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The Tuesday afternoon card at Mahoning Valley features nine races with a solid mix of claiming events, allowance contests, and a maiden special weight finale. The program offers competitive fields throughout with purses ranging from $11,100 to $33,700. First post is scheduled for 12:15 PM EST with the final race going off at 3:59 PM.
The day's racing takes place deep into the winter meet at this one-mile Ohio circuit, where early speed and inside posts carry significant advantages. Several races feature Ohio-bred restrictions, adding an interesting angle for handicappers familiar with the regional breeding programs. Notable scratches include Luckyhotstuff (Race 3), Citizen and Photo Hop (Race 6), Lady Wellington (Race 7), Cowgirls Humor (Race 8), and Machico Madeira (Race 9).
Weather and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for Youngstown, Ohio on December 9, 2025 calls for cold conditions with temperatures ranging from a high of 30-36°F during the day to lows around 24-32°F. Precipitation probability is relatively low at around 61% early, with winds from 8-12 mph. Current observations from early morning show temperatures at approximately 11°F with gentle breezes.
The track surface is expected to be listed as fast, though horseplayers should monitor for any changes given the overnight cold temperatures. Mahoning Valley features excellent drainage infrastructure with drainage stone beneath the racing surface, allowing conditions to improve quickly after any precipitation. The track is typically sealed tight during winter racing, which tends to favor speed horses who can secure forward positioning early.
Track Bias and Post Position Tendencies
Mahoning Valley exhibits a pronounced inside post bias, particularly in sprint races where posts one through four produce notably higher win percentages. The one-mile oval configuration features relatively tight turns with a 1,000-foot stretch, limiting closing opportunities and making early speed crucial for success.
In six-furlong sprints, inside posts allow ground-saving trips through the turn while maintaining forward positioning for stretch drives. Posts one through three historically demonstrate the strongest winning percentages at sprint distances. The track is banked at 3 percent in the stretches and 6 percent in the turns, a configuration that tends to favor early speed and tactical versatility.
For route races at one mile and beyond, the inside bias remains relevant though somewhat diminished due to the longer run to the first turn allowing better positional adjustments. Speed horses drawn outside often must use precious energy to establish position, while closers from wide draws need picture-perfect trips to overcome the disadvantage.
Race 1 – Claiming $10,000
Post Time: 12:15 PM EST
6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $19,500. For registered Ohio bred fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won three races. Claiming price $10,000.
Pace Analysis
This sprint should feature a contested early pace with multiple fillies possessing tactical speed. Rollin Freedom from the rail and Wings of Heaven both show early foot and will battle for the lead through the opening quarter. Most Adorable can also press the pace if her connections choose. The inside speed duel could set up a favorable scenario for closers, though the track bias favors those securing early positioning.
Key Contenders
Rollin Freedom draws the advantageous rail position and is the morning line favorite at 6-5. The four-year-old filly for trainer Saul Morales with Noel Vigil aboard narrowly missed last time and appears well-placed to reverse that result. The inside draw provides the crucial ground-saving advantage at this sprint distance, and she has shown consistent form in recent starts. The combination of the rail post and her tactical speed makes her the horse to beat.
Wings of Heaven finished runner-up in her last start and returns as a serious threat at 3-1 morning line odds. The four-year-old mare for trainer Richard Genovese with Miguel Martinez aboard has speed figures that make her competitive at this level. She finished behind a similar rival last time but showed enough to suggest she can turn the tables with the right trip.
Most Adorable at 7-2 brings experience and has placed in tougher company recently. The five-year-old mare for trainer Susan Yoder with jockey Luciano Hernandez has demonstrated versatility in running style and could factor if the early pace becomes too contentious.
Secondary Choices
Wild Mariah at 5-1 represents value as an Ohio-bred with local connections. The four-year-old filly for trainer Gary Johnson with Elijah Greenidge shows improving form and could benefit from any pace meltdown up front.
Computer Whiz at 10-1 is a longshot worth considering in exotic wagers. While outclassed on recent form, the five-year-old mare has occasionally shown flashes of ability and trainer Richard Zielinski knows how to get horses ready.
Selections
Win: Rollin Freedom
Place: Wings of Heaven
Show: Most Adorable
Race 2 – Allowance
Post Time: 12:43 PM EST
5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $25,900. For three year olds and upward which have never won two races. Ohio registered foals preferred.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears straightforward with Megastar likely to press forward from post one with Luis Raul Rivera aboard. Rhumbaba and Leo's Legacy both possess tactical speed and should secure good positions early. The shorter distance of 5 1/2 furlongs emphasizes the importance of early positioning, making this a race where breaking well and securing the rail could prove decisive.
Key Contenders
Megastar is the consensus favorite at 9-5 morning line odds and has the best recent form in the field. The three-year-old gelding for trainer Michael Rone exits a fourth-place finish but shows the class edge needed at this level. Breaking from the rail with Rivera is a significant advantage, and this colt has demonstrated the ability to handle pace pressure.
Rhumbaba at 2-1 is a consistent performer with a recent runner-up effort. The four-year-old gelding for trainer Nick Mileni with Helen Vanek aboard has tactical speed and should stalk the early pace from post three. His recent form shows steady improvement and he represents a legitimate threat to the favorite.
Leo's Legacy at 3-1 rounds out the top tier of contenders. The three-year-old gelding for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich with Erik Barbaran has shown ability in recent starts and could improve with another race under his belt. The rail-skimming trip from an inside post will be crucial to his chances.
Secondary Choices
Vidiano at 6-1 has tactical speed but faces a tough assignment moving up in class. The five-year-old gelding with Mauro Cedillo could factor if the pace collapses.
Affair to Remember at 20-1 is a longshot but trainer Jose Romero occasionally finds spots to spring upsets.
Selections
Win: Megastar
Place: Rhumbaba
Show: Leo's Legacy
Race 3 – Claiming $4,000
Post Time: 1:11 PM EST
5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $11,100. For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have not won two races since December 9, 2024. Claiming price $4,000.
Pace Analysis
This claiming sprint for fillies features an open pace scenario with multiple speed types. Tizzy Jojo, Right Trappe, and Full Time Strutin all show early tactical ability and could contest the early lead. The short 5 1/2-furlong distance will see horses quickly into the first turn, where inside posts gain a significant advantage. With eight fillies entered, positioning out of the gate becomes critical.
Key Contenders
Tizzy Jojo at 3-1 morning line draws the favorable outside post eight for trainer Gary Johnson with Elijah Greenidge. The five-year-old mare has experience at this level and Greenidge is among the leading riders at the meet. The combination of proven form at the distance and a hot jockey makes her a solid choice.
Right Trappe at 4-1 for trainer Michael Rone with Luis Raul Rivera offers value. The seven-year-old mare has consistent form and Rivera ranks among the top jockeys at Mahoning Valley. She can secure a forward position and grind out wins at this claiming level.
Full Time Strutin at 6-1 brings tactical speed for trainer Donaciano Gonzalez with Alexander Chavez. The five-year-old mare has shown flashes of ability and Chavez has been riding well throughout the meet. Breaking from post two provides an ideal inside draw.
Secondary Choices
Sabelle at 20-1 is a longshot but trainer Raquel Castro occasionally finds winning spots. The six-year-old mare with German Terraza could surprise at a price if the pace sets up favorably.
Magicgirl at 12-1 represents the Radosevich stable and could factor in exotics. The eight-year-old mare with Joshua Radosevich has local connections that understand the track.
Selections
Win: Tizzy Jojo
Place: Right Trappe
Show: Full Time Strutin
Race 4 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 1:39 PM EST
6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $12,800. For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have not won a race since June 9, 2025. Claiming price $5,000.
Pace Analysis
The pace should be moderate with O Shaughesey and Special Beach likely to press forward early. Quick Recovery and Datttsafancyfox can also secure forward positions. The six-furlong distance at Mahoning Valley emphasizes the importance of the inside posts, with the first four stalls historically producing higher win percentages. The pace pressure from multiple speed types could set up a closer.
Key Contenders
Quick Recovery at reasonable odds looks well-placed after a solid runner-up effort last time. The four-year-old filly for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich with Joshua Radosevich has demonstrated improvement and should appreciate returning to Mahoning Valley. Her tactical speed allows flexibility in running style depending on how the pace unfolds.
O Shaughesey at 7-2 has strong claims after a good second at Mountaineer Park. The five-year-old mare for trainer Jose Bracho with Agustin Bracho brings proven form and the Bracho family connections are always dangerous. She has tactical speed to secure a good position early.
Special Beach at 4-1 cannot be discounted following a placed finish. The eight-year-old mare for trainer Joseph Mahan with Edgar Paucar has experience at this level and could benefit from a contested pace.
Secondary Choices
Timeisgolden at 5-1 for trainer Jose Bracho represents solid value. The six-year-old mare with Jose Bracho aboard has shown consistent form.
Datttsafancyfox at 9-2 brings tactical speed for trainer Johanna Urieta. The six-year-old mare with Angel Diaz could factor if securing an ideal stalking position.
Selections
Win: Quick Recovery
Place: O Shaughesey
Show: Special Beach
Race 5 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 2:07 PM EST
1 Mile Dirt. Purse $12,800. For three year olds and upward which have not won a race since June 9, 2025. Claiming price $5,000. Ten horses entered.
Pace Analysis
The one-mile route should see a reasonable early pace with Kadesh and Pittsburgh expected to contest the early lead. Broadway Sky and Star Shopping can also secure forward positions. The longer distance allows for tactical adjustments, though horses drawn outside still face challenges establishing position before the first turn. This appears to be a race where stalking the pace could prove effective.
Key Contenders
Kadesh at 5-2 morning line is the favorite and narrowly missed last time. The eight-year-old gelding for trainer Craig Sweeting with Luis Batista has proven form at this claiming level and distance. He should secure a good forward position and has the tactical speed to control his own destiny. The Sweeting-Batista combination is effective at Mahoning Valley.
Pittsburgh at 7-2 represents solid value based on recent efforts. The six-year-old gelding for trainer Robert Cline with Victor Fernandez has course-and-distance experience that makes him dangerous. Cline ranks among the leading trainers at the meet and knows how to place horses properly.
Broadway Sky at 4-1 cannot be dismissed. The six-year-old gelding for trainer Michelle Winters with Alexander Chavez has tactical versatility and Chavez is riding well. From post six, he can secure a stalking position and make a late run.
Secondary Choices
Star Shopping at 6-1 has demonstrated ability at this level. The six-year-old gelding for trainer Khadeem Galloway with Angel Diaz could factor if the pace becomes too hot.
Oiler at 8-1 represents value in exotic wagers. The six-year-old gelding for trainer Rodney Faulkner with Erik Barbaran has shown flashes of ability.
Ghost Bike at 12-1 is a longshot but trainer Gerald Crawford occasionally finds winning spots.
Selections
Win: Kadesh
Place: Pittsburgh
Show: Broadway Sky
Race 6 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 2:35 PM EST
1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt. Purse $12,200. For three year olds and upward which have never won three races. Claiming price $5,000. Ten horses entered.
Pace Analysis
The extended distance of one mile and 70 yards should produce a tactical race with Tetched and Z Boss expected to secure forward positions. Action Man and Last U Turn can also press the pace. The longer run to the first turn somewhat mitigates the inside post advantage, though horses breaking cleanly still benefit significantly. This sets up well for horses with tactical speed who can secure good position without using too much early energy.
Key Contenders
Tetched at 3-1 morning line looks well-placed to build on a recent runner-up effort over course and distance. The three-year-old gelding for trainer Anthony Farrior with Luis Raul Rivera has shown steady improvement and the distance should suit his running style. Rivera is among the leading riders and knows how to rate horses properly.
Z Boss at 8-1 has shown ability at this level and could challenge. The three-year-old gelding for trainer Michael Rone with Erik Barbaran gets a favorable weight assignment and breaking from post four allows tactical flexibility. Barbaran is effective on tactical speed types.
Citizen at 7-2 is another with solid claims. The five-year-old gelding for trainer Craig Sweeting with Luis Batista brings proven form and the Sweeting-Batista combination is always dangerous at Mahoning Valley.
Secondary Choices
Action Man at 6-1 for trainer Jason DaCosta with Alexander Chavez brings tactical speed. The three-year-old gelding could secure a stalking trip and make a late bid.
Last U Turn at 4-1 wears blinkers for the first time. The four-year-old gelding for trainer Jose Atala with Fernando Salazar Becerra could benefit from the equipment change. Salazar Becerra ranks among the leading riders at the meet.
Selections
Win: Tetched
Place: Z Boss
Show: Citizen
Race 7 – Starter Optional Claiming $25,000
Post Time: 3:03 PM EST
6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $25,000. For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have started for a claiming price of $15,000 or less in 2024-2025. Claiming price $25,000.
Pace Analysis
This should be a tactical sprint with Lucky Cougar and A Little Canela expected to press forward. Larimar also possesses early speed and could contest the pace from post seven. The six-furlong distance at Mahoning Valley heavily favors inside posts, making the rail draw for Lucky Cougar particularly advantageous. The pace pressure from multiple speed types could set up closers if the leaders duel too aggressively.
Key Contenders
Lucky Cougar at 5-2 looks formidable after winning over course and distance last time. The four-year-old filly for trainer Nestor Rivera with Alexander Chavez draws the perfect rail post and has tactical speed to control the race. Chavez has been riding exceptionally well and the combination of the inside draw plus recent winning form makes her the horse to beat.
A Little Canela at 2-1 steps up in class but brings strong form. The four-year-old filly for trainer Jay Bernardini with Erik Barbaran has demonstrated quality at lower levels. Bernardini ranks among the top trainers at the meet and his horses often improve when spotted properly.
Larimar at 7-2 is a consistent performer at this level. The eight-year-old mare for trainer Eddie Clouston with Luis Batista finished second to Lucky Cougar last time and could reverse that form if securing a better trip. Batista is always dangerous and Clouston knows how to prepare horses for specific spots.
Secondary Choices
Miss Fussy Pants at 10-1 represents the Rivera stable and could factor. The five-year-old mare with Luis Raul Rivera has tactical ability.
Honey Bella at 10-1 for trainer Jay Bernardini offers value in exotics. The six-year-old mare with Brandon Tapara has shown ability at similar levels.
Selections
Win: Lucky Cougar
Place: A Little Canela
Show: Larimar
Race 8 – Allowance
Post Time: 3:31 PM EST
1 Mile Dirt. Purse $33,700. For accredited Ohio bred fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won two races.
Pace Analysis
This Ohio-bred allowance route should see Running Ash and Cowgirltakemeaway pressing forward early. Elopedatthederby can also secure a forward position. The one-mile distance allows horses time to establish position, though those drawn inside still hold an advantage. This appears to be a race where early speed will be respected but not suicidal.
Key Contenders
Running Ash at 8-5 impressed on debut and could follow up. The three-year-old filly for trainer Jose Atala with Fernando Salazar Becerra showed quality in her maiden victory. The combination of recency and improving form makes her the favorite. Salazar Becerra is among the leading riders and knows how to rate fillies properly.
Cowgirltakemeaway at 5-2 placed in stronger company last time. The three-year-old filly for trainer Jennifer Tooley with Yan Aviles has tactical speed and consistent form. She represents a legitimate threat to the favorite and could improve with another race under her belt.
Elopedatthederby at 3-1 has consistent form. The three-year-old filly for trainer Robert Cline with Victor Fernandez fits well at this level. Cline is a leading trainer who knows how to spot Ohio-breds properly.
Secondary Choices
Jilly Runs Deep at 5-1 represents the Cline stable and could factor. The three-year-old filly with Brandon Tapara has shown ability.
Mobil Dream Star at 15-1 is a longshot worth considering in exotic wagers. The four-year-old filly for trainer David St. Clair with Elijah Greenidge gets a weight break.
Selections
Win: Running Ash
Place: Cowgirltakemeaway
Show: Elopedatthederby
Race 9 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 3:59 PM EST
6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $31,800. For registered Ohio bred maidens, two years old.
Pace Analysis
This maiden sprint for two-year-old Ohio-breds should feature competitive early fractions with Mr. Riffle and Unbridled O'Brien expected to show speed. Wisley has demonstrated tactical ability in recent starts. The six-furlong distance for juveniles emphasizes the importance of breaking cleanly and securing position early. With nine colts entered, this appears wide open.
Key Contenders
Wisley at 4-1 has shown improvement with two placed efforts over course and distance and could be ready to break through. The two-year-old gelding for trainer Richard Zielinski with Noel Vigil has been knocking on the door and the experience edge could prove decisive. Vigil is effective on improving juveniles.
Mr. Riffle at 3-1 morning line represents trainer Robert Cline, a leading barn at the meet. The two-year-old gelding with Jose Bracho has shown ability in recent starts and Bracho is among the top riders. Cline excels with Ohio-bred juveniles.
Unbridled O'Brien at 7-2 finished second here previously and warrants respect. The two-year-old gelding for trainer Ivan Calderon with Laureano Sosa has tactical speed and could improve with another race under his belt.
Secondary Choices
Leavetheninetynine at 9-2 has been consistent in recent starts. The two-year-old gelding for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich with Luis Raul Rivera has tactical ability and Rivera is a leading rider.
Leftitforyou at 5-1 represents trainer Richard Zielinski. The two-year-old gelding with Edgar Paucar has shown steady improvement.
Selections
Win: Wisley
Place: Mr. Riffle
Show: Unbridled O'Brien
Jockey Notes and Insights
Luis Raul Rivera is among the leading riders at Mahoning Valley with consistent success throughout the current meet. Rivera demonstrates tactical versatility and strong finishing ability, particularly effective on route horses that need to be rated properly. He rides multiple times on today's card with live mounts including Megastar (Race 2), Right Trappe (Race 3), and Tetched (Race 6).
Alexander Chavez has shown excellent form at Mahoning Valley with steady results across all race types. Chavez excels with tactical speed horses and demonstrates strong timing on stretch runs. His ability to save ground while maintaining forward position makes him particularly effective at this inside-favoring track. Key mounts include Full Time Strutin (Race 3), Broadway Sky (Race 5), and Lucky Cougar (Race 7).
Fernando Salazar Becerra ranks among the leading riders at the meet with proven versatility. Salazar Becerra shows effectiveness across all race conditions and maintains strong partnerships with leading trainers including Robert Gorham and Saul Morales. His ability to judge pace makes him dangerous in route races. Notable mounts include Running Ash (Race 8) and Last U Turn (Race 6).
Erik Barbaran is a consistent performer who excels with tactical speed types. Barbaran demonstrates strong gate skills and effective positioning through early fractions. His partnership with several leading trainers makes him a rider to respect. Key rides include Leo's Legacy (Race 2), Z Boss (Race 6), and A Little Canela (Race 7).
Jose Bracho leads the jockey standings at Mahoning Valley with proven success at the claiming level. Bracho shows tactical versatility and strong finishes on both speed horses and closers. His aggressive riding style suits the track's speed-favoring bias. Important mounts include Mr. Riffle (Race 9) and horses in the Bracho family barn.
Luis Alberto Batista partners frequently with trainer Jay Bernardini and shows effectiveness across all race conditions. Batista demonstrates tactical versatility and strong finishing kicks on closers. Key mounts include Kadesh (Race 5) and Larimar (Race 7).
Noel Vigil is effective on tactical speed horses and shows strong gate skills. Vigil demonstrates good judgment in rating horses and times his moves well. Notable mounts include Rollin Freedom (Race 1) and Wisley (Race 9).
Chelsey Keiser maintains steady form throughout the meet with consistent performances on various types. Keiser shows effectiveness on both speed horses and closers depending on race scenarios.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Robert Cline ranks among the leading trainers at Mahoning Valley and excels with Ohio-bred horses. Cline demonstrates strong ability to identify proper spots for class drops and placement adjustments. His runners often show improved form when spotted at the right level. Key horses include Pittsburgh (Race 5), Elopedatthederby (Race 8), and Mr. Riffle (Race 9).
Jay Bernardini is one of the top trainers at the meet who excels with claiming horses and tactical adjustments. Bernardini's runners often show improved early speed and his partnerships with leading jockeys produce consistent results. Notable entries include A Little Canela (Race 7).
Saul Morales trains multiple runners on the card and shows effectiveness at the claiming level. Morales demonstrates strong placement skills and his horses often improve when dropped to appropriate levels. Key runners include Rollin Freedom (Race 1) and Count On Me (Race 1).
Michael Rone is a leading trainer who shows versatility across all race types. Rone's horses typically show tactical speed and his ability to rate horses properly makes him dangerous in route races. Notable entries include Megastar (Race 2) and Z Boss (Race 6).
Richard Zielinski trains multiple horses on the card and excels with Ohio-bred juveniles. Zielinski shows patience with young horses and his runners often improve with experience. Key entries include Wisley (Race 9) and Leftitforyou (Race 9).
Craig Sweeting demonstrates effectiveness at the claiming level with tactical adjustments. Sweeting's partnership with Luis Batista produces consistent results. Notable runner Kadesh (Race 5) figures prominently.
Jeffrey Radosevich trains multiple horses and shows strong local knowledge. Radosevich's runners typically demonstrate consistency and his family connections at the track provide additional insights.
Jose Atala excels with fillies and tactical adjustments. Atala's partnership with Fernando Salazar Becerra produces strong results, particularly with Running Ash (Race 8).
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Win Bet Focus: Lucky Cougar in Race 7 represents the strongest single betting opportunity. The combination of the rail draw, tactical speed, recent winning form, and Alexander Chavez in the irons creates a high-probability scenario. The 5-2 morning line odds offer reasonable value for a horse with significant advantages.
Exacta Strategy: Race 5 offers an excellent exacta opportunity boxing Kadesh and Pittsburgh. Both horses have proven form at the distance, strong jockey-trainer combinations, and should secure forward positions. The 5-2 and 7-2 morning line odds provide value if both run to their best.
Trifecta Play: Race 2 sets up well for a trifecta box using Megastar, Rhumbaba, and Leo's Legacy. The short 5 1/2-furlong distance and competitive field create potential for solid payoffs. All three have tactical speed to secure good positions.
Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3):
- Race 1: Rollin Freedom, Wings of Heaven
- Race 2: Megastar, Rhumbaba
- Race 3: Tizzy Jojo, Right Trappe, Full Time Strutin
Cost for $1 ticket: 2 x 2 x 3 = $12
Pick 4 (Races 6-7-8-9):
- Race 6: Tetched, Z Boss, Citizen
- Race 7: Lucky Cougar, A Little Canela
- Race 8: Running Ash, Cowgirltakemeaway
- Race 9: Wisley, Mr. Riffle, Unbridled O'Brien
Cost for $0.50 ticket: 3 x 2 x 2 x 3 = 36 combinations = $18
Value Longshots:
- Tizzy Jojo (Race 3) at 3-1 offers value with a favorable post and hot jockey
- Z Boss (Race 6) at 8-1 represents solid value in a competitive route
- Leftitforyou (Race 9) at 5-1 could surprise in the juvenile maiden
Daily Double Strategy: Connecting Race 7 (Lucky Cougar) to Race 8 (Running Ash, Cowgirltakemeaway) provides an excellent opportunity to capitalize on two races featuring class advantages and strong jockeys.
The inside post bias throughout the day makes horses drawn in posts 1-4 particularly attractive in sprint races. Focus wagering strategies on horses with tactical speed who can secure forward positions from favorable draws. Route races offer more flexibility but still favor horses who can establish position before the first turn without using excessive energy.
Multi-race wagers like the Pick 3 and Pick 4 offer the best value given the competitive nature of several races and the potential for overlays when favorites fail to secure ideal trips. Structure tickets using probable winners as singles in the most predictable legs while spreading in the more contentious races.
