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Mahoning Valley features an eight-race card on Wednesday afternoon, offering a mix of claiming and allowance races exclusively on the dirt surface. The program offers modest purses ranging from $11,100 to $36,200, typical for the Youngstown, Ohio facility during the late fall racing season. Several scratches have impacted the original fields, with key horses withdrawn from races two, three, five, and six based on veterinarian and steward rulings.
The card mainly targets lower-level claiming races, including three races restricted to Ohio-bred competitors, highlighting the track’s dedication to supporting the state’s breeding program. Race conditions range from low-level $4,000 claimers to mid-tier $15,000 claiming events for registered Ohio-breds. Two allowance races offer chances for slightly higher-class runners, with race four featuring fillies and mares in non-winners of two races conditions, and race eight showcasing Ohio-bred fillies and mares that have never won four races.
Weather and Track Conditions
Mahoning Valley’s dirt racing surface should play fast on Wednesday afternoon with typical late fall conditions expected in northeastern Ohio. The track’s one-mile oval features a relatively tight configuration that generally favors tactical speed and horses with early pace positioning. While specific weather data for November 12, 2025, was not immediately available, the facility’s enclosed grandstand and regular maintenance usually ensure a reliable racing surface during this time of year.
The dirt course at Mahoning Valley has historically maintained good drainage characteristics, allowing the surface to remain competitive even with autumn weather variability. Track management focuses on keeping an even surface that plays fair to all running styles, though speed on the lead tends to be advantageous in sprint races, particularly at the six-furlong distance featured prominently on today’s card.
Post position statistics at Mahoning Valley show a moderate inside bias, especially in sprint races where posts one through four produce higher win percentages. The configuration features relatively short stretches that limit closing ground, making early positioning crucial for success. Horses breaking from outside posts in route races face additional challenges navigating the turns while attempting to secure favorable position.
Race 1 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 12:15 PM
The opening event runs six furlongs on dirt for three-year-olds and upward that have not won since May 12. Six horses go postward in this bottom-level claiming contest with purse money of $12,800. The condition attracts veteran geldings seeking to break maiden status or return to winning form after extended losing streaks.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears relatively contentious with multiple horses capable of showing early speed. Fieldstone from the Jay Bernardini barn typically breaks alertly and projects as the main speed factor from post two. K P Silver Bullet and Bucket List also possess enough early foot to contest the lead through opening fractions. The six-furlong distance leaves minimal margin for tactical error, making gate breaks and early positioning critical.
Moderate fractions should develop through the opening quarter with two or three horses vying for command. The half-mile marker becomes crucial as horses separate based on pace pressure sustainability. Closers face significant challenges overcoming early positioning advantages in a field of this caliber over the sprint distance.
Key Contenders
Fieldstone represents the Jay Bernardini stable with regular rider Erik Barbaran handling piloting duties from post two. The seven-year-old gelding draws the rail-adjacent post that provides ground-saving opportunities while maintaining tactical flexibility. Bernardini demonstrates consistent competence at this meet with multiple entries across today’s card, suggesting stable depth and confidence. The gelding’s veteran status indicates experience navigating these conditions, and the inside draw coupled with Barbaran’s tactical awareness creates a formidable combination.
Bucket List from the Joseph Mahan barn breaks from post three with Edgar Paucar aboard. The four-year-old gelding represents slightly younger stock in a field dominated by older campaigners. The middle post position allows tactical options for pressing pace or rating behind early speed. Paucar’s experience at the meet provides confidence in route selection and pace management.
Secondary Choices
El Marro from the Jose Romero stable draws post four with German Terraza riding. The eight-year-old gelding brings extensive racing experience and draws a post that keeps him involved early without forcing aggressive tactics. The veteran status suggests familiarity with these conditions, though repeated exposure at this level indicates limitations preventing class advancement.
Grey Streak represents trainer Ivan Calderon from post five with Angel Diaz handling the reins. The seven-year-old gelding faces positional challenges from the outside draw in a short field but brings Diaz’s riding skill to overcome the disadvantage. The combination requires alertness from the gate to secure favorable early position.
Longshots
Bailamos from the Bernardini barn provides a second entry with Luis Alberto Batista riding from post six. The four-year-old gelding draws the far outside post creating significant early positioning challenges. The auxiliary entry status suggests secondary consideration within the barn, though stranger outcomes occur at this claiming level.
K P Silver Bullet from the Marcus Kocijan stable breaks from the rail with Joam Toledo riding. The seven-year-old gelding benefits from the inside post but faces questions about competitive ability at this level. The rail post demands alertness and early speed to capitalize on the advantageous draw.
Betting Strategy
Fieldstone merits top consideration based on post position, jockey-trainer combination, and tactical speed profile suited to the distance. The gelding projects as a short-priced favorite but represents the most reliable option in an unremarkable field. Bucket List provides exacta and trifecta protection from the adjacent post with youth potentially offering developmental upside.
Horizontal exotic players should key Fieldstone over Bucket List, El Marro, and Grey Streak in exacta and trifecta combinations. The modest field size creates manageable boxing scenarios for budget-conscious players. Vertical exotic considerations depend on confidence level, with Fieldstone single potential if seeking longshot multiplication in subsequent legs.
Selections
Win: Fieldstone
Place: Bucket List
Show: El Marro
Race 2 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 12:43 PM
The second race features fillies and mares three years old and upward traveling one mile and 70 yards on dirt for a $15,400 purse. The condition targets non-winners of a race since October 12 with weight allowances for less recent success. Five runners remain following the scratch of Princesstapiture, creating a compact field where tactical positioning proves paramount.
Pace Analysis
The extended distance over two turns shifts emphasis toward tactical speed and rating ability rather than pure early velocity. Sacred Connection and Lubu appear most likely to show early pace from inside posts, though neither projects as a confirmed speed horse. Moderate opening fractions should develop with horses jockeying for position entering the first turn.
The backstretch run allows pace to settle as runners find rhythm and conserve energy for the stretch drive. The far turn becomes critical as acceleration separates contenders from compromised rivals. Closers gain more opportunity at this distance compared to sprints, though early positioning still provides advantages navigating the track’s configuration.
Key Contenders
Lubu from the Nestor Rivera stable draws post five with Angel Diaz riding. The four-year-old filly brings youth and potential development trajectory compared to older rivals. Diaz ranks among the meet’s leading riders, providing tactical expertise and confident handling through the route distance. The middle post position offers flexibility for pressing pace or rating behind early runners.
Tiz Independence represents the Ricardo Bailey barn from post four with Noel Vigil handling piloting duties. The seven-year-old mare carries top weight of 126 pounds as a recent winner, though the condition targets non-winners since October 12. The mare’s veteran status suggests experience managing route races, and the inside post provides ground-saving opportunities through both turns.
Secondary Choices
Bootsy’s Merlot from the Jay Bernardini stable breaks from post six with Luis Alberto Batista aboard. The four-year-old filly draws the outside post creating early positioning challenges but receives weight relief at 124 pounds. Bernardini’s multiple entries across the card demonstrate stable activity, and the trainer’s competence suggests competitive intent despite the outside draw.
Sacred Connection represents the Ricardo Bailey barn with Elijah Greenidge riding from post two. The four-year-old filly benefits from an inside draw and receives weight allowances at 121 pounds. Bailey sends two entries in this race, splitting stable confidence between multiple runners.
Longshots
Wicca Wisdom from the Johanna Urieta stable draws the rail with Deshawn Parker riding. The six-year-old mare brings veteran experience but faces competitive challenges against younger, potentially improving fillies. The inside post demands alertness from the gate to capitalize on the advantageous draw.
Betting Strategy
Lubu merits top consideration based on the Diaz-Rivera combination, youth factor, and tactical post position. The filly represents reasonable value if morning line odds remain generous compared to older, more exposed rivals. Tiz Independence provides exacta insurance as a proven winner at this level despite carrying additional weight.
Exotic players should construct tickets featuring Lubu and Tiz Independence as primary contenders while including Bootsy’s Merlot for upset protection. The small field creates affordable boxing opportunities for budget-conscious players. Daily double connections from race one through race two should feature Fieldstone with Lubu in race two for moderate multiplication potential.
Selections
Win: Lubu
Place: Tiz Independence
Show: Bootsy’s Merlot
Race 3 – Claiming $7,500
Post Time: 1:11 PM
The third race runs six furlongs on dirt for three-year-olds and upward that have never won four races. Five horses remain following scratches of Finistere and Ready for Action, creating a compact sprint field. The $14,900 purse attracts mid-level claiming stock with Ohio-bred preference noted in the conditions.
Pace Analysis
Multiple horses possess tactical speed capabilities creating potential for contested early fractions. Harbour Bridge and Gamboling Ghost project as main early factors with sufficient velocity to contest command through opening splits. The six-furlong distance leaves minimal margin for rating errors, making early positioning crucial for competitive chances.
Moderate to quick opening quarters should materialize with two or three horses engaging through the half-mile marker. Pace pressure becomes evident entering the far turn as horses separate based on stamina and class distinction. The configuration favors forwardly-placed runners with closing attempts requiring exceptional late acceleration.
Key Contenders
Gamboling Ghost from the Jason DaCosta stable breaks from post four with Erik Barbaran riding. The four-year-old gelding draws the outside post following scratches, creating tactical flexibility without forcing aggressive early tactics. DaCosta demonstrates consistent competence training at the meet, and Barbaran provides experienced handling. The combination suggests confidence in competitive ability at this claiming level.
Harbour Bridge represents the Jay Bernardini barn from post two with Luis Alberto Batista aboard. The five-year-old gelding benefits from an inside draw providing ground-saving opportunities while maintaining involvement through early splits. Bernardini’s stable remains active across today’s card, demonstrating depth and operational confidence at the meet.
Secondary Choices
One Fast Middie from the Susan Anderson barn draws post five with Eddie Jurado riding. The four-year-old gelding breaks from the far outside following scratches, facing early positioning challenges. Jurado must navigate carefully to secure favorable position without excessive energy expenditure.
Bohemian Style represents trainer Nestor Rivera with Alexander Crispin handling piloting duties from post three. The three-year-old gelding receives significant weight relief at 122 pounds as the youngest runner. The youth factor suggests developmental potential, though inexperience creates uncertainty against seasoned claiming veterans.
Longshots
Tonight from the Jeffrey Radosevich stable breaks from the extreme outside with T.D. Houghton riding. The three-year-old gelding receives weight allowances but faces severe positioning disadvantages from the widest post. The Radosevich barn demonstrates competence at the meet, though this runner requires exceptional circumstances to overcome the outside draw.
Betting Strategy
Gamboling Ghost merits top consideration based on trainer competence, jockey experience, and post position following scratches. The gelding represents reasonable odds in a compact field where multiple horses possess legitimate winning chances. Harbour Bridge provides exacta insurance from the inside post with Bernardini’s stable consistency suggesting competitive intent.
Horizontal exotic players should feature Gamboling Ghost and Harbour Bridge prominently while including Bohemian Style as a youth-factor upset possibility. The small field creates manageable boxing scenarios across exacta and trifecta wagers. Pick three players should consider multiple horses in this race given the competitive nature and compact field size.
Selections
Win: Gamboling Ghost
Place: Harbour Bridge
Show: Bohemian Style
Race 4 – Allowance
Post Time: 1:39 PM
The fourth race showcases fillies and mares three years old and upward competing at the allowance level over six furlongs. The $25,900 purse targets runners that have never won a race beyond maiden, claiming, starter, or Ohio-bred conditions. Six horses compete in this quality sprint restricted to female runners.
Pace Analysis
Early pace appears moderate with no dominant speed horses compelling extremely quick opening fractions. Dropping Lemons and Work’n On a Buzz possess sufficient tactical speed to contest early positioning without engaging in suicidal fractions. The six-furlong distance allows pace to develop naturally without excessive early pressure.
The half-mile marker becomes critical as horses separate based on class and ability distinctions. The allowance level creates tighter competitive margins compared to claiming races, making tactical decisions increasingly important. Forwardly-placed fillies maintain advantages, though legitimate closers possess realistic winning opportunities at this distance.
Key Contenders
Work’n On a Buzz from the Robert Gorham barn draws post six with Erik Barbaran riding. The four-year-old filly breaks from the outside but pairs with one of the meet’s most competent riders. Gorham demonstrates consistent success at Mahoning Valley, and the stable sends two entries in this race suggesting confidence in competitive prospects. The outside post creates early challenges but provides tactical flexibility as pace develops.
Nublada represents the Robert Gorham stable from post three with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard. The four-year-old filly benefits from an inside draw that offers ground-saving opportunities through the sprint distance. Gorham’s dual entry strategy indicates stable depth, with both fillies possessing legitimate winning credentials based on training patterns.
Secondary Choices
The Devil’s Dream from the Gary Johnson barn breaks from post four with Mauro Cedillo riding. The six-year-old mare brings veteran experience and draws a middle post position providing tactical options. Johnson’s stable operates competently at the meet, and the mare’s age suggests familiarity with allowance competition.
Dropping Lemons represents trainer Manuel Vlaun with Alejandro Gomez handling piloting duties from the rail. The four-year-old filly benefits from the inside post but faces questions about tactical speed to capitalize on the advantageous draw. The rail demands alertness and forward intent to maximize positional advantages.
Longshots
Grey Market from the Nestor Rivera barn draws post two with Alexander Crispin aboard. The three-year-old filly receives weight relief at 122 pounds as the youngest runner. Youth factor suggests developmental upside, though stepping into allowance competition creates uncertainty about competitive readiness.
Queenofthebuckeye represents trainer Jeffrey Skerrett from post five with Angel Diaz riding. The six-year-old mare brings veteran status but faces formidable competition from younger, potentially improving fillies. Diaz provides experienced handling, keeping the mare competitive despite age considerations.
Betting Strategy
Work’n On a Buzz and Nublada represent the Gorham stable entry, creating betting complexities for exotic construction. Both fillies possess legitimate winning chances based on stable confidence demonstrated through dual entry tactics. The Devil’s Dream provides alternate consideration for players seeking options outside the Gorham runners.
Exacta and trifecta players should feature the Gorham entry prominently while including The Devil’s Dream and Queenofthebuckeye for coverage. The competitive nature of allowance racing creates uncertainty making broad exotic coverage advisable. Daily double and pick three players should include multiple horses from this race given the quality level and competitive depth.
Selections
Win: Work’n On a Buzz
Place: Nublada
Show: The Devil’s Dream
Race 5 – Claiming $4,000
Post Time: 2:07 PM
The fifth race features three-year-olds and upward traveling one mile on dirt for a modest $11,100 purse. The condition targets horses that have not won two races since November 12 of the previous year. Eight runners remain following the scratch of Supply Chain, creating a competitive claiming field at the meet’s lowest level.
Pace Analysis
The extended distance over two turns emphasizes tactical positioning and stamina over pure early speed. Multiple horses possess sufficient pace to contest early positioning without creating overly aggressive opening fractions. Verbier and The Drake appear most likely to show early intent, though neither projects as a confirmed speed horse.
Moderate opening fractions should develop as horses navigate the first turn and settle into rhythm along the backstretch. The far turn becomes critical as pace acceleration separates contenders from compromised rivals. The route distance favors horses with rating ability and sustained stamina through the final quarter-mile.
Key Contenders
Vincenzino from the Jabdiel Castillo barn draws post two with Chelsey Keiser riding. The five-year-old gelding benefits from an inside draw that provides ground-saving opportunities through both turns. Keiser demonstrates competence at the meet, and the rail-adjacent post allows tactical flexibility for pressing pace or rating behind early runners.
Aura of Gold represents the Rodrigo Madrigal Sr. barn from post four with Angel Diaz aboard. The five-year-old gelding draws a favorable inside post while pairing with one of the meet’s leading riders. Diaz’s tactical expertise proves valuable navigating route races where positioning decisions prove critical to competitive success.
Secondary Choices
Verbier from the Richard Zielinski stable breaks from the rail with Victor Fernandez riding. The six-year-old gelding benefits from the inside post but requires alertness from the gate to capitalize on the advantageous draw. The rail position demands forward intent to avoid early traffic complications.
The Drake represents trainer Christian Flores with Yan Aviles handling piloting duties from post three. The eight-year-old gelding brings extensive veteran experience managing route distances. The inside post provides tactical advantages, though repeated exposure at this claiming level suggests competitive limitations.
Longshots
Will E Sutton from the Manuel Vlaun barn draws post eight with Alejandro Gomez riding. The seven-year-old gelding faces severe positioning disadvantages from the widest post in a route race. Gomez must navigate carefully through early stages to secure favorable position without excessive energy expenditure.
Agnello’s Dream represents trainer Jeffrey Skerrett from post seven with Jose Bracho aboard. The five-year-old gelding breaks from an outside post creating early challenges navigating the first turn. Bracho’s experience provides confidence in route management, though the draw creates obstacles.
Digital Footprint from the Candace Huffman barn rounds out the field from post nine with Luis Antonio Gonzalez riding. The nine-year-old gelding draws the extreme outside post creating maximum positioning disadvantages. The veteran status suggests familiarity with these conditions, though the outside draw proves difficult to overcome.
Betting Strategy
Vincenzino and Aura of Gold merit primary consideration based on inside post draws and jockey competence. Both geldings project as reasonable odds given the competitive field size and claiming level uncertainty. Verbier provides upset insurance from the rail if demonstrating alertness and early positioning intent.
Horizontal exotic players should construct tickets featuring the inside post horses while including mid-priced alternatives for coverage depth. The large field creates multiplication potential in exacta and trifecta pools. Pick three and pick four players should include multiple horses given the claiming level unpredictability and field size.
Selections
Win: Vincenzino
Place: Aura of Gold
Show: Verbier
Race 6 – Claiming $10,000
Post Time: 2:35 PM
The sixth race runs six furlongs on dirt for three-year-olds and upward that have not won two races since May 12. Five horses remain following scratches of Colonel Vargo and Lomachenko, creating a compact sprint field. The $16,100 purse attracts mid-level claiming stock seeking return to winning form.
Pace Analysis
Early pace appears relatively uncontested following the scratches that removed potential speed factors. Sunset Town and Morethanreadyeddie possess sufficient tactical speed to show early intent without engaging in overly aggressive fractions. The reduced field size creates opportunities for horses to secure favorable position without excessive pace pressure.
Moderate opening quarters should materialize as remaining horses settle into natural running positions. The half-mile marker becomes less critical given the moderate pace scenario, allowing horses to maintain energy reserves for stretch acceleration. The configuration still favors forwardly-placed runners, though closers gain enhanced opportunities with the softer pace projection.
Key Contenders
Sunset Town from the Elliot Sullivan barn draws post two with Angel Diaz riding. The five-year-old gelding benefits from an inside draw and pairs with the meet’s leading rider. Diaz provides tactical expertise and confident handling through sprint distances. The combination suggests competitive intent at this claiming level.
Morethanreadyeddie represents the Ricardo Gonzalez stable from post three with Brandon Tapara aboard. The five-year-old gelding draws a favorable inside post allowing ground-saving opportunities while maintaining tactical involvement. The middle post provides flexibility for pressing pace or rating behind early speed.
Secondary Choices
Doctor Wu from the Jay Bernardini barn breaks from post five with Erik Barbaran riding. The six-year-old gelding draws a workable post position following scratches, creating manageable early positioning requirements. Bernardini’s consistent stable activity suggests confidence across multiple claiming levels.
So Dialed In represents trainer Jeffrey Skerrett from post four with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard. The seven-year-old gelding draws an inside post providing tactical advantages. Skerrett demonstrates competence at the meet, and the veteran gelding brings familiarity with these competitive conditions.
Longshots
Montauk Cove from the Ramon Salcedo barn draws the rail with Luis Antonio Gonzalez riding. The 12-year-old gelding represents the field’s oldest competitor facing questions about sustained competitive ability. The inside post demands alertness to capitalize on the advantageous draw.
Betting Strategy
Sunset Town merits top consideration based on the Diaz-Sullivan combination and favorable post position following scratches. The gelding represents reasonable odds in a compact field where pace scenario favors tactical positioning over pure early speed. Morethanreadyeddie provides exacta insurance from the adjacent post.
Horizontal exotic players should feature Sunset Town and Morethanreadyeddie prominently while including Doctor Wu and So Dialed In for coverage. The small field creates affordable boxing opportunities across exacta and trifecta wagers. Pick three and pick four players should consider the top selections as reliable options for sequence advancement.
Selections
Win: Sunset Town
Place: Morethanreadyeddie
Show: Doctor Wu
Race 7 – Claiming $15,000 Ohio Breds
Post Time: 3:03 PM
The seventh race features registered Ohio-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward competing over six furlongs. The $25,900 purse represents the card’s second-highest prize money, reflecting the state-bred program’s importance. Eight fillies and mares compete in this competitive claiming sprint restricted to Ohio-registered foals.
Pace Analysis
Multiple fillies possess tactical speed capabilities creating potential for contested early fractions. Boogie Boogee and Kozy Night project as main early factors with sufficient velocity to contest command through opening splits. The six-furlong distance leaves minimal margin for rating errors, making early positioning crucial for competitive chances.
Moderate to quick opening quarters should materialize with multiple horses engaging through the half-mile marker. The Ohio-bred restriction creates competitive parity with tighter ability margins compared to open claiming events. Forwardly-placed fillies maintain advantages, though the quality level suggests legitimate stretch acceleration from properly positioned closers.
Key Contenders
Kozy Night from the Larry Smith barn draws post six with Angel Diaz riding. The three-year-old filly represents the youngest runner while pairing with the meet’s leading jockey. Diaz provides tactical expertise navigating sprint distances, and the youth factor suggests developmental upside compared to older rivals. The outside post creates early challenges but offers tactical flexibility as pace develops.
Boogie Boogee represents the Emily Szczepanski stable from post two with Erik Barbaran aboard. The seven-year-old mare benefits from an inside draw providing ground-saving opportunities while maintaining early involvement. Barbaran demonstrates consistent competence at the meet, and the veteran mare brings familiarity with Ohio-bred competition.
Secondary Choices
Express Fashion from the Shane Meyers barn breaks from the rail with Luis Raul Rivera riding. The five-year-old mare benefits from the inside post but requires alertness from the gate to capitalize on the advantageous draw. Rivera provides experienced handling, keeping the mare competitive from the rail position.
Mizzen the Point represents trainer Paul Overholt with Jose Bracho handling piloting duties from post seven. The six-year-old mare breaks from an outside post creating early positioning challenges. Bracho’s experience provides confidence in route selection, though the draw creates obstacles to overcome.
Longshots
Go Girl from the Susan Yoder barn draws post three with Brandon Tapara riding. The five-year-old mare draws a favorable inside post but faces competitive challenges against faster, more accomplished fillies. The middle post provides tactical options if demonstrating improved form.
High Fire represents trainer Gary Johnson from post four with Elijah Greenidge aboard. The nine-year-old mare receives weight relief at 121 pounds but faces questions about sustained competitive ability. The inside post provides advantages if the mare demonstrates renewed vigor.
National Diamond from the Nestor Rivera barn rounds out the field from post eight with Rocco Bowen riding. The four-year-old filly draws the extreme outside post creating maximum positioning challenges. The youth factor provides developmental potential, though the outside draw proves difficult to overcome.
Betting Strategy
Kozy Night and Boogie Boogee represent primary considerations based on jockey competence, post positions, and projected pace scenarios. Both fillies possess legitimate winning chances in a competitive Ohio-bred field. Express Fashion provides upset insurance from the rail if demonstrating alertness and forward positioning.
Exacta and trifecta players should feature Kozy Night and Boogie Boogee prominently while including Express Fashion and Mizzen the Point for coverage depth. The competitive Ohio-bred field creates uncertainty making broad exotic coverage advisable. Pick three and pick four players should include multiple selections given the quality level and field size.
Selections
Win: Kozy Night
Place: Boogie Boogee
Show: Express Fashion
Race 8 – Allowance Ohio Breds
Post Time: 3:31 PM
The finale showcases registered Ohio-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward competing at the allowance level over six furlongs. The $36,200 purse represents the card’s highest prize money, befitting the quality Ohio-bred allowance condition. Six fillies compete in this sprint featuring the day’s most accomplished female runners.
Pace Analysis
Early pace appears moderate with no dominant speed fillies compelling extremely quick opening fractions. Oh Glorious Day and Miesha possess sufficient tactical speed to contest early positioning without engaging in overly aggressive splits. The allowance level creates tighter competitive margins requiring tactical precision and proper pace management.
The half-mile marker becomes critical as fillies separate based on class and ability distinctions. The Ohio-bred allowance restriction creates competitive parity while maintaining higher quality standards compared to claiming events. Forwardly-placed fillies maintain advantages, though legitimate closers possess realistic winning opportunities given the moderate pace projection.
Key Contenders
Oh Glorious Day from the Ivan Vazquez barn draws post four with Chelsey Keiser riding. The four-year-old filly carries top weight of 126 pounds as a recent winner but benefits from a favorable inside post position. Keiser provides competent handling, and the filly’s recent success suggests current form superiority over rivals. The middle post allows tactical flexibility for pressing pace or rating behind early speed.
My Kinda Party represents the Robert Gorham stable from post five with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard. The three-year-old filly receives weight relief at 122 pounds as the youngest runner facing older competition. Gorham demonstrates consistent success at Mahoning Valley, and the youth factor suggests developmental trajectory. The outside post following scratches creates manageable positioning challenges.
Secondary Choices
Miesha from the Michael Rone barn breaks from post two with Erik Barbaran riding. The four-year-old filly benefits from an inside draw providing ground-saving opportunities through the sprint distance. Barbaran provides experienced handling, and Rone operates competently at the meet with reasonable success rates.
Wonder World represents the Robert Gorham stable with Luis Raul Rivera handling piloting duties from post six. The three-year-old filly draws the outside post but receives weight relief at 122 pounds. Gorham’s dual entry strategy indicates stable depth, with both fillies possessing legitimate credentials based on training patterns.
Longshots
Goosebumps from the Timothy Hamm barn draws the rail with Rocco Bowen riding. The three-year-old filly benefits from the inside post and receives weight allowances but faces questions about competitive readiness at the allowance level. The rail position demands alertness to capitalize on the advantageous draw.
Cousin Minnie represents trainer Larry Smith from post three with Luciano Hernandez aboard. The three-year-old filly draws a favorable inside post and receives weight relief but faces formidable competition from more accomplished rivals. The youth factor provides developmental potential against older, more seasoned allowance runners.
Betting Strategy
Oh Glorious Day merits top consideration based on recent winning form, top weight assignment reflecting competitive superiority, and favorable post position. The filly represents probable favoritism but provides reliable value in a quality allowance field. My Kinda Party offers exacta insurance as a developing three-year-old from the Gorham stable with youth-factor upside.
Horizontal exotic players should feature Oh Glorious Day prominently while including My Kinda Party and Miesha for coverage. The Gorham entry creates betting complexities with two legitimate contenders from the same stable. Daily double players connecting from race seven should feature multiple horses in both legs given the competitive nature of Ohio-bred events.
Selections
Win: Oh Glorious Day
Place: My Kinda Party
Show: Miesha
Jockey Notes and Insights
Angel Diaz ranks among Mahoning Valley’s leading riders during the current meet with consistent success across multiple racing conditions. Diaz handles mounts in races two, four, five, six, and seven on today’s card, demonstrating strong trainer confidence and riding opportunities. The jockey’s tactical expertise proves particularly valuable in route races where positioning decisions prove critical. Diaz pairs with competitive contenders including Lubu in race two, Aura of Gold in race five, Sunset Town in race six, and Kozy Night in race seven.
Erik Barbaran maintains significant presence across today’s card with mounts in races one, three, four, six, seven, and eight. Barbaran’s versatility handling both sprints and routes creates consistent opportunities with quality horses. The jockey pairs with probable favorites including Fieldstone in race one and Gamboling Ghost in race three. Barbaran’s relationship with trainer Jay Bernardini produces multiple mounts across the card, reflecting stable confidence and successful partnership.
Fernando Salazar Becerra demonstrates competence handling diverse racing stock with mounts in races four, six, and eight. The jockey pairs with quality horses from the Robert Gorham stable including Nublada in race four and My Kinda Party in race eight. Salazar Becerra’s tactical awareness proves valuable navigating competitive allowance fields where subtle positioning decisions impact outcomes.
Chelsey Keiser handles mounts in races five, seven, and eight, featuring opportunities across claiming and allowance conditions. Keiser pairs with competitive horses including Vincenzino in race five and Oh Glorious Day in race eight. The jockey’s experience managing diverse racing stock creates consistent opportunities throughout the meet.
Luis Alberto Batista maintains steady presence with mounts in races one, two, three, and six, representing multiple entries from the Jay Bernardini stable. The jockey-trainer partnership produces consistent opportunities suggesting mutual confidence and successful working relationship. Batista’s tactical awareness navigating sprint and route distances creates competitive chances across diverse racing conditions.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jay Bernardini demonstrates significant stable activity with multiple entries across today’s card in races one, two, three, five, and six. The trainer’s consistent presence suggests operational depth and confidence competing across diverse claiming levels. Bernardini pairs regularly with riders Erik Barbaran and Luis Alberto Batista, creating successful partnerships that produce competitive results. The stable’s claiming-level focus reflects strategic positioning within the meet’s competitive hierarchy.
Robert Gorham operates effectively at the allowance level with entries in races four and eight featuring fillies and mares. The trainer demonstrates particular success with female runners competing in quality conditions above claiming ranks. Gorham’s dual entries in both allowance races suggest stable depth and confidence in competitive prospects. The trainer pairs with competent riders including Erik Barbaran and Fernando Salazar Becerra, creating successful combinations that produce consistent results.
Nestor Rivera maintains active presence with entries in races two, three, and eight across claiming and allowance conditions. The trainer demonstrates versatility handling diverse racing stock from bottom-level claimers through allowance competition. Rivera’s strategic positioning across multiple competitive levels creates consistent opportunities throughout the racing season.
Jeffrey Skerrett operates competently with entries in races four, five, and six featuring claiming stock at various price levels. The trainer pairs regularly with jockey Jose Bracho while maintaining relationships with other competent riders. Skerrett’s claiming-level focus reflects strategic positioning within competitive claiming ranks where margins prove narrow and tactical decisions prove critical.
Ricardo Bailey demonstrates stable confidence with multiple entries in race two, splitting opportunities between two fillies in the claiming event. The dual entry strategy suggests competitive depth within the claiming filly and mare division. Bailey pairs with riders Elijah Greenidge and Noel Vigil, creating partnerships that produce consistent competitive efforts.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Early Pick 4 coverage spanning races one through four should feature Fieldstone as a potential single in race one given post position advantages and jockey-trainer competence. Race two requires broader coverage with Lubu and Tiz Independence representing primary considerations. Race three demands multiple selections given the competitive claiming field following scratches. Race four features the Gorham stable entry requiring both fillies for comprehensive coverage.
Late Pick 4 coverage from races five through eight should include multiple horses in race five given the large claiming field and competitive uncertainty. Race six allows potential narrowing with Sunset Town and Morethanreadyeddie representing primary considerations following scratches. Race seven requires multiple selections in the competitive Ohio-bred claiming event. Race eight features quality allowance competition where Oh Glorious Day represents potential single consideration if seeking multiplication from earlier legs.
Daily Double connections between consecutive races create manageable wagering opportunities with moderate investment requirements. The race one-two double featuring Fieldstone with Lubu produces reasonable odds given competitive assessment. The race seven-eight double connecting Ohio-bred events requires multiple selections given competitive depth within state-bred ranks.
Pick 3 coverage provides balanced opportunities between investment requirements and potential returns. The races three-four-five Pick 3 navigates diverse competitive levels from claiming through allowance conditions. Multiple selections in race three and race five create manageable coverage while allowing potential narrowing in race four with the Gorham entry.
Value play opportunities exist throughout the card with particular attention to youth-factor horses receiving weight allowances. Bohemian Style in race three represents potential upset value as a three-year-old facing older claiming veterans. My Kinda Party in race eight provides value consideration as a developing three-year-old competing against older allowance rivals with weight relief advantages.
Vertical exotic multiplication potential exists by identifying reliable horses in competitive races and spreading coverage around them. Oh Glorious Day in race eight provides potential reliability for Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 coverage while seeking multiplication from earlier uncertain legs. Fieldstone in race one offers similar multiplication potential if holding firm convictions in subsequent competitive races.
Horizontal exotic strategies should emphasize inside post horses given Mahoning Valley’s configuration favoring tactical positioning from rail-adjacent draws. Boxing inside runners in exacta and trifecta combinations creates affordable coverage while respecting post position advantages. The track’s sprint configuration particularly rewards horses securing early tactical positioning from favorable draws.
