Pick Pony Tip Sheet – Expert picks for Tampa Bay Downs, January 25, 2026.


Get more in-depth analysis, expert picks, handicapper reports, AI picks, handicapping tools, in-article data tooltips, NO ADVERTISEMENTS, and other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!

Pick Pony takes pride in providing the most accurate expert picks available today. Pick Pony Expert Picks are carefully selected by our team of analysts based on analytics from our advanced Past Performance Sheets and Racing Forms. For potential longshot selections, check out Pick Pony’s AI Picks.

Race 1 – Maiden Claiming, 6f 110y Dirt, 11:35 AM

Win: Magala (1) – 75% confidence
Place: Dame Gina Marie (4) – 75% confidence
Show: Red Hot Catalina (2) – 38% confidence
Alternative: Con Cautela (3) – 38% confidence

Race notes: Strong consensus behind Magala (1) as the top selection, with 6 of 8 analysts choosing this horse to win. Dame Gina Marie (4) commands broad support for place position. The show position features split opinion between Red Hot Catalina (2) and Con Cautela (3). Both horses demonstrate maiden claiming experience at Tampa Bay Downs, with Magala showing consistent placed efforts and stepping down in class.

Race 2 – Claiming, 7f Dirt, 12:05 PM

Win: Passioned (5) – 75% confidence
Place: Bang A Rang (3) – 50% confidence
Show: Anchises (1) – 38% confidence
Alternative: Conspiracy Fact (6) – 38% confidence

Race notes: Passioned (5) dominates analyst selections after winning last start at Tampa Bay Downs over course and distance. Strong form with three wins from eleven attempts this campaign positions this horse as a standout. Bang A Rang (3) draws support for place position with consistent in-the-money finishes. The show position splits between Anchises (1) and Conspiracy Fact (6), both showing competitive claiming-level form.

Race 3 – Maiden Claiming, 1m 39y Dirt, 12:35 PM

Win: Jeffersonian (2) – 63% confidence
Place: Power Wrench (6) – 38% confidence
Show: Luckcrest (1) – 38% confidence
Alternative: Marcan Love (7) – 25% confidence

Race notes: Jeffersonian (2) garners majority support after placing third at Tampa Bay Downs over course and distance in last start. Power Wrench (6) and Luckcrest (1) draw competitive attention for minor positions, creating analytical variance in this maiden claiming event. Gray Beast (4) appears as viable alternative selection, showing runner-up finish in recent Tampa Bay Downs start.

Race 4 – Maiden Claiming, 1m 110y Dirt, 1:05 PM

Win: Aeonian (2) – 63% confidence
Place: Tiztimonial (4) – 63% confidence
Show: Moralito (6) – 38% confidence
Alternative: Amaury M. V. P. (9) – 13% confidence

Race notes: Aeonian (2) and Tiztimonial (4) command equal strong consensus for top-two positions, both showing promising recent form with runner-up finishes in similar conditions. Moralito (6) draws support for show position after placing third at Tampa Bay Downs when resuming from layoff. This maiden claiming event features competitive field depth with multiple contenders showing improvement trajectory.

Race 5 – Claiming, 1m 110y Turf, 1:35 PM

Win: Trackster (6) – 83% confidence
Place: Steam Powered (2) – 17% confidence
Show: Mungo (5) – 33% confidence
Alternative: Mischievous Han (4) – 33% confidence

Race notes: Trackster (6) commands overwhelming analyst consensus after placing second at Tampa Bay Downs in similar conditions. This horse demonstrates strong turf credentials with multiple placed efforts this preparation. Steam Powered (2) receives limited but notable support as alternative top selection, creating minimal analytical variance. The show position features split opinion between Mungo (5) and Mischievous Han (4), both displaying competitive turf form.

Race 6 – Claiming, 6f Dirt, 2:05 PM

Win: Wheelingndealing (2) – 50% confidence
Place: Bayou Melody (6) – 67% confidence
Show: Timely Reward (7) – 33% confidence
Alternative: Bramble Bush (5) – 17% confidence

Race notes: Wheelingndealing (2) draws competitive support after winning impressively over course and distance last start, demonstrating strong current form. Bayou Melody (6) commands broader consensus for place position with solid recent performances. Timely Reward (7) emerges as viable show candidate, though analytical opinion remains divided in this competitive claiming sprint.

Race 7 – Maiden Claiming, 8f Turf, 2:38 PM

Win: Norwegian Wood (6) – 67% confidence
Place: Modern Miss (2) – 33% confidence
Show: She’s The Rage (11) – 50% confidence
Alternative: Mistrial Wind (13) – 17% confidence

Race notes: Norwegian Wood (6) garners strong analyst consensus for win position with proven turf form and distance suitability. Modern Miss (2) draws support for place position after consistent placed efforts this preparation. She’s The Rage (11) emerges as competitive show selection, creating tactical variance in this maiden claiming turf event. The field features multiple horses making turf debuts, introducing unpredictability into race dynamics.

Race 8 – Claiming, 1m 39y Dirt, 3:09 PM

Win: Theo’s Thunder (2) – 25% confidence
Place: Final Drama (3) – 25% confidence
Show: Artwell (6) – 25% confidence
Alternative: Via Della Spiga (4) – 25% confidence

Race notes: This race features exceptional analytical variance with no dominant consensus selection. Theo’s Thunder (2), Final Drama (3), Artwell (6), and Via Della Spiga (4) all draw equal analyst support, indicating competitive field balance. Multiple horses demonstrate recent form improvements, creating strategic wagering complexity. If I Were You (11) and Stone Cold Flex (12) also command consideration as viable contenders.

Race 9 – Allowance, 8f Turf, 3:40 PM

Win: Thundering (7) – 50% confidence
Place: Noble Factor (6) – 50% confidence
Show: Chicago Theatre (9) – 33% confidence
Alternative: Into It (8) – 33% confidence

Race notes: Thundering (7) and Noble Factor (6) draw equal strong support for top-two positions, both demonstrating competitive allowance-level turf form at Tampa Bay Downs. Chicago Theatre (9) and Into It (8) split show position opinions with similar confidence levels. This allowance turf event features horses with established class credentials competing at consistent competitive level.

Race 1 Exotic Strategies

Exacta Box: 1-4 provides highest-probability coverage based on dominant analyst consensus. Alternative exacta construction: 1 with 2,3,4 captures moderate-confidence show candidates while anchoring top selection.

Trifecta: 1,4 with 1,2,4 with 1,2,3,4 structures cost-efficient coverage around consensus selections while incorporating Red Hot Catalina (2) and Con Cautela (3) for show position variance.

Superfecta: 1,4 / 1,2,4 / 1,2,3,4 / 2,3 balances probability with value, emphasizing Magala (1) and Dame Gina Marie (4) dominance while allowing positional flexibility for secondary selections.

Race 2 Exotic Strategies

Exacta: 5 with 1,3,6 anchors Passioned (5) dominance while spreading place position across three competitive contenders showing recent form improvements.

Trifecta Box: 1,3,5 provides streamlined coverage of top consensus selections. Alternative construction: 5 with 1,3,6 with 1,3,6 offers structured approach emphasizing win favorite.

Pick 3 (Races 2-4): 5 / 2,6 / 2,4 sequences highest-confidence selections across consecutive races, balancing probability with cost efficiency for multi-race wager construction.

Race 3 Exotic Strategies

Win-Place: Jeffersonian (2) represents solid value proposition given 63% analyst confidence at moderate morning line odds.

Exacta: 2,6 with 1,2,6,7 captures consensus selections while allowing positional variance for maiden claiming unpredictability.

Trifecta: 2,6 / 1,2,6,7 / 1,2,4,6,7 spreads coverage across analytical favorites while incorporating Gray Beast (4) as value alternative based on recent runner-up Tampa Bay Downs performance.

Race 4 Exotic Strategies

Exacta Box: 2-4 targets dual consensus selections Aeonian (2) and Tiztimonial (4), both showing promising form progression in maiden claiming conditions.

Trifecta: 2,4 / 2,4,6 / 2,4,6,9 emphasizes top-two consensus while incorporating Moralito (6) and Amaury M. V. P. (9) for positional depth.

Daily Double (Races 4-5): 2,4 / 6 combines maiden claiming consensus with Race 5 turf dominant selection Trackster (6), creating efficient two-race sequence coverage.

Race 5 Exotic Strategies

Win: Trackster (6) commands overwhelming 83% analyst confidence, representing highest single-race consensus selection across entire card.

Exacta: 6 with 2,4,5 anchors dominant favorite while spreading secondary coverage across Steam Powered (2), Mischievous Han (4), and Mungo (5).

Trifecta: 6 with 2,4,5 with 1,2,4,5 provides structured approach capitalizing on Trackster (6) consensus while allowing show position variance.

Race 6 Exotic Strategies

Win-Place-Show: Bayou Melody (6) represents value consideration given 67% place confidence but divided win opinion, potentially creating overlay pricing opportunity.

Exacta: 2,6 with 2,5,6,7 covers split analytical opinion between Wheelingndealing (2) and Bayou Melody (6) while incorporating Bramble Bush (5) and Timely Reward (7) alternatives.

Trifecta Box: 2,6,7 streamlines coverage around strongest consensus selections while managing cost efficiency in competitive claiming sprint.

Race 7 Exotic Strategies

Win-Place: Norwegian Wood (6) demonstrates 67% consensus support with proven turf capabilities and distance suitability.

Exacta: 6 with 2,6,11,13 anchors consensus favorite while spreading coverage across Modern Miss (2), She’s The Rage (11), and Mistrial Wind (13).

Trifecta: 6 / 2,11 / 2,5,8,11,13 emphasizes Norwegian Wood (6) dominance while allowing positional flexibility for maiden claiming turf variance.

Pick 3 (Races 7-9): 6 / 2,3,4,6 / 6,7 sequences turf race consensus selections, balancing probability with cost management for late-card multi-race wager.

Race 8 Exotic Strategies

Exacta Box: 2,3,4,6,11 provides broad coverage acknowledging exceptional analytical variance with five horses drawing competitive support.

Trifecta: 2,3,4,6 / 2,3,4,6,11 / 2,3,4,6,11,12 spreads comprehensive coverage across divided analyst opinion while managing cost within reasonable parameters.

Superfecta: ALL with 2,3,4,6 with 2,3,4,6,11 with ALL creates upset-protection structure in race featuring minimal consensus and competitive field depth.

Race 9 Exotic Strategies

Win-Place: Noble Factor (6) draws equal 50% confidence with Thundering (7), creating potential value opportunity depending on final betting patterns.

Exacta Box: 6-7 targets dual consensus leaders in allowance turf finale.

Trifecta: 6,7 / 6,7,8,9 / 4,6,7,8,9 emphasizes top-two selections while incorporating Chicago Theatre (9) and Into It (8) for show position coverage.

Rolling Pick 3/Pick 4: Constructing multi-race sequences anchoring Race 5 Trackster (6) consensus provides optimal probability foundation for late-card exotic wager strategies.

Value Play Observations

Race 1 Value Analysis

Magala (1) represents underlaid selection at morning line 7/5, with 75% analyst consensus suggesting actual win probability exceeds implied odds. Dame Gina Marie (4) at 5/2 morning line also appears underlaid given 75% place confidence. Red Hot Catalina (2) and Con Cautela (3) both offer potential overlay value for show position given competitive 38% confidence levels but moderate morning line pricing.

Race 2 Value Analysis

Passioned (5) commands 75% analyst confidence at morning line 6/5, indicating underlaid status in betting markets. Anchises (1) at 6/1 morning line presents potential overlay opportunity given 38% analyst support and competitive recent form. Betting News selection of Anchises (1) for win position creates analytical counterpoint to dominant Passioned (5) consensus.

Race 3 Value Analysis

Power Wrench (6) garners notable Betting News and Guaranteed Tip Sheet support at 3/1 morning line, potentially creating overlay value despite receiving only 38% overall analyst confidence. Jeffersonian (2) appears underlaid at 9/5 given 63% consensus support. Miki Jak (5) represents longshot consideration at 20/1 morning line with minimal 13% analyst confidence.

Race 4 Value Analysis

Aeonian (2) and Tiztimonial (4) both demonstrate underlaid characteristics with equal 63% analyst confidence at morning lines 8/5 and 3/1 respectively. Matty B Good (5) emerges as potential overlay longshot at 15/1 morning line, receiving Tip Meerkat win selection despite minimal broader consensus.

Race 5 Value Analysis

Trackster (6) represents heavily underlaid selection at 2/1 morning line with exceptional 83% analyst confidence, indicating strong probability-to-odds mismatch. Steam Powered (2) offers potential overlay value at 2/1 morning line given limited 17% analyst support but At The Races win selection, creating analytical divergence from consensus.

Race 6 Value Analysis

This race demonstrates competitive value landscape with Wheelingndealing (2) and Bayou Melody (6) both commanding significant analyst support. Bramble Bush (5) at 6/1 morning line presents potential overlay opportunity given FanDuel co-top selection status. Timely Reward (7) receives Racing Dudes win selection at 7/2 morning line, creating analytical variance from consensus favorites.

Race 7 Value Analysis

Norwegian Wood (6) appears underlaid at 2/1 morning line with 67% analyst consensus. She’s The Rage (11) at 9/5 represents intriguing value proposition given 50% show confidence and Guaranteed Tip Sheet win selection. Tap Tap Coco (8) and Mistrial Wind (13), both receiving FanDuel co-top selection status at 8/1 and 3/1 respectively, create potential overlay opportunities in maiden claiming turf event.

Race 8 Value Analysis

This race offers exceptional overlay opportunities given extreme analytical variance with no consensus favorite. All primary selections—Theo’s Thunder (2), Final Drama (3), Artwell (6), and Via Della Spiga (4)—demonstrate equal 25% confidence levels, suggesting betting market inefficiencies and value identification opportunities based on individual analytical frameworks. Stone Cold Flex (12) commands Guaranteed Tip Sheet support at moderate morning line, representing potential overlay value.

Race 9 Value Analysis

Thundering (7) and Noble Factor (6) both demonstrate competitive value profiles at 3/1 and 9/2 morning lines respectively, with equal 50% analyst confidence creating potential overlay scenarios depending on final betting patterns. Chicago Theatre (9) at 7/2 receives Fan Odds win selection, creating analytical divergence from dual consensus leaders.

Overall Wagering Strategy

Strongest Consensus Races

Race 5 commands highest single-selection confidence across entire card, with Trackster (6) receiving 83% analyst support. This turf claiming event provides optimal foundation for multi-race exotic sequences and bankroll allocation. Race 1 demonstrates dual strong consensus with Magala (1) and Dame Gina Marie (4) both commanding 75% confidence levels, creating reliable exacta foundation. Race 2 features Passioned (5) with 75% win confidence after course-and-distance victory, positioning this claiming sprint as high-probability wagering opportunity.

Split-Opinion Races

Race 8 exhibits extreme analytical variance with four horses sharing equal 25% confidence levels, reflecting competitive field balance and tactical complexity. This claiming route event presents strategic challenge for conventional handicapping approaches, suggesting exacta box or superfecta wheel construction rather than traditional vertical wager emphasis. Race 6 demonstrates moderate opinion division between Wheelingndealing (2) at 50% confidence and Bayou Melody (6) at 67% place confidence, creating analytical tension between recent form and broader handicapping factors.

Race 3 features split opinion between Jeffersonian (2) at 63% confidence and Power Wrench (6) at 38%, with Betting News selecting Power Wrench (6) for win position against dominant consensus. This analytical divergence in maiden claiming event suggests potential value opportunities for contrarian wagering approaches.

Multi-Race Sequences

Pick 3 construction spanning Races 2-4 sequences three consecutive races with identifiable consensus patterns: Passioned (5) in Race 2 at 75% confidence, Jeffersonian (2) or Power Wrench (6) in Race 3, and Aeonian (2)/Tiztimonial (4) dual consensus in Race 4. Strategic ticket structure emphasizing 5 / 2,6 / 2,4 balances probability with cost efficiency at $12 for $2 base wager.

Pick 4 spanning Races 5-8 anchors overwhelming Race 5 consensus selection Trackster (6), allowing spread coverage in subsequent races: 6 / 2,6,7 / 2,3,4,6 / 6,7. This construction emphasizes highest-confidence selections while managing cost within reasonable bankroll allocation parameters.

Late Pick 4 (Races 6-9) sequences claiming sprint through allowance turf finale: 2,6 / 6 / 2,3,4,6,11 / 6,7 prioritizes Norwegian Wood (6) dominance in Race 7 while spreading coverage in split-opinion races.

Exotic Value Opportunities

Race 8 presents optimal superfecta value opportunity given extreme analytical variance and absence of dominant consensus favorite. Field depth and competitive balance create pricing inefficiency potential, with superfecta wheel structures (ALL with 2,3,4,6 with 2,3,4,6,11 with ALL) capturing upset scenarios at minimal incremental cost. This approach emphasizes structural betting strategy over conventional handicapping in analytically uncertain race.

Race 7 maiden claiming turf event demonstrates similar exotic value characteristics, with multiple horses receiving top-selection support from different analysts but no overwhelming consensus. Trifecta box structures incorporating Norwegian Wood (6), Modern Miss (2), She’s The Rage (11), and Mistrial Wind (13) capture analytical variance while managing cost exposure.

Race 3 offers trifecta value potential given split analytical opinion between Jeffersonian (2) consensus and Power Wrench (6) contrarian selection, combined with maiden claiming form unpredictability creating pricing inefficiency opportunities.

Environmental and Track Factors

Weather conditions forecast 77°F with clear conditions across nine-race Sunday card. Turf races (Races 5, 7, 9) feature temp rail distance set at 30 feet, potentially influencing pace dynamics and trip-dependent outcomes. No significant track bias indicators emerge from recent Tampa Bay Downs race results, suggesting conventional pace and position handicapping methodologies remain applicable.

Race 5 turf claiming event demonstrates particular strategic significance given Trackster (6) overwhelming consensus combined with favorable surface conditions, creating reliable foundation for multi-race exotic construction and bankroll allocation strategies.

Key Takeaways

Prioritize Race 5 Trackster (6) as cornerstone selection for multi-race exotic sequences given exceptional 83% analyst consensus and proven turf form at Tampa Bay Downs. This represents highest-confidence wagering opportunity across entire card.

Exploit Race 8 analytical variance through superfecta wheel structures rather than traditional vertical wager emphasis, capitalizing on competitive field balance and absence of consensus favorite to capture overlay pricing at minimal cost exposure.

Construct late Pick 3/Pick 4 sequences anchoring Race 5 and Race 7 consensus selections while spreading coverage in split-opinion races, balancing probability optimization with cost management for sustained bankroll growth across multi-race wager types.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Talkback