Get more in-depth analysis for all races and enjoy many 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 and are generally more accurate.
Mahoning Valley presents an eight-race card on Thursday, November 20, 2025, featuring a mix of allowance, claiming, and maiden special weight races exclusively for Ohio-bred runners. The program begins at 12:15 PM EST with purses ranging from $17,500 for claiming events to $36,200 for the featured second race allowance. Several horses have been scratched from previous attempts, including Pirinola and Running Ash (Race 3), Rumble Strip Ron (Race 4), Dr Spirito, Motown Dream, and Soup Today (Race 5), and Lunchatthelizard (Race 6), reshaping the competitive landscape across multiple races.
The card showcases competitive Ohio-bred racing with trainers Timothy Hamm, Richard Zielinski, and Robin Schuster fielding multiple entries across several divisions.
Weather and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for Thursday, November 20, 2025, calls for mostly cloudy conditions with a high near 49 degrees Fahrenheit and light, variable winds. This represents improved conditions following earlier-week precipitation that brought snow and rain to the region. The dirt track surface is expected to be rated fast, though overnight moisture retention could result in a good rating depending on drying conditions.
The relatively mild temperatures and calm winds should provide favorable racing conditions without significant weather impact on performance. Track management has been proactive about rescheduling cards when severe weather threatens, but today’s conditions pose no concerns.
Mahoning Valley’s configuration features relatively short stretches that limit closing opportunities, making early positioning crucial for success. Post position statistics reveal a moderate inside bias, particularly in sprint races where posts one through four produce higher win percentages. The one-mile races allow for better positional adjustments with the long run to the first turn, though inside posts still maintain advantages for ground-saving through both turns.
Race 1 – Allowance
Post Time: 12:15 PM EST
This one-mile-and-70-yard allowance race for three-year-olds and upward that have never won two races other than maiden, claiming, starter, or Ohio-bred conditions features six runners competing for a $26,400 purse.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario should develop moderately with Mission Control expected to show early speed from the inside post position. Big Lucky and Who Da Boss both possess tactical speed that allows them to secure forward positions without excessive pressure. The extended distance provides ample time for pace adjustments, though horses establishing early position hold distinct advantages given Mahoning Valley’s configuration.
Key Contenders
Mission Control emerges as the morning line favorite at 5-2 odds after narrowly missing in his most recent effort. Handicappers favor the gelding’s consistent form at this level, with the inside post three draw providing ideal positioning for the route distance. Trainer Timothy Hamm conditions the four-year-old gelding, who won impressively at Mahoning Valley on October 21 before finishing second in his most recent start on November 5. The gelding’s ability to rate kindly while maintaining striking position makes him formidable in this spot.
Big Lucky attracted attention at 3-1 morning line odds after a recent runner-up effort. The three-year-old colt trained by Nestor Rivera breaks from post one with Alexander Chavez aboard. The rail position provides ground-saving opportunities through both turns, though the colt must avoid being bottled up along the inside. His form suggests readiness to take the next step in his development.
Who Da Boss offers consistency at 7-2 odds, having competed regularly at this level throughout the season. The four-year-old gelding’s tactical speed allows him to maintain contact with the pace without excessive early pressure. Trainer Robert Gorham has the gelding fit and ready, with Erik Barbaran providing the riding tactics from post four.
Secondary Choices
Hidden Access returns following a victory at Mahoning Valley on November 12, when he defeated Big Lucky by a narrow margin. The five-year-old gelding trained by Timothy Hamm carries 124 pounds with Laureano Sosa aboard from post two. His recent winning form makes him dangerous, though the quick turnaround and slightly higher weight assignment present challenges.
Dr Schuster rounds out the field at 5-1 morning line odds for trainer Robin Schuster. The four-year-old gelding carries top weight of 126 pounds from post five. Jose Bracho takes the mount, seeking to overcome the outside post disadvantage in the six-horse field.
Secret Trouble completes the field at 9-2 for trainer Nestor Rivera. The three-year-old gelding receives a weight allowance but faces a challenging assignment against more experienced rivals.
Selections
Win: Mission Control
Place: Big Lucky
Show: Hidden Access
Race 2 – Allowance
Post Time: 12:43 PM EST
This six-furlong allowance for Ohio-bred three-year-olds and upward that have never won four races offers a $36,200 purse, the richest on the card.
Pace Analysis
Fourdatesforhoco figures to establish the early lead from post four, with Clean Machine providing pressure from the inside. Romanian Prince possesses tactical speed to secure a stalking position behind the pacesetters. The six-furlong distance leaves little margin for error, making the early pace dynamics critical to the outcome.
Key Contenders
Fourdatesforhoco stands as the consensus choice at 8-5 morning line odds following an impressive eight-length victory in his most recent start. Handicappers note the three-year-old gelding turned in a fine effort and looks well-placed to follow up on that dominant performance. Trainer Craig Sweeting has the gelding in peak form, with Luis Alberto Batista providing confident handling from post four. The gelding possesses the highest power ratings in the field and represents the class of this division.
Clean Machine offers competitive value at 2-1 odds after a good runner-up finish last time. The three-year-old gelding trained by Timothy Hamm breaks from post five with Rocco Bowen aboard. Recent form suggests the gelding continues improving, making him a serious threat to the favorite. His tactical speed allows him to track the pace comfortably before launching a late bid.
Romanian Prince provides an alternative at 3-1 morning line odds for trainer Richard Zielinski. The four-year-old gelding has been consistently placed in similar company and figures to factor from his stalking trip. Edgar Paucar takes the mount from post two, ideally positioned to save ground throughout.
Secondary Choices
Silent Drill represents Craig Sweeting’s secondary option at 12-1 odds. The three-year-old gelding makes just his third career start, seeking improvement while facing established rivals. Angel Diaz rides from post three.
Sadie’s Silver Kid faces a challenging assignment at 8-1 odds despite recent competitive efforts. The four-year-old gelding’s form suggests he belongs at a slightly lower level.
Tempered Dream completes the field at 10-1 for trainer Richard Zielinski. The four-year-old gelding seeks to rebound from disappointing recent efforts.
Selections
Win: Fourdatesforhoco
Place: Clean Machine
Show: Romanian Prince
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 1:11 PM EST
This six-furlong maiden special weight for Ohio-bred fillies and mares features nine runners competing for a $31,800 purse. Several scratches from previous attempts have reshaped the field.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario remains uncertain with multiple first-time starters lacking established running styles. Hello Evelyn and Chardu figure to show early speed, with Destiny’s Tot potentially pressing from a stalking position. The maiden nature of the field creates unpredictability in how the race will develop.
Key Contenders
Handicappers show divided opinions on this maiden event given the presence of multiple inexperienced runners. Chardu brings experience with four career starts for trainer Danny Bird. The four-year-old filly carries 126 pounds with Alexander Crispin aboard from post five.
Destiny’s Tot represents trainer Oscar Romero at 12-1 morning line odds. The three-year-old filly makes her latest attempt to break her maiden after several near misses.
Running Ash returns after a gate scratch in her previous engagement. The three-year-old filly trained by Jose Atala draws post three with Fernando Salazar Becerra riding.
Secondary Choices
Hello Evelyn makes her career debut for trainer Deborah Keiser from post one. The three-year-old filly represents the local Keiser barn with Chelsey Keiser aboard.
Pirinola also returns after a veterinary scratch, drawing post four for trainer Sergio Donjuan at 10-1 morning line odds.
The field includes several other first-time starters seeking to make immediate impacts, creating wagering challenges in this unpredictable maiden event.
Selections
Win: Chardu
Place: Destiny’s Tot
Show: Running Ash
Race 4 – Claiming
Post Time: 1:39 PM EST
This six-furlong claiming race for Ohio-bred three-year-olds and upward that have not won two races since May 20 features ten runners competing for a $17,500 purse at the $6,500 claiming level.
Pace Analysis
Multiple speed horses create a contentious early pace scenario. General Winston, Spirit of Akron, and Wildcat Bill all possess early speed, setting up a potential pace duel through the opening fractions. This aggressive early tempo should favor closers and horses with tactical speed to sit just off the pace.
Key Contenders
General Winston drops significantly in class after competing at higher levels. Handicappers note the seven-year-old gelding could bounce back to form with this relief. Trainer Robin Schuster places Noel Vigil aboard from post ten, though the outside draw creates positional challenges. The gelding’s morning line odds of 7-2 reflect confidence in the class dropdown.
Spirit of Akron has been consistent in recent starts at this level. The four-year-old gelding draws post three with T.D. Houghton aboard for trainer Ricardo Bailey. The inside post provides tactical advantages in the contested pace scenario.
Wildcat Bill finished a close second last time out and rates highly among handicappers. The six-year-old gelding trained by Jeffrey Radosevich breaks from post two with Luis Raul Rivera riding. Recent form suggests he’s knocking on the door for another victory.
Secondary Choices
Stone Cold Cat offers value at 6-1 odds from post eight. The nine-year-old gelding possesses experience at this level and could benefit from the expected hot pace.
Mor Crafty represents trainer Robert Guciardo from post four with Angel Diaz aboard. The five-year-old gelding seeks to rebound from recent struggles.
Raise the Purses completes the field at 8-1 for trainer Saul Morales from post nine.
Longshots
Shanghai Prince represents a deep closing threat at 10-1 odds. The seven-year-old gelding trained by Robert Cline breaks from post six with Yan Aviles aboard. If the pace collapses, he could rally late for a piece.
El Marro offers longshot appeal at double-digit odds for trainer Jose Romero. The eight-year-old veteran draws post seven in the competitive claiming event.
Selections
Win: Spirit of Akron
Place: General Winston
Show: Wildcat Bill
Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 2:07 PM EST
This six-furlong maiden special weight for Ohio-bred two-year-olds features twelve runners competing for a $31,800 purse. Multiple scratches have reduced the original field, including Dr Spirito, Motown Dream, and Soup Today.
Pace Analysis
The large field of inexperienced juveniles creates unpredictable pace dynamics. Rivers of Wealth and El Canelo One figure to show early speed, with My Paisan potentially pressing from a forward position. The two-year-old maiden nature makes this race particularly challenging to handicap.
Key Contenders
Handicappers identify several contenders in this wide-open juvenile maiden. Dream Boy draws attention at 6-1 morning line odds for trainer Richard Zielinski. The gelding breaks from post nine with Victor Fernandez aboard.
El Canelo One represents trainer Rey Juarez-Mendoza from post seven with Angel Diaz riding at competitive odds. The gelding seeks to break through in this spot.
My Paisan trained by Tina Casalinova draws post five with Mauro Cedillo aboard. The gelding’s tactical speed could prove advantageous in the large field.
Secondary Choices
Rivers of Wealth makes his career debut for trainer Rodney Faulkner from post six. Alexander Chavez takes the mount on the first-time starter.
Dominating Guy represents trainer Marco Ibarra at 12-1 odds from the rail post with Luis Antonio Gonzalez aboard.
The field includes several other first-time starters with unknown ability levels, creating betting challenges.
Selections
Win: El Canelo One
Place: Dream Boy
Show: My Paisan
Race 6 – Claiming
Post Time: 2:35 PM EST
This six-furlong claiming race for Ohio-bred three-year-olds and upward that have not won two races since May 20 features eleven runners at the $6,500 claiming level competing for a $17,500 purse. Lunchatthelizard was scratched from this event.
Pace Analysis
The competitive eleven-horse field presents multiple pace scenarios. Quiet Amigo and Party Pooper figure to establish the early tempo, with Hotrod Bobby and Crafted potentially pressing from forward positions. The contentious pace should set up opportunities for closers with tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Handicappers focus on several horses with recent competitive form at this level. Quiet Amigo carries top weight of 126 pounds but possesses the class to overcome that assignment. The seven-year-old gelding trained by Elliot Sullivan draws post six with Angel Diaz aboard.
Party Pooper represents trainer Julie Pappada from post eight with Rocco Bowen riding. The four-year-old gelding’s tactical speed allows him to secure favorable position.
Crafted offers value as a four-year-old colt for trainer Travis Short. Edgar Paucar takes the mount from post five in this competitive claiming event.
Secondary Choices
Hotrod Bobby trained by Saul Morales breaks from post three with Brandon Tapara aboard. The five-year-old gelding seeks to improve on recent efforts.
Oaks Honey represents trainer Joseph Poole from post four with Jose Bracho riding. The nine-year-old veteran possesses experience at this level.
Powerful Phil completes trainer Gary Johnson’s entry from post seven with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard.
Selections
Win: Quiet Amigo
Place: Party Pooper
Show: Crafted
Race 7 – Claiming
Post Time: 3:03 PM EST
This six-furlong claiming race for fillies and mares three years old and upward at the $25,000 claiming level features eight runners competing for a $25,600 purse.
Pace Analysis
Lady Wellington and Socialbutterflytam figure to establish the early pace, with Lucky Cougar potentially pressing from a forward position. The sprint distance leaves little time for strategic maneuvering, making early positioning crucial.
Key Contenders
Handicappers identify several competitive fillies and mares in this claiming event. Lucky Cougar trained by Jason DaCosta draws post four with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard. The four-year-old filly possesses tactical speed to secure favorable position.
Mo Co Gold represents trainer Lori Loudin-Smith from post five with Mauro Cedillo riding. The five-year-old mare’s experience at this level makes her formidable.
Lady Wellington trained by Rodrigo Madrigal breaks from the rail with Alexander Crispin aboard. The four-year-old filly seeks to secure early position from the inside draw.
Secondary Choices
Waterworks completes trainer Eddie Clouston’s entry from post two with Deshawn Parker aboard. The six-year-old mare seeks to rebound from recent efforts.
Hartful Hope represents trainer Richard Zielinski from post three with Noel Vigil riding. The five-year-old mare faces competitive opposition.
Socialbutterflytam trained by William Cowans draws post six with Yan Aviles aboard. The four-year-old filly possesses early speed to secure forward position.
Selections
Win: Lucky Cougar
Place: Mo Co Gold
Show: Lady Wellington
Race 8 – Allowance
Post Time: 3:31 PM EST
This six-furlong allowance for Ohio-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward that have never won three races concludes the card with a $35,100 purse and nine runners.
Pace Analysis
Midnight Goddess and Queen Kitty figure to establish the early tempo, with Biondettisnitemare potentially pressing from a forward position. The allowance conditions suggest quality fillies and mares competing for advantageous positioning through the opening fractions.
Key Contenders
Handicappers focus on several fillies with upward trajectories in this allowance finale. Queen Kitty trained by Richard Rettele draws post two with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard. The three-year-old filly’s recent form suggests continued improvement.
Biondettisnitemare represents trainer Rodney Faulkner from post four with Alexander Chavez riding. The three-year-old filly possesses tactical speed to secure favorable position.
Midnight Goddess trained by Hugo Andrade breaks from the rail with Luciano Hernandez aboard. The three-year-old filly seeks to establish early position from the inside draw.
Secondary Choices
Illuminate completes trainer Timothy Hamm’s entry from post seven with Rocco Bowen aboard. The three-year-old filly faces competitive opposition in this allowance event.
Compute This represents trainer David Wolochuk from post five with Chelsey Keiser riding. The four-year-old filly carries 124 pounds in this competitive field.
Vesper Martini trained by Megan Fadlovich draws post eight with Mauro Cedillo aboard. The three-year-old filly seeks to factor in this allowance finale.
Selections
Win: Biondettisnitemare
Place: Queen Kitty
Show: Midnight Goddess
Jockey Notes and Insights
Angel Diaz maintains a strong presence on the card with multiple mounts across several races. The veteran rider’s tactical awareness proves valuable in the competitive claiming and maiden events. Rocco Bowen rides for leading trainer Timothy Hamm in multiple races, including Mission Control in the opener and Clean Machine in the second race. Fernando Salazar Becerra demonstrates versatility with mounts ranging from maiden races to allowance conditions, suggesting trainers value his ability to adapt to various race scenarios.
Mauro Cedillo takes several mounts in the later claiming and allowance races, bringing experience to competitive fields. Alexander Chavez rides for the Rivera barn in multiple races, including Big Lucky in the opener. Luis Alberto Batista partners with favorite Fourdatesforhoco in the featured second race, seeking to continue recent success.
David Haldar takes the mount on Sadie’s Silver Kid in the second race for trainer Richard Rettele. Edgar Paucar rides Romanian Prince in that same competitive allowance event. The jockey colony demonstrates depth with experienced riders competing across the eight-race program.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Timothy Hamm fields multiple strong contenders throughout the card, including Mission Control and Hidden Access in the opener and Clean Machine in the second race. The trainer’s recent success at the meet positions his horses as logical contenders in their respective events.
Richard Zielinski maintains a significant presence with entries in multiple races. The trainer saddles Romanian Prince and Tempered Dream in the second race while also entering Dream Boy in the juvenile maiden. Craig Sweeting fields two runners in the competitive second race with Fourdatesforhoco and Silent Drill, demonstrating confidence in his stable’s form.
Robin Schuster trains both Dr Schuster in the opener and General Winston in the fourth race claiming event. The trainer’s willingness to drop General Winston significantly in class suggests confidence in a rebound performance. Nestor Rivera trains Big Lucky and Secret Trouble in the opening race, showing depth in his allowance-level runners.
Gary Johnson trains multiple horses in the sixth race claiming event, including Gottomakeithappen and Powerful Phil. The trainer’s strong representation in that competitive field demonstrates the stable’s depth at the claiming level.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The featured second race presents the strongest single-race betting opportunity with Fourdatesforhoco offering solid value at 8-5 morning line odds following his dominant last-out victory. A win bet combined with exacta and trifecta coverage using Clean Machine and Romanian Prince provides multiple ways to cash with the top three choices.
In the opening race, Mission Control appears undervalued at 5-2 odds given his consistent form and ideal post position. A win bet paired with exactas covering Big Lucky and Hidden Access creates profitable scenarios if the favorite prevails.
The fourth race claiming event offers value opportunities with the expected contentious pace. Boxing Spirit of Akron, General Winston, and Wildcat Bill in exactas and trifectas captures the likely outcome while the potential pace collapse creates opportunities for longshot Stone Cold Cat in multi-race wagers.
Consider using Fourdatesforhoco in the second race as a single in Pick 3 and Pick 4 wagers beginning with Race 1 or Race 2. The gelding’s class and recent form make him a logical anchor for vertical wagers. Daily double opportunities exist connecting the first two races with Mission Control and Fourdatesforhoco providing strong value at combined odds around 5-1.
The maiden races present challenges for traditional handicapping but offer value in multi-race wagers when using multiple horses. Spreading tickets in the third and fifth races while singling stronger races creates balanced Pick 3 and Pick 4 combinations. Late Pick 4 coverage beginning in Race 5 allows bettors to include multiple juveniles while focusing on the more predictable claiming and allowance races to close the card.
Consider place and show wagering on Fourdatesforhoco in Race 2 and Mission Control in Race 1 to reduce risk while maintaining solid returns on these class standouts. The competitive nature of the claiming races creates opportunities for place and show betting on logical contenders at generous odds.
