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Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course presents a nine-race card today featuring a balanced mix of claiming, allowance, and maiden special weight events. The card begins at 12:15 PM EST and concludes around 4:00 PM EST. Purses range from $12,100 for the opening claiming race to $33,700 for the featured Ohio-bred allowance events in races eight and nine.
The afternoon features several competitive Ohio-bred allowance races that should attract quality fields, along with open allowance events at the six-furlong sprint distance. Notably, races eight and nine carry enhanced purses of $33,700 for accredited Ohio-bred runners, making them the highlight contests on the card.
Weather and Track Conditions
A Special Weather Statement has been issued for the Youngstown area, with light snow expected after midnight through the early morning hours. Minor accumulations of less than an inch are anticipated, but surfaces could be slick during the morning commute. By post time, conditions should improve with temperatures reaching a high of approximately 28-31 degrees Fahrenheit and dropping to 8-18 degrees overnight.
The track recorded a muddy surface during Wednesday’s card on December 3. Given the overnight snow and cold temperatures, horseplayers should monitor updates for any changes to the dirt surface condition. The track at Mahoning Valley features excellent drainage due to the drainage stone beneath the racing surface, allowing conditions to improve quickly after precipitation. The track is expected to be labeled fast or good by first post, though conditions may remain on the slow side early in the card.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Mahoning Valley exhibits a moderate inside post bias, particularly pronounced in sprint races where posts one through four produce notably higher win percentages. The one-mile oval configuration features relatively tight turns and a 1,000-foot stretch that limits closing opportunities, making early speed and tactical positioning crucial for success.
In six-furlong sprints, inside posts allow ground-saving trips through the turn while maintaining forward positioning for stretch drives. Posts one through three historically demonstrate the strongest winning percentages at sprint distances. The track is banked at 3 percent in the stretches and 6 percent in the turns, a configuration that tends to favor early speed and tactical versatility.
For route races at one mile, the inside bias remains relevant though somewhat diminished due to the longer run to the first turn allowing better positional adjustments. Speed horses drawn outside often must use precious energy to establish position, while closers from wide draws need picture-perfect trips to overcome the disadvantage.
Race 1 – Claiming $5,000 – 1 Mile Dirt – Purse $12,100
Post Time: 12:15 PM EST
For three-year-olds and upward which have never won two races. Ohio registered foals preferred.
Pace Analysis
This one-mile claiming event features several runners with tactical speed capabilities. Valid Connection and With Full Honors should show early, while Charlieslitldevil and Interval can stalk the pace. The extended distance allows for positional adjustments through the long run to the first turn. Expect moderate early fractions with the race likely decided in the stretch.
Key Contenders
Valid Connection enters off an impressive course and distance maiden win on November 10 and looks well-positioned to follow up in this claiming spot. The three-year-old gelding by Connect has shown marked improvement and trainer Ivan Calderon and jockey David Haldar form a productive combination. Drawing post two provides tactical options on a track that favors inside positions at route distances.
With Full Honors drops in class after competing in higher-level events and could pose a significant threat. The four-year-old Honor Code gelding has been facing tougher competition and gets class relief here. Alexander Crispin provides capable handling from post six.
Secondary Choices
Charlieslitldevil has shown competitive form at this level and could factor if the pace develops favorably. Deshawn Parker takes the mount from post three, providing excellent position to save ground through both turns.
Interval offers tactical flexibility from post four and could benefit from any pace duel among the early speed types.
Longshots
Daytona Gold appears on the scratch watch due to NW2L stewards restrictions and may not start. If running, the three-year-old offers some value at double-digit odds with apprentice Joshua Radosevich claiming weight.
Starofthegame and Wilding Lane face difficult tasks from a form perspective but could hit the board at generous prices if chaos ensues.
Selections
Win: Valid Connection (2)
Place: With Full Honors (6)
Show: Charlieslitldevil (3)
Race 2 – Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Purse $26,400
Post Time: 12:43 PM EST
For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won three races.
Pace Analysis
The pace should be contested early with Vespera and She’s So Sexy likely pressing forward, which could set up closers. The six-furlong sprint distance emphasizes the track’s inside post bias, making early positioning crucial.
Key Contenders
Vespera enters with strong form and appears on the scratch watch for the stakes scratch category. If running, the three-year-old Volatile filly for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich brings significant class advantages to this field. Luis Raul Rivera pilots from post six, though the outside draw requires tactical adjustment.
Little Miss Munny won last time out on October 30 at course and distance and cannot be discounted. The four-year-old Munnings filly for trainer Julie Pappada has shown consistency throughout her career. Rocco Bowen provides experienced handling from post three, a favorable position given the track bias.
She’s So Sexy possesses tactical speed and could factor prominently from post four. Jose Bracho takes the mount for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich, making this a barn exacta possibility with Vespera.
Secondary Choices
Khali J remains unbeaten and merits respect despite stepping up in class. The three-year-old Khozan filly could surprise at generous odds.
Aurora’s Music has shown distance ability and could rally late if the pace develops honestly.
Longshots
Votary offers value at 12-1 morning line for trainer Inocencio Quezada. The six-year-old mare has experience at this level.
Selections
Win: Vespera (6)
Place: Little Miss Munny (3)
Show: She’s So Sexy (4)
Race 3 – Ohio Bred Claiming $10,000 – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Purse $24,300
Post Time: 1:11 PM EST
For registered Ohio-bred three-year-olds and upward.
Pace Analysis
Expect honest early fractions with Dark Vader and Elliot The Dragon showing tactical speed capabilities. The Pink Z could press from the rail. The pace scenario should favor closers if the early speed types burn each other out through the turn.
Key Contenders
Dark Vader finished a close third last time out and looks well-placed to go close. The veteran ten-year-old gelding for trainer Richard Zielinski has proven course and distance form with multiple wins at this level. Rocco Bowen provides excellent riding, and the class relief should help.
Elliot The Dragon has winning form over course and distance and can challenge. Luis Alberto Batista takes the mount for trainer Marco Ibarra from post five, requiring some tactical maneuvering through the turn.
May Mayhem receives handicapper support after a recent placed effort. The four-year-old gelding for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich has Luis Raul Rivera aboard from post six.
Secondary Choices
Gapper has shown competitive form at this level and could factor from post three with Jose Bracho.
The Pink Z draws the rail and could benefit from ground-saving tactics through the turn despite not showing recent winning form.
Longshots
Wetzel appears on the scratch watch due to veterinarian concerns from November 13. If running, offers some value.
Ollie’s Folly and Hite represent longer prices for placers seeking value.
Selections
Win: Dark Vader (4)
Place: Elliot The Dragon (5)
Show: May Mayhem (6)
Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Purse $24,300
Post Time: 1:39 PM EST
For maidens, three, four, five, and six years old.
Pace Analysis
The maiden field features several runners with unknown pace tendencies, but expect Fracture and Santorino to show tactical speed. Caesarea could press from the outside while first-time starter Suzie Q’s Sister adds intrigue. The pace may be moderate given the inexperience of several runners.
Key Contenders
Fracture has the best form, finishing a close second at Keeneland last April. The four-year-old Uncle Mo gelding for trainer Daniel Leitch has shown quality against better competition. Deshawn Parker pilots from post nine, which requires tactical adjustment on a track favoring inside posts, but the class edge is significant.
Docs Legend has been consistent with three placed efforts and rates highly. The four-year-old Lord Nelson gelding for trainer Jay Bernardini has Luis Alberto Batista aboard from post seven.
Suzie Q’s Sister could be dangerous on debut for trainer Jason DaCosta. The three-year-old Mosler filly has connections known for producing ready first-time starters. Chelsey Keiser takes the mount from post six.
Secondary Choices
Caesarea enters for Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Eric Reed and possesses quality bloodlines. The three-year-old Texas Ryano colt has shown some form in previous efforts. Charle Oliveros rides from post eight.
Santorino adds first-time blinkers which could produce improvement at 8-1 morning line.
Longshots
Super Smooth offers some value at 10-1 for trainer Ivan Vazquez despite modest recent form.
Onirico and Ghostagain represent longer prices for horses seeking maiden-breaking efforts.
Selections
Win: Fracture (9)
Place: Docs Legend (7)
Show: Suzie Q’s Sister (6)
Race 5 – Ohio Bred Claiming $6,500 – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Purse $17,500
Post Time: 2:07 PM EST
For registered Ohio-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward which have not won two races since June 4.
Pace Analysis
This large 12-horse field features multiple speed types with Lady Fortune, City Signs, and Big Facts all capable of showing early foot. The honest pace scenario could favor horses with closing ability or those who can secure position without expending excessive energy.
Key Contenders
Lady Lottie has strong form and could bounce back from a disappointing last run when she was the beaten favorite. The five-year-old Tamarkuz mare for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich has proven class at this level with Joshua Radosevich aboard claiming weight from post five.
Big Facts brings consistent form with a recent win on March 10 and has solid claims. The four-year-old The Factor filly for trainer Marco Ibarra has Luis Alberto Batista aboard from post seven.
Kat Trax receives handicapper support at 5-1 morning line for trainer Robert Gorham. The five-year-old Cowtown Cat mare has Angel Diaz riding from post nine.
Secondary Choices
Box Step shows some form for trainer Susan Yoder and could factor from post six with Elijah Greenidge claiming weight.
Twerk won most recently on November 13 and cannot be dismissed despite outside post eight with Rocco Bowen.
Longshots
Power Banker and Danza Magic offer value at 10-1 morning line for those seeking boxed exotics.
Selections
Win: Lady Lottie (5)
Place: Big Facts (7)
Show: Kat Trax (9)
Race 6 – Claiming $7,500 – 1 Mile Dirt – Purse $14,900
Post Time: 2:35 PM EST
For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won four races.
Pace Analysis
The route race features a moderate pace scenario with Amazingness and Magically Vanished capable of showing tactical speed. My Fine Aquiline could press from the outside. The one-mile distance allows for positional adjustments through the long run to the first turn.
Key Contenders
Amazingness drops in class and could bounce back to winning ways after a solid fourth last time out. The six-year-old Notional mare for trainer Anthony Granitz has Jose Bracho aboard from post three, providing excellent tactical position.
Here Kitty Kitty won on November 7 at course and distance and rates a danger from post one. The five-year-old Csaba mare for trainer Robert Gorham has Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard from the rail, an excellent draw on this track.
My Fine Aquiline won over course and distance last time on October 28 and appears on the scratch watch for NW3LX stewards restrictions. If running, the three-year-old Bravazo filly offers significant value from post two.
Secondary Choices
Shieldmewithprayer merits consideration at 9-2 morning line for trainer Saul Morales from post seven.
Magically Vanished receives handicapper support for trainer Anthony Farrior with Luis Raul Rivera aboard from post six.
Longshots
Dame Maude Chardin won on March 18 at a mile and has course and distance form at 12-1 odds.
Selections
Win: Amazingness (3)
Place: Here Kitty Kitty (1)
Show: Magically Vanished (6)
Race 7 – Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Purse $26,400
Post Time: 3:03 PM EST
For three-year-olds and upward which have never won two races other than maiden, claiming, starter, or Ohio bred. Ohio registered foals preferred.
Pace Analysis
Expect contested early fractions with Ruffin and Don’t Stop both showing tactical speed capabilities. Colonel Vargo steps up in class but is speedy and may be able to sit just off the pace. The honest pace scenario could benefit closers with late acceleration.
Key Contenders
Don’t Stop looks well-placed to build on his last-time-out success over course and distance on November 12. The four-year-old Accelerate gelding for trainer Khadeem Galloway has Elijah Greenidge claiming weight from post five.
Colonel Vargo steps up in class after two claiming wins and has been impressive. The five-year-old Distorted Humor gelding for trainer Ricardo Bailey won on November 3 and November 12 consecutively. He appears on the scratch watch for trainer change concerns but should run. Alexander Crispin rides from post six.
Thunderian receives morning line favoritism at 3-1 and can feature for trainer Shane Meyers. The five-year-old Congrats gelding has Alexander Chavez aboard from post seven.
Secondary Choices
Hip Hip Hooray offers value at 5-1 morning line for trainer Robert Gorham with Fernando Salazar Becerra from post nine.
Ruffin has tactical speed from post one and could control the pace for trainer Justin Radosevich with Yan Aviles.
Longshots
Bold Buckeye and Dr Schuster represent longer prices for place and show opportunities.
Selections
Win: Colonel Vargo (6)
Place: Don’t Stop (5)
Show: Thunderian (7)
Race 8 – Ohio Bred Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Purse $33,700
Post Time: 3:31 PM EST
For accredited Ohio-bred three-year-olds and upward which have never won two races.
Pace Analysis
The pace should develop with Be an Eddie and Truth N Soul both capable of showing tactical speed. Duo possesses closing ability and could benefit from an honest pace scenario. The featured Ohio-bred allowance attracts quality runners seeking enhanced purse money.
Key Contenders
Truth N Soul steps back in trip after an impressive maiden win and could prove too strong. The three-year-old Biondetti gelding for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich has Jose Bracho aboard from post three. The inside draw provides excellent tactical options.
Duo is favored at 3-1 morning line after a solid third last time out. The three-year-old Drill colt for trainer Michelle Winters has Alexander Chavez aboard from post seven. The barn has produced quality runners at this level.
Be an Eddie has placed form over course and distance and rates highly. The three-year-old Rivers Run Deep gelding for trainer Michael Rone has Luis Raul Rivera riding from post one, an excellent rail draw.
Secondary Choices
Buckeye Mike brings consistent form for trainer Fernando Silva from post four with Kevin Gonzalez.
Last Minute Mikey offers value at 6-1 for trainer Julie Pappada with Rocco Bowen from post two.
Longshots
Jacobi, Heidi N Seek, and Moonshine Joe represent longer prices for those seeking boxed exotic value.
Selections
Win: Duo (7)
Place: Truth N Soul (3)
Show: Be an Eddie (1)
Race 9 – Ohio Bred Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Purse $33,700
Post Time: 3:59 PM EST
For accredited Ohio-bred three-year-olds and upward which have never won two races.
Pace Analysis
The pace should be contested with Couple Beers Deep, Bumpkin, and Plum Tuff likely pressing early. Professor Nick offers tactical versatility and could benefit from a contested pace scenario. The closing race features the second featured Ohio-bred allowance event.
Key Contenders
Professor Nick offers the most impressive speed figures and consistency at this level. The three-year-old Air Strike gelding for trainer Richard Zielinski has Victor Fernandez aboard from post five. Zielinski trained multiple Ohio champions including three-time Horse of the Year Altissimo.
Plum Tuff could build on his recent maiden win on November 25 and looks the one to beat. The four-year-old Grizzly gelding for trainer Donaciano Gonzalez has Alexander Crispin riding from post ten, though the outside draw presents challenges. He appears on the scratch watch for gate concerns.
Couple Beers Deep won last time out on October 23 and rates consideration. The three-year-old gelding for trainer Saul Morales has Noel Vigil aboard from post six.
Secondary Choices
P J’s Boy offers value at 6-1 for trainer Jacinto Lopez with Mauro Cedillo from post nine.
Drill Em has shown consistent placed form for trainer Robert Gorham with Fernando Salazar Becerra from post seven.
Longshots
Bumpkin and Mobil Mission represent longer prices with some placed form at this level. Bumpkin appears on the scratch watch for veterinarian concerns.
Selections
Win: Professor Nick (5)
Place: Plum Tuff (10)
Show: Couple Beers Deep (6)
Jockey Notes and Insights
Jose Bracho ranks as the leading jockey at Mahoning Valley’s current meet with 18 wins from 97 starts, generating over $404,000 in earnings. He rides mounts throughout today’s card including Truth N Soul in Race 8 and Amazingness in Race 6. Bracho possesses a 20% win rate nationally in 2025 with over 580 starts.
Rocco Bowen is a veteran jockey from Barbados who achieved his 1,000th career victory in 2020. He won the Best of Ohio Governor’s Buckeye Cup Stakes in back-to-back years and has stakes-caliber experience. Bowen recently served a 15-day suspension for rough riding at Belterra Park but has returned to competitive action.
Luis Raul Rivera brings extensive Mahoning Valley experience with over $39 million in career earnings. He rides multiple mounts today including Vespera in Race 2 and May Mayhem in Race 3. Rivera possesses deep knowledge of track conditions and bias.
Deshawn Parker, at 51 years old, became the 21st jockey in history to ride 6,000 career winners in 2022. He brings invaluable experience and tactical brilliance to every mount, including Fracture in Race 4.
Alexander Crispin received the Eclipse Award for outstanding apprentice jockey in 2020 and has continued his development at Mahoning Valley. He leads the Laurel Park circuit and brings quality to every mount.
Fernando Salazar Becerra ranks among the leading riders at Mahoning Valley with 15 wins from 100 starts. He rides several key contenders today including Here Kitty Kitty in Race 6.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jeffrey Radosevich became the 36th trainer in North America to reach 3,000 career wins in 2022. He operates successfully with Ohio-bred stock and has multiple starters throughout today’s card including Vespera (Race 2), May Mayhem (Race 3), Lady Lottie (Race 5), and Truth N Soul (Race 8). The Radosevich barn shows a 21% win rate at Mahoning Valley.
Richard Zielinski brings over 30 years of Ohio training experience and conditioned three-time Horse of the Year Altissimo. His runners today include Dark Vader (Race 3), Professor Nick (Race 9), and Lady Fortune (Race 5). The barn excels with Ohio-bred runners at this level.
Jason DaCosta operates as a multi-time champion trainer in Jamaica and maintains a presence at Mahoning Valley with quality runners. Suzie Q’s Sister in Race 4 represents his barn and could surprise at first asking.
Eric Reed, trainer of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, sends out Caesarea in Race 4. Reed has over 1,400 career wins and brings quality to every starter.
Julie Pappada conditions runners effectively at Mahoning Valley with Last Minute Mikey in Race 8 and Little Miss Munny in Race 2.
Michelle Winters saddles Duo in Race 8, a live contender in the featured Ohio-bred allowance.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The inside post bias at Mahoning Valley creates tangible wagering opportunities, particularly in sprint races. Posts one through three at six furlongs have shown significantly higher win percentages historically. Consider weighting exotic wagers toward horses drawn inside while using tactical speed types who can secure favorable position.
Best Bet of the Day: Colonel Vargo in Race 7 represents excellent value at 7-2 morning line. The five-year-old has won back-to-back races since switching to Mahoning Valley and continues to improve. Alexander Crispin provides quality riding and the allowance conditions favor this progressive runner.
Value Play: Here Kitty Kitty in Race 6 at 7-2 morning line draws the rail, an excellent position for the one-mile route race. The mare won course and distance on November 7 and Fernando Salazar Becerra can exploit the inside draw advantage.
Exotic Strategy: Build horizontal wagers around Valid Connection (Race 1), Vespera (Race 2), and Dark Vader (Race 3) in early Pick 3 action. These three represent morning line favorites with solid form profiles.
Late Pick 4 Value: Use Amazingness (Race 6), Colonel Vargo (Race 7), Duo (Race 8), and Professor Nick (Race 9) as singles or A selections in late vertical wagers. The featured races offer competitive betting opportunities.
Given the potential for track condition changes due to overnight snow, monitor any surface updates before finalizing wagers. Speed horses typically maintain advantages at Mahoning Valley regardless of track condition, but sealed tracks can sometimes produce unpredictable results.
