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


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Penn National Handicapper Selections — August 26, 2026

Warm, humid evening in Grantville with the Tapeta main track playing to stalkers and pressers; inside posts carry a meaningful edge in routes, and the turf course favors rail-drawn horses at the marathon 1870f distance. Brandon Kulp's barn dominates the card with six starters, Timothy Kreiser is well-placed in the key maiden and allowance spots, and the two allowance races in Race 2 and Race 5 are the evening's most competitive events.

Race 1 — 1100f | Dirt | Maiden Special Weight

Laflordelacanela (4) is the deserving favorite from a barn that debuts maidens ready to run, making the 2-1 morning line worth accepting for a win single. Vandalism (5) and Lily's Gal (3) are the best secondary choices, while Moonlight Music (6) and Piano Keys (2) are worth trifecta consideration if the Houghton double entry separates in the pools.

Race 2 — 1870f | Turf | Allowance n1x

Racey Ruby (6) is the top selection in a nine-horse marathon where exotics offer far better value than the 2-1 win price. Kindred Hearts (2) is the strongest secondary play given the tactical rail advantage at this extreme distance, and Laughing Fit (1) at 10-1 warrants a token win wager and trifecta inclusion purely on the strength of the post-one draw at 1870 feet.

Race 3 — 1100f | Turf | Claiming $10,000

Highs N Goes (4) is the anchor of this turf sprint from the dominant Kulp barn, with Uptowneagleslanded (5) and Z Storm Is Coming (3) as the best secondary options given their favorable inside draws. Buzz Adams (7) at 5-1 is worth including in exactas as a potential pace beneficiary if the speed duel between multiple Kulp entries heats up early.

Race 4 — 1320f | Dirt | Claiming $4,000

Celtic Tiger (2) gets the ideal post-two draw in a five-horse field and is the top selection in a race where trainer intent from the three-horse Bobadilla barn is the key handicapping variable. Rolls Royce Joyce (5) is the co-equal second choice, with Pretty Lily (1) and Kentucky Reign (3) both live at 4-1 depending on which Bobadilla runner the pools favor at post time.

Race 5 — 1320f | Dirt | Allowance n1x

The best value play on the card is Clarely Tom (6) at 4-1, a quality closer set up perfectly if the two 2-1 co-favorites CHANCE (1) and Backside Buzz (2) engage in a genuine pace battle over one mile on the Tapeta. Going At It (5) at 5-1 is the secondary value pick, and a small win wager on Clarely Tom (6) alongside exacta coverage back to the co-favorites is the recommended approach.

Race 6 — 1210f | Dirt | Maiden Claiming $10,000

Chubblesome (3) and Supremely Wicked (4) are genuine co-equals at 2-1 and both deserve top billing in a tight five-horse field where win wagering is marginal. Whataguyoughtado (1) at 5-1 from the inside post is the best value play and the preferred trifecta anchor underneath the chalk.

Race 7 — 1320f | Dirt | Claiming $10,000

Endless Glow (1) is the card-closing anchor, combining the Kulp barn's dominant Penn National numbers with the ideal rail draw in a one-mile Tapeta route. Music Clarifcation (2) at 3-1 is the clear second choice, while Reckless Abandon (4) at 4-1 and Landofhopeandreams (5) at 6-1 are the preferred trifecta fill horses to capture the Crook-Demasi double-entry dynamic.

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


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