Posted inTracks

Fonner Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the March 13, 2026 card

No CommentsPosted inTracks

TL;DR


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!

The Pick Pony Handicapper's Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!

Fonner Park opens its Friday, March 13, 2026 card with eight races for fillies and mares, heavily tilted toward lower-level claiming and Nebraska-bred maiden/allowance company at sprint distances on dirt. The card is structurally straightforward: one 4 furlong dash to start the day, followed by seven 6 furlong dirt races, creating a consistent pace and trip profile where tactical speed and rail-saving trips will be at a premium on this five-eighths-mile oval.

The meet's configuration and past meet data show that dirt sprints at Fonner Park strongly reward horses who can secure forward position early while minimizing ground loss around the tight turns. Most of today's fields are small to medium size (7–10 runners), which keeps trip chaos modest but still leaves room for position and bias to matter, especially in full 6 furlong events later on the card. The female-only nature of the races also tends to produce more formful pace scenarios in the lower claiming events, with many older mares having established running styles and typical speed figures that repeat with little variance.

Weather and Track Conditions

Regional forecasts for central Nebraska on Friday, March 13, 2026 call for cool, early-spring conditions with daytime highs around 50–55 degrees Fahrenheit and lows in the low-to-mid 40s, with only a slight chance of light showers or patchy rain nearby. More detailed statewide forecasts list conditions as partly cloudy and dry for March 13, with essentially zero expected measurable precipitation during the day, implying a fast or at worst quickly-drying surface is likely.

Historical March weather at the nearby Brenner Field reporting station (covering Grand Island, Nebraska) shows that conditions on comparable March days this year have generally been cool with light to moderate winds, scattered clouds, and intermittent light rain on some days but nothing extreme. There is no evidence of significant storms or sustained heavy rain around this date, so a sealed or sloppy track scenario appears unlikely based on available forecast data. Given Fonner Park's dirt surface and maintenance practices, this forecast points strongly toward a standard fast main track, though final track condition will depend on any local showers that may develop around post time.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Fonner Park is a tight five-eighths-mile oval with a short stretch and two sharp turns at 6 furlongs and a quick, almost immediate turn at 4 furlongs, and historical bias analysis consistently shows a pronounced inside-speed tilt in dirt sprints. For 4 furlong races using the chute configuration, inside posts—especially posts 1–4—have a clear advantage because the field hits the turn very quickly; outside horses must break sharply and clear or risk being hung wide around the only turn. At 6 furlongs, the configuration still rewards inside-drawn horses that can secure the rail or at least a stalking position within one or two paths of the inside, as ground loss on both turns is costly and difficult to overcome, especially for lower-level claimers.​

Running-style analytics compiled for Fonner Park sprints show that early and pressing types win at notably higher rates than sustained closers, with particular success for horses classified as early or early/presser who can use the track's configuration to control pace. Deep closers do win but generally require either a serious pace meltdown or a substantial class and ability edge that allows them to circle the field despite the bias against wide, late runs. Accordingly, today's races should be handicapped with a strong preference for horses with tactical speed drawn inside or middle posts, and handicappers should be very cautious about leaning on outside-drawn deep closers at these sprint distances.

1st Race – Fonner Park – Friday, March 13th, 2026

Maiden Claiming, 4 furlongs, dirt, fillies and mares, $10,000 claiming, purse $7,300, seven runners.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 4:00 PM CT for Race 1, the opening four-furlong dash of the card.​

Pace Analysis

Four furlong races at Fonner Park are almost pure speed contests where the field breaks, reaches the turn quickly, and the winner is often one of the top two horses after the first furlong. Inside posts are strong, and any horse with early foot from posts 1–4 can gain a decisive tactical advantage by saving ground into the turn. In this field, Maidens at this low claiming level are often either lightly raced types still learning or older chronic maidens; in that context, gate speed and post position matter more than established closing ability, and the horses with any demonstrated early pace must be upgraded.​

Making Mischief (1) draws the rail and should be sent aggressively to establish or contest the lead into the first and only turn. Glad Ima Hottie (2) is a three-year-old with a reasonable weight break and the benefit of the inside draw, and as a younger filly she has potential to improve her early zip today. Hellabella (4) and Sundae Sprinkles (5) are middle posts who may try to stalk or press, while outside runners Echo Sister (6) and Midship Molly (7) will need strong breaks to avoid getting hung wide into the bend.

Key Contenders

Making Mischief (1) gets a very favorable setup for a debut or early-career sprint in this configuration, drawing the rail where inside speed is strongly rewarded in four-furlong events at Fonner Park. The filly carries the full older-weight assignment of 125 pounds but gets a capable local rider in Cardoso David, who is typically aggressive from the gate in sprints, which should help her establish position quickly. The scratch watch notes show a prior entry for Making Mischief (1) at Delta Downs in a race that was canceled, meaning she has had time to continue training without a hard race, and this may leave her fresh and ready for a big effort in this softer Nebraska maiden claiming field.

Glad Ima Hottie (2) is a three-year-old filly with a slight weight break at 121 pounds under Haar Nathan, and the age allowance and inside draw are both positives. As a younger horse in with older mares, she can improve significantly with each start, and the Rushton Stetson barn is usually capable of having a runner fit and forward early in this type of sprint. Rectify (3), another four-year-old filly drawn inside under Ramos Adrian B., sits in a good tactical spot to break just outside the rail horse and either press or track, and given the general inside-and-speed bias, she must be respected as a logical main contender.

Secondary Choices

Hellabella (4) has a mid-gate draw, which is acceptable at this distance if she breaks clean and can slot in behind the inside trio. With Birzer Alex aboard for the Wise Jason barn, this mare gets one of the most experienced Fonner sprint riders, and tactical positioning from this post will be critical; Birzer's success navigating tight-turn sprints makes Hellabella (4) an interesting stalking type who could capitalize if the inside horses hook up too hard early. Sundae Sprinkles (5) with Martinez Ricardo for Lemburg Mark may sit a similar trip just outside the main pace, needing a strong break but possibly falling into a pressing or outside-stalking role that could produce a minor award if others weaken.​

Echo Sister (6) is a three-year-old with a light weight and a rider in Cunningham Travis who will likely attempt to use her youth and relative freshness to flash speed despite the outside draw. However, the post is a concern in this configuration; she must either break sharply and clear or risk being hung three or four wide around the turn, which is suboptimal at Fonner.

Longshots

Midship Molly (7) is a five-year-old mare with more maturity but the most difficult post for this distance. Under Fackler Chris for the Donlin Larry D. barn, she may have enough seasoning and physical toughness to absorb a wide trip, but statistically the outside post is at a disadvantage in these short sprints, and she will need either superior speed or a favorable race collapse to contend. Her profile fits more as a longshot whom one might use underneath in deeper vertical exotics, but she is a hard sell as a win candidate given the combination of age, post, and likely trip.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

Given the strong inside-speed bias at four furlongs, the race should be played through Making Mischief (1), Glad Ima Hottie (2), and Rectify (3) as primary win contenders. Exacta and trifecta players can key Making Mischief (1) on top, using Glad Ima Hottie (2) and Rectify (3) for second and third, and adding Hellabella (4) and Sundae Sprinkles (5) in the third slot to capture some value if one of the secondary stalkers clunks up. Multi-race players (Daily Double into Race 2 or early Pick 4 if offered) can lean fairly heavily on Making Mischief (1) and Glad Ima Hottie (2) as A-level horses, with Rectify (3) as B coverage in case the rail filly does not fire.​

Selections

Win: Making Mischief (1)
Place: Glad Ima Hottie (2)
Show: Rectify (3)

2nd Race – Fonner Park – Friday, March 13th, 2026

Claiming, 6 furlongs, dirt, fillies and mares which have not won a race in 2026, $3,500 claiming, purse $7,800, seven runners.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 4:27 PM CT for Race 2.​

Pace Analysis

At 6 furlongs on this configuration, inside speed remains a significant advantage, but the second turn and longer run give mid-pack pressers a slightly better chance than in 4 furlong races. These older mares, many with long racing histories, often have predictable running styles: some will go, others will sit and grind, and very few show genuine, explosive late kicks at this level. The likely shape suggests one or two forward types from inside or mid-gate positions controlling the pace, with stalkers in behind; a complete meltdown is less likely, especially in a modest field of seven.​

My Golden Bling (1) has the rail and can attempt to hold position, but as a nine-year-old mare she may not aggressively send unless dictated by her natural style. Low Euro Cat (2) from post 2 has a great tactical draw and could be used forwardly given the inside bias in two-turn-like sprints here. Eli's Girl (4) and Tapit's Lady (6) should be mid-pack stalkers, while Be Bo (7) will have to work from the far outside and could wind up wide into both turns if not quick into stride.​

Key Contenders

Low Euro Cat (2) looks like a central player given her inside draw and likely tactical running style. With Pusac Alberto riding for the Condon Schuyler barn, she projects to work out a ground-saving trip either on or just off the pace and has the right profile for a 6 furlong Fonner claiming win if fit and in relatively decent form. Her eligibility condition of not having won in 2026 suggests she has not had recent success, but this is true for the entire field, and her post and potential pace position are decisive positives.​

Eli's Girl (4) is in the same barn as My Golden Bling (1), both trained by Gonzalez Isai V., and she benefits from the services of Birzer Alex, a premier Fonner sprint rider. The combination of a capable trainer and top rider, plus a reasonable mid-gate draw, makes Eli's Girl (4) a serious win candidate if she can secure a pressing or stalking position while saving as much ground as possible. Ms Bumblebee (5), under McNeil Bryan for Haar Robert J., is another mid-gate mare who could benefit if the top pair hook up early and she is allowed to sit a few lengths back and make a grinding run into a modest pace.​

Secondary Choices

My Golden Bling (1) is a nine-year-old with Quinonez Belen aboard for Gonzalez Isai V., and while age is not a positive, the rail post and trainer's presence are enough to keep her in the mix as a secondary win threat or strong underneath play. She may lack the finishing punch she once had, but with an inside trip and a moderate pace, she can cling on for a share even if she cannot finish off the race. Tapit's Lady (6) with Haar Nathan for Bobier Jason is another that could sit a wide-pressing or mid-pack trip; her outside-middle post is workable if she has enough tactical speed to clear into the first turn without losing too much ground.​

Be Bo (7), trained by Hibdon Mark N. and ridden by Medina Jose Angel, must overcome the widest draw in a two-turn sprint on a track that punishes ground loss. She is more attractive as a trifecta and superfecta inclusion than as a key win candidate, but if she breaks alertly and secures a pressing lane into the first turn, she could be competitive for a minor award.​

Longshots

Tiz Hoppin (3), the ten-year-old mare under Ramos Adrian B. for Sorensen Mike, is a hard-knocking veteran who likely lacks the speed or finishing power of her younger rivals at this point in her career. Still, her experience could allow her to navigate the race efficiently and pick up pieces late if the pace becomes more contested than expected. She is a longshot that can be thrown into the bottom of trifectas for some added value.​

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

The race sets up as a logical spot to lean on Low Euro Cat (2) and Eli's Girl (4) as main win and horizontal keys, with My Golden Bling (1) and Ms Bumblebee (5) as secondary options. Exacta players might box Low Euro Cat (2) and Eli's Girl (4), and include My Golden Bling (1) underneath for a 2–4/1–2–4 structure that takes advantage of the Gonzalez barn's two solid entries. For trifectas, one can key Low Euro Cat (2) and Eli's Girl (4) first and second, with My Golden Bling (1), Ms Bumblebee (5), Tapit's Lady (6), and Be Bo (7) in third.​

Selections

Win: Low Euro Cat (2)
Place: Eli's Girl (4)
Show: My Golden Bling (1)

3rd Race – Fonner Park – Friday, March 13th, 2026

Maiden Special Weight, 6 furlongs, dirt, certified Nebraska-bred fillies and mares, purse $15,400, eight runners.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 4:54 PM CT for Race 3.​

Pace Analysis

This Nebraska-bred maiden special weight at 6 furlongs has a blend of lightly raced and likely limited older mares, which often produces early jockey aggression as connections try to seize the advantage in a race where many horses are still searching for identity. Given the track's bias toward early speed and inside draws, expect P R That's Judy (1) to be used forwardly from the rail, with Bootscutin (2) and Jewel Of Bermis (3) in close attendance as they navigate the first turn. With eight runners, the pace should be honest but not necessarily suicidal; the winner will likely come from the first flight or a stalking position just behind it.

Visionary Line (7) is a three-year-old and may possess some natural speed, but her wide draw makes her more likely to tuck in behind the main pace if possible. Party Bug (8) will also need to be sent to avoid losing too much ground, but overall, the shape favors a forward trip by one of the inside trio.​

Key Contenders

P R That's Judy (1) gets a dream rail draw with Ramos Adrian B. for Arceo Luiz Antonio in a race where being on or very near the pace along the inside is a significant advantage. As an older filly or mare at four, she should have some physical maturity, and if she has exhibited even modest early speed in prior starts or works, she is well positioned to control the inside and force others to go around. Jewel Of Bermis (3) under Haar Nathan for Thompson Grady also looks like a key contender from her inside-middle draw, likely to sit a pace-pressing trip that will allow her to pounce if the rail horse weakens.​

K. O. Annie (6), ridden by Fackler Chris for Compton Jesse, is a four-year-old with a decent draw in the outer-middle of the gate, and her connections may look to use her tactical speed to secure a first-flight stalking position. Given Fackler's familiarity with Fonner, K. O. Annie (6) should get a competent ride and may be positioned ideally to capitalize if the inside duo duel each other into fatigue.​

Secondary Choices

Little Bit Joy (4), with Martinez Ricardo for Rivera Gregorio P., is a five-year-old mare whose mid-gate position allows for a flexible tactical plan. She may not be quick enough to contest the lead, but she could sit third or fourth in the two or three path and grind away, potentially picking up a share if the favorites flatten late. Justice Is Coming (5), under Bailon Victor Jadhir for Bobier Bob, is similarly positioned in mid-gate as a possible stalking or mid-pack runner who might improve with the added experience and the Nebraska-bred company.​

Visionary Line (7), a three-year-old for Wise Jason with Medina Jose Angel aboard, might offer some upside based on youth and potential improvement. However, her wide post makes the task challenging; she will either have to break sharply and risk a wide run into the turn or drop back to find the rail and trust her late run, which the track bias does not strongly support.

Longshots

Bootscutin (2) and Party Bug (8) appear more in the longshot category based on their riders and posts. Bootscutin (2) with Pickner Xavier for Burns Dale has the benefit of an inside draw, but without evidence of sharp early speed or form, she may be outrun early and forced to take dirt in her face behind a packed rail. Party Bug (8), under Cunningham Travis for Anderson David C., has the extreme outside post; if she is lightly regarded on the tote, she becomes an outsider needing a perfect break and trip to contend, though she could be used at the bottom of vertical exotics as a wide late-run candidate.​

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

The combination of track bias and posts suggests P R That's Judy (1) and Jewel Of Bermis (3) as the primary win targets. K. O. Annie (6) is a viable alternative or exacta/trifecta partner, particularly if her price is more attractive. Exacta structures could include 1–3 over 1–3–4–6–7, and trifecta players could key 1 and 3 first and second, spreading a bit underneath to include Little Bit Joy (4), Justice Is Coming (5), K. O. Annie (6), and Visionary Line (7).​

Selections

Win: P R That's Judy (1)
Place: Jewel Of Bermis (3)
Show: K. O. Annie (6)

4th Race – Fonner Park – Friday, March 13th, 2026

Maiden Special Weight, 6 furlongs, dirt, certified Nebraska-bred fillies and mares, purse $15,400, eight runners.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 5:21 PM CT for Race 4.​

Pace Analysis

Another Nebraska-bred maiden special weight at 6 furlongs, this race features a mix of older mares and younger fillies, again suggesting that early position and inside draws will be key. Sheeza Elektra (1) has the rail with Bailon Victor Jadhir for Hawley Joe and is likely to be asked for speed to avoid being shuffled back, while Name Her Bluey (2) and Our Fancy Nancy (3) from posts 2 and 3, respectively, also project to be forward given their advantageous inside positions. Work It Now (4) and New Expectations (8) are younger types with possible upside, but both must work out trips from less advantageous posts relative to the bias.

Overall, the pace should be contested but manageable, with at least three inside runners vying for the early lead or prominent stalking positions and the mid/outside horses attempting to either press wide or tuck in behind the inside group.

Key Contenders

Name Her Bluey (2) with Birzer Alex for Wise Jason profiles as a major contender due to her inside draw, likely tactical speed, and rider/trainer combination. Birzer's ability to secure and maintain good inside position through both turns is a significant advantage, and Name Her Bluey (2) can either dictate terms or sit just off the leader and make a strong, rail-hugging run at the head of the lane. Our Fancy Nancy (3), under Martinez Ricardo for Rivera Gregorio P., also shapes as a key contender from her low draw; she can follow Name Her Bluey (2) around the track and look for a seam turning for home.

New Expectations (8), representing the Johnson Marvin A. barn with Cunningham Travis aboard, appears to be a lightly raced or potentially improving type who may be capable of overcoming the poor post with raw ability. Still, she will need a smart ride, breaking well from the outside and either trying to clear the field into the first turn or accepting a wide stalking trip, which historically has been a challenge at Fonner.

Secondary Choices

Sheeza Elektra (1) could be a sneaky secondary contender from the rail if she breaks well and has at least average early speed. The rail draw does carry some risk of a shuffle if she is sluggish from the gate, but if she is ridden to secure position, she can take advantage of the track's inside-preferred configuration and give herself every chance for a breakthrough maiden win. Work It Now (4), with Medina Jose Angel for Anderson David C., sits a solid mid-gate draw and might work out a two-to-three path stalking trip; she is slightly compromised relative to the inside pair but can still be a factor, particularly if she offers a better price on the tote.​

Ladys Into Bling (6), ridden by Pusac Alberto for Anderson David C., is another mid-gate runner with a chance to land in the first flight just outside the leaders. Her exact racing style will dictate her chances; if she is used efficiently to get into a good pressing position with limited ground loss, she can contend for at least minor awards.​

Longshots

Dazzle You My Way (5) and She Aint A Beauty (7) appear more in the longshot category based on their draw and likely pace/trip scenarios. Dazzle You My Way (5) under Ramos Adrian B. for Bliss Richard Dean is drawn just outside the better-positioned inside trio and may be forced to travel wide early if she lacks sufficient tactical speed. She Aint a Beauty (7), with Cardoso David for Chavez Juan, is stuck between mid-gate and the outside; she will likely need a trip-dependent scenario, perhaps a meltdown, to overcome her draw and secure a win, making her more suited to underneath use.​

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

Name Her Bluey (2) and Our Fancy Nancy (3) appear to be the correct starting point, leveraging the inside bias at 6 furlongs. Sheeza Elektra (1) and Work It Now (4) can be included as value-oriented secondary or backup win plays and as key pieces in exactas and trifectas. A practical approach would be to key Name Her Bluey (2) on top of exactas with Our Fancy Nancy (3), Sheeza Elektra (1), Work It Now (4), and New Expectations (8) underneath, while trifecta players can use 2–3 over 1–2–3–4–8 over 1–2–3–4–5–6–8 to cover most plausible outcomes.​

Selections

Win: Name Her Bluey (2)
Place: Our Fancy Nancy (3)
Show: Sheeza Elektra (1)

5th Race – Fonner Park – Friday, March 13th, 2026

Claiming, 6 furlongs, dirt, fillies and mares which have never won two races, $5,000 claiming, purse $7,700, eight runners.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 5:48 PM CT for Race 5.​

Pace Analysis

This non-winners-of-two claiming sprint at 6 furlongs features several horses with some early speed but none that appear to be true need-the-lead burners, suggesting a controlled, tactical pace. Blame Nellie (1) from the rail, Dyin A Thirst (2), and She's So True (4) from mid-inside posts all have opportunities to be prominent early, while A Wicked Number (5) and Delphine (6) from the Gonzalez barn will likely look for stalking or pressing trips. Freckles Forever (7) and Wishful Winker (8) on the outside will need to break alertly and cross over as much as possible to avoid losing too much ground on the two turns.

With several possible pressers and a lack of a standout early rocket, the race could set up for a horse that can sit just off the early lead and pounce turning for home, particularly one drawn inside or in mid-gate.

Key Contenders

She's So True (4) with Cardoso David for Hibdon Mark N. projects as a strong contender from a favorable mid-inside post, with likely tactical speed to put her in the first flight without undue effort. The track's configuration suits her potential running style well, as she can stalk or press along the inside paths and move up into the lane without needing a wide sweep. A Wicked Number (5), under Quinonez Belen for Gonzalez Isai V., is another key contender, assuming she draws into the field and is fully intended; the scratch watch lists her as an also-eligible for a prior race at Delta Downs, which indicates she has been on the cusp of running and should be fit if she's here.​

Delphine (6), also for Gonzalez Isai V. with Birzer Alex aboard, forms the second half of a strong stable duo. Birzer's presence is a major positive, and Delphine (6) can be expected to work out a stalking trip in the two or three path just behind the leaders, ready to move when asked. Given the barn's reputation and typical betting patterns, both A Wicked Number (5) and Delphine (6) deserve serious respect.

Secondary Choices

Blame Nellie (1), trained by Donlin Jr. Larry D. and ridden by Ramos Adrian B., has the rail and should be positioned to save ground throughout. Her ability to hold her position into the first turn will dictate her chances; if she can maintain a spot in the top three and avoid getting shuffled, she is a viable contender. Dyin A Thirst (2), with Martinez Ricardo for Dominguez Joseph M., holds another solid inside post and could be used aggressively to secure early placement, making her a secondary win threat and major exotic player.​

Mollys Mia (3), with Bethke Scott A. riding for Bethke Troy A., is more of a mid-pack type from her inside-middle draw; she can pick up pieces late if the primary pace players soften each other up. Her ceiling might be more suited to minor awards, but she is not without a chance if the race goes her way.​

Longshots

Freckles Forever (7), ridden by McNeil Bryan for Rushton Stetson, and Wishful Winker (8), under Medina Jose Angel for Wise Jason, must overcome outside posts in a configuration that heavily favors inside trips. Both mares can be slotted as longshots with some upside, particularly if either possesses more early speed than the form might suggest and can clear or tuck in behind the first tier of horses. Without that, they risk being caught wide around both turns, making them primarily underneath players at best.​

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

The race offers a good opportunity to leverage the Gonzalez barn's two entries and the Hibdon runner She's So True (4). A practical approach would be to make win bets on She's So True (4) if she offers a fair price and back her up with A Wicked Number (5) and Delphine (6). Exacta players can consider boxes of 4–5–6 as the main combination, and trifecta bettors can key 4–5–6 first and second with 1–2–3–7–8 underneath.​

Selections

Win: She's So True (4)
Place: Delphine (6)
Show: Blame Nellie (1)

6th Race – Fonner Park – Friday, March 13th, 2026

Claiming, 6 furlongs, dirt, fillies and mares which have never won two races, $5,000 claiming, purse $7,700, nine runners.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 6:15 PM CT for Race 6.​

Pace Analysis

This second non-winners-of-two claiming event for the day has more entrants and several apparent early-pace types, suggesting a stronger and potentially contentious early pace. On Speed Dial (1) from the rail, Maybe So (2), Dancing In Rio (3), and Embrasser (4) all have reasons to be forward or at least prominently placed given their inside posts, while Sassi Sky (5) and Volatile Nite (7) may also show speed from mid-gate. Mucho Vapor (6), Marielita (8), and Glitters Andie (9) will need to decide whether to press wide or try to tuck in mid-pack.

Given the combination of several potential front-end players and a larger field, this race is more likely than earlier sprints to develop a more honest or even pressured pace scenario, providing an opportunity for a ground-saving stalker to pick up the pieces late.

Key Contenders

Sassi Sky (5), trained by Gonzalez Isai V. and ridden by Birzer Alex, looks like a major contender and a likely favorite or co-favorite. Her mid-gate draw allows some tactical flexibility; she can press from just off the speed or sit in a stalking position and rely on Birzer to time the move appropriately. Given the trainer's success and Birzer's strong local record, Sassi Sky (5) is a logical horse to build tickets around.

Volatile Nite (7), for Wise Jason with Medina Jose Angel aboard, is another key contender. Despite the slightly wider post, her potential speed and the trainer's ability to have live sprint runners at Fonner make her a serious threat if she can either clear or sit just off the leaders while avoiding excessive ground loss around the turns. Marielita (8), with Ramos Adrian B. for Chavez Veronica, also has some appeal if she can track behind the main pace from her outside draw and make a sustained run turning for home.​

Secondary Choices

On Speed Dial (1), for Donlin Larry D. with Fackler Chris up, is an interesting secondary choice from the rail. If she breaks cleanly and secures the inside lead or a rail-stalking position, she can take full advantage of the bias and prove difficult to reel in late. Maybe So (2), with Pusac Alberto for Gourneau Jerry, and Dancing In Rio (3), under Pickner Xavier for Schindler Kyle, represent additional inside players who can be involved early and potentially hang on for minor awards.

Mucho Vapor (6), trained by Johnson Marvin A. with Cunningham Travis aboard, has a mid-gate draw and might be well suited to a stalking or mid-pack role in a race where many horses are eager to go early. If the early fractions are sharper than expected, Mucho Vapor (6) could be well positioned to run past tiring leaders in the lane.​

Longshots

Embrasser (4), ridden by Quinonez Belen for Gonzalez Isai V., is the other barn entry and might be used as a pace factor to help set up Sassi Sky (5) if the barn elects to be aggressive. However, that is speculative; absent clear evidence, she is best treated as a longshot with some early foot but uncertain staying power. Glitters Andie (9), under Cardoso David for Hibdon Mark N., is marooned in the far outside gate and will need a big effort to overcome the wide post; she can pick up a minor share if things break perfectly in her favor but is a tough sell as a top win candidate.​

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

Sassi Sky (5) is a natural top pick and key in both vertical and horizontal wagers. Players can consider singling Sassi Sky (5) in some Pick 3 or Pick 4 sequences while using limited backup coverage with Volatile Nite (7) and Marielita (8). Exacta tickets could key Sassi Sky (5) on top of On Speed Dial (1), Volatile Nite (7), Marielita (8), and Mucho Vapor (6), while trifectas might use 5 over 1–2–3–6–7–8 over 1–2–3–6–7–8–9.​

Selections

Win: Sassi Sky (5)
Place: Volatile Nite (7)
Show: On Speed Dial (1)

7th Race – Fonner Park – Friday, March 13th, 2026

Allowance, 6 furlongs, dirt, certified Nebraska-bred fillies and mares which have never won two races, purse $16,200, ten runners.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 6:42 PM CT for Race 7.​

Pace Analysis

This is the day's highest-level race, an allowance for Nebraska-bred non-winners-of-two, with a full field of ten and a mix of three-year-olds and older mares. The presence of multiple younger fillies such as Sue Sue (1), Parkin Lot Party (4), and Vern (8) suggests several possible early speed sources, along with older fillies like My Merino Mayor (5) and Heaven Cent (6) who may adopt pressing or stalking roles. No More Shots (9) and Arya Harlyn (10) are drawn wide and may be forced to either send aggressively or risk getting hung wide into the first turn.​

The likely outcome is a solid, contested early pace, with at least three or four horses vying for forward spots, which may set the race up for a tactical stalker who can sit a length or two off the early lead and tip out in the lane, ideally from an inside or middle draw to minimize ground loss.​

Key Contenders

Sue Sue (1), ridden by Birzer Alex for Wise Jason, is a particularly strong contender from the rail. With the rail and a high-percentage local rider, she should leave alertly and either set the pace or sit a pocket trip behind another committed speed horse. In allowance company where raw class and tactical speed matter, Sue Sue (1) checks several boxes and should be prominently featured on most tickets.

Vern (8), with Ramos Adrian B. for Gonzalez Isai V., is another key player despite her wider post. She likely possesses enough early speed to secure a stalking position in the second flight while still within striking range, and the barn's reputation suggests she will be ready to fire in this spot. No More Shots (9), under Quinonez Belen for the same barn, is a somewhat wider but still dangerous runner who may sit just off Vern (8) or try to clear from the outside, depending on her break.​

Secondary Choices

Parkin Lot Party (4), under Cardoso David for Hibdon Mark N., has a strong mid-gate draw and projects as a forwardly placed filly. She can be used early to contest the lead or sit just behind the top pair, and her post gives her options in a race that demands tactical flexibility. My Merino Mayor (5), trained by Hoffman Robert G. with Medina Jose Angel aboard, is another credible secondary contender who may benefit from a pressured pace if she is allowed to settle and make one run.​

Heaven Cent (6), for Anderson David C. with Cunningham Travis, and I'm Better Than Ok (7), with Pickner Xavier for Burns Dale, both sit in the heart of the starting gate and can adopt pressing or stalking roles as race shape dictates. They are logical inclusion candidates in exotics and could win with a favorable trip and a bit of improvement.​

Longshots

Beautiful Judge (2), a seven-year-old mare with Bethke Scott A. for Curran Randy, and Traincy (3), with Bailon Victor Jadhir for Chavez Juan, appear more on the longshot end of the spectrum due to their age and possible limitations relative to younger, improving rivals. Arya Harlyn (10), ridden by Pusac Alberto for Anderson David C., is stuck in the far outside gate and will need to work out a tough two-turn trip; while she could surprise with a big performance, she is more realistically an underneath exotic candidate given the track's bias against wide trips.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

Sue Sue (1) should anchor many wagers in this race, both vertically and horizontally. Players can back her with win bets if the price is acceptable and use her heavily in exactas and trifectas. Logical exacta structures might key Sue Sue (1) with Vern (8), Parkin Lot Party (4), and No More Shots (9), while trifectas could be built around 1 and 8 as main keys, using 3–4–5–6–7–9–10 underneath.​

Selections

Win: Sue Sue (1)
Place: Vern (8)
Show: Parkin Lot Party (4)

8th Race – Fonner Park – Friday, March 13th, 2026

Claiming, 6 furlongs, dirt, fillies and mares which have never won four races or which have not won a race since September 13, 2025, $5,000 claiming, purse $9,200, ten runners.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 7:09 PM CT for Race 8.​

Pace Analysis

The nightcap is a full 10-horse field of seasoned claiming mares at 6 furlongs, a scenario that tends to generate honest to strong early pace. Milliganmikeandme (1), Yvonne's Miss (2), Springtime Moon (3), and Miz Cali (4) all have inside posts and potential early or pressing speed, giving them a distinct positional advantage in the run to the first turn. Funtimegirl (5), Gap Daddy (6), and Goldys Lock (7) are mid-gate runners who can adjust tactically, while Jill's Lemon Drop (8), Aprettylulaby (9), and Aunt Kendra (10) will have to be used carefully from outside posts to avoid losing too much ground around the turns.

Given the projected number of forwardly inclined mares, the race may favor a stalker or mid-pack grinder who can sit inside or in the two-to-three path just behind the leading wave and angle out in the lane.

Key Contenders

Yvonne's Miss (2), trained by Anderson David C. and ridden by Birzer Alex, stands out as a strong contender. Her inside draw and top local rider significantly improve her chances of securing a favorable early position, and despite a scratch note from a prior start at Will Rogers Downs, she should be fit and ready here. She can be expected to either set the pace from just off the rail or sit just behind Milliganmikeandme (1) and Springtime Moon (3), giving her first run on the rest of the field.

Gap Daddy (6), with Ramos Adrian B. for Gonzalez Isai V., also shapes as a major contender. Her mid-gate draw allows a stalking or pressing role without being buried on the rail or hung extremely wide, and the barn's strong sprint profile at Fonner makes her a logical late-day anchor. Funtimegirl (5), another Gonzalez mare with Quinonez Belen aboard, adds depth to the barn's presence in this race and can be considered co-key or at least a very strong secondary contender if she runs to her better efforts.​

Secondary Choices

Milliganmikeandme (1), ridden by Luark Mike T. for Donlin Jr. Larry D., has the rail and should benefit from a ground-saving trip if she breaks sharply. She can be an effective pace participant or stalker and has a realistic chance to remain in the mix deep into the stretch, especially if the track continues to favor inside runners. Springtime Moon (3), under Haar Nathan for Thompson Grady, and Miz Cali (4), with Fackler Chris for Donlin Larry D., both have inside-middle draws and can contribute to the pace while also being logical horses to stick around for minor awards.​

Goldys Lock (7), with Pusac Alberto for Anderson David C., and Jill's Lemon Drop (8), under Cunningham Travis for Johnson Marvin A., have slightly tougher posts but still can make noise if they are quick into stride and able to secure decent stalking spots in the two or three path. They are reasonable exotic inclusions, particularly if overlooked in the betting.​

Longshots

Aprettylulaby (9), with Martinez Ricardo for Rhodes Les, and Aunt Kendra (10), under Medina Jose Angel for Rivera Gregorio P., are outsiders primarily due to their wide draws and the track's configuration. Both mares will need near-perfect trips to win—either breaking sharply to cross over or dropping in and hoping for a mid-pack collapse; more realistically, they can be used sparingly at the bottom of trifectas or superfectas if the betting value is significant.​

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

Yvonne's Miss (2) and Gap Daddy (6) make a strong late daily double or Pick 3 anchor combination. Bettors can lean on Yvonne's Miss (2) in win bets if the odds are fair and back up with Gap Daddy (6) and Funtimegirl (5) as co-keys in exactas and trifectas. A practical approach is to key 2–5–6 in exactas and trifectas, using 1–3–4–7–8 underneath and sprinkling 9–10 in the third or fourth positions for larger tickets.​

Selections

Win: Yvonne's Miss (2)
Place: Gap Daddy (6)
Show: Milliganmikeandme (1)

Jockey Notes and Insights

Alex Birzer remains one of the most effective and trusted riders at Fonner Park, particularly in dirt sprints where his ability to secure early position and save ground around tight turns consistently yields strong results. Today he has key mounts on Hellabella (4) in Race 1, Eli's Girl (4) in Race 2, Jewel Of Bermis (3) in Race 3, Name Her Bluey (2) in Race 4, Delphine (6) in Race 5, Sassi Sky (5) in Race 6, Sue Sue (1) in Race 7, and Yvonne's Miss (2) in Race 8, making him a central figure in both vertical and horizontal wagering strategies across the card.

Ramos Adrian B. is another rider to monitor closely, particularly with inside or mid-gate mounts such as Rectify (3) in Race 1, Tiz Hoppin (3) in Race 2, P R That's Judy (1) in Race 3, Dazzle You My Way (5) in Race 4, Blame Nellie (1) in Race 5, Marielita (8) in Race 6, Vern (8) in Race 7, and Gap Daddy (6) in Race 8. His riding style typically suits the Fonner sprint configuration when he can secure near-rail trips and keep horses engaged in the race early. Riders like Cardoso David, Quinonez Belen, Medina Jose Angel, and Cunningham Travis also appear on multiple live mounts throughout the card, and their performance patterns—particularly their willingness to ride aggressively to the first turn—will be critical in realizing the potential of their mounts on this inside-speed-favoring track.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Isai V. Gonzalez brings a powerful and deep string to today's card, with multiple entries across the claiming and allowance races, including My Golden Bling (1) and Eli's Girl (4) in Race 2, A Wicked Number (5) and Delphine (6) in Race 5, Embrasser (4) and Sassi Sky (5) in Race 6, Vern (8) and No More Shots (9) in Race 7, and Funtimegirl (5) and Gap Daddy (6) in Race 8. His horses are typically well prepared for the unique Fonner sprint configuration, and they often take substantial betting support, which should be taken into account when assessing value. The Gonzalez barn's overall sprint and dirt record, combined with strong rider pairings, makes many of his entrants reliable contenders and key pieces for exotics.

The Wise Jason barn also appears in several key spots today, most notably with Hellabella (4) in Race 1, Visionary Line (7) in Race 3, Name Her Bluey (2) in Race 4, Wishful Winker (8) in Race 5, Volatile Nite (7) in Race 6, Sue Sue (1) in Race 7, and Goldys Lock (7) in Race 8. Wise's horses often possess tactical speed and are placed realistically, making them dangerous in races where they can exploit the track's inside-speed bias. Trainers like Donlin Larry D., Anderson David C., Hibdon Mark N., and Johnson Marvin A. supplement the competitive nature of the card, and their entries should be monitored individually for tote and paddock clues that might suggest readiness or improved form.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

From an overarching perspective, the dominant angle at Fonner Park remains the pronounced inside-speed bias in dirt sprints, particularly at 4 and 6 furlongs. Accordingly, most of today's wagering strategies should focus on horses drawn in posts 1–4 who possess at least tactical speed and the ability to secure ground-saving trips around the turns. Horses drawn outside of post 6 in full fields must offer significant odds overlays or show substantial class edges to warrant primary win support, and in most cases they are better used as underneath exotic plays.​

For multi-race exotics such as a Pick 5 or Pick 4 (depending on which sequences are offered), a consistent strategy would be:

Race 1: Lean on Making Mischief (1) and Glad Ima Hottie (2), with Rectify (3) as backup.
Race 2: Focus on Low Euro Cat (2) and Eli's Girl (4) as primary, My Golden Bling (1) as coverage.
Race 3: Build around P R That's Judy (1) and Jewel Of Bermis (3), with K. O. Annie (6) as backup.
Race 4: Key Name Her Bluey (2) with Our Fancy Nancy (3) and Sheeza Elektra (1).
Race 5: Emphasize She's So True (4), A Wicked Number (5), and Delphine (6).
Race 6: Single or heavily lean on Sassi Sky (5), with Volatile Nite (7) and On Speed Dial (1) as coverage.
Race 7: Use Sue Sue (1) and Vern (8) as mainstays, with Parkin Lot Party (4) and No More Shots (9) as backups.
Race 8: Center on Yvonne's Miss (2), Gap Daddy (6), and Funtimegirl (5), with Milliganmikeandme (1) and Springtime Moon (3) as value toss-ins underneath.

In vertical exotics, bettors should favor exacta and trifecta structures that key inside horses with tactical speed on top, spreading only modestly underneath to capture value longshots who may outrun their odds by saving ground or improving in form cycles. If you prefer a single best value play, Sassi Sky (5) in Race 6 and Sue Sue (1) in Race 7 both profile as horses with the right combination of post, rider, trainer, and projected pace scenario to deliver strong efforts, though final value will depend on the morning line and live tote action.

Tags:

Comments

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

Talkback