Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Lone Star Park – Racing News and Analysis for April 17, 2026


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Lone Star Park — April 17, 2026 Quick Reference

Fast main track with a slight speed bias in sprints; inside posts favored on the turf course. South-southeast wind into the stretch, no precipitation expected. Asmussen (Elliott) and Caldwell (Diaz) are the dominant barn-jockey combinations to track all card.

Race 1 — 6.5f Dirt, OClm $15,000

Stage Left (1) gets the ideal rail draw for its early speed style and is the top choice at 2-1. Bergheim (3) is a legitimate co-favorite threat from the mid-field, while Take Action (6) at 3-1 is the most likely beneficiary if the front two duel into defeat.

Race 2 — 6f Dirt, Clm $5,000b

Flotation Station (6) is the clear key — Asmussen does not spot a horse at this level without purpose. Ore Mine (2) from the inside post is the most logical exacta partner, with Pudding (3) at 4-1 worth including if the front pair set a quick pace.

Race 3 — 6.5f Dirt, Maiden Special Weight

Swiftliketaylor (6) at 4-1 is the top selection over even-money Tiffany Tap (3), offering the best value in the race against a short-priced favorite. Somerville (1) at 3-1 is the most dangerous secondary threat, and Bad And Boozy (7) at 5-1 is worth including in trifectas.

Race 4 — 1.25m Dirt, OClm $7,500

Donegal Freedom (4) is the clear paper horse at 1-1 but is too short to back straight. Free Again (5) at 8-1 is the best value angle, with Cawkab (8) and Worth Looking (2) as the logical exacta threats to the heavy favorite.

Race 5 — 1.375m Turf, Alw $46,000

Sky Rocker (2) gets the call with the inside post advantage on the turf, offering fair value at 3-1 against the dual Jacks entry. Imaluckycharm (5) and Optimistic Cowgirl (3) are the primary exacta partners, with Blue Heavenly (8) rounding out superfecta coverage despite the wide draw.

Race 6 — 5.5f Dirt, Md Clm $7,500

Purly Dialed In (2) is the top choice, combining the Caldwell-Diaz partnership with an excellent inside post in a short sprint. Mizz Factor (1) is the natural co-favorite foil, and Speaking Of Art (7) at 4-1 is the best value play if the two inside speed horses burn each other up.

Race 7 — 7f Dirt, Clm $5,000n2l

Cause Mimi Said (1) at 3-1 gets the rail and the Pish barn, making it the top selection over morning line favorite Bishop Creek (10), whose outside post in a ten-horse field is a genuine concern. Rickie Roooo Ster (3) at 4-1 with the inside draw is the best exacta partner, and Spunoutofmymind (5) at 6-1 offers better value than the favored stablemate.

Race 8 — 1.375m Turf, Alw $40,500

Shy Ann (7) at 2-1 is the top choice in the finale, with Kause I'm Devine (5) at 3-1 as the primary alternative. Avaling (2) at 4-1 is the best standalone value play with an excellent inside turf post, and Texas Speed Queen (9) at 10-1 is the most interesting longshot given the active Caldwell barn.

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


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