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Mahoning Valley presents a solid Thursday card featuring two key Ohio-accredited stakes races: the Joshua Radosevich Memorial for 2-year-olds and the Bobbie Bricker Memorial for fillies and mares. The 10-race card is anchored by these features in the late afternoon, with a mix of claiming and allowance events filling out the early pick sequences.
The Joshua Radosevich Memorial (Race 9) features a full field of 14 juveniles (including also-eligibles) going 6 furlongs, testing the precocity of this year’s Ohio crop. The Bobbie Bricker Memorial (Race 10) stretches the older females out to 1 mile 70 yards, a configuration that often rewards tactical speed and ground-saving trips.
Weather and Track Conditions
Forecast: Typical Northeast Ohio December weather is expected—cold temperatures hovering in the 30s with overcast skies.
Track Condition: Given the season and recent patterns, the dirt surface is likely to be rated Sloppy or Good (sealed). Mahoning Valley’s surface often holds moisture during the winter meet.
Track Bias: Expect a Speed Favoring bias. In sloppy conditions, the track often plays very kind to early speed. The rail can be golden here, especially in route races (1 Mile 70 Yards), where saving ground into the first turn is paramount. However, handicappers should watch the first few races; if the rail appears “dead” (deep/heavy), jockeys may drift to the 2-3 path.
Jockey and Trainer Notes
Jockey Insights:
Luis Raul Rivera: The dominant rider on the circuit. His partnership with top trainers like Anthony Farrior and Nestor Rivera makes him a must-use in multi-race wagers. He excels at getting horses out of the gate, which fits the track’s speed bias.
Jose Bracho: Known for an aggressive riding style that suits Mahoning’s tight turns. Bracho is currently in top form and often brings home prices in mid-level claiming races.
Erik Barbaran: A patient rider who can be dangerous on closers, though he may need a pace collapse today.
Trainer Insights:
Anthony Farrior: Operates at a high strike rate (often 25%+) when shipping in or running his string here. His horses are typically well-spotted and bet heavily.
Jeffrey Radosevich: A legendary figure in Ohio racing. He has multiple entrants in the stakes races today and his barn usually peaks during these state-bred feature days.
Timothy Hamm: Specializes in young horses and Ohio-breds. His entrants in the juvenile stakes (Race 9) and the allowance (Race 8) deserve extra scrutiny.
Race 1 Analysis
Post Time: 12:15 PM EST
Distance: 1 Mile Dirt
Conditions: Claiming $7,500 (N2L)
Pace Analysis
This route event for non-winners of two lacks overwhelming speed. Sobieski (4) possesses enough tactical foot to control the pace if Rivera sends him. Klimtster (1) and Charlieslitldevil (6) may try to press, but the pace should be moderate, favoring the front-runners.
Key Contenders
Sobieski (4): The clear horse to beat. Trained by high-percentage conditioner Anthony Farrior and ridden by top pilot Luis Rivera, this 3-year-old gelding fits perfectly here. He should be able to dictate terms or sit a perfect stalking trip just off the lead. The Farrior/Rivera combination is deadly in these spots.
Judge Rules (7): A consistent runner who has been knocking on the door. He rarely runs a bad race and figures to be the main danger coming from off the pace if the fractions get too hot.
Secondary Choices
Starofthegame (8): Justin Radosevich trains this 3-year-old who has shown flashes of ability. The wide draw is a slight concern at this distance, but he has the speed to clear if aggressive.
Charlieslitldevil (6): Deshawn Parker aboard is a plus. This gelding can grind out a share of the purse if he avoids traffic trouble.
Betting Strategy
Sobieski is the most likely winner but will offer short odds. A straight Exacta over Judge Rules is the logical play.
Selections
Win: Sobieski
Place: Judge Rules
Show: Starofthegame
Race 2 Analysis
Post Time: 12:43 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Claiming $15,000 (Filly/Mare Ohio Bred)
Pace Analysis
Mizzen the Point (4) and Express Fashion (1) both have early zip. Instigation (2) also shows speed from the inside. A duel is possible here, which could set things up for a stalker.
Key Contenders
Mizzen the Point (4): Drops in class and looks poised to strike. Trainer Paul Overholt has her spotted well, and she should sit just off the inside speed before pouncing on the turn.
Express Fashion (1): Breaking from the rail with Luis Rivera is a massive advantage. If she breaks clean, she could wire this field. Her recent form suggests she is sitting on a big effort.
Secondary Choices
Instigation (2): A 3-year-old filly who has faced tougher company. She gets a weight break and could be dangerous if the top two tire each other out.
Flashy N (3): Nestor Rivera’s trainee is consistent but often finds one or two better. A solid use underneath in exotics.
Betting Strategy
Focus on the speed. An Exacta box of 1-4 covers the likely scenarios.
Selections
Win: Mizzen the Point
Place: Express Fashion
Show: Instigation
Race 3 Analysis
Post Time: 01:11 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Claiming $7,500 (N4L)
Pace Analysis
Paint the Town (7) is the speed of the speed. He should clear the field easily from the outside post. National Story (6) may try to keep him honest, but Paint the Town looks faster on paper.
Key Contenders
Paint the Town (7): The one to catch. Robert Gorham and Fernando Salazar Becerra team up with a horse who looks faster than this group. If he clears early, he may never look back.
Redden (1): Robert Cline’s runner draws the rail. He will need to save ground and hope the favorite stops, but he has the class to pick up the pieces.
Secondary Choices
Mor Crafty (2): A grinder who always seems to be around at the finish. Good for the bottom of trifectas.
Midnight Voyage (5): Inconsistent but capable on his best day.
Betting Strategy
Paint the Town could be a single in multi-race wagers.
Selections
Win: Paint the Town
Place: Redden
Show: Mor Crafty
Race 4 Analysis
Post Time: 01:39 PM EST
Distance: 1 Mile 70 Yards
Conditions: Claiming $5,000
Pace Analysis
A large field often ensures a contested pace. Camp David (11) has speed but is stuck in the parking lot (post 11). Zimba Warrior (5) and Mean Tweets (2) will likely push from the inside. The run to the first turn is short; Camp David must go hard or risk being hung wide.
Key Contenders
Camp David (11): Despite the terrible post, he is the class of the field. Farrior/Batista is a strong team. If he can clear or find a tuck before the turn, he wins on ability.
Zimba Warrior (5): An old warhorse (8YO) with back class. He fits well at this bottom claiming level and should be running late.
Secondary Choices
Royal Dragoon (3): Deshawn Parker riding for Johanna Urieta. A dangerous combination. He should save ground and be running at the end.
Master of the Nite (6): Jeff Radosevich/Luis Rivera. Always respect this duo, though the horse’s recent form is spotty.
Betting Strategy
The post position for the favorite (11) makes him vulnerable. Consider playing against him or using Zimba Warrior as a value alternative.
Selections
Win: Camp David
Place: Zimba Warrior
Show: Royal Dragoon
Race 5 Analysis
Post Time: 02:07 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Claiming $4,000
Pace Analysis
Dream Knight (9) and Bustin Loose (10) have speed from the outside. Unpredictable Bay (7) also has early foot. This sets up for a potential meltdown if they go too fast.
Key Contenders
Dream Knight (9): Has been facing better and drops to the bottom. He should have the tactical speed to sit outside and pounce.
Fat Daddy (5): The 11-year-old veteran is a fan favorite. He has lost a step but knows where the wire is. In a race full of inconsistent cheap claimers, his class might be enough.
Secondary Choices
Florida Gator (6): Jay Bernardini is a sharp trainer with claimers. This one fits on numbers.
Unpredictable Bay (7): Nestor Rivera trainee who can pop a big race occasionally.
Betting Strategy
A chaotic race. Spread deep in Pick 5s.
Selections
Win: Dream Knight
Place: Fat Daddy
Show: Florida Gator
Race 6 Analysis
Post Time: 02:35 PM EST
Distance: 1 Mile 70 Yards
Conditions: Claiming $5,000
Pace Analysis
Shivaree (6) was a graded stakes horse in his prime. He has natural speed. Vinny and Leo (4) will likely be close to the pace.
Key Contenders
Vinny and Leo (4): Jeff Radosevich and Luis Rivera. He has been in good form and should handle the distance well. The logical favorite.
Shivaree (6): A massive class dropper. He finished 2nd in the Florida Derby years ago. Now running for $5,000. If he has anything left in the tank, he crushes this field, but the drop is concerning.
Secondary Choices
Poppy’s Pride (5): Another horse with some back class. Fernando Salazar Becerra rides.
Digital Footprint (3): A plodder who could pick up pieces if the leaders collapse.
Betting Strategy
Vinny and Leo is the safe play. Shivaree is the “X-factor”—bet with caution.
Selections
Win: Vinny and Leo
Place: Shivaree
Show: Poppy’s Pride
Race 7 Analysis
Post Time: 03:03 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Claiming $10,000
Pace Analysis
More Love (7) and Doctor Wu (1) should vie for the lead. Jester’s Song (2) will be stalking from the inside.
Key Contenders
More Love (7): David Wolochuk does excellent work with sprinters. This horse has the speed to clear and the stamina to hold on.
Jester’s Song (2): Anthony Farrior trainee. Draws well inside and should get a ground-saving trip.
Secondary Choices
Doctor Wu (1): The rail horse. If the inside is good, he becomes a major threat to wire the field.
Ernie’s Martini (11): Rocco Bowen aboard. The outside post is tough at 6 furlongs, but he closes well.
Betting Strategy
Box the inside speed (1, 2) with the likely favorite (7).
Selections
Win: More Love
Place: Jester’s Song
Show: Doctor Wu
Race 8 Analysis
Post Time: 03:31 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Allowance (Ohio Bred)
Pace Analysis
Live a Little (1) and Magic Motown (6) are the primary speed horses.
Key Contenders
Magic Motown (6): A 3-year-old facing older horses, but he has talent. Trained by Justin Radosevich, he should sit a good trip outside the other speed.
Live a Little (1): Tim Hamm/Rocco Bowen. The rail draw forces their hand; they must send. If he clears, he could be gone.
Secondary Choices
Kickstart (2): Fernando Salazar Becerra rides for Gorham. Consistent check-getter.
Spectacular d’Oro (5): Luis Rivera rides for Wolochuk. Must be respected on connections alone.
Selections
Win: Magic Motown
Place: Live a Little
Show: Spectacular d’Oro
Race 9 Analysis – Joshua Radosevich Memorial S.
Post Time: 03:59 PM EST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Stakes – 2YO Ohio Accredited
Pace Analysis
A full field of 14 juveniles guarantees chaos. Sammy’s Halo (1) and Sound City (7) have shown speed. Jac’s Doe Maker (8) has shown maturity in recent starts.
Key Contenders
Jac’s Doe Maker (8): Looked professional in breaking his maiden. Chelsey Keiser fits him well. In a race of inexperienced horses, his tractable running style is a huge asset.
Sammy’s Halo (1): Trained by Jeff Radosevich (the race is named after his relative). He will be gunning from the rail. If he handles the pressure, he can win this.
Secondary Choices
Sound City (7): Tim Hamm trainee. Hamm is a master with 2YOs in Ohio. Ignore at your peril.
Rogues a Plotting (2): Luis Rivera takes the mount. That jockey switch signals intent.
Betting Strategy
This is a spread race. Use 1, 7, and 8 in all multi-race wagers. Value lies with Jac’s Doe Maker.
Selections
Win: Jac’s Doe Maker
Place: Sammy’s Halo
Show: Sound City
Race 10 Analysis – Bobbie Bricker Memorial S.
Post Time: 04:27 PM EST
Distance: 1 Mile 70 Yards
Conditions: Stakes – F/M 3YO+ Ohio Accredited
Pace Analysis
Drills Wild Brat (1) has speed and the rail. She is the likely pacesetter. Miz Keeta (10) is classy but drawn wide. Parlay (2) will stalk.
Key Contenders
Drills Wild Brat (1): The controlling speed. At this distance on this track, the rail horse who controls the pace is incredibly dangerous. Rivera and Radosevich will likely play “catch me if you can.”
Miz Keeta (10): Arguably the classiest mare in the field, but the 10-hole is a major disadvantage going two turns. She will lose ground on both turns.
Secondary Choices
Parlay (2): Tim Hamm’s 3-year-old filly gets a weight break and a great post. She sits the garden trip behind the 1.
Mobil Chic (5): A veteran mare who loves this track. She will be running late.
Betting Strategy
Drills Wild Brat (1) is the horse to beat due to the pace scenario and post.
Selections
Win: Drills Wild Brat
Place: Parlay
Show: Miz Keeta
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Best Bet of the Day: Sobieski (Race 1). The Farrior/Rivera combination starting the day in a N2L claiming race is a high-percentage move. He should control the race from the start.
Best Value Play: Camp David (Race 4). While he will likely be the favorite, his morning line might drift up due to the terrible Post 11. If he hits 7-2 or higher, he is an overlaid value given his class edge. Alternatively, Jac’s Doe Maker (Race 9) at 4-1 offers great value in the stakes race against inconsistent juveniles.
Suggested Pick 4 (Races 7-10):
Race 7: 1, 2, 7
Race 8: 1, 6
Race 9: 1, 7, 8
Race 10: 1, 2
Cost for $0.50 ticket: $18.00
