Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Thistledown Racetrack – Racing News and Analysis for August 13, 2026


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Thistledown Handicapper Selections — August 13, 2026

Partly cloudy skies, mid-80s, fast track expected throughout. Modest speed bias in sprints favors stalkers over pure closers; inside lane may degrade slightly by Races 6–8. Monitor early results for developing track tendencies before committing to late-race exotics.

Race 1 — 1210f | Md Sp Wt | Fillies & Mares | 12:50 PM

Youngandfree (2) is the top choice from a favorable post with a reliable barn behind her. Gypsy Kat (5) is the main threat if she controls her own pace from the middle of the gate. All That Sass (9) offers value as the third choice if the pace collapses in front of her.

Race 2 — 1210f | Md Sp Wt | Colts & Geldings | 1:20 PM

Dublin Time (7) gets the nod over the rail co-favorite for his cleaner early positioning and stalking ability. Everynowandthen (1) is a legitimate threat from the inside if he breaks alertly and avoids early traffic. Markaway (8) is the pace-collapse beneficiary worth using underneath in trifectas.

Race 3 — 1100f | Md Sp Wt | 1:50 PM

Sharon's Wish (2) is a narrow selection over Jasper Valley (1) in what is essentially a coin-flip between the rail co-favorites. Snitch (7) is the most compelling secondary choice under a top pilot who can sweep past tiring leaders in this short sprint. Distinct Ruler (3) at 8-1 is the best-priced longshot worth including in the exotics.

Race 4 — 1760f | Alw 35800n1x | 2:20 PM

Sammy's Halo (4) is the strongest single-race win bet on the card, combining the meet's top rider-trainer tandem in the highest-class test of the afternoon. Redden (2) is the most dangerous rival with a live stalking setup from post two. Midnite Kings Fate (5) at co-4-1 warrants inclusion in trifectas as a late-running threat over the mile.

Race 5 — 1210f | Md Sp Wt | Fillies & Mares | 2:50 PM

Native Lucci (4) is the straightforward top selection from a workable middle post in a nine-horse field. Delta Marie (1) is the pace-setter who could wire the field if the early fractions stay honest and uncontested. Sweet Vivian (5) and Bonita Dominica (9) round out trifecta coverage at 4-1 and 8-1 respectively.

Race 6 — 1210f | Md Sp Wt | Colts & Geldings | 3:20 PM

Rivers Run Fast (8) is preferred over the rail co-favorite given the barn's sharp form and Tapara's ability to neutralize the outside draw with a clean break. Dreamliner's Kid (1) is the main danger if he gets an uncontested lead through the turn. Basovak Star (6) at 4-1 is the value play with an ideal stalking draw and an underrated trainer behind him.

Race 7 — 1210f | Alw 38400n3l | Fillies & Mares | 3:50 PM

Ryka (6) is the top selection in the card's feature, with a clear outside path in a six-horse field and the tactical profile to run past a contested pace. Nava's Gold (1) is the rail co-favorite who wins easily if the pace stays soft and uncontested. Mshawish'girl (5) at 4-1 is the best exacta partner to use beneath Ryka (6) for stronger exotic returns than the chalk-on-chalk combination.

Race 8 — 1320f | Md Sp Wt | 4:20 PM

Moonlighter (3) closes the card as the top selection, drawing an ideal post with a top jockey and an active, well-placed barn behind him. Killa Creed (5) is an equal co-favorite threat from a workable mid-field draw. Bukele (7) at 4-1 is the closer to include in trifectas as the likely pace beneficiary in the longest sprint on the card.

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


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