Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Penn National – Racing News and Analysis for June 26, 2026


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Penn National — Friday, June 26, 2026

Fast main track and firm turf are the base assumptions; monitor for late afternoon storms that could soften the turf and affect Race 1. Penn National's tight five-eighths oval favors early speed and inside posts in sprints, with posts 1-4 holding a slight edge at six furlongs.

Race 1 — Turf, 1M70y, Clm $10,000

Black Fly (4) is the clear top choice at 2-1 behind the leading trainer-jockey combo on the card. Yo Leven (3) at 3-1 is the main threat, with Richie's Valentine (1) offering rail-post value at 4-1. The 8-1 shots Blonde Samaritan (2) and Eleanor Rigby (6) are exotics-only plays.

Race 2 — Dirt, 6f, OClm $16,000

Crimson Red (2) is the play based on the same-barn jockey signal over stablemate Gwen To Win (1), with the stronger rider booking pointing clearly to this horse. Eleni (4) at 2-1 is a legitimate co-favorite and the top alternative. Image Of Grace (5) at 3-1 rounds out the trifecta while No Argument (3) at 6-1 is marginal at best.

Race 3 — Dirt, 6f, Clm $5,000

Go East (6) at 1-1 is the overwhelming choice from the card's top trainer-jockey combination, though the short price in an eight-horse field is a caution. Cappetta (8) at 2-1 is the primary threat, with the dual Albright entry Fire Down Below (5) at 5-1 worth including third in trifectas. Magic Spin (3) at 8-1 is a fringe play if Torres can steal it on the front end.

Race 4 — Dirt, 6f, Md Clm $10,000

The Piranha (5) gets the nod in the Ippolito trainer double by jockey assignment, with co-favorite Bernie Says So (6) at 2-1 earning equal respect via the Houghton barn signal. Chubblesome (4) at 4-1 is the logical third, while Mobot (2) and Rio Del Valle (1) at 8-1 offer exotics depth.

Race 5 — Dirt, 6f, Alw $41,000 (Feature)

Ninja Prize (4) is the card's marquee selection, backed by the evening's standout trainer-jockey combination in the richest race of the night. Chilling Hassle (5) and Uncle Money (6), both at 4-1, are the best value alternatives and deserve inclusion in all exotics. Kit Scat (1) at 8-1 from the rail is a live longshot if sharp; Ira The Icon (7) from the outside post is the least appealing runner.

Race 6 — Dirt, 6f, Clm $5,000

Bells Run (2) is the top choice in a compact five-horse field, with co-favorite Marchin Into April (4) at 2-1 nearly equally deserving of a WIN bet. Rag Mama Rag (5) at 3-1 is a near-mandatory trifecta component, and Mencke (1) at 5-1 from the rail is the best single-race value play on the undercard.

Race 7 — Dirt, 6f, Clm $4,000

My Detroit City (6) is the short-priced favorite in a chaotic ten-horse field, best used on top of exotics rather than as a standalone WIN bet. Prince Of Rain (1) at 4-1 with the rail and a top jockey is the strongest secondary play, and Pardsy (9) at 6-1 offers mid-tier value. Lafitte's Fleet (7) at 12-1 is the best longshot on the card given the barn's jockey signal, and is worth a small WIN bet alongside trifecta and superfecta inclusion.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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