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Mountaineer Racetrack presents an eight-race card this evening to kick off the racing week. The program consists entirely of dirt races, featuring a mix of claiming, allowance, and starter allowance events. The feature race is arguably Race 7, an Allowance event sprinting 6 furlongs with a purse of $18,000.
The card includes several short fields due to scratches, particularly in the later races. Handicappers should pay close attention to the “Scratch Watch” updates as the field dynamics have shifted significantly in Races 3, 7, and 8.
Weather and Track Conditions
Forecast:
The weather in Chester, West Virginia, for Monday evening is forecasted to be cold and mostly cloudy. Temperatures at post time (7:00 PM EST) will be hovering around the freezing mark (30°F to 32°F), dropping into the high 20s as the night progresses. There is a low probability of precipitation (approx. 5%), so the track is expected to remain dry.
Track Condition:
Expect a Fast dirt track. The cold, dry air tends to keep the Mountaineer surface tight and speedy.
Track Bias:
Mountaineer generally exhibits a strong inside speed bias, particularly in sprints (5f to 6f). Horses that can clear the field early or secure the rail often hold a distinct advantage. In route races (1 Mile), the bias is slightly less pronounced, but tactical speed and inside-to-middle posts remain preferable to deep closers or wide posts.
Race 1
Post Time: 7:00 PM EST
Distance: 5 Furlongs – Dirt
Allowance Optional Claiming
Pace Analysis
With the scratch of Sailing Along, the pace scenario simplifies. Mornin’ Boss possesses excellent early gate speed and will likely gun for the lead immediately from the middle gate. Spooky Little Girl on the rail also has speed but may be forced to hustle to hold her position inside. Expect Mornin’ Boss to try and clear the field early.
Key Contenders
5 Mornin’ Boss
This mare is the consensus top selection among handicappers for the opener. She has consistently shown the ability to flash early foot, which is lethal at this 5-furlong distance. Trainer Eddie Clouston is a dominant force at this track, and with Yan Aviles aboard, she looks poised to wire this field or sit just off the flank of the rail horse before pouncing.
Secondary Choices
6 Fondre
Fondre offers a stalking profile that could be effective if the pace up front gets too hot between the inside runners. She has been competitive at this level and fits well on class.
1 Spooky Little Girl
Drawing the rail in a 5-furlong dash is always an advantage here. If she breaks sharp, she could steal the race, but she faces heavy pressure from the favorite outside her.
Selections
Win: 5 Mornin’ Boss
Place: 6 Fondre
Show: 1 Spooky Little Girl
Race 2
Post Time: 7:25 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs – Dirt
Starter Allowance
Note: The morning line favorite, #7 Out of Cents, is scratched.
Pace Analysis
The scratch of Out of Cents changes the complexion of this race significantly, removing a key speed element. This likely benefits Road Minister, who has enough tactical speed to inherit a good trip. Curb That Tiger from the rail will also be motivated to use that inside position to secure a forward spot.
Key Contenders
3 Road Minister
With the scratch of the favorite, Road Minister becomes a logical focal point. He has been in decent form and should find the class relief here manageable. Jockey Erik Barbaran is a strong finisher and should have him in a prime striking position turning for home.
Secondary Choices
1 Curb That Tiger
Trained by Eddie Clouston, this gelding draws the rail. While he can be inconsistent, the post position and trainer stats command respect. He should save ground all the way around.
2 Team Leyendecker
A consistent runner who often finds himself in the mix. He may not have the highest ceiling, but he is a reliable option for the bottom of exotics.
Selections
Win: 3 Road Minister
Place: 1 Curb That Tiger
Show: 2 Team Leyendecker
Race 3
Post Time: 7:50 PM EST
Distance: 5 Furlongs – Dirt
Claiming
Scratches: #4 Joe Phillips, #6 Stubbornkindafella, #8 Somerset Bay
Pace Analysis
This 5-furlong sprint will be fast. Rescue Five and Crafty Conquest both show speed figures that suggest they will be vying for the lead. Trainer Please has the versatility to sit just off the pace. The scratches of speed horses Joe Phillips and Somerset Bay may allow the remaining front-runners to breathe a bit easier.
Key Contenders
10 Trainer Please
Despite the wide post, this gelding is the class of the field according to many handicappers. He drops into a spot where his best effort should win. The key will be clearing the field or finding a tuck before the turn, but his tactical speed should allow him to work out a trip.
Secondary Choices
2 Rescue Five
A dangerous speed horse from an inside post. At 10 years old, he still has gas in the tank for these short sprints. If he breaks cleanly, he could play “catch me if you can.”
Longshots
9 Crafty Conquest
Another veteran who knows how to win. He will likely be sent hard from the gate. If the inside speed falters, he could pick up the pieces at a price.
Selections
Win: 10 Trainer Please
Place: 2 Rescue Five
Show: 9 Crafty Conquest
Race 4
Post Time: 8:15 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs – Dirt
Claiming
Scratches: #9 Classic King, #11 K W Captain Hook
Pace Analysis
Courthouse Cove has shown the ability to be forwardly placed and should be involved early. Mean Tweets also possesses early foot. The race sets up for a stalker who can pounce when the early leaders tire.
Key Contenders
5 Courthouse Cove
The morning line choice and a solid pick for this level. Trainer Larry Reed places him well here. He has the speed to be involved early but doesn’t need the lead to win, giving jockey Kevin Gonzalez options.
Secondary Choices
7 Back to Reality
The combination of trainer Jay Bernardini and jockey Deshawn Parker is always deadly at Mountaineer. This gelding fits well with this group and will likely be closing late.
1 Flat Lucky
A 10-year-old veteran who draws the rail. He is trained by Eddie Clouston and ridden by Edgar Paucar. He knows this track intimately and always gives an honest effort.
Selections
Win: 5 Courthouse Cove
Place: 7 Back to Reality
Show: 1 Flat Lucky
Race 5
Post Time: 8:40 PM EST
Distance: 1 Mile – Dirt
Claiming
Scratches: #2 Huixtla, #9 Tap the Line
Pace Analysis
In this one-mile route, the pace should be moderate. Strawberry Sky has shown speed in sprints and should stretch that speed out here. Babe in the Woods will likely track close to the pace.
Key Contenders
3 Strawberry Sky
Handicappers view her as the horse to beat. She has been in good form and the distance should not be an issue given the pace scenario. She will likely control the race from the front or near the lead.
Secondary Choices
4 Babe in the Woods
Consistent runner who pairs Charle Oliveros with trainer Shane Spiess. She rarely runs a bad race and should be right there at the wire.
Longshots
7 Shes Hot to Trot
A capable mare who could sneak into the exotics if the pace collapses, though that seems unlikely in this smaller field.
Selections
Win: 3 Strawberry Sky
Place: 4 Babe in the Woods
Show: 7 Shes Hot to Trot
Race 6
Post Time: 9:05 PM EST
Distance: 1 Mile – Dirt
Starter Optional Claiming
Pace Analysis
General Issue has the class and speed to dictate terms here. Timeless Bounty is a classy veteran who can also show foot. The race likely comes down to who handles the two turns best on a cold night.
Key Contenders
9 General Issue
The consensus top pick. He comes in with strong form and gets the services of top rider Deshawn Parker. His running style fits the track profile perfectly.
Secondary Choices
3 Timeless Bounty
A hard-knocking horse who has won big races in the past. At this level, he is a serious threat to upset the favorite if he can find his old form.
1 Rose’s Pepino
The rail horse will save all the ground. In a route race at Mountaineer, saving ground is often the difference between winning and losing.
Selections
Win: 9 General Issue
Place: 3 Timeless Bounty
Show: 1 Rose’s Pepino
Race 7
Post Time: 9:30 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs – Dirt
Allowance
Scratches: #1 Air Show, #6 Lomachenko
Pace Analysis
With Air Show and Lomachenko out, the race opens up. Huntertown has excellent speed and should inherit the role of pacemaker or primary stalker. Royal Curlin also has speed and will be pushing the issue.
Key Contenders
3 Huntertown
This West Virginia-bred gelding is a standout. He has faced tougher company and held his own. In this allowance spot, he looks superior on paper and is the one to beat.
Secondary Choices
10 Royal Curlin
Trained by Juan Pablo Silva and ridden by Deshawn Parker, this horse demands attention. Silva has a high win percentage, and Parker rides these types perfectly.
14 Charbonnay
If he draws in and runs, he is an interesting contender from the outside, but the post is a major disadvantage at 6 furlongs.
Selections
Win: 3 Huntertown
Place: 10 Royal Curlin
Show: 14 Charbonnay
Race 8
Post Time: 9:55 PM EST
Distance: 1 Mile – Dirt
Claiming
Scratches: #6 Slainte Mhath, #7 Polyester Bride, #11 Carlotuk, #13 Kingston Time
Pace Analysis
Heavy scratches have decimated this field. Miss Tena Marie looks to be the primary speed of the remaining runners. She’s So Bearrish will likely try to press, but the favorite should have her way on the front end.
Key Contenders
3 Miss Tena Marie
She looks like the standout in the finale. Her recent form is superior to this group, and she should be able to control the pace.
Secondary Choices
8 She’s So Bearrish
Likely to be the main danger to the favorite. Trainer Jami Poole does well with these claiming types.
5 Summersattheshore
A consistent check-earner who should pick up the pieces for a minor award.
Selections
Win: 3 Miss Tena Marie
Place: 8 She’s So Bearrish
Show: 5 Summersattheshore
Jockey Notes and Insights
Deshawn Parker remains the King of Mountaineer. When he is listed on a live mount, particularly in the later races (Races 4, 6, 7), he is a must-use. His ability to save ground and time his ride on this track is unmatched.
Charle Oliveros and Luis Negron are also top-tier riders here. Oliveros is particularly dangerous on speed horses, while Negron is excellent at getting longshots to outrun their odds.
Yan Aviles has been riding very well recently and is on the top pick in the first race.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Eddie Clouston enters the night with several live runners (Races 1, 2). His horses are usually well-spotted and ready to fire off the bench.
Juan Pablo Silva (Race 7) and Jay Bernardini (Races 4, 7) are high-percentage trainers who rarely enter horses just to give them a run. If their horses are taking money on the tote board, respect them.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Best Bet of the Night:
Race 7: #3 Huntertown. With the scratches of his main rivals, he stands out as the class of the field in the Allowance feature.
Best Value Play:
Race 2: #1 Curb That Tiger. With the favorite scratched, the public money may scatter. This horse has the rail, a top trainer, and fits the conditions well.
Pick 4 Strategy (Races 5-8):
Leg 1 (R5): 3, 4
Leg 2 (R6): 9, 3
Leg 3 (R7): 3
Leg 4 (R8): 3, 8
This ticket leans heavily on the singles in Race 7 and possibly Race 6 to keep costs down, while spreading in the other legs where upsets are more likely.
