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!
Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!
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.
Mahoning Valley Race Course presents a nine-race card on Monday, December 22, 2025, featuring a competitive mix of maiden, claiming, and allowance contests exclusively for thoroughbreds. The card showcases primarily Ohio-bred runners competing for purses totaling over $177,000, with first post at 12:15 PM EST. The holiday week Monday program includes carryovers in both the Pick 5 (starting Race 1, $6,019) and notable claiming action throughout the afternoon.
The winter/spring meeting at Mahoning Valley continues to attract solid fields despite the competitive landscape with simultaneous racing at Parx Racing and Turf Paradise. Jeffrey Radosevich leads all trainers over the past 21 days with an impressive 22 wins from 62 starts, while Jay Bernardini and Timothy Hamm remain formidable forces on the Ohio circuit. The jockey colony features strong performers including Jose Bracho, Rocco Bowen, and Luis Rivera, all of whom bring winning momentum into today’s action.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Mahoning County on December 22, 2025, calls for increasing clouds with a high near 38°F and south winds around 6 mph. A slight chance of snow exists between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, with precipitation probability at 20 percent. These conditions suggest the one-mile dirt oval should maintain a fast to good surface for the early races, with potential for changing conditions if any precipitation materializes during the mid-to-late card.
Mahoning Valley’s dirt surface, which measures 80 feet wide with 3 percent banking in the stretches and 6 percent in the turns, typically handles winter weather well given its modern drainage system. The 1,000-foot stretch provides ample room for closers, though the track has shown a speed-favoring tendency during the current meeting, particularly in sprint distances. Trainers and jockeys will need to monitor conditions throughout the afternoon, as any precipitation could alter running styles and tactical approaches for later races.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Mahoning Valley’s one-mile dirt oval has demonstrated a consistent inside post advantage throughout the current winter meeting, particularly in sprint races at six furlongs. Historical data from recent race results shows horses breaking from posts one through three win at a higher percentage than their odds would suggest, especially when possessing tactical speed. This bias becomes less pronounced in route races, where the two turns allow for more positional adjustments.
The track’s configuration favors horses with early speed who can secure favorable positions entering the first turn. The relatively tight turns and moderate banking create situations where horses breaking from outside posts must use additional energy to secure position, potentially compromising their late-race effectiveness. Handicappers should give added weight to horses drawn inside with tactical speed, particularly in the sprint races comprising the majority of today’s card.
1st Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 12:15 PM EST
Maiden Special Weight for Ohio-bred fillies at six furlongs presents an intriguing opener with reduced field size following the veterinarian scratch of Mshawish’girl. The $31,800 purse attracts five juvenile fillies making their career debuts or seeking their first victory, with morning line odds suggesting a competitive affair.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario projects as moderate to contested, with Golden Haul and Kiddie Cocktail likely to contest the early lead. Franchetti brings tactical speed from post two with Jose Bracho, who excels at securing favorable position from inside draws. No Napping and Mo Thunder appear more likely to settle off the pace, setting up a potential scenario where early speed holds if fractions remain reasonable.
The six-furlong distance on a speed-favoring surface tilts the advantage toward horses breaking alertly and securing forward position entering the first turn. The scratching of Mshawish’girl from post six reduces field size to five, eliminating one potential pace factor and likely creating a less contentious early battle than originally anticipated.
Key Contenders
Kiddie Cocktail emerges as the selection based on the proven Robert Gorham and Erik Barbaran combination. This filly draws post four, which provides tactical flexibility while avoiding the extreme outside. Gorham maintains solid statistics at the current meeting, and Barbaran brings winning experience including recent success in similar maiden company. The 5/2 morning line odds reflect genuine winning chances, and the filly’s breeding suggests she should handle the six-furlong distance effectively.
Golden Haul represents the Nestor Rivera barn with Luis Rivera aboard, a trainer-jockey tandem that produces consistent results at Mahoning Valley. The post five draw positions this filly to either press the pace or secure a stalking trip depending on how the race unfolds. Rivera’s barn has shown proficiency with Ohio-bred juveniles, and the 3/1 morning line suggests respect from oddsmakers and the public.
Secondary Choices
Franchetti deserves consideration as a secondary selection based on the Justin Radosevich training and Jose Bracho piloting. Radosevich ranks among the leading trainers at the meeting, and Bracho’s strong recent form includes multiple stakes victories. The post two draw provides immediate tactical advantage, allowing Bracho to secure position without expending excessive early energy. At 6/1 on the morning line, this filly offers value if the favorites underperform.
No Napping trains with Jay Bernardini, who ranks second among trainers over the past three weeks with seven victories. Luis Batista takes the mount, and while the post three draw is acceptable, this filly appears more suited to stalking or closing tactics rather than contesting the early pace. The 8/1 morning line odds suggest she offers value if early speed collapses, but she faces a challenging task against horses better suited to the likely pace scenario.
Selections
Win: Kiddie Cocktail
Place: Golden Haul
Show: Franchetti
2nd Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 12:43 PM EST
The $7,500 claiming race at one mile for three-year-olds and upward that have never won four races presents a competitive field of six. The purse of $14,900 attracts horses with varied form cycles and running styles, creating multiple potential pace scenarios.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears contentious with All My Life, Third City, and Kykeon all showing propensity for forward position. Jason DaCosta trains All My Life, who returns off a claiming effort where he demonstrated tactical speed. Third City ships in for Julie Pappada after scratching from a previous engagement at Mountaineer, bringing uncertainty regarding current condition but also the advantage of Rocco Bowen’s tactical awareness.
Kykeon emerges from Rey Juarez-Mendoza’s barn with Jose Bracho, a combination that produced a close second in recent action at this claiming level. The presence of multiple pace factors suggests honest fractions, which could set up closers like Streamsong and Why Not Me for late runs. The one-mile distance provides ample opportunity for tactical adjustments, with the two-turn configuration allowing horses to recover from less-than-ideal starts.
Key Contenders
Kykeon stands out as the selection at 7/2 morning line odds based on recent form and the Jose Bracho connection. This gelding finished a closing second in his most recent start and demonstrates tactical versatility that allows him to adapt to various pace scenarios. Bracho’s recent form includes multiple victories, and his ability to judge pace proves invaluable in competitive claiming races. The gelding’s style suggests he can press or stalk depending on how rivals break, providing tactical flexibility.
Third City represents Julie Pappada with Rocco Bowen aboard, a combination that produces consistent results despite the gelding’s spotty recent record. Bowen ranks among the leading riders at the meeting with multiple victories in December, and his ability to rate horses proves crucial in route races. The morning line of 4/1 suggests reasonable value, and the gelding’s breeding indicates capability at the one-mile distance.
Secondary Choices
All My Life trains with Jason DaCosta and draws post one with Fernando Salazar Becerra. The inside draw provides advantage in securing position, and Salazar Becerra brings winning momentum from recent victories including Watch Me Daddy on December 20. At 4/1 morning line odds, this gelding offers value if he can secure the lead and control fractions. However, the pressure from multiple pace factors could compromise his effectiveness.
Why Not Me represents a deep-closing profile for Chad Skelton with Elijah Greenidge. At 6/1 morning line, this gelding offers value if the pace collapses, but he requires perfect setup to overcome his running style disadvantage on a speed-favoring surface. Streamsong shares similar tactical constraints, making both horses dependent on pace scenario rather than individual ability.
Selections
Win: Kykeon
Place: Third City
Show: All My Life
3rd Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 1:11 PM EST
The $26,400 allowance at one mile for three-year-olds and upward that have never won two races other than maiden, claiming, starter, or Ohio-bred conditions attracts a field of six with class and form advantages. This conditions race represents a step up from claiming ranks, with horses demonstrating ability to compete at the allowance level.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario projects as moderate with Secret Trouble and Casual Attire likely showing early speed. Timothy Hamm trains both Casual Attire and Hidden Access, giving him multiple tactical options depending on how the race unfolds. Boldness and Patriarchal appear more suited to stalking or mid-pack trips, while Runningforjoy brings proven closing ability.
The one-mile two-turn configuration favors horses with tactical versatility, as the long stretch allows closers ample opportunity to launch their bids. Recent results at the distance show front-runners can succeed if they control honest but not suicidal fractions. The field size of six creates less traffic concerns than larger fields, potentially benefiting horses with positional versatility.
Key Contenders
Runningforjoy emerges as the selection at 2/1 morning line odds based on recent form and class advantage. This gelding competes regularly at this level and demonstrates tactical speed that allows him to secure favorable position. Trainer Katy Cheeks conditions this runner for peak performance, and Luis Rivera brings winning experience at Mahoning Valley. The gelding’s recent efforts show consistency, and the class level appears appropriate.
Hidden Access represents Timothy Hamm’s barn with Laureano Sosa aboard from post four. This gelding won impressively on April 7, 2025, at the one-mile distance and returns off a fourth-place finish where he showed competitive speed figures. The 7/2 morning line suggests value, and Hamm’s strong stable form indicates readiness. The middle post draw provides tactical flexibility.
Secondary Choices
Casual Attire brings proven ability at this distance with a victory on April 7, 2025. Rocco Bowen takes the mount for Timothy Hamm, creating a formidable trainer-jockey combination. The gelding draws post one, which provides inside position but requires alertness to avoid traffic. At 6/1 morning line odds, this runner offers value if he can overcome the rail draw.
Secret Trouble represents Nestor Rivera with Alexander Chavez, a combination that produces consistent results. This gelding brings tactical speed and appears well-suited to the conditions. The 4/1 morning line reflects genuine winning chances, though recent efforts suggest he faces a challenging task against horses with stronger form cycles.
Selections
Win: Runningforjoy
Place: Hidden Access
Show: Casual Attire
4th Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 1:39 PM EST
The $6,500 claiming race for Ohio-bred fillies and mares at one mile offers a $17,500 purse and attracts seven entries. This conditions race for females that have not won two races since June 22 presents varied form cycles and class levels.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears moderate with Power Banker and Tale of the Lyon likely showing early speed. Diamonds N Dew returns from a veterinarian scratch on December 4 and brings tactical speed under Luis Rivera. State of Grace appears over-matched at 20/1 morning line, while Truly Inclusive and City Signs project as mid-pack to closing types.
The one-mile distance favors horses with tactical flexibility, particularly given the smaller field size that reduces traffic concerns. Recent results show front-runners can succeed at this claiming level if they secure comfortable positions and control fractions. The conditions allowing weight breaks for recent non-winners creates additional tactical considerations.
Key Contenders
Diamonds N Dew stands out as the selection at 2/1 morning line odds despite returning from the December 4 veterinarian scratch. Shane Meyers trains this mare who demonstrates tactical speed and versatility in running style. Luis Rivera’s mount provides confidence, as this jockey excels at rating horses in route races. The mare’s breeding and previous efforts at this distance suggest capability, and the layoff appears tactical rather than health-related.
Power Banker represents Robert Cline’s barn with Brandon Tapara aboard from post four. This mare brings tactical speed and draws a favorable middle post that allows flexibility in securing position. The 5/2 morning line reflects solid credentials, and Cline’s stable maintains consistent form throughout the meeting. The mare’s recent efforts show competitiveness at this level.
Secondary Choices
Tale of the Lyon trains with Joseph Poole and draws post five with Jose Bracho. Bracho’s strong recent form elevates this mare’s chances, and the breeding suggests capability at the one-mile distance. At 8/1 morning line odds, this runner offers value if she can overcome the outside draw.
Truly Inclusive represents Johanna Urieta with Deshawn Parker, a combination that produced a victory on May 12, 2025. However, recent form shows inconsistency, and the mare appears better suited to easier spots than today’s conditions warrant. The 5/1 morning line seems generous given recent efforts.
Selections
Win: Diamonds N Dew
Place: Power Banker
Show: Tale of the Lyon
5th Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 2:07 PM EST
The $5,000 claiming race at one mile for three-year-olds and upward that have never won three races presents a field of eight with an also-eligible. The $12,200 purse attracts horses at the lower claiming levels, creating an unpredictable contest with varied form and class.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario projects as contested with Z Boss, Action Man, and Valid Connection all demonstrating tactical speed. Michael Rone trains Z Boss, who brings early speed from post one under Erik Barbaran. Action Man represents Jason DaCosta’s consistent barn with Alexander Chavez, a combination that produces results at claiming levels. Valid Connection trains with Ivan Calderon and brings tactical versatility.
The presence of multiple pace factors suggests honest fractions that could benefit closers like Cocktails At Noon and Photo Hop. However, the $5,000 claiming level often produces races where horses with positional advantages and tactical speed prove most effective. The one-mile distance provides opportunities for tactical adjustments, particularly given the two-turn configuration.
Key Contenders
Action Man emerges as the selection at 3/1 morning line odds based on the Jason DaCosta training and Alexander Chavez piloting. DaCosta maintains a consistent stable that produces results in claiming races, and Chavez brings tactical awareness that proves crucial at this level. The gelding’s post three draw provides flexibility in securing position without the extreme rail or outside challenges.
Valid Connection represents Ivan Calderon with David Haldar aboard at 7/2 morning line. This gelding brings class from previous efforts and demonstrates tactical speed that allows him to adapt to various pace scenarios. The post four draw provides reasonable position, and Calderon’s stable shows consistency throughout the meeting.
Secondary Choices
Z Boss draws post one for Michael Rone with Erik Barbaran aboard at 5/2 morning line. The inside draw provides tactical advantage in securing early position, particularly important for a horse with front-running tendencies. However, the presence of other speed horses could compromise his effectiveness.
Cocktails At Noon trains with Ricardo Bailey and offers value at 8/1 morning line if the pace collapses. This gelding requires perfect setup to overcome closing style on a speed-favoring surface. Soupersilverdollar at 5/1 represents Tina Ramgeet’s barn and brings tactical flexibility that could prove effective.
Selections
Win: Action Man
Place: Valid Connection
Show: Z Boss
6th Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 2:35 PM EST
The $26,400 allowance sprint at six furlongs for three-year-olds and upward that have never won two races other than maiden, claiming, starter, or Ohio-bred conditions presents a competitive field of six. This sprint distance on the speed-favoring Mahoning surface creates tactical advantages for horses with early speed and inside draws.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario projects as hotly contested with Thunderian, Trigger Point, and Ruffin all demonstrating tactical speed from favorable posts. Jay Bernardini trains Trigger Point, who breaks from post two with Luis Batista, providing immediate positional advantage. Ruffin represents Justin Radosevich with Jose Bracho, a formidable combination at the current meeting. Excitement and Golden Flag appear more suited to stalking positions.
The six-furlong distance favors horses that break alertly and secure favorable position entering the first turn. Recent results show inside posts one through three produce higher win percentages in sprints at Mahoning Valley. The field of six reduces traffic concerns compared to larger fields, though the presence of multiple pace factors suggests honest fractions.
Key Contenders
Trigger Point emerges as the selection at 5/2 morning line odds based on the Jay Bernardini training and Luis Batista piloting combination. Bernardini ranks among the leading trainers at the meeting with seven wins over the past 21 days. The post two draw provides immediate tactical advantage in the sprint, allowing Batista to secure position without expending excessive energy. This runner’s breeding and recent efforts suggest readiness for today’s conditions.
Excitement represents Timothy Hamm’s barn with Rocco Bowen aboard at 3/1 morning line. Hamm’s stable demonstrates strong form throughout the meeting, and Bowen brings winning experience including recent success in allowance company. The post six draw creates challenges in the sprint, requiring Bowen to show his tactical skills in securing position.
Secondary Choices
Ruffin trains with Justin Radosevich and draws post four with Jose Bracho at 2/1 morning line. This represents the Radosevich barn’s second entry in a stakes-level performance, and Bracho’s strong form elevates winning chances. However, the colt faces proven rivals with similar tactical profiles.
Thunderian represents Shane Meyers with Alexander Chavez from post one at 5/1 morning line. The rail draw in a sprint provides significant advantage, particularly for a horse with tactical speed. At 5/1, this runner offers value if he can secure the lead and control fractions.
Selections
Win: Trigger Point
Place: Excitement
Show: Ruffin
7th Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 3:03 PM EST
The $15,000 claiming sprint at 5.5 furlongs for Ohio-bred fillies and mares presents a competitive field of seven. The $21,500 purse attracts females that have never won four races, with varied form cycles and running styles creating multiple potential outcomes.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario projects as contested with Olympic Wings, Kingdom Trails, and Angel I’m Not all demonstrating tactical speed. Richard Zielinski trains Olympic Wings, who brings early speed from post three under Victor Fernandez at 5/2 morning line. Kingdom Trails represents Jevon Crumley with Angel Diaz at 2/1 morning line, suggesting morning line favorite status.
The 5.5-furlong distance creates premium on early speed and alertness from the gate. Recent results show horses that secure favorable position in the opening furlongs maintain significant advantage throughout. The presence of multiple speed horses suggests honest but potentially contested fractions.
Key Contenders
Olympic Wings emerges as the selection at 5/2 morning line odds based on tactical speed and favorable post draw. Victor Fernandez brings winning experience, and the post three draw provides flexibility in securing position without extreme inside or outside challenges. The filly’s breeding suggests effectiveness at sprint distances, and recent efforts show competitive speed figures.
Kingdom Trails represents the 2/1 morning line favorite with Angel Diaz aboard for Jevon Crumley. This filly brings tactical speed and demonstrated ability at this claiming level. The post two draw provides inside advantage, though the presence of other speed could compromise her effectiveness if forced into speed duels.
Secondary Choices
Angel I’m Not trains with Robert Cline and draws post four with Fernando Salazar Becerra at 4/1 morning line. Salazar Becerra brings winning momentum from recent success, and the middle post draw provides tactical flexibility. This filly offers value if she can overcome the speed bias.
Shanghai Delight represents Michael Rone with Luis Rivera at 5/1 morning line from post one. The rail draw in a sprint provides advantage, particularly for a filly with tactical speed. However, recent form shows inconsistency that creates risk.
Selections
Win: Olympic Wings
Place: Kingdom Trails
Show: Angel I’m Not
8th Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 3:31 PM EST
The starter allowance at 1 mile 70 yards for fillies and mares that have started for $5,000 or less in 2024-2025 presents a field of seven. The $17,600 purse attracts proven competitors at claiming levels who demonstrate class above their purchased price.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears moderate with Chess Not Checkers and Redwhiteandtacos demonstrating tactical speed. Jeffrey Radosevich trains both Dreaming of Audrey and Chess Not Checkers, providing his barn with multiple tactical options. Jay Bernardini trains Redwhiteandtacos with Brandon Tapara, a combination that produces consistent results.
The distance of 1 mile 70 yards creates additional tactical considerations compared to standard route races, with the extra 70 yards favoring horses with stamina and tactical speed. Recent results at similar distances show horses that secure favorable stalking position often prove most effective.
Key Contenders
Dreaming of Audrey stands out as the overwhelming 4/5 morning line favorite based on class and recent form. Jeffrey Radosevich’s training combined with Erik Barbaran’s piloting creates a formidable combination that has produced multiple victories. This mare demonstrates tactical versatility and class superiority over today’s rivals. The post one draw provides inside advantage in securing position.
Redwhiteandtacos represents the primary threat at 3/1 morning line for Jay Bernardini with Brandon Tapara. This mare brings competitive form and tactical speed that allows her to adapt to various pace scenarios. The post four draw provides reasonable position without extreme inside or outside challenges.
Secondary Choices
Chess Not Checkers provides Radosevich’s barn with a secondary option at 5/1 morning line with Jose Bracho aboard. This mare demonstrates consistency and tactical speed, though she faces a challenging task against stable mate Dreaming of Audrey.
Gracie Dance trains with Jeffrey Skerrett and offers value at 15/1 morning line if the favorites falter. However, recent form suggests she faces a difficult assignment against classier rivals.
Selections
Win: Dreaming of Audrey
Place: Redwhiteandtacos
Show: Chess Not Checkers
9th Race – Mahoning Valley – Monday, December 22, 2025
Post Time: 3:59 PM EST
The closing allowance sprint at six furlongs for fillies and mares that have never won two races presents a competitive field of seven. The $25,900 purse attracts proven performers seeking to graduate from maiden and single-win status.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario projects as moderate to contested with Arrogarsi, Fashion Victim, and Vanished all demonstrating tactical speed. William Morey trains Arrogarsi, who draws post seven with Deshawn Parker at 2/1 morning line. Fashion Victim represents Brittany Russell with Erik Barbaran at 3/1 morning line from post five.
The six-furlong sprint distance favors horses with early speed and favorable post positions. Recent results show inside posts one through four produce higher win percentages in sprints. The presence of multiple pace factors suggests honest fractions that could benefit stalkers and closers.
Key Contenders
Fashion Victim emerges as the selection at 3/1 morning line odds based on class and recent form. Brittany Russell trains this filly who demonstrates tactical speed and versatility in running style. Erik Barbaran’s mount provides confidence, as this jockey brings winning experience in similar conditions. The post five draw creates mild challenges but allows tactical options.
Arrogarsi represents the 2/1 morning line favorite for William Morey with Deshawn Parker. This filly draws the outside post seven, which creates tactical challenges in the sprint requiring Parker to show tactical awareness. Recent form shows competitive efforts, though the outside draw increases risk.
Secondary Choices
Vanished trains with William Cowans and draws post two with Dylan Machado at 5/2 morning line. The inside draw provides positional advantage, and recent form shows consistency. This filly offers value as a secondary selection.
Kass N Kiki represents Victor Espinosa with Anthony Mawing at 5/1 morning line from post six. This filly brings tactical speed and competitive form, though the outside draw creates challenges.
Selections
Win: Fashion Victim
Place: Arrogarsi
Show: Vanished
Jockey Notes and Insights
Jose Bracho demonstrates exceptional current form with multiple victories throughout December 2025, establishing himself as the leading rider at the Mahoning Valley meeting. His recent wins include Ghostagain on December 8, Holiday Betty and Grand Bey on December 19, and Watch Me Daddy on December 20. Bracho excels at judging pace in claiming races and demonstrates tactical awareness that proves crucial in competitive situations. His mounts today include Franchetti (Race 1), Kykeon (Race 2), Ruffin (Race 6), and Mobil Memory (Race 7), providing multiple opportunities for continued success.
Rocco Bowen, the Barbadian-born jockey, maintains strong statistics at Mahoning Valley with consistent performances throughout the meeting. His recent victories include Corman on December 20, Ultimate Destinatn and Live A Little on December 18, and Toastmaster on December 16. Bowen demonstrates particular effectiveness in allowance company and when partnering with trainer Timothy Hamm. Today’s mounts include Third City (Race 2), Casual Attire (Race 3), and Excitement (Race 6), all representing solid winning opportunities.
Luis Rivera brings winning experience and tactical awareness to his mounts, excelling particularly in route races where his patient riding style proves effective. Recent success includes Pay Zone on December 19 for Gokmen Kaya and consistent placed efforts throughout the meeting. Rivera’s ability to rate horses and time runs in the stretch creates value, particularly when partnering with established trainers. Today’s schedule includes Golden Haul (Race 1), Diamonds N Dew (Race 4), Runningforjoy (Race 3), and Shanghai Delight (Race 7).
Fernando Salazar Becerra demonstrates improving form with recent victories including Watch Me Daddy on December 20 and Running Ash on December 9. His aggressive riding style suits horses with tactical speed, and he shows particular effectiveness when breaking from inside posts. Salazar Becerra’s mounts today include All My Life (Race 2) and Angel I’m Not (Race 7), both drawn favorably and representing solid value plays.
Alexander Chavez maintains consistent performance throughout the meeting, particularly when partnering with trainer Nestor Rivera. This trainer-jockey combination produces solid results in both claiming and allowance company. Chavez demonstrates tactical awareness and ability to adapt riding style to suit individual horses. Today’s mounts include Secret Trouble (Race 3), Action Man (Race 5), Thunderian (Race 6), and Rosetta (Race 7).
Erik Barbaran brings winning experience and tactical skill to multiple mounts on today’s card. His recent success includes Couple Beers Deep on December 16 and consistent performances in maiden and claiming company. Barbaran excels at breaking horses alertly from the gate and securing favorable position. Today’s schedule includes Kiddie Cocktail (Race 1), Z Boss (Race 5), Kinderhook (Race 6), Dreaming of Audrey (Race 8), and Fashion Victim (Race 9).
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jeffrey Radosevich dominates the Mahoning Valley trainer standings with 22 wins from 62 starts over the past 21 days, representing a remarkable 35 percent strike rate. His stable demonstrates exceptional consistency across all race types, from maiden to stakes level. Radosevich’s success stems from patient horse management, strategic placement in appropriate conditions, and strong partnerships with leading jockeys. Today’s entries include Franchetti (Race 1), Ruffin (Race 6), Shes a Storm and Mobil Memory (Race 7), and both Dreaming of Audrey and Chess Not Checkers (Race 8). The barn’s dual entry in Race 8 suggests Dreaming of Audrey as the primary runner with Chess Not Checkers providing secondary option.
Jay Bernardini ranks second among trainers with seven wins from 29 starts during the same period, maintaining approximately 24 percent strike rate. His operation specializes in Ohio-bred horses and demonstrates particular effectiveness in allowance and claiming company. Bernardini’s partnership with jockey Luis Batista produces consistent results, particularly in sprint distances. Today’s runners include No Napping (Race 1), Trigger Point (Race 6), and Redwhiteandtacos (Race 8). The trainer’s recent form suggests all three represent legitimate winning chances in their respective contests.
Timothy Hamm operates a quality stable with multiple entries on today’s card, demonstrating depth and tactical options. His partnership with Rocco Bowen produces strong results, particularly in allowance races. Hamm’s training style emphasizes patient development and strategic placement, allowing horses to compete at appropriate class levels. Today’s entries include both Casual Attire and Hidden Access (Race 3), plus Golden Flag and Excitement (Race 6). The dual entries in both races provide tactical flexibility and multiple paths to victory.
Jason DaCosta maintains consistent performance throughout the meeting, particularly with claiming horses. His operation demonstrates effectiveness in identifying horses suited to specific conditions and placing them strategically for maximum success. DaCosta’s stable shows particular strength in route races where tactical awareness proves crucial. Today’s runners All My Life (Race 2) and Action Man (Race 5) both represent solid value based on recent form and appropriate placement.
Nestor Rivera operates a consistent stable that produces results across claiming and allowance levels. His partnership with jockey Alexander Chavez creates effective trainer-rider combination. Rivera’s training emphasizes tactical speed and positional awareness, attributes that prove valuable on Mahoning Valley’s speed-favoring surface. Today’s entries include Golden Haul (Race 1), Secret Trouble and Boldness (Race 3).
Robert Cline maintains active stable with multiple entries throughout today’s card, demonstrating depth across various race types. His operation specializes in Ohio-bred horses and shows effectiveness in both maiden and claiming company. Cline’s runners include Mo Thunder (Race 1), Power Banker (Race 4), and Angel I’m Not (Race 7). The trainer’s recent form suggests strategic placement in winnable spots.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The Pick 5 carryover of $6,019 beginning with Race 1 creates attractive wagering opportunity for bettors willing to construct creative tickets. A strategic approach involves using singles in the stronger races while spreading in competitive events. Race 1 presents genuine contention among five fillies, suggesting a spread approach. Race 2’s contentious pace scenario recommends including multiple horses. Race 3 offers potential single with Runningforjoy, while Race 4’s claiming conditions suggest spreading. Race 5’s competitive nature demands multiple inclusions. A sample ticket using Kiddie Cocktail and Golden Haul (Race 1), Kykeon, Third City, and All My Life (Race 2), Runningforjoy single (Race 3), Diamonds N Dew and Power Banker (Race 4), and Action Man, Valid Connection, and Z Boss (Race 5) creates 2x3x1x2x3 = 36 combinations at $0.50 per ticket for $18 total investment.
The Best Bet of the card emerges in Race 8 with Dreaming of Audrey, who represents overwhelming class advantage at the starter allowance level. The 4/5 morning line odds offer limited value for win betting, but using this mare as a single in horizontal wagers provides solid foundation for ticket construction. Consider keying Dreaming of Audrey over all in exactas while using her underneath in trifectas with Redwhiteandtacos and Chess Not Checkers.
Value plays exist throughout the card with several horses offering generous morning line odds relative to winning chances. Franchetti in Race 1 at 6/1 represents value based on the Justin Radosevich training and Jose Bracho piloting. Action Man in Race 5 at 3/1 offers solid return potential given Jason DaCosta’s consistent stable and Alexander Chavez’s tactical awareness. Thunderian in Race 6 at 5/1 from the rail draw provides value if he can control early fractions.
Daily Double opportunities exist throughout the card, with the strongest coming in Races 7-8. Olympic Wings (Race 7) into Dreaming of Audrey (Race 8) creates logical combination at reasonable cost. For players seeking higher payouts, consider Olympic Wings with Kingdom Trails (Race 7) into Dreaming of Audrey with Redwhiteandtacos (Race 8) for 2×2 = 4 combinations.
Late Pick 3 covering Races 7-8-9 offers potential for solid returns when combining logical horses with value plays. A sample ticket using Olympic Wings and Kingdom Trails (Race 7), Dreaming of Audrey single (Race 8), and Fashion Victim, Arrogarsi, and Vanished (Race 9) creates 2x1x3 = 6 combinations providing multiple paths to cashing. At $1 per combination, this $6 investment offers reasonable risk-reward ratio.
Exacta boxing in competitive races provides coverage while managing cost. Race 2’s contentious pace scenario suggests boxing Kykeon, Third City, and All My Life for 6 combinations at $2 per ticket ($12 total). Race 6’s allowance sprint recommends boxing Trigger Point, Excitement, and Ruffin for similar structure. These boxes provide coverage of likely winners while maintaining reasonable investment levels.
Win betting opportunities exist with horses offering value relative to winning probability. Olympic Wings in Race 7 at projected 5/2 odds represents strongest win bet on the card given tactical speed, favorable post draw, and competitive morning line. Fashion Victim in Race 9 at 3/1 offers solid return potential based on class and recent form. For players seeking longer prices, Thunderian in Race 6 at 5/1 from the rail provides legitimate upset potential.
The track’s speed bias and inside post advantage create specific wagering angles throughout the card. Horses drawn in posts one through three with tactical speed represent premium betting propositions, particularly in sprint races. This bias suggests emphasizing horses like Thunderian (Race 6, post 1), Shanghai Delight (Race 7, post 1), and Dreaming of Audrey (Race 8, post 1) in wagering strategies.
Rolling exotic wagers beginning with Race 6 and continuing through Race 9 provides opportunity for substantial returns with manageable risk. A sample ticket using all horses in Race 6, Dreaming of Audrey single in Race 8, and top three choices in Race 9 creates Pick 3 with multiple paths to victory while maintaining reasonable cost structure. At $0.50 per combination, a 6x1x3 = 18-combination ticket costs $9 and provides solid coverage of likely scenarios.
