Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Ellis Park – Racing News and Analysis for July 18, 2026


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Pick Pony Handicapper Report — Ellis Park, July 18, 2026

Hot, sunny afternoon expected with fast dirt and firm turf likely throughout; no significant track bias, with tactical speed and clean trips favored on both surfaces.

Race 1 — Turf Mile, Maiden Special Weight, Fillies

Determined Dancer (2) is the logical top pick from an inside draw with a ground-saving stalking trip projected. Define (7) shares favoritism and is dangerous from a top barn despite the wider post. Cearnach (5) and Eleonora (6) offer secondary value if the favorites disappoint.

Race 2 — 5.5f Dirt, Maiden Claiming $30,000, Fillies & Mares

Valentine Eve (10) stands out on class and connections as a clear top pick despite the outside draw. Mo Town Foxy Brown (1) is the prime threat from the rail, with Tiz Candy (7) adding value from post 7. Longshots Bevi Wins (2) and Youhadme At Merlot (4) can spice up trifectas.

Race 3 — 6f Dirt, Maiden Claiming $30,000, Large Field

Mckinsense (6) is the central draw with tactical flexibility in the middle of a 16-horse field. Wingfoot (2) is a strong alternative from an inside ground-saving post, with D Bigalow (3) as a third option. Include Maximum Honor (1) and Activity (8) as longshot fillers in trifectas and superfectas.

Race 4 — 1 Mile Dirt, Claiming $40,000

Skyro (5) is the morning-line favorite on class and current form with a clean trip expected from post 5. Time For Truth (1) is a highlighted value play from the rail and pairs nicely in exactas. Seize The Night (6) rounds out the top tier, with Groveland (4) worth a trifecta slot.

Race 5 — 1 Mile Turf, Maiden Special Weight, 2-Year-Old Fillies

Lucky Bernadine (7) is the key win play from a powerhouse barn with strong juvenile turf credentials. Cyber Gal (6) is a live overlay at 10-1 given her 170,000-dollar OBS purchase price and sharp workout, making her the top exacta partner. Peace Mission (5) and Bit Tipsy (8) are solid secondary choices for trifecta coverage.

Race 6 — 1 Mile Dirt, Allowance N1X

Penalty Box (5) is the top value pick with strong underlying figures and a pressing trip projected. Blacksmith (10) is a serious threat from the Baffert barn from a clean outside draw, and High Ceiling (1) is dangerous from the rail with a capable connection. House United (9) and Very Connected (11) merit trifecta inclusion.

Race 7 — 5.5f Turf, Allowance Optional Claimer N2X

Cut To The Chase (3) is the pace-controlling favorite and a natural win anchor in the late multi-race sequence. Rojo Rita (8) offers value from the outside with a clear finishing lane, while I'm Mo Joke (4) is well-positioned to pounce if the favorite faces heat. High Fashion Kate (5) is a useful secondary exotic play.

Race 8 — 6.5f Dirt, Jeff Hall Memorial Stakes, Listed $175,000

Banishing (4) is the defending champion and top pick, with an ideal tactical post and proven affinity for this exact spot. Here Mi Song (2) is a formidable annual rival from a ground-saving inside draw, with Dreaminblue (3) as a potential overlay if the public overweights the top two. Speed King (8) and Track Mate (5) deserve trifecta consideration.

Race 9 — 5.5f Turf, Maiden Special Weight, Fillies

Spin A Tune (6) is the top pick with pace-pressing ability and strong connections from a favorable mid-gate draw. Zero Absolute (5) is the prime exacta partner, with Toast The Star (3) dangerous from the rail if she breaks cleanly. Coco G (9) is the best of the non-favorites, and Stacking Tens (4) is worth a deeper exotic inclusion.

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


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