48 PM

Race 7 features a competitive 12-horse field of Oklahoma-bred maiden fillies and mares competing for a $38,000 purse at 5½ furlongs on the dirt track. This distance favors early speed and tactical positioning, making post position and jockey strategy crucial factors in the outcome.

Race Conditions and Setup

The maiden special weight designation eliminates claiming pressure and attracts the better Oklahoma-bred fillies seeking their first victory. The 5½-furlong distance provides enough time for tactical maneuvering while rewarding horses with natural speed and finishing ability.

With 12 runners in the field, traffic concerns become significant, particularly for horses breaking from outside posts. The fast main track conditions favor horses with proven dirt form and early tactical speed.

Detailed Contender Analysis

Top Selection: Lucy’s Halo (Post 5)

Jockey: Ramon Vazquez Trainer: Durk Peery

Lucy’s Halo emerges as the logical choice with Racing Dudes’ longshot endorsement and the colony’s leading jockey aboard. Ramon Vazquez leads the jockey standings with 39 wins and an impressive 37% win rate, providing significant statistical advantage.

The three-year-old filly shows form figures of “8433-32” indicating recent improvement and consistency in maiden company. Her most recent effort on September 11 at Remington Park resulted in a sixth-place finish in a similar maiden special weight event, beaten approximately three lengths. The experience over this track and distance provides valuable familiarity.

Key Advantages:

  • Colony’s leading jockey Ramon Vazquez aboard
  • Recent track and distance experience at Remington Park
  • Form showing gradual improvement
  • Racing Dudes’ longshot endorsement at favorable odds

Strong Contender: That Was Easy (Post 12)

Jockey: Stewart Elliott Trainer: Mindy Willis

That Was Easy represents the two-time defending riding champion Stewart Elliott for trainer Mindy Willis, a combination that has produced multiple victories at Remington Park. Elliott leads the jockey colony in wins with consistent success throughout the meet.

The three-year-old filly makes her racing debut with the benefit of experienced connections and draws the outside post position. While the lack of racing experience presents questions, the Elliott-Willis partnership has successfully developed maiden horses in similar circumstances.

Key Advantages:

  • Two-time defending champion jockey Stewart Elliott
  • Successful trainer-jockey combination
  • Fresh horse making racing debut
  • Experienced connections handling maidens

Consistent Form: Gospel Cess (Post 11)

Jockey: David Cabrera Trainer: Steve Williams

Gospel Cess shows the most consistent recent form with figures of “3-53263” and has earned $25,895 in career earnings despite remaining a maiden. The three-year-old filly by Code West has shown ability in multiple starts and gets David Cabrera, who continues his strong riding form.

Her most recent performance shows a third-place finish in maiden company, demonstrating competitive ability at this level. Trainer Steve Williams operates a stable that regularly competes in Oklahoma-bred events with solid results.

Key Advantages:

  • Consistent recent form pattern
  • Career earnings indicating competitiveness
  • Hot jockey David Cabrera aboard
  • Proven ability in maiden company

Experience Factor: Shesabitsnakey (Post 4)

Jockey: Mario Fuentes Trainer: Juan Antonio Ascencio

The five-year-old mare brings the most racing experience to this field with career earnings of $12,000 and multiple starts. Her form figures of “684/6” show mixed results but indicate she has competed regularly. Mario Fuentes rides for Juan Antonio Ascencio, who trains his own horses.

The mare’s age and experience could provide advantages in a field of younger fillies, particularly if the pace develops favorably for closing types.

Key Advantages:

  • Most experienced horse in the field
  • Proven ability to earn money
  • Age advantage over three-year-old fillies
  • Potential pace setup benefit

Debut Potential: Miss Code (Post 10)

Jockey: Richard Eramia Trainer: Joe Offolter

Miss Code makes her racing debut with the Richard Eramia-Joe Offolter combination, which recently recorded victory in a maiden special weight at Remington Park. The trainer-jockey partnership has shown consistent success throughout the current meet.

The three-year-old filly represents a barn that specializes in developing maiden horses and has recent success at this distance. While debut runners face questions about racing readiness, the successful connections provide confidence.

Key Advantages:

  • Successful recent Eramia-Offolter combination
  • Barn specializes in maiden development
  • Fresh horse with unknown potential
  • No negative form to overcome

Secondary Contenders

Eurpurdy (Post 1): First-time starter with Diego Iram Vargas for Victor Hanson shows potential as a debut runner from the rail.

Dontcallitacomebak (Post 2): Another debut runner with Floyd Wethey Jr. aboard for Scott Young, representing experienced connections.

Saddle Mountain (Post 8): Trained by Francisco Bravo with Rene Diaz riding, shows potential in a competitive field.

Pace Analysis

The 5½-furlong distance typically produces moderate early fractions with increased pressure in the final quarter-mile. Horses with tactical speed that can secure good position early hold significant advantages, particularly with the large 12-horse field.

Lucy’s Halo’s “Fast Stalker” running style suits this scenario perfectly, allowing her to track early pace and respond when pressure mounts. Gospel Cess’s consistent form suggests similar tactical ability, while That Was Easy’s debut status creates pace questions.

The post positions become crucial with 12 runners, favoring horses that can break cleanly and avoid early traffic problems. Inside posts 1-6 provide positional advantages, while outside runners need aggressive early positioning.

Key Racing Angles

Statistical Jockey Advantage: Ramon Vazquez’s 37% win rate and colony-leading statistics provide the strongest statistical foundation.

Successful Connections: The Elliott-Willis and Eramia-Offolter partnerships bring recent success to their respective entries.

Track Experience: Horses with recent Remington Park experience hold advantages over debut runners in understanding track characteristics.

Oklahoma-Bred Specialization: Trainers who focus on state-bred racing typically understand the specific requirements for success in these events.

Wagering Strategy and Selections

Win Selection: Lucy’s Halo (5)
The combination of leading jockey, recent form improvement, and favorable odds creates the strongest wagering proposition.

Exacta Strategy: 5-12 (Lucy’s Halo over That Was Easy)
This combination captures the leading jockeys and contrasting styles – experienced form versus fresh debut runner.

Value Consideration: Gospel Cess (11)
Consistent form with hot jockey David Cabrera could provide upset potential at favorable odds.

Trifecta Coverage: 5-11-12 (Lucy’s Halo, Gospel Cess, That Was Easy)
Including the most logical contenders based on form, connections, and jockey statistics.

Longshot Play: Miss Code (10) at significant odds
The debut runner represents successful recent connections and could offer substantial value if competitive.

Race Prediction

Lucy’s Halo appears positioned to capitalize on her recent form improvement with the colony’s leading jockey providing the statistical advantage needed in competitive maiden company. That Was Easy brings the champion jockey factor and fresh debut potential that could surprise. Gospel Cess provides solid form backup with David Cabrera’s hot riding continuing.

The pace scenario should develop with moderate early pressure, allowing tactical horses like Lucy’s Halo to position favorably and finish strongly in the final furlong. The large field creates opportunities for both favorites and longshots, making exacta and trifecta combinations attractive wagering propositions.

Race 8 – Allowance (1 1/16 Miles) – 9:16 PM

Key Contenders:
Imperial Gun brings Steven Asmussen’s training with Erik Asmussen aboard, receiving Racing Dudes’ endorsement. The father-son combination provides strong credentials.

Secondary Choices:
Ze’bul represents Dick Cappellucci’s stable under Floyd Wethey Jr.. No Trouble shows for Scott Young with Stewart Elliott taking the mount.

Longshots to Consider:
Inca Empire could offer value under Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez for Oscar Flores’ barn.

Pace Analysis:
The 1 1/16-mile distance should set up well for horses with tactical speed and finishing ability.

Key Angles:
The Asmussen family combination and Steven’s track record at Remington Park provide the strongest statistical foundation.

Wagering Selection:
Win: Imperial Gun
Exacta: 4-5 (Imperial Gun over Ze’bul)

Race 9 – Maiden Claiming (5 Furlongs Turf) – 9:44 PM

Key Contenders:
Canoga receives Racing Dudes’ selection with David Cabrera aboard for C.R. Trout. Cabrera’s strong form continues as the key statistical factor.

Secondary Choices:
Jerry’s Lady brings Ramon Vazquez’ mount for Boyd Caster’s barn. Jet Pack represents Diego Iram Vargas riding for H. Ray Ashford Jr..

Longshots to Consider:
Deadly Beauty could provide value under Richard Eramia for M. Brent Davidson’s stable.

Pace Analysis:
The five-furlong turf sprint favors horses with early tactical speed and turf experience.

Key Angles:
Cabrera’s recent success and Trout’s stable form provide the strongest statistical combination.

Wagering Selection:
Win: Canoga
Exacta: 9-8 (Canoga over Jerry’s Lady)

Jockey Notes and Insights

Ramon Vazquez leads the jockey standings with 39 wins from 114 starts, posting an impressive 37% win rate and $940,668 in earnings. His mounts command serious respect across multiple races today.

David Cabrera continues his strong form with 21 wins from 110 starts, recently posting multiple riding victories and showing consistent improvement throughout the meet.

Stewart Elliott, the two-time defending champion, brings veteran experience with 27 wins from 121 starts. His partnership with Steven Asmussen’s stable remains a key angle.

Erik Asmussen adds the family angle with his father Steven, recently recording multiple victories including a track-record performance.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Robertino Diodoro dominates the trainer standings with 18 wins from 41 starts, posting a remarkable 44% win rate and leading in earnings. His runners deserve serious consideration.

Steven Asmussen brings his Hall of Fame credentials with 15 wins from 65 starts and strong earning power. The Asmussen stable historically performs well at Remington Park.

Dick Cappellucci shows solid form with 10 wins from 33 starts, maintaining a 31% win rate. His runners often provide value at favorable odds.

Scott Young’s stable continues steady production with 8 wins from 40 starts. His horses typically come ready to compete.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Single Race Focus:
Target Race 1 with Saline River representing the strongest statistical advantage through the Diodoro-Vazquez combination.

Multi-Race Sequences:
Consider Pick 3 coverage including Races 6-7-8 featuring the Asmussen stable’s multiple entries and leading jockey combinations.

Value Plays:
Lucy’s Halo in Race 7 offers significant value at 10-1 odds with the colony’s leading jockey. The Oklahoma-bred maiden special weight provides opportunity for upset potential.

Exacta Strategy:
Focus on key horses over secondary choices in claiming events where form advantages are most pronounced.

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