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Welcome to a Sunday afternoon of racing at “The Fonner,” Nebraska's springtime racing tradition. Today's card features eight races, a mix of sprints and route races on the dirt. The highlight of the card is the 6th race, a Maiden Special Weight for Nebraska-breds with a purse of $15,400. We also have a competitive Allowance race to kick off the day in Race 1.

Fonner Park is a unique 5/8-mile “bullring” track. The tight turns typically favor horses with tactical speed and those who can save ground on the rail. The 4-furlong races are a specialty here, starting out of a chute into the stretch, requiring an explosive break from the gate.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecast: Expect a cool but clear day in Grand Island. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a high near 48°F (9°C). Winds will be from the Northwest at 10-15 mph, which could provide a slight headwind in the stretch.

Track Condition: The dirt surface is expected to be Fast. The track maintenance team at Fonner does an excellent job, and barring any overnight moisture, the surface should be fair.

Track Bias:

• 4 Furlongs: The “Fonner Special.” Speed is king. The run to the turn is short (they come out of the chute and hit the main track quickly). Inside posts (1-3) often have a distinct advantage if they can break clean. Closers struggle mightily at this distance unless the pace completely collapses.
• 6 Furlongs: Speed is still dangerous, but the dynamic changes. Horses starting from outside posts can sometimes get hung wide on the first turn of this bullring. Look for horses who can establish position early without being used too hard.

Race 1 Analysis

Post Time: 1:30 PM CST

Distance: 6 Furlongs Conditions: Allowance, 3yo+ NW2L

Pace Analysis

In this small field of six, the pace should be moderate. Army Kid (1) has shown flashes of early foot and draws the rail, which dictates he must go. Ask Arthur (4) and Silver Screen (5) have tactical speed and will likely press the pace. If Army Kid (1) clears early, he may control this race from start to finish.

Key Contenders

Army Kid (1) is the horse to beat. He comes into this race with strong recent form, having finished second in a 4-furlong dash here on February 15th. Stretching out to 6 furlongs should not be an issue given his breeding and running style. The rail draw is perfect for his speed-oriented style on this tight track. Trainer David Anderson has him spotting well here.

Musical (2) draws right next to the favorite and will likely try to sit in the garden spot just off the pace. Kelli Martinez is a sharp trainer, and Alex Birzer is a veteran rider who knows this oval well. If the favorite falters or gets pressured too hard, Musical will be the one pouncing.

Secondary Choices

Silver Screen (5) is an interesting entrant. He was on the scratch watch list for Delta Downs recently but shows up here. If he runs, his class from the Louisiana circuit could make him dangerous, though the transition to the bullring is always a question mark.

Coach Sam P (3) is a grinder who will likely be running late. In a small field with potentially soft fractions, he might find himself with too much to do, but he is a reliable board hitter.

Betting Strategy

The rail horse looks formidable. A straight Win bet on Army Kid (1) is the primary play. An Exacta box of 1-2 covers the most likely scenario.

Selections

Win: Army Kid (1) – 45% confidence Place: Musical (2) – 25% confidence Show: Silver Screen (5) – 15% confidence Alternative: Coach Sam P (3) – 10% confidence

Race 2 Analysis

Post Time: 1:57 PM CST

Distance: 4 Furlongs Conditions: Claiming $5,000, 3yo+ NW4L or Date Restricted

Pace Analysis

This 4-furlong sprint will be a mad dash. La. Grand Slam (4) gets a weight break and has speed. True Jedi (1) from the rail will be forced to send. Hasty Flyer (2) also has early gas. Expect a sub-22 second opening quarter.

Key Contenders

Ko Samui (IRE) (3) is the class of the field. A 7-year-old veteran who has faced much tougher company in the past (including allowance company in 2025). While 4 furlongs might seem short for him, his back class and the fact that he can stalk the likely suicidal pace up front make him dangerous. Nathan Haar is a strong aggressive rider.

True Jedi (1) draws the rail in a 4-furlong race, which is historically a massive advantage at Fonner Park. If he breaks cleanly, he has the shortest path to the wire. Trainer Kelli Martinez places her horses well.

Secondary Choices

La. Grand Slam (4) carries only 120 lbs, a 5-pound advantage over the older males. In these short sprints, weight shifts can make a difference in the final yards.

Longshots

My Golden M (5) is a 9-year-old veteran. He may have lost a step, but he knows the game. If the race falls apart, he could pick up pieces for a share.

Betting Strategy

Ko Samui (IRE) (3) offers the best value as the class dropper, but True Jedi (1) is the speed play. I will play a Win bet on Ko Samui (IRE) (3) and box the 1-3 in the Exacta.

Selections

Win: Ko Samui (IRE) (3) – 35% confidence Place: True Jedi (1) – 30% confidence Show: La. Grand Slam (4) – 20% confidence Alternative: Hasty Flyer (2) – 10% confidence

Race 3 Analysis

Post Time: 2:24 PM CST

Distance: 6 Furlongs Conditions: Maiden Special Weight, 3yo Fillies

Pace Analysis

Maiden races with young horses are often chaotic. Beach Of Dreams (1) and Ava Rose (4) show signs of early energy in their works. Tapper (5) comes from the Hibdon barn, which usually has them ready to fire first time out.

Key Contenders

Tapper (5) represents the powerful Mark Hibdon barn. Hibdon is a dominant force at Fonner Park, and his debut runners must always be respected. Jockey David Cardoso is currently sitting high in the standings.

Tennis Bracelet (3) is trained by Schuyler Condon and ridden by Belen Quinonez. Quinonez is a patient rider, which helps in these 6-furlong events. Look for this filly to be professional in the paddock and on the track.

Secondary Choices

Beach Of Dreams (1) draws the rail. In a field of inexperienced horses, the one who saves ground often gets the check. If she breaks well, she could steal it.

Betting Strategy

This is a race to watch the tote board. The “smart money” often signals the winner in maiden races at Fonner. I'll lean towards the Hibdon entrant, Tapper (5).

Selections

Win: Tapper (5) – 30% confidence Place: Tennis Bracelet (3) – 25% confidence Show: Beach Of Dreams (1) – 20% confidence Alternative: Ava Rose (4) – 15% confidence

Race 4 Analysis

Post Time: 2:51 PM CST

Distance: 4 Furlongs Conditions: Claiming $5,000, 3yo+ NW3L

Pace Analysis

Flashin Chip (1) has the rail and the speed. Palace Attained (5) gets a weight break and will be sending. Piccata Prince (3) will try to stay close.

Key Contenders

Flashin Chip (1) is the selection. Trained by Mark Hibdon and ridden by top jockey Jose Angel Medina, this horse checks all the boxes: rail draw in a 4-furlong sprint, top connections, and speed. It's hard to look past this combination.

Palace Attained (5) is an interesting alternative. The 120 lb weight assignment with apprentice/lighter jockey Xavier Pickner could be the difference maker if the favorite gets dueling pressure.

Secondary Choices

Runnin Buffalo (6) will be coming from the outside. The wide post is tough at 4 furlongs, but Nathan Haar is a capable pilot who can hustle him into position.

Betting Strategy

Flashin Chip (1) looks like one of the most likely winners on the card. He is a standout Single in multi-race wagers.

Selections

Win: Flashin Chip (1) – 50% confidence Place: Palace Attained (5) – 20% confidence Show: Runnin Buffalo (6) – 15% confidence Alternative: Pure Crystal (2) – 10% confidence

Race 5 Analysis

Post Time: 3:18 PM CST

Distance: 4 Furlongs Conditions: Maiden Special Weight, NE-Bred 3yo+

Pace Analysis

Another 4-furlong dash, this time for Nebraska-bred maidens. Suprmangotnutnonme (1) has shown speed in morning workouts (4F in 49.80 recently). Mischief Nick (4) and Milele (3) are lightweights (121 lbs) who will likely show speed.

Key Contenders

Suprmangotnutnonme (1) has the rail and favorable morning workouts at this track. In a maiden race at 4 furlongs, the horse that can break fast and hug the rail often wins. Jose Angel Medina riding for Jason Wise is a potent combination.

Littlejackrabbit (5) is a 5-year-old maiden. While usually a negative sign, in a field of restricted state-breds, experience counts. Travis Cunningham stays aboard.

Secondary Choices

Mischief Nick (4) represents the Marvin Johnson barn. Johnson is a legendary name in Nebraska racing. Keep an eye on this 3-year-old.

Betting Strategy

Suprmangotnutnonme (1) is the pick based on the rail and workouts. A Win bet here is warranted.

Selections

Win: Suprmangotnutnonme (1) – 35% confidence Place: Littlejackrabbit (5) – 25% confidence Show: Mischief Nick (4) – 20% confidence Alternative: My Golden Baby (2) – 15% confidence

Race 6 Analysis

Post Time: 3:45 PM CST

Distance: 6 Furlongs Conditions: Maiden Special Weight, NE-Bred 3yo+

Pace Analysis

A full field of 10 is set for this 6-furlong event. Traffic will be an issue. Reds Cashn Gold (1) and Maximum Chambers (9) will likely send. P R Short Stack (10) has the dreaded outside post and will have to use a lot of energy to clear the field before the first turn.

Key Contenders

Reds Cashn Gold (1) draws the rail in this large field. Nathan Haar should be able to secure a forward position and save ground while others get hung wide. Grady Thompson is a solid trainer.

L R Superstar (8) is a 3-year-old facing older horses, but gets a weight break (121 lbs) and has Jose Angel Medina in the irons for David Anderson. This is a very live runner.

Secondary Choices

Tiz Trophy Time (6) is a 6-year-old maiden. He has likely had many chances, but in this state-bred company, he fits on speed figures.

Maximum Chambers (9) has speed but the post is tricky. If he can cross over, he has a shot.

Betting Strategy

This is a wide-open race. I recommend an Exacta Box: 1-8-9.

Selections

Win: Reds Cashn Gold (1) – 25% confidence Place: L R Superstar (8) – 25% confidence Show: Maximum Chambers (9) – 15% confidence Alternative: Tiz Trophy Time (6) – 10% confidence

Race 7 Analysis

Post Time: 4:12 PM CST

Distance: 6 Furlongs Conditions: Claiming $5,000, 3yo+ NW1Y

Pace Analysis

Requisition (1) and Upstriker (3) are the main speed influences. Spirit's Mischief (4) can stalk.

Key Contenders

Upstriker (3) is the class of the field. Trained by David Anderson and ridden by Medina, he drops into a conditioned claiming spot where he should excel. He has back class that the others lack.

Requisition (1) is a 7-year-old veteran who loves the rail. If he gets loose on the lead, he can steal this.

Secondary Choices

Spirit's Mischief (4) is a consistent check-earner for Schuyler Condon. He will be running late to pick up the pieces if the speed duels.

Betting Strategy

Upstriker (3) is a strong Win candidate.

Selections

Win: Upstriker (3) – 40% confidence Place: Requisition (1) – 25% confidence Show: Spirit's Mischief (4) – 20% confidence Alternative: El Mero Mero (2) – 10% confidence

Race 8 Analysis

Post Time: 4:39 PM CST

Distance: 6 Furlongs Conditions: Claiming $10,000, F&M 3yo+ NW2L

Pace Analysis

Perfect Deal (2) and Forever N Love (6) look to be the speed. Forever N Love (6) gets a massive weight break (116 lbs) as a 3-year-old filly against older mares.

Key Contenders

Perfect Deal (2) is trained by Mark Hibdon and ridden by Medina. This is the “power team” of the meet. She should sit a perfect trip just off the rail.

Forever N Love (6) is the X-factor. Carrying only 116 lbs could make her very elusive on the front end if she breaks well.

Secondary Choices

Running Commentary (3) and American Splendor (9) are capable of hitting the board but need a trip.

Betting Strategy

Perfect Deal (2) is the safest play to close out the card.

Selections

Win: Perfect Deal (2) – 45% confidence Place: Forever N Love (6) – 25% confidence Show: Running Commentary (3) – 15% confidence Alternative: On Speed Dial (1) – 10% confidence

Jockey Notes and Insights

• Jose Angel Medina: He is the dominant rider on this card. He is named on key contenders in Races 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. If you are playing multi-race wagers (Pick 4/Pick 5), Medina is a “must-use” in almost every leg.
• Nathan Haar: Known for aggressive rides, he is an excellent choice for longshots or speed horses, particularly in the state-bred races. He has live mounts in Race 2 and Race 6.
• David Cardoso: Riding very well for the Hibdon barn. When these two team up (Race 3), pay attention.

Trainer Notes and Insights

• Mark Hibdon: The powerhouse of Fonner Park. He has entries in Races 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. His horses are almost always “live” and often take a lot of money at the windows.
• David Anderson: Has a very strong hand today, particularly with Army Kid in the 1st and Upstriker in the 7th. Anderson tends to have his horses fit and ready off the bench.
• Kelli Martinez: Watch her entries in the sprints (Race 1 & 2). She excels with speed horses in short dashes.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The “Medina-Hibdon” Pick 3

Focus on the sequence in Races 3, 4, and 5.

• Race 3: 5 (Tapper – Hibdon/Cardoso)
• Race 4: 1 (Flashin Chip – Hibdon/Medina)
• Race 5: 1 (Suprmangotnutnonme – Medina mount) Strategy: A $1 Pick 3 using 5 / 1 / 1 is an aggressive, low-cost play.

Value Play of the Day

Race 2: Ko Samui (IRE) (3). This horse has back class that far exceeds this $5,000 claiming level. If he is anywhere near his old form, he should crush this field, and you might get a fair price (around 5/2 or 3/1) because of the sprint distance concern.

Exotic Structure: Early Pick 5 (Races 1-5)

Race 1: 1, 2 Race 2: 1, 3 Race 3: 3, 5 Race 4: 1 (Single) Race 5: 1, 5 Cost: $16 for a $1 ticket (or $8 for a $0.50 ticket). This ticket relies heavily on Flashin Chip (1) winning Race 4.