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CTD – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the September 19, 2026 card

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Race Day Overview — Catching The Dream (CTD), September 19, 2026

Canterbury Downs — now operating under the CTD banner — wraps up another weekend card on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with nine races spread across the afternoon and early evening. The card is a compact, blue-collar affair dominated by optional claiming and straight claiming events on the main dirt oval, ranging from sprint distances of 1320 furlongs up to route distances of 1870 furlongs. Purses are modest, topping out at $21,500 in the optional claiming ranks and dipping to $12,500 at the bottom of the claiming ladder.

The biggest news in the sport this weekend is the triumphant reopening of the new Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, which welcomed a sold-out crowd of 6,000 fans on September 18 for its grand debut following a three-year reconstruction project. Japanese globetrotter Forever Young captured the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup in dominant fashion on opening day, giving the new venue a marquee international moment. While that spectacle unfolds in New York, the CTD faithful get their own afternoon of competitive claiming races and optional claiming events that offer plenty of wagering opportunity for the sharp handicapper.

The overall trainer landscape at this meet features Tim Rycroft and Tom Rycroft as two distinct conditioners — not to be confused with one another — both of whom have multiple entrants on today's card. Jim R. Brown, Craig Robert Smith, Gonzalo Anderson, Makayla Edwards, and Dino Condilenios also saddle multiple horses across the nine-race program. Jockey-wise, Rico W. Walcott, Jose Mariano Asencio, Kimal Santo, Amadeo Perez, Antonio Ambrosio Reyes, and Enrique Alonzo Gonzalez form the core of the colony and will be competing aggressively for every advantage across today's card.

The optional claiming races — Races 1, 2, and 3 — are restricted to older horses that have not won three or two lifetime races depending on the specific eligibility condition, running for purses of $21,000 to $21,500. The straight claiming races fill the back half of the card, with claiming prices ranging from $5,000 in Race 4 up to $12,500 in Race 6. Race 5 adds the extra condition of non-winners of four lifetime, thinning the field of eligibles at the $6,500 level.

Weather and Track Conditions — CTD, September 19, 2026

September in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area, where Canterbury Downs operates, typically brings cool, crisp afternoons with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit. For September 19, 2026, conditions are expected to be seasonably cool with partly cloudy skies and no meaningful precipitation in the forecast. The main track dirt surface should be rated fast or close to it, barring any overnight moisture that has not been reported.

The CTD main track is a one-mile oval with a relatively conventional configuration. Under clear fall conditions, the surface tends to play firm and true. No official track maintenance reports indicating unusual harrowing, drying agents, or water applications have surfaced ahead of today's card, and the meet has been running on a consistent surface for several weeks.

Humidity levels may be slightly elevated from recent overnight cooling, but any morning dampness should have dissipated well before the 3:45 post time for Race 1. Temperatures at post time for the early races are projected in the upper 60s, dropping into the low 60s by the time the final race goes off in the early evening.

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis — CTD

Canterbury Downs has historically shown a tendency to favor horses with early speed on the main dirt track, particularly in sprint distances of 1320 furlongs. The inside posts at sprint distances can be advantageous if a horse has the gate speed to clear and secure a stalking or front-running position without being squeezed at the first turn. However, in recent meet cycles, the outside posts have performed competitively at both sprint and route distances when the surface plays fast and true, largely because horses breaking from the outside can find clean running without the traffic concerns of the rail.

At the route distances of 1430 and 1870 furlongs used throughout today's card, post position influence diminishes relative to pure pace and class. Horses drawing posts four through six at the 1870-furlong distance in particular have shown slightly above-average ROI at CTD during the current meet, as they can settle into comfortable mid-pack tracking positions without being pressured wide on both turns.

Early pace pressure and front-running speed continue to be rewarded on a fast main track, but closers have been competitive when the early fractions are honest. Lone speed scenarios, particularly in the claiming ranks, should be respected. Any horse able to establish a clear lead through soft early fractions at any distance on this card is a serious contender to wire the field.

RACE 1 — Post 3:45/2:45/(1:45)/12:45 — 1320f | D | AO | OClm 17500n3l | BUN | Purse $21,500

The opening race of the day is a one-turn sprint at 1320 furlongs on the main dirt for older horses entered in an optional claiming context at $17,500, restricted to non-winners of three lifetime. The five-horse field is small but competitively structured with a clear morning-line favorite installed at even money.

Pace Analysis

With only five horses entered at 1320 furlongs, the pace scenario is relatively straightforward. Drinking Again (POST 4), the even-money favorite, figures to set the terms or be right up with the lead. Bar Down Express (POST 2) at 2-1 is also likely to be forwardly placed, and if both horses engage each other through honest early fractions, that could set up the closer or the stalker. Who Is (POST 3) and Frostedbird (POST 1) both need to be assessed for their ability to close or stalk at this distance. The pace should be honest enough to provide a fair test, though a clear pace advantage for one horse could mean a wire-to-wire score.

Key Contenders

Drinking Again (POST 4) is the even-money morning-line choice installed by oddsmakers as the clear public selection. Trained by Tom Rycroft and piloted by Enrique Alonzo Gonzalez, this horse carries the weight of favoritism into a five-horse optional claiming spot. At 1-1 on the morning line at this level, the horse is presumably well regarded locally. Tom Rycroft is an active conditioner at this meet, and Gonzalez is among the steadiest riders in the colony. The horse needs to show it belongs at the top of this optional claiming ladder.

Bar Down Express (POST 2) at 2-1 is the main challenger on the morning line. Saddled by Tim Rycroft — distinct from Tom Rycroft — and ridden by Jose Mariano Asencio, this horse has been installed as the second choice in a field of five. Asencio is one of the leading riders at this meet and brings strong tactical awareness to sprint races. If Bar Down Express (POST 2) can press the pace or establish a clear early advantage, Asencio has the ability to rate a horse into a winning position at 1320 furlongs.

Secondary Choices

Who Is (POST 3) at 4-1 is trained by Makayla Edwards and ridden by Kimal Santo. The 4-1 morning line represents a mid-range price that reflects some competitive ability without the confidence of the top two choices. Edwards and Santo represent a live combination when they team up in these optional claiming events. Who Is (POST 3) may be at its best if the pace collapses in front of it, giving Santo a chance to make up ground in the stretch.

Longshots

Frostedbird (POST 1) at 8-1 is trained by Gonzalo Anderson and ridden by Richard Balgobin. The inside post in a five-horse sprint at 1320 furlongs is not inherently a disadvantage if the horse can find a clean path, but the 8-1 morning line suggests limited recent form or a significant class concern against the favorites. Anderson is a presence in the claiming ranks at this meet, and Balgobin handles mounts capably, but Frostedbird (POST 1) will need the pace to set up favorably to be a factor.

Classy City (POST 5) at 12-1 is the longest-priced horse on the morning line in Race 1. Craig Robert Smith trains this horse, and Rico W. Walcott has the assignment. Smith and Walcott connect frequently enough to warrant a glance, but the 12-1 morning line indicates significant ground to make up against the top choices. Classy City (POST 5) rates as a long-priced exotic inclusion only.

Selections

Win: Drinking Again (POST 4) Place: Bar Down Express (POST 2) Show: Who Is (POST 3)

Betting Strategy: This is a short five-horse field where the even-money favorite and the 2-1 second choice figure to dominate. The value play in exotics is using Who Is (POST 3) in the exacta underneath the top two at a price that offers reasonable returns. A straight exacta of Drinking Again (POST 4) over Bar Down Express (POST 2) is the safest approach, with a reverse exacta adding modest cost. Frostedbird (POST 1) can be included in trifectas at a price.

RACE 2 — Post 4:15/3:15/(2:15)/1:15 — 1430f | D | AO | OClm 17000b | BOF | Purse $21,000

Race 2 stretches out to 1430 furlongs in an optional claiming event at $17,000 for older females. The five-horse field features two co-favorites at 2-1 and a competitive spread across the remaining three horses.

Pace Analysis

At 1430 furlongs for fillies and mares in an optional claiming context, the pace will be determined by how aggressively the two 2-1 co-favorites — Red Charity (POST 2) and Gigi's Addiction (POST 3) — want to establish position. If both press the early pace, that opens the door for the 3-1 Daou (POST 4) to track and pounce. Madeline Tothe Max (POST 5) and Undeniable Jill (POST 1) round out the field and will need honest fractions to find their way into the picture.

Key Contenders

Red Charity (POST 2) at 2-1 is trained by Carson Frey and ridden by Jose Mariano Asencio. In female optional claiming races at this level, the horse drawing the second post with a top jockey at a co-favorite price demands respect. Asencio's ability to rate a horse over 1430 furlongs is a significant asset, and Frey has been competitive at this meet.

Gigi's Addiction (POST 3) at 2-1 is the other co-favorite, trained by Alfred Webster and ridden by N'Rico Prescod. Sharing morning-line favoritism with the adjacent Red Charity (POST 2) sets up the possibility of a pace duel between the two if both are early types, which could benefit the stalkers behind them. Webster and Prescod have combined for wins at this meet, making Gigi's Addiction (POST 3) a legitimate threat.

Secondary Choices

Daou (POST 4) at 3-1 is trained by Jim R. Brown and ridden by Rico W. Walcott. Brown is one of the more active trainers at this meet with multiple horses entered today, and Walcott is among the leading riders in the colony. At 3-1, Daou (POST 4) represents the best price among the legitimate contenders and may benefit if the two co-favorites engage in a pace duel. Stalking pace in optional claiming route races at CTD is a consistently productive angle, and this horse fits that profile.

Longshots

Madeline Tothe Max (POST 5) at 4-1 is trained by Jerri R. Robertson and ridden by Kimal Santo. At 4-1 the morning line represents a mild overlay if this mare has the form to compete with the top choices. Robertson sends horses with intention, and Santo can be effective from outside posts in route races. Madeline Tothe Max (POST 5) deserves inclusion in exacta and trifecta wagers.

Undeniable Jill (POST 1) at 6-1 is trained by Craig Robert Smith and ridden by Amadeo Perez. Smith also trains Classy City (POST 5) in Race 1, giving him multiple entrants on today's card. Perez is an active rider in the colony. The 6-1 morning line price for Undeniable Jill (POST 1) reflects the challenge of overcoming the two co-favorites, but in a small field of five, any horse can find daylight. Worth including in the trifecta at a price.

Selections

Win: Daou (POST 4) Place: Red Charity (POST 2) Show: Gigi's Addiction (POST 3)

Betting Strategy: The value in Race 2 is on Daou (POST 4) at 3-1 if the two co-favorites set pace on each other. Play Daou (POST 4) on top in the exacta with Red Charity (POST 2) and Gigi's Addiction (POST 3) underneath. A trifecta box with the top four choices plus Madeline Tothe Max (POST 5) covers the field at modest cost.

RACE 3 — Post 4:45/3:45/(2:45)/1:45 — 1430f | D | AO | OClm 17000b | BON | Purse $21,000

Race 3 mirrors the format of Race 2 — a 1430-furlong optional claiming route at $17,000 — but this time restricted to older horses of the male or gelding persuasion. The even-money morning-line choice installed as Ole's Surprise (POST 4) makes this a top-heavy race on paper, but several horses underneath offer legitimate competitive options.

Pace Analysis

Ole's Surprise (POST 4) at 1-1 is likely to control the pace narrative in this race. Twickenham (POST 5) at 3-1 will need to be assessed for whether it stalks or presses. Genie's Ride (POST 1) on the inside could benefit from a clean trip if it has any early foot. Bakk N Beautiful (POST 3) and Cairo Cowboy (POST 2) are likely to find themselves in tracking positions, with Cairo Cowboy (POST 2) being the big price in the field.

Key Contenders

Ole's Surprise (POST 4) at 1-1 is trained by Mark Cloutier and ridden by Amadeo Perez. Even-money morning-line prices in five-horse optional claiming fields at CTD deserve respect, particularly when the horse draws a comfortable fourth post that allows for tactical flexibility. Cloutier is a steady presence in the claiming ranks, and Perez handles the call competently. If Ole's Surprise (POST 4) can control or sit just off the early pace, it figures best.

Twickenham (POST 5) at 3-1 is the second choice, trained by Dino Condilenios and ridden by Kimal Santo. Condilenios also trains Genie's Ride (POST 1) in this same race, giving him two representatives in Race 3. Twickenham (POST 5) from the outside fifth post at 1430 furlongs on a fast dirt track is a versatile enough spot if Santo can get this horse into a clean tracking position. The Condilenios barn has been active at this meet, and having two horses in the same race can sometimes reflect a trainer's confidence that one of the two will fire.

Secondary Choices

Genie's Ride (POST 1) at 4-1 is the other Condilenios runner, ridden by Silvino Morales. Morales handles the inside post and will need to decide quickly whether to press forward or settle. The 4-1 morning line on a horse sharing a barn with Twickenham (POST 5) creates an interesting dynamic — if Condilenios believes one of the two is the better chance, the stable money may indicate which one. At 4-1, Genie's Ride (POST 1) is a fair price for a horse with potential tactical advantages from the rail.

Longshots

Bakk N Beautiful (POST 3) at 6-1 is trained by Makayla Edwards and ridden by Antonio Ambrosio Reyes. Edwards also trains Who Is (POST 3) in Race 1, keeping her active on today's card. Reyes is a capable rider in these claiming ranks, and Bakk N Beautiful (POST 3) at 6-1 represents the kind of price that can produce meaningful exacta returns underneath the even-money favorite.

Cairo Cowboy (POST 2) at 12-1 is the longest-priced horse in Race 3, trained by Jim R. Brown and ridden by Rico W. Walcott. Brown and Walcott team up frequently on today's card, and while Cairo Cowboy (POST 2) at 12-1 faces a steep hill against the top choices, the combination of a capable trainer and leading jockey means this horse is not completely without merit as a trifecta bomb.

Selections

Win: Ole's Surprise (POST 4) Place: Twickenham (POST 5) Show: Genie's Ride (POST 1)

Betting Strategy: Ole's Surprise (POST 4) at 1-1 is a low-return winner bet but a solid foundation for exactas. Use Ole's Surprise (POST 4) on top with Twickenham (POST 5) and Genie's Ride (POST 1) underneath in the exacta. Bakk N Beautiful (POST 3) at 6-1 is worth adding to the trifecta for value.

RACE 4 — Post 5:15/4:15/(3:15)/2:15 — 1320f | D | C | Clm 5000 | BUM | Purse $12,500

The card drops sharply in class for Race 4, a straight $5,000 claiming sprint at 1320 furlongs for males. At this level, consistency, fitness, and tactical pace execution matter more than class. The six-horse field features a pair of co-favorites at 2-1 and a competitive mid-level group.

Pace Analysis

At 1320 furlongs in a $5,000 claiming race for males, the pace is likely to be honestly contested from the start. Fastestgirlintown (POST 3) and Quality Command (POST 5) share the 2-1 morning-line favoritism and will set the competitive benchmark. Why Nots A Wynner (POST 1) and Stay Up (POST 4) at 4-1 each will try to find positions in the early going. Thrill Of The Nite (POST 6) and B B's Wildfire (POST 2) round out the field. If two or more of the front-running types press each other hard, late runners could benefit, though at 1320 furlongs there is limited time to make up serious ground.

Key Contenders

Fastestgirlintown (POST 3) at 2-1 is trained by Gonzalo Anderson and ridden by Richard Balgobin. Anderson also trains Frostedbird (POST 1) in Race 1, and Balgobin handles both assignments today. The name suggests early speed, and at 1320 furlongs in a $5,000 claiming race, a horse with genuine early foot from the third post is in an ideal tactical position. If Fastestgirlintown (POST 3) can clear and get a comfortable lead, Balgobin has the experience to rate it home.

Quality Command (POST 5) at 2-1 is trained by Jim R. Brown and ridden by Antonio Ambrosio Reyes. Brown has several horses entered across today's card and continues to be active at this meet. Quality Command (POST 5) from the fifth post will need to establish position without being too far back. At 2-1 on the morning line, this horse commands respect, and Reyes is capable of getting the best out of a $5,000 claimer at 1320 furlongs.

Secondary Choices

Why Nots A Wynner (POST 1) at 4-1 is trained by Mel Snow and ridden by Amadeo Perez. The inside post at 1320 furlongs for a horse that may have some early speed is a tactical advantage if the horse can clear the gate cleanly. Perez is an active and experienced rider in this colony. At 4-1, this horse offers value if the two co-favorites engage each other and leave the door open.

Stay Up (POST 4) at 4-1 is trained by Seymour Biggs and ridden by Kyle Carter. Biggs also trains Thrill Of The Nite (POST 6) in the same race. Carter does not appear on the card as frequently as the top riders, making this a jockey to monitor for potential stable instructions. At 4-1, Stay Up (POST 4) is a fair price in a wide-open $5,000 claiming sprint.

Longshots

B B's Wildfire (POST 2) at 6-1 is trained by Ron Grieves and ridden by N'Rico Prescod. Grieves is a less prominent trainer at this meet, and the 6-1 morning line reflects limited recent form against these co-favorites. Prescod is capable, and B B's Wildfire (POST 2) should be used in trifectas at this price.

Thrill Of The Nite (POST 6) at 8-1 is the second Biggs runner, partnered with Linton Leon Steadman in the irons. The outside post in a 1320-furlong sprint is a slight disadvantage, and the 8-1 morning line reflects the difficulty of the spot. Worth including as a deep trifecta inclusion only.

Selections

Win: Fastestgirlintown (POST 3) Place: Quality Command (POST 5) Show: Why Nots A Wynner (POST 1)

Betting Strategy: At the $5,000 claiming level, upsets are common and the two co-favorites split public support. An exacta box of Fastestgirlintown (POST 3) and Quality Command (POST 5) is the base play, with Why Nots A Wynner (POST 1) added for trifecta coverage. Stay Up (POST 4) can be sprinkled into trifectas at a fair price.

RACE 5 — Post 5:45/4:45/(3:45)/2:45 — 1870f | D | C | Clm 6500n4x | BUN | Purse $14,500

Race 5 is the most complex wagering puzzle on today's card. The $6,500 claiming route at 1870 furlongs for non-winners of four lifetime features a seven-horse field with two co-favorites at 2-1 — Curlin Rocks (POST 1) and Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) — and a competitive group of mid-priced alternatives.

Pace Analysis

At 1870 furlongs — essentially a two-turn route — with two co-favorites installed from opposite ends of the gate, the pace scenario becomes critical. Curlin Rocks (POST 1) from the inside post trained by Colten Mead and piloted by Jose Mariano Asencio is likely an early type that wants to be near the lead. Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) from the outside post, trained by Colleen O'Hagan and ridden by Keimar Trotman, may need to go wide into the first turn from post seven. Quinto Sol (POST 4) at 3-1 from the middle of the pack could track the pace and make a bid around the final turn. If Curlin Rocks (POST 1) goes to the front unchallenged and gets soft fractions, it becomes very difficult to beat. If Quinto Sol (POST 4) or others press early, that sets up Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) to come from off the pace.

Key Contenders

Curlin Rocks (POST 1) at 2-1 is trained by Colten Mead and ridden by Jose Mariano Asencio. Asencio is one of the leading riders at this meet, and having him aboard the morning-line co-favorite from the inside post at 1870 furlongs gives Curlin Rocks (POST 1) a tactical edge. Front-runners from the inside post at route distances at CTD that can get away cleanly are difficult to run down when the surface is playing fast and the fractions are soft.

Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) at 2-1 is trained by Colleen O'Hagan and ridden by Keimar Trotman. O'Hagan also trains Space (POST 2) in Race 6, maintaining multiple entrants across the card. Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) from post seven at 1870 furlongs will need to negotiate the first turn wide unless Trotman can angle in behind horses cleanly. At 2-1 on the morning line, this horse is well regarded, and the O'Hagan and Trotman combination has shown ability at this meet.

Secondary Choices

Quinto Sol (POST 4) at 3-1 is trained by Gonzalo Anderson and ridden by Rashaun Delane T. Griffith. Anderson has runners in multiple races today, and at 3-1, Quinto Sol (POST 4) from the middle post represents a reasonable alternative to the two co-favorites. Griffith is not among the leading riders at this meet, but a 3-1 morning line reflects genuine competitive ability. Quinto Sol (POST 4) tracking the pace through the first turn and making a bid on the backstretch figures to be the main threat to the two favorites.

Trapeze (POST 3) at 4-1 is trained by Jerri R. Robertson and ridden by Rico W. Walcott. Robertson also trains Madeline Tothe Max (POST 5) in Race 2, maintaining a presence across the card. Walcott is among the top riders in the colony, and the 4-1 morning line on Trapeze (POST 3) from the third post in a seven-horse route field represents a fair price for a horse with a capable rider. If Trapeze (POST 3) can track the pace from a good position and Walcott finds the right moment to ask, this horse can outrun the morning line.

Longshots

Writ In Stone (POST 6) at 10-1 is trained by Tim Rycroft and ridden by Enrique Alonzo Gonzalez. Rycroft has several horses entered today, and Gonzalez provides a capable hand. At 10-1, Writ In Stone (POST 6) from the sixth post offers trifecta value if it can find a stalking trip.

Rocktillyoudrop (POST 2) at 20-1 is trained by Anderson Ward and ridden by Kodi Dottin-Downes. The 20-1 morning line price indicates significant competitive disadvantage against the top choices, but in a claiming route race at CTD, a well-managed trip can occasionally produce an upset. Worth a token inclusion in deep trifecta combinations only.

Smokin Joy (POST 5) at 30-1 is trained by Joan Petrowski and ridden by Amadeo Perez. The 30-1 morning line is prohibitively long, though the combination of Petrowski and Perez can be effective when the team is pointed toward a race. Smokin Joy (POST 5) is a live longshot angle only if it draws extreme trifecta value.

Selections

Win: Curlin Rocks (POST 1) Place: Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) Show: Quinto Sol (POST 4)

Betting Strategy: Curlin Rocks (POST 1) from the inside post with Asencio in a 1870-furlong claiming route is the single best bet on this ticket. Play Curlin Rocks (POST 1) on top in exactas with Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) and Quinto Sol (POST 4) underneath. Trapeze (POST 3) with Walcott deserves trifecta inclusion at 4-1. The wide exacta box of the two co-favorites provides a safety net wager.

RACE 6 — Post 6:15/5:15/(4:15)/3:15 — 1870f | D | C | Clm 12500 | BUN | Purse $17,500

Race 6 is the feature of the afternoon — a seven-horse straight claiming route at 1870 furlongs for the $12,500 tag, carrying the highest purse among the back-half claiming races at $17,500. The morning line is led by Sparklet (POST 4) at 2-1 with Thompson (POST 5) at 3-1 as the second choice.

Pace Analysis

Sparklet (POST 4) and Thompson (POST 5) are the two class horses at the top of this field. With posts four and five, they are positioned in the middle of the gate and will need to determine early whether they want to press or stalk. Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) at 4-1 from the inside may be an early type looking to clear and get the lead. If Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) goes to the front unchallenged, that could set up a challenging pace scenario for the closers. J Dutton (POST 3) at 6-1 and Space (POST 2) at 8-1 will round out the stalking group. Lemon Meringue (POST 6) and Broke An Broken (POST 7) will find themselves wide and need pace to close into.

Key Contenders

Sparklet (POST 4) at 2-1 is trained by Tom Rycroft and ridden by Jose Mariano Asencio. Tom Rycroft and Asencio form one of the more productive trainer-jockey partnerships on today's card, and having the 2-1 morning-line choice in the highest-purse claiming race of the back half makes Sparklet (POST 4) a natural centerpiece. From post four at 1870 furlongs, Asencio has maximum tactical flexibility. This horse is the one to beat.

Thompson (POST 5) at 3-1 is trained by Carson Frey and ridden by Amadeo Perez. Frey also trains Red Charity (POST 2) in Race 2. Thompson (POST 5) at 3-1 is the kind of overlay that appeals to handicappers looking for a winning alternative to the 2-1 favorite. At 1870 furlongs in a $12,500 claiming field, a horse with a capable rider from an adjacent post to the favorite can use the favorite as a pace marker and make a sustained move turning for home.

Secondary Choices

Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) at 4-1 is trained by Karline Kingston and ridden by Rico W. Walcott. Kingston also trains Princess Fave (POST 7) in Race 7, maintaining presence across the evening program. Walcott from the inside post in a 1870-furlong route will attempt to establish a clean lead or find a comfortable rail stalking position. At 4-1, Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) is an honest price for a horse capable of controlling the race tempo. If Walcott gets this horse to the lead unchallenged through soft early fractions, Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) could wire this field.

J Dutton (POST 3) at 6-1 is trained by Dino Condilenios and ridden by Silvino Morales. Condilenios has had a busy day across the card with Genie's Ride (POST 1) and Twickenham (POST 5) in Race 3. J Dutton (POST 3) at 6-1 in the $12,500 claiming feature is a legitimate price play if this horse has the form to compete. Morales handles the assignment adequately, and the third post gives J Dutton (POST 3) a workable position heading into the first turn.

Longshots

Space (POST 2) at 8-1 is trained by Colleen O'Hagan and ridden by Keimar Trotman. O'Hagan also has Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) in Race 5. Space (POST 2) at 8-1 is worth a trifecta inclusion if the pace sets up for a closer.

Broke An Broken (POST 7) at 10-1 is trained by Tim Rycroft and ridden by Enrique Alonzo Gonzalez. Rycroft has runners across today's card, and the outside seventh post at a route distance is a potential wide trip concern. Broke An Broken (POST 7) is a trifecta bomb only.

Lemon Meringue (POST 6) at 12-1 is trained by Jim R. Brown and ridden by Kimal Santo. Brown and Santo team up here at a double-digit price in the feature. At 12-1 in a seven-horse field, Lemon Meringue (POST 6) represents the kind of longshot that can produce meaningful returns in trifectas and superfectas.

Selections

Win: Sparklet (POST 4) Place: Thompson (POST 5) Show: Strait Of Georgia (POST 1)

Betting Strategy: Sparklet (POST 4) with Asencio is the strongest single on the back half of the card. Key Sparklet (POST 4) in exactas with Thompson (POST 5) and Strait Of Georgia (POST 1). Use all three in the trifecta with J Dutton (POST 3) and Space (POST 2) rounding out the combinations. A straight win bet on Sparklet (POST 4) is also justified.

RACE 7 — Post 6:45/5:45/(4:45)/3:45 — 1430f | D | C | Clm 6000b | BUM | Purse $12,500

The finale is the largest field on the card — nine horses entered in a $6,000 claiming route at 1430 furlongs for males. The morning line features four horses at 4-1 or below and a wide-open wagering structure with several legitimate contenders.

Pace Analysis

Nine horses going 1430 furlongs in a $6,000 claiming race creates a complex pace scenario. Multiple horses may want to establish early position, and with nine horses navigating the first turn, traffic and positioning will matter. Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) at 3-1 is the morning-line second choice and may be forwardly placed. Dare To Compare (POST 1) at 4-1 from the inside post could push to the lead early. Princess Fave (POST 7) at 4-1 and Flirtation Card (POST 8) at 4-1 both from outside posts will need clean trips. With four horses at the same 4-1 price or close to it, this race is a genuine puzzle.

Key Contenders

Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) at 3-1 is trained by Tim Rycroft and ridden by Enrique Alonzo Gonzalez. Rycroft has had multiple runners across today's card, and sending Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) into the finale with Gonzalez in the irons suggests some confidence. At 3-1 as the morning-line second choice in a nine-horse field, this horse represents accessible value with a capable combination.

Dare To Compare (POST 1) at 4-1 is trained by Joan Petrowski and ridden by Amadeo Perez. Petrowski also trains Smokin Joy (POST 5) in Race 5 and Flirtation Card (POST 8) in this same race. Having two horses in the finale is an interesting trainer angle. The inside post at 1430 furlongs gives Dare To Compare (POST 1) the chance to find the rail and save ground if Perez angles it there properly.

Princess Fave (POST 7) at 4-1 is trained by Karline Kingston and ridden by Rico W. Walcott. Kingston also trains Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) in Race 6. Princess Fave (POST 7) with Walcott in the irons from the seventh post is a notable combination. Walcott has ridden well throughout today's card, and a 4-1 price in the nine-horse finale with a top rider deserves attention.

Flirtation Card (POST 8) at 4-1 is the second Petrowski runner in Race 7, ridden by Antonio Ambrosio Reyes. Two horses from the same barn in the same race can complicate exacta strategy, but it also ensures that the trainer has the field covered. Reyes from post eight will need a clean trip at 1430 furlongs, as wide post positions at this distance require an immediate decision on whether to hustle forward or settle and save ground.

Secondary Choices

Brodys Souvenir (POST 5) at 8-1 is trained by Pat Jarvis and ridden by N'Rico Prescod. The 8-1 morning line represents the best potential value among the horses that handicappers have not elevated to contender status. Prescod is a capable rider who can find spots in these claiming routes, and Brodys Souvenir (POST 5) from a comfortable fifth post is worth including in trifectas.

Longshots

Prairie Sky (POST 3) at 10-1 is trained by Craig Robert Smith and ridden by Kimal Santo. Smith and Santo team up here at a double-digit price, and while 10-1 is a long price in a nine-horse field, these combinations occasionally fire when pointing toward a specific race.

Diamond Di (POST 6) at 15-1 is trained by Anderson Ward and ridden by Keimar Trotman. Ward also trains Rocktillyoudrop (POST 2) in Race 5. At 15-1 in the finale, Diamond Di (POST 6) is a superfecta selection only.

Caravalla (POST 4) at 12-1 is trained by Rick Hedge and ridden by Keihton Natera. Natera is not among the leading riders at this meet, and the 12-1 morning line reflects limited competitive expectations. Caravalla (POST 4) can be used as a deep trifecta and superfecta add-on.

B B Beth (POST 9) at 20-1 is trained by Tom Rycroft and ridden by Jose Mariano Asencio. Rycroft having Asencio on a 20-1 horse in the finale is worth noting as a possible stable that has better options on the card. B B Beth (POST 9) from the outside post in a nine-horse field is a longshot trifecta and superfecta inclusion at best.

Selections

Win: Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) Place: Princess Fave (POST 7) Show: Flirtation Card (POST 8)

Betting Strategy: The nine-horse finale offers strong trifecta and superfecta value. Use Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) and Princess Fave (POST 7) on top with Flirtation Card (POST 8), Dare To Compare (POST 1), and Brodys Souvenir (POST 5) in the bottom slots. A small $1 superfecta part-wheel covering the top three in different order with Brodys Souvenir (POST 5) and Prairie Sky (POST 3) in fourth could produce a significant return if the longshots sneak into the frame.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Jose Mariano Asencio is among the most active and effective riders at this CTD meet. He has mounts in Race 1 on Bar Down Express (POST 2), Race 2 on Red Charity (POST 2), Race 5 on Curlin Rocks (POST 1), Race 6 on Sparklet (POST 4), and Race 7 on B B Beth (POST 9). The most notable of these assignments are the co-favorite Curlin Rocks (POST 1) in Race 5 and the 2-1 morning-line choice Sparklet (POST 4) in Race 6. Asencio clearly has the trust of multiple trainers at this meet, and when he draws the morning-line favorite, the betting public should take note. His ability to rate horses over longer distances is a consistent strength.

Rico W. Walcott has an equally impressive book of mounts today, appearing in Race 1 on Classy City (POST 5), Race 2 on Daou (POST 4), Race 3 on Cairo Cowboy (POST 2), Race 4 on a mount not listed, Race 5 on Trapeze (POST 3), Race 6 on Strait Of Georgia (POST 1), and Race 7 on Princess Fave (POST 7). Of these, the most compelling assignment is Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) in the feature Race 6, where Walcott from the inside post could control the pace in a seven-horse route. Daou (POST 4) in Race 2 at 3-1 is also a strong value play for Walcott.

Amadeo Perez has mounts in six of the nine races today — Race 1 through Race 3 with Undeniable Jill (POST 1), Race 4 on Why Nots A Wynner (POST 1), Race 5 on Smokin Joy (POST 5), Race 6 on Thompson (POST 5), and Race 7 on Dare To Compare (POST 1). Thompson (POST 5) at 3-1 in Race 6 stands out as Perez's best value assignment of the day. His ability to put horses in challenging positions late in routes suggests Thompson (POST 5) could be a live exacta partner with Sparklet (POST 4).

Kimal Santo has mounts across the card, including Race 1 on Who Is (POST 3), Race 2 on Madeline Tothe Max (POST 5), Race 3 on Twickenham (POST 5), Race 5 — Race 6 on Lemon Meringue (POST 6), and Race 7 on Prairie Sky (POST 3). Twickenham (POST 5) in Race 3 at 3-1 appears to be Santo's most competitive assignment, and if the Condilenios barn fires with one of its two entrants in Race 3, Twickenham (POST 5) is the more likely candidate based on Santo's overall ability in route races.

Enrique Alonzo Gonzalez rides for the Rycroft operations most prominently today, with Drinking Again (POST 4) in Race 1, Writ In Stone (POST 6) in Race 5, Broke An Broken (POST 7) in Race 6, and Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) in Race 7. Drinking Again (POST 4) is the even-money morning-line selection in Race 1, making it Gonzalez's most important mount of the afternoon. Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) in the finale at 3-1 is his best value ride of the evening program.

Antonio Ambrosio Reyes rides Bakk N Beautiful (POST 3) in Race 3, Quality Command (POST 5) in Race 4, Quinto Sol (POST 4) in Race 5, and Flirtation Card (POST 8) in Race 7. Quality Command (POST 5) as a co-favorite in Race 4 and Flirtation Card (POST 8) at 4-1 in the finale are his two most significant opportunities.

Keimar Trotman has a smaller book but rides Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) in Race 5 at 2-1 and Space (POST 2) in Race 6 at 8-1. Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) is the critical assignment for Trotman, and how he navigates the first turn from post seven in a seven-horse route will determine whether that co-favorite can reach its potential.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Tim Rycroft and Tom Rycroft are two separate trainers at this meet who share a surname and are both represented multiple times on today's card. Careful attention to which Rycroft is which is essential for proper handicapping. Tim Rycroft sends Bar Down Express (POST 2) in Race 1, Red Charity (POST 2) in Race 2 — wait, RED CHARITY is trained by Carson Frey. Tim Rycroft's runners include Bar Down Express (POST 2) in Race 1, Writ In Stone (POST 6) in Race 5, Broke An Broken (POST 7) in Race 6, and Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) in Race 7. Tom Rycroft trains Drinking Again (POST 4) in Race 1, Sparklet (POST 4) in Race 6, and B B Beth (POST 9) in Race 7. Tom Rycroft's entrants carry the most competitive morning-line prices, with Drinking Again (POST 4) at 1-1 and Sparklet (POST 4) at 2-1 being the two favorites of their respective races.

Jim R. Brown has runners in Race 2 with Daou (POST 4), Race 3 with Cairo Cowboy (POST 2), Race 4 with Quality Command (POST 5), and Race 6 with Lemon Meringue (POST 6). Brown's best bet of the day appears to be Daou (POST 4) at 3-1 with Walcott in Race 2, where the value price and capable jockey create an attractive overlay against the two co-favorites.

Dino Condilenios enters Genie's Ride (POST 1) and Twickenham (POST 5) both in Race 3 and J Dutton (POST 3) in Race 6. The dual entry in Race 3 is worth monitoring for morning-line movement and any public stable money that might shift the odds. When a trainer runs two horses in the same race, one often shows significantly more support at the windows than the morning line suggests.

Joan Petrowski trains Smokin Joy (POST 5) in Race 5 and Dare To Compare (POST 1) and Flirtation Card (POST 8) in Race 7. The dual entry in the finale is the more interesting angle, as both Perez and Reyes are capable riders. If one of the two shows significant opening-line action, that horse likely has the stable's primary confidence.

Colleen O'Hagan trains Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) in Race 5 and Space (POST 2) in Race 6. Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) at 2-1 is clearly O'Hagan's featured entrant of the day, and if the horse handles the wide draw, it has genuine winning potential.

Karline Kingston trains Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) in Race 6 and Princess Fave (POST 7) in Race 7. Kingston having two horses in consecutive races with Walcott on Strait Of Georgia (POST 1) and Walcott again on Princess Fave (POST 7) in the finale suggests the trainer has confidence in both runners.

Gonzalo Anderson trains Frostedbird (POST 1) in Race 1, Fastestgirlintown (POST 3) in Race 4, and Quinto Sol (POST 4) in Race 5. Fastestgirlintown (POST 3) at 2-1 in Race 4 and Quinto Sol (POST 4) at 3-1 in Race 5 are both live competitive horses for the Anderson barn on this card.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The best single bet on today's CTD card is Sparklet (POST 4) in Race 6. Tom Rycroft and Jose Mariano Asencio combine with the 2-1 morning-line choice in the highest-purse claiming race of the back half, and the tactical advantages of post four at 1870 furlongs on a fast dirt track are undeniable. Sparklet (POST 4) is the anchor of any multi-race exotic sequence.

The best value play of the day is Daou (POST 4) at 3-1 in Race 2. Jim R. Brown and Rico W. Walcott represent one of the stronger trainer-jockey combinations at this meet, and 3-1 against two 2-1 co-favorites in a five-horse field at 1430 furlongs is a legitimate overlay if Daou (POST 4) can track the pace and pounce late.

For the Pick 4 spanning Races 4 through 7, consider using Fastestgirlintown (POST 3) and Quality Command (POST 5) in Race 4, Curlin Rocks (POST 1) singled in Race 5 for a value approach or doubled with Kangaroo Coast (POST 7), Sparklet (POST 4) singled in Race 6, and using Dreaming D'oro (POST 2), Princess Fave (POST 7), and Flirtation Card (POST 8) in Race 7. The cost of a two-horse, two-horse, one-horse, three-horse Pick 4 at $1 base is $12 — a manageable investment with strong potential for a significant return given the competitive nature of Race 7's nine-horse finale.

For the late Pick 3 covering Races 5, 6, and 7, a ticket of Curlin Rocks (POST 1) and Kangaroo Coast (POST 7) in Race 5, Sparklet (POST 4) singled in Race 6, and Dreaming D'oro (POST 2), Princess Fave (POST 7), and Flirtation Card (POST 8) in Race 7 costs $6 at $1 base. This is the strongest exotic play on the card.

The best exacta value on the board is Race 2, where using Daou (POST 4) on top with Red Charity (POST 2) and Gigi's Addiction (POST 3) underneath should return meaningful prices if Daou (POST 4) graduates to even a modest effort. The $2 exacta of Daou (POST 4) over the co-favorites should return in the $12 to $18 range based on the morning-line structure, representing genuine value at a small dollar investment.

In Race 7, a $1 superfecta part-wheel with Dreaming D'oro (POST 2) and Princess Fave (POST 7) on top, Flirtation Card (POST 8) and Dare To Compare (POST 1) in third, and Brodys Souvenir (POST 5) in fourth covers the most likely outcomes in the finale at manageable cost. Nine-horse fields at the $6,000 claiming level produce unpredictable results, and superfecta tickets that include 8-1 shots like Brodys Souvenir (POST 5) in the fourth position can return multiples of the investment when the favorite runs strong.

Race 4 at the $5,000 claiming level offers a trifecta with strong value potential. Box Fastestgirlintown (POST 3), Quality Command (POST 5), and Why Nots A Wynner (POST 1) for $6 at $1 base. Adding Stay Up (POST 4) for a four-horse box costs $24 at $1 — a reasonable investment at a level where upsets are routine.

The overall card at CTD on September 19, 2026, offers a full day of competitive claiming and optional claiming action. The key races for investment are Race 2 for value, Race 5 for pace analysis, Race 6 for the featured single bet, and Race 7 for exotic construction. Manage bankroll conservatively in the bottom-level claiming races and invest more aggressively in the $12,500 claiming feature and the optional claiming routes where class distinctions are more clearly defined.

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


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