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The nine-race card at Mahoning Valley today features a mix of maiden special weights, claimers, and allowance races restricted primarily to Ohio-bred horses. The card presents several competitive fields with solid wagering opportunities across multiple race types. Following yesterday’s Steel Valley Sprint day, the track returns to its regular programming with first post scheduled for 12:15 PM ET.
Race Day Overview
Today’s card at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course consists of nine races with purses ranging from $17,600 to $33,700. The majority of races are restricted to registered Ohio-bred horses, which is typical for the fall meet at this facility. The track is a one-mile oval with an 80-foot-wide surface and a 1,000-foot stretch, featuring banking of 3 percent in the stretches and 6 percent in the turns.
Notable scratches affect today’s card based on the scratch watch information provided. In Race 1, both Evan Come Home and Stoptalkingsarah appear on the scratch watch with stewards and veterinarian scratches respectively. Race 2 shows Gretchens Mane Man on the veterinarian scratch list. Race 3 has Grace Meyers as a re-entry and Plum Tuff listed for gate issues. Race 6 shows Double Agent as a stewards scratch. Race 7 indicates Irish Jubalee and Mr. Sensei with veterinarian scratches. Race 8 has Task Force listed as a stewards scratch. Race 9 shows Motown Story and Star Ella with veterinarian scratches. Handicappers should verify final scratches before wagering.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather conditions for Mahoning County, Ohio today call for rain throughout the day with temperatures reaching a high near 54 degrees Fahrenheit. South winds of 8 to 10 mph are expected with a 90 percent chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half inch are possible during racing hours.
The track surface has been rated fast in recent days with management maintaining excellent drainage that allows conditions to improve quickly after precipitation. However, given the forecasted rain during racing hours, the surface could deteriorate to good or sloppy as the card progresses. Current track conditions showed dirt as fast as of the most recent Equibase update.
Track Bias and Post Position Notes
Mahoning Valley exhibits a moderate inside post bias, particularly pronounced in sprint races where posts one through four produce notably higher win percentages. The one-mile oval configuration features relatively tight turns and short stretches that limit closing opportunities, making early speed and tactical positioning crucial for success.
In six-furlong sprints, inside posts allow ground-saving trips through the turn while maintaining forward positioning for stretch drives. The configuration rewards horses that can secure early position without expending excessive energy. Posts one through three historically demonstrate the strongest winning percentages at sprint distances.
For route races, the inside bias remains relevant though somewhat diminished. The long run to the first turn in mile races allows better positional adjustments, yet inside posts still maintain advantages for ground-saving through both turns. In larger fields, outside posts face significant disadvantages navigating traffic and requiring aggressive early moves to secure favorable position.
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 12:15 PM ET
Post Time
12:15 PM ET – Purse $31,800
This race for registered Ohio-bred maiden fillies and mares three years old and older presents a compact field with scratches reducing the competition. The race features a mix of first-time starters and lightly raced maidens seeking their initial victory.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears mild to moderate with few confirmed speed types in this reduced field. City Blaze has shown some early positioning in her three career starts and may attempt to press or stalk the pace from post three. Holiday Musical has demonstrated some tactical speed in her four career starts. With a short field, the pace should be honest without excessive early pressure, potentially favoring horses that can secure good position early and sustain their run through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Bella Flora enters as the morning line favorite at 8-5 from the advantageous rail position, making her career debut for trainer David Wolochuk with Luis Raul Rivera aboard. By Complexity out of Bellamy Knows, this filly has the pedigree to handle the six-furlong distance. Wolochuk has shown competence with his runners this meet, scoring with Grimes Glen and Practicallyelusive in recent starts. The rail draw is significant given the track’s inside bias for sprint races. First-time starters at Mahoning Valley can be competitive, particularly when trained by established local conditioners.
City Blaze finished third in her most recent start over this course and distance, beaten approximately four lengths when always positioned up in the leading division. The three-year-old filly by Tapiture shows consistent placement in her three career starts with a second and third on her resume. Trainer Kevin Fletcher sends her out with Yan Aviles aboard from post three, another favorable inside position. Her form suggests she is close to breaking through.
Holiday Musical is a four-start maiden for trainer Susan Anderson who adds blinkers for this attempt. The daughter of Maclean’s Music has shown some ability with a fifth-place finish in her latest effort. Victor Lebron rides from post two in a good stalking position. The equipment change could provide the spark needed for improvement.
Secondary Choices
Tampa Teacher returns for the Wolochuk barn after finishing fourth in her most recent outing over this track. The Union Rags filly has shown some speed figures but lacks consistency in her six career starts. Angel Diaz rides from post five.
Longshots
Stoptalkingsarah appears on the scratch watch for veterinarian issues. If she runs, the Snag filly would need significant improvement to compete at this level. Evan Come Home also appears on the scratch watch with stewards issues and is unlikely to compete.
Selections
Win: Bella Flora (1)
Place: City Blaze (3)
Show: Holiday Musical (2)
Race 2 – Claiming $10,000, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 12:43 PM ET
Post Time
12:43 PM ET – Purse $19,500
Accredited Ohio-bred claimers compete in this six-furlong dash for horses that have never won three races. The field features proven competitors at this level with varying degrees of recent form.
Pace Analysis
This race sets up for a contested pace with multiple horses showing early speed. The pace could develop honestly through the opening quarter, potentially benefiting mid-pack runners who can capitalize on tiring front-runners through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Vecchi enters off a solid second-place finish at this track when beaten by Drill’s Boy in a one-mile race on November 7. The four-year-old gelding by Corfu shows the highest speed figures in this field with consistent recent form. Jose Bracho rides for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich from post five, a middle position that allows tactical flexibility. His class ratings and pace figures suggest he fits well against this group.
Redden also comes out of the November 7 race where he finished third behind Drill’s Boy and Vecchi. The five-year-old gelding for trainer Robert Cline has demonstrated consistency at this level. Victor Fernandez rides from the outside post seven, which presents challenges at this track but the horse has tactical ability to overcome the draw.
Seeking Freedom finished fourth in that same November 7 contest and returns to try again. The four-year-old gelding by City Weekend has shown improvement in recent outings. Alexander Chavez rides from post six for trainer Rodney Faulkner. One handicapper selected this runner as their top choice for this race.
Secondary Choices
Smoocher has some back class but has been inconsistent in recent form. Brandon Tapara rides for trainer Saul Morales from post four. The middle draw is acceptable but the horse needs to show improvement.
Vernon’s Best has won at the track but his recent form has been spotty. Miguel Martinez rides from post three for trainer Johanna Urieta.
Longshots
Jim’s River Runner and Gretchens Mane Man (if he runs despite being on the scratch watch) would need significant improvement to factor against this group.
Selections
Win: Vecchi (5)
Place: Redden (7)
Show: Seeking Freedom (6)
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 1:11 PM ET
Post Time
1:11 PM ET – Purse $31,800
Accredited Ohio-bred maidens compete in this six-furlong sprint with seven horses entered. The field includes multiple horses with varied experience levels seeking their maiden victories.
Pace Analysis
Wild Domain may show some early speed based on his running style. Rex Spired has shown some tactical ability in limited starts. The pace could be moderate, setting up for horses with strong closing ability or those that can secure good stalking positions.
Key Contenders
Wild Domain finished second in Race 1 on November 7 at this track, displaying competitive form for trainer Jason DaCosta. The three-year-old gelding by Domain has shown consistent effort and could be ready to break through. Fernando Salazar Becerra rides from post seven, an outside draw that presents challenges at this track.
Plum Tuff appears on the scratch watch for gate issues but if he runs, the four-year-old gelding for trainer Donaciano Gonzalez has shown ability at this level. Noel Vigil would ride from post six. One handicapper selected this runner as their top choice.
Rich On the River takes another crack at maidens for trainer Michelle Winters with Alexander Chavez aboard from post four. The four-year-old gelding has shown some improvement in recent outings.
Secondary Choices
Rex Spired returns after a fifth-place finish on November 3 for trainer Justin Radosevich. Yan Aviles rides from post five.
Rivers Run Fast finished third in the November 7 maiden event and returns to try again from post one. Alexander Crispin rides for trainer Richard Rettele. The rail position is advantageous at this track.
Longshots
Grace Meyers and My for O One Kay would need significant improvement to factor.
Selections
Win: Wild Domain (7)
Place: Plum Tuff (6)
Show: Rivers Run Fast (1)
Race 4 – Allowance, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 1:39 PM ET
Post Time
1:39 PM ET – Purse $33,700
Registered Ohio-bred fillies and mares compete in this allowance sprint for horses that have never won two races. This is one of the stronger fields on the card.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario could develop with multiple horses showing tactical speed. Siofra and Lady Loves Money have both displayed early positioning in recent races. The honest pace could set up for closers, though the tight turns at Mahoning Valley limit the effectiveness of deep closers.
Key Contenders
Deniable enters as the morning line favorite at 8-5 after a close second in a similar race last time out. The five-year-old mare by Fed Biz has strong form and looks the one to beat based on recent performance. Yan Aviles rides for trainer William Cowans from post two, an excellent inside position at this track. Form analysis suggests this mare has the edge on class.
Vesper Martini was scratched from a November 20 allowance race by stewards and returns to try this spot. The three-year-old filly by Painted Turnpike won impressively on her latest completed start. David Haldar rides for trainer Megan Fadlovich from the rail. If she handles the rail position well, she could be the main danger to the favorite.
Jilly Runs Deep could be dangerous after a dominant maiden win according to form analysis. The three-year-old filly by Rivers Run Deep for trainer Robert Cline has Brandon Tapara aboard from post six. One handicapper selected this runner as their top choice for this race.
Secondary Choices
Siofra returns for trainer David Wolochuk after recent form at Thistledown where she showed ability. Mauro Cedillo rides from post five.
Secret Valentine represents trainer Timothy Hamm with Rocco Bowen aboard from post three. The three-year-old filly by Global Campaign is making her first start for this barn.
Longshots
Lady Loves Money and Sunny Lion would need career-best efforts to compete with the top choices.
Selections
Win: Deniable (2)
Place: Vesper Martini (1)
Show: Jilly Runs Deep (6)
Race 5 – Claiming $8,000, 1 Mile Dirt, 2:07 PM ET
Post Time
2:07 PM ET – Purse $17,600
Fillies and mares compete at the one-mile distance in this claiming race. The extended distance could shuffle the order compared to sprint races.
Pace Analysis
The one-mile distance changes pace dynamics significantly from the sprints. Multiple horses in this field have shown some early speed, which could create an honest pace through the opening half-mile. Closers positioned mid-pack through the first turn may have opportunities if the pace is contested.
Key Contenders
Kozem looks well-placed to follow up on her impressive last-time-out win according to form analysis. The four-year-old filly by Enticed for trainer Jami Poole has Yan Aviles aboard from post two. Her recent form suggests she fits well at this level.
Lubu can bounce back from a recent defeat to chase according to form analysis. The four-year-old filly by Brethren for trainer Nestor Rivera has Alexander Chavez aboard from post six. She finished second on November 12 and has shown consistency at this level.
Sacred Connection enters with competitive recent form for trainer Ricardo Bailey. Elijah Greenidge, who rides with a five-pound apprentice allowance, takes the mount from post three. One handicapper selected this runner as their top choice.
Secondary Choices
Liam’s Lass has some back class but needs improvement off recent form. Jose Bracho rides for trainer Jevon Crumley from the rail.
Divine Fashion and Magic Palace have shown flashes but lack consistency.
Longshots
Pasta Salad Rhonda appears on the scratch watch for veterinarian issues. Ceviche and Beautiful Mandate would need improvement to factor.
Selections
Win: Kozem (2)
Place: Lubu (6)
Show: Sacred Connection (3)
Race 6 – Claiming $10,000, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 2:35 PM ET
Post Time
2:35 PM ET – Purse $19,500
Registered Ohio-bred claimers return for another six-furlong dash. Double Agent appears on the scratch watch which could reduce this field.
Pace Analysis
If the field remains intact, multiple speed types could create an honest pace. The pace scenario benefits stalkers and mid-pack runners if the early fractions are contested.
Key Contenders
A Van On the Run is listed as the morning line favorite at 8-5 for trainer Candace Huffman with Joam Toledo aboard from post seven. The outside draw is challenging at this track but the horse has shown ability at this level.
Double Agent appears on the scratch watch as a stewards scratch. If he runs, the four-year-old gelding for trainer Timothy Hamm with Rocco Bowen would be a major player from post one.
Leroyisalagniappe gets the call from one handicapper as their top selection. The seven-year-old gelding for trainer Kristina Tumblin has Chelsey Keiser aboard from post five. He has experience at this level.
Secondary Choices
Man’s Choice has shown some form for trainer Richard Zielinski. Brandon Tapara rides from post three.
Showtime Boy and Rambler are in the mix but would need improvement to threaten the top choices.
Longshots
Harsh Truth at 20-1 morning line would need a career effort.
Selections
Win: A Van On the Run (7)
Place: Leroyisalagniappe (5)
Show: Man’s Choice (3)
Race 7 – Allowance, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 3:03 PM ET
Post Time
3:03 PM ET – Purse $25,900
Two-year-olds compete in this allowance sprint for horses that have never won two races. This is one of the more competitive juvenile races on the card with scratches affecting the field.
Pace Analysis
The juvenile field creates uncertainty in pace projections. Multiple horses have shown some tactical ability but the inexperience factor makes pace analysis challenging. Expect a moderately contested pace with horses still learning their craft.
Key Contenders
Irish Jubalee is listed at 2-1 morning line but appears on the scratch watch for veterinarian issues. If he runs, the two-year-old colt for trainer Anthony Farrior with Luis Raul Rivera aboard would be a major contender.
Pupil enters off a runner-up finish on November 6 for trainer Nestor Rivera. The two-year-old colt by Tacitus has shown improvement and broke his maiden at Thistledown in impressive fashion. Alexander Chavez rides from post six. His recent form suggests he is competitive at this level.
Supersonic Agenda represents trainer Ricardo Bailey, who has shown competence with juveniles. T.D. Houghton rides the two-year-old filly by Known Agenda from post one. One handicapper selected this runner as their top choice. The rail draw is significant at this track.
Secondary Choices
Johnny Lies is a two-year-old gelding for trainer Anthony Farrior with Yan Aviles aboard from post four.
Distant Galaxy for trainer Robert Gorham has Erik Barbaran riding from post two.
Longshots
Mr. Sensei appears on the scratch watch. Lil Red Beaudette and Shukran would need improvement to factor.
Selections
Win: Pupil (6)
Place: Supersonic Agenda (1)
Show: Johnny Lies (4)
Race 8 – Allowance, 1 Mile Dirt, 3:31 PM ET
Post Time
3:31 PM ET – Purse $25,900
The one-mile allowance for three-year-olds and upward features a competitive field. Task Force appears on the scratch watch which would affect the complexion of this race.
Pace Analysis
The mile distance allows for pace development through the clubhouse turn. Multiple horses in this field have shown tactical versatility. The pace should be honest without being suicidal, potentially favoring horses that can rate just off the leaders and kick through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Knicks Gate is listed at 5-2 morning line after finishing second on November 7 at this track. The four-year-old colt by Arrogate for trainer Ben Colebrook has Jose Bracho aboard from post four. His recent form shows consistency at this level.
Megastar is listed at 7-2 morning line for trainer Michael Rone with Luis Raul Rivera aboard from post three. The three-year-old gelding has shown ability and the inside-middle draw is favorable.
Task Force appears on the scratch watch for stewards issues. If he runs, the three-year-old gelding for trainer Anthony Farrior would be competitive. One handicapper selected this runner as their top choice.
Secondary Choices
Biscotti has shown some form for trainer Krista Nicole Hetrick with Yan Aviles aboard from post seven.
It’s Last Call and Wings Of God are in the mix but would need improvement.
Longshots
Vidiano, Star Quality, and Globetrotting would need career efforts to factor.
Selections
Win: Knicks Gate (4)
Place: Megastar (3)
Show: Biscotti (7)
Race 9 – Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs Dirt, 3:59 PM ET
Post Time
3:59 PM ET – Purse $24,300
Two-year-old fillies compete in this maiden sprint to close the card. Multiple scratches on the scratch watch will affect this field.
Pace Analysis
The juvenile filly maiden creates pace uncertainty. First-time starters and lightly raced fillies make projections challenging. Expect a moderate pace with horses still learning their running styles.
Key Contenders
Olive On Top returns for trainer Justin Radosevich after finishing fourth on November 7. Yan Aviles rides from post four. Radosevich has shown a strong win percentage in limited starts at the meet.
Scary Jerry represents trainer Eric Reed with David Haldar aboard from post five. The blinkers addition may help this filly focus.
Ten Reflect enters for trainer Manuel Vlaun with Angel Diaz riding from the rail. The inside draw is significant at this track.
Secondary Choices
Star Ella appears on the scratch watch for veterinarian issues. If she runs, the filly for trainer Nestor Rivera would be competitive.
Motown Story also appears on the scratch watch. If she runs, the filly for trainer David Wolochuk has shown some ability.
Longshots
Dotted Dream, Far Reaching, and Unchained Spirit would need improvement to factor. Supersonic Agenda appears twice on the card (Race 7 and possibly confusion with Race 9).
Selections
Win: Olive On Top (4)
Place: Scary Jerry (5)
Show: Ten Reflect (1)
Jockey Notes and Insights
Yan Aviles has multiple mounts across the card today and has shown solid recent form at the track. His November record includes multiple wins and competitive placements. He has shown particular effectiveness in claiming and allowance races.
Luis Raul Rivera has several key mounts including Bella Flora in Race 1 and Megastar in Race 8. The veteran rider has shown consistency at Mahoning Valley throughout the fall meet.
Rocco Bowen, an experienced journeyman originally from Barbados, has over 1,000 career wins and a 17% win rate for 2025. He rides for Timothy Hamm in Race 4 (Secret Valentine) and has won at the track multiple times this fall.
Jose Bracho has been competitive at the meet, particularly in claiming and allowance races. His mounts today include Vecchi in Race 2 and Knicks Gate in Race 8. His aggressive riding style suits the tight-turn configuration at Mahoning Valley.
Alexander Chavez has multiple mounts and shows a solid win percentage at the track. His tactical riding style is well-suited to the inside bias.
Angel Diaz rides for several live barns today and has shown consistent form throughout the fall meet.
Trainer Notes and Insights
David Wolochuk has multiple entries today including Bella Flora (Race 1), Tampa Teacher (Race 1), and Siofra (Race 4). The trainer has shown recent success with Grimes Glen and Practicallyelusive winning at the track. His barn has a strong win percentage with Ohio-bred runners.
Robert Cline is a prominent Ohio-based trainer who recently acquired Higher Power to stand at his R.C. Cline Thoroughbred Farm for the 2026 breeding season. He has entries across multiple races today and shows consistent competence with claiming and allowance runners.
Timothy Hamm ranks among the top trainers nationally with 114 wins and earnings over $3.1 million for 2025. He sends out Secret Valentine in Race 4 with Rocco Bowen and Double Agent in Race 6 if that runner is not scratched.
Ricardo Bailey has entries in Race 5 (Sacred Connection) and Race 7 (Supersonic Agenda). The trainer has shown competence with juveniles and claiming runners.
Nestor Rivera is among the most active trainers at Mahoning Valley with multiple runners across the meet. His recent results include winners at the track. He sends out Pupil in Race 7.
Anthony Farrior recently reached 1,000 career wins and has entries today including Irish Jubalee and Johnny Lies if those runners compete. His barn has maintained a 23% or better win rate since 2019.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The inside post bias at Mahoning Valley creates wagering angles, particularly in sprint races. Horses drawn in posts one through three at six furlongs have shown significantly higher win percentages. Consider weighting exotic wagers toward inside runners, especially when the track surface becomes wet.
For today’s card, the key value plays center on horses with favorable post positions and competitive form. In Race 1, Bella Flora from the rail at 8-5 morning line represents solid value for a first-time starter from a competent barn. The rail draw at this track is significant.
Race 2 offers opportunities in the exacta market with Vecchi and Redden, who both ran competitive races against each other on November 7. A boxed exacta with these two could provide solid returns.
Race 4 presents the strongest race on the card. Deniable at 8-5 is the deserving favorite but the exacta with Vesper Martini and Jilly Runs Deep could produce value returns.
Race 5 at one mile offers opportunities for closers if the early pace is contested. Kozem and Lubu both have shown form at this level and could produce an exacta or trifecta combination.
Race 7 with the juveniles offers volatility given the scratches and inexperience. Supersonic Agenda from the rail at 4-1 morning line represents value if the inside bias holds.
Pick 3 and Pick 4 wagers starting in the middle of the card (Races 4-6 or 4-7) offer opportunities to spread in the more competitive races while singling in races with clear favorites.
The Buckeye Pick 6 encompasses Races 4-9, which includes several competitive races. Consider spreading in Races 7 and 9 where juvenile races create volatility, while singling or using smaller tickets in Races 4-6 with the stronger favorites.
Given the forecasted rain and potential for deteriorating track conditions, monitor the surface throughout the card. Horses that have shown competence on off tracks may gain an edge as conditions worsen.
