Belterra Park Thoroughbred Racing News – August 13, 2025
Belterra Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, presents another midweek race card with live thoroughbred action scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Races begin at 12:35 PM, with ideal late-summer weather anticipated to give both horses and fans a comfortable day at the track.
Weather and Track Conditions
Race day at Belterra Park is expected to feature partly cloudy skies and mild August temperatures typical for the region, with afternoon highs in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Humidity is moderate, and there is no significant chance of rain as post time approaches, providing fast main track conditions for all scheduled races. Turf races are set to run on firm ground, contributing to fair and consistent racing conditions.
Today’s eight-race card at Belterra Park presents a solid mix of claiming races, allowance conditions, and maiden competition across dirt and turf surfaces. The featured allowance race carries a $24,700 purse, while several competitive claiming events round out the afternoon’s action.
Race-by-Race Analysis & Picks
Race 1 – $8,500 Claiming (8 Furlongs, Dirt)
Top Pick: Nervana (5-1)
Xavier Rivera trains this contender who appears well-positioned in this claiming level. Jockey K.J. Jimenez takes the mount, and the morning line odds suggest value potential. Motor City Menace from the Barbosa barn with Heath up provides a solid alternative, while Maclin under trainer Cahill with Bush riding enters as the early favorite.
Exacta Play: 3-4 / 2-3-4
Race 2 – $8,500 Claiming (8 Furlongs, Dirt)
Top Pick: Destiny’s Darling (5-2)
T. Newton’s trainee draws solid support as the morning line favorite with Lagunes aboard. The filly has shown consistency in recent outings. Long Black Veil from the Jarvis stable with Ouzts up offers upset potential at longer odds, while Wildcat Dream trained by Salcedo rounds out the top contenders.
Exacta Play: 3-1 / 1-3-4
Race 3 – $21,500 Maiden Special Weight (5.5 Furlongs, Dirt)
Top Pick: Kerkyra (3-1)
Evans trains this promising maiden who has shown improvement in recent starts. Aragon takes the riding assignment in what shapes up as a competitive maiden event. Two Twenty Two from the Cline barn with Zonett up presents the main competition, while Soup Today trained by Stephen adds depth to the field.
Exacta Play: 4-7 / 4-6-7
Race 4 – $24,700 Allowance (8 Furlongs, Dirt)
Top Pick: Double Agent (5-2)
The feature allowance race brings together quality allowance company. Hamm trains this consistent performer with Sosa getting the call. Road to Music City from trainer Beck with Mojica aboard has shown steady improvement, while Got Zip trained by Bates with Lebron up adds another dimension to this competitive field.
Trifecta Play: 4 / 2-6 / 2-3-6
Race 5 – $10,100 Claiming (8 Furlongs, Turf)
Top Pick: Ready Pursuit (7-2)
The switch to turf brings new dynamics to the afternoon. Gonzalez trains this contender with Correa aboard. Jay Vee Bee from the Van stable with Jimenez up shows consistent turf form, while Coach Petro trained by Estvanko offers value at current odds.
Win/Place Play: Ready Pursuit
Race 7 – $8,500 Claiming (6.5 Furlongs, Dirt)
Top Pick: Wegotjacksback (3-1)
Townley trains this sprinter who appears well-suited to the distance with Sherman riding. Howard’s Grit from the Dorochenko barn with Murgia up provides the main competition, while Hector B trained by Melancon with Jurado aboard rounds out the top selections.
Daily Double (7-8): 3 / 10
Race 8 – $14,000 Optional Claiming (8 Furlongs, Turf)
Top Pick: Lady Hamilton (4-1)
The day concludes with another turf event where Orantes trains this mare with Villarreal getting the leg up. The optional claiming condition allows for competitive depth in the finale.
Jockey & Trainer Notes
Hot Jockeys: K.J. Jimenez shows strong recent form and gets quality mounts throughout the card. Correa and Villarreal both demonstrate solid turf skills for the grass races.
Trainer Spotlight: Xavier Rivera’s barn has been hitting at a solid clip recently, making Nervana an intriguing play in the opener. T. Newton’s stable shows consistent form with claiming horses, supporting Destiny’s Darling in Race 2.
Track Conditions: With firm turf and fast dirt conditions expected, speed horses may hold advantages in the sprints while closers could benefit in the longer routes.
Best Bets of the Day
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Kerkyra in Race 3 – Value play in competitive maiden company
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Double Agent in Race 4 – Class standout in feature allowance
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Nervana in Race 1 – Overlay potential with solid connections
The card offers several betting opportunities across different race types, with particular strength in the maiden and allowance divisions. Track bias and weather conditions will play important roles as the afternoon progresses.
