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Mahoning Valley Race Course in Austintown, Ohio presents an 8-race thoroughbred card today, the day before Thanksgiving. The card features a mix of claiming races, allowance races, and a maiden special weight, with purses ranging from $14,600 to $33,700. Today’s races include two Ohio-bred restricted allowance events in races 7 and 8, which typically feature competitive fields of state-bred runners vying for enhanced purses.
The scratch watch indicates several potential scratches to monitor, including Endless Fashion and Shady Nights from Race 2, My Fine Aquiline from Race 3, Chipotle Pepper and Computadora from Race 4, Betty Who from Race 5, Aurora’s Music from Race 6, and Bumpkin from Race 8. Bettors should verify the official entries before wagering as scratches can significantly alter race dynamics and betting strategy.
Weather and Track Conditions
Today’s weather at Mahoning Valley presents challenging racing conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory in effect from 10:00 AM EST through 4:00 AM Thursday, with southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Current conditions show overcast skies at 51°F with 96% humidity, though temperatures are expected to fall to around 40°F by the afternoon.
There is a 50 percent chance of rain during the morning and early afternoon hours, with sprinkles possible throughout the racing day. The track surface was listed as Good during the most recent race date on November 24, though conditions may deteriorate to muddy or sloppy if precipitation materializes. The gusty winds and potential moisture could impact racing performance, particularly for horses who struggle in off-track conditions. Speed horses may face resistance from the headwinds on the backstretch, while closers could benefit from tired frontrunners.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
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. 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. The track surface at Mahoning Valley is known for favoring early speed and horses with tactical versatility.
Race 1 – Starter Allowance – 1 Mile Dirt – $17,600
Post Time: 12:15 PM EST
This Starter Allowance event features seven runners going one mile on the dirt for horses that have started for a claiming price of $5,000 or less in 2024-2025. The field includes a mix of experienced claimers with several recent winners looking to build on form.
Pace Analysis
This race projects to have a moderate early pace. Sweeping Giant and Richiesgotgame have shown front-running tendencies and should contest the early lead. Puffsmagicdragon may also vie for position. The pace scenario slightly favors horses with tactical speed who can sit within striking distance of the leaders through the far turn and make a sustained move into the stretch.
Key Contenders
Real Naughty (PP2) stands out as the class of this field. This five-year-old gelding by Congrats has an impressive record with 11 wins from 29 career starts and earnings exceeding $198,000. His recent form shows four wins in his last six starts, including back-to-back victories at Thistledown in August and September 2025. Trainer Robert Cline and jockey Jose Bracho form a potent combination, and the gelding has proven versatility at both sprint and route distances. The one-mile distance suits his running style, and he enters this spot off a fourth-place finish at Presque Isle where he faced tougher. This class drop positions him well.
Shivaree (PP5) brings consistent form to this race for trainer Nestor Rivera. The eight-year-old gelding has experience at the track and should benefit from the pace scenario as a stalker who can make a move on the far turn. Jockey Alexander Chavez has been riding well at the current meet.
Secondary Choices
Puffsmagicdragon (PP6) for trainer Rey Juarez-Mendoza warrants respect as a four-year-old who may still be improving. The gelding has shown speed in recent races and could be forwardly placed early. Erik Barbaran, one of the leading riders nationally with over 200 wins in 2024, takes the mount.
Sweeping Giant (PP1) draws the favorable rail position at a track with known inside bias. The six-year-old gelding showed some form earlier this season and trainer Khadeem Galloway has the inside draw working in his favor. Luis Raul Rivera, a veteran jockey with over $39 million in career earnings, provides experienced guidance.
Longshots
Richiesgotgame (PP4) at 6-1 offers mild longshot appeal. The seven-year-old has experience in this class and trainer Elliot Sullivan knows these types of horses. Angel Diaz rides.
American Pure (PP3) at 15-1 is a deep closer who would need a complete pace meltdown to factor but could fill out exotic tickets.
Betting Strategy
Real Naughty appears to be the horse to beat based on class and recent form. The key question is whether the morning line of 5-2 offers sufficient value. Consider singling Real Naughty in multi-race wagers if comfortable, or keying him over Shivaree and Puffsmagicdragon in exactas. The inside posts of Sweeping Giant and Real Naughty should benefit from the track bias.
Selections
Win: Real Naughty (2)
Place: Shivaree (5)
Show: Puffsmagicdragon (6)
Race 2 – Claiming $7,500 – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $14,600
Post Time: 12:43 PM EST
A nine-horse field of fillies and mares contest this six-furlong claiming event for horses that have never won two races. Several young three-year-old fillies take on older runners.
Pace Analysis
This race projects an honest pace with several horses showing early speed tendencies. Save the Date, Calcolery, and Power Party could all show early interest. The pace setup could favor runners who can rate just off the early pressure and make a mid-stretch move.
Key Contenders
Pearl Magic (PP2) for trainer Nestor Rivera is a well-bred three-year-old filly by City of Light who captured a race at Turfway Park earlier this year. She finished third last time at Mahoning Valley and has placed in several of her outings. Trainer Rivera has a 21% win rate in 2025 with earnings approaching $1.9 million. Jockey Alexander Chavez takes the mount from the favorable inside draw.
Our Lady Peace (PP5) rates attention for trainer Anthony Farrior. The three-year-old filly is listed at 5-2 morning line odds, suggesting she is among the public choices. Luis Raul Rivera rides from a middle post position.
Secondary Choices
Calcolery (PP4) gets the call from handicappers as a contender at 4-1. Trainer Rey Juarez-Mendoza sends out the three-year-old filly with Rocco Bowen in the irons. Bowen is a veteran rider who achieved his 1,000th career victory in 2020 and has won over 1,400 races lifetime.
Save the Date (PP1) draws the rail for trainer Kevin Buttigieg with Angel Diaz riding. The inside post at this track favors speed, and this four-year-old filly could use the rail draw to secure early position.
Longshots
Stella E Veloce (PP7) at 10-1 could offer value if the pace collapses. Trainer Richard Zielinski sends out the three-year-old filly with Victor Fernandez aboard.
Betting Strategy
Pearl Magic from the inside draw with a competent trainer-jockey combination offers solid win prospects. Consider boxing Pearl Magic, Our Lady Peace, and Calcolery in exactas and trifectas.
Selections
Win: Pearl Magic (2)
Place: Our Lady Peace (5)
Show: Calcolery (4)
Race 3 – Claiming $7,500 – 1 Mile Dirt – $14,900
Post Time: 1:11 PM EST
Nine fillies and mares go one mile in this claiming event for horses that have never won four races. The field includes a mix of three-year-olds and older runners with varying experience levels.
Pace Analysis
Grey Market and Dame Maude Chardin could contest the early lead, though none project as a clear-cut pacesetter. This could develop into a tactical affair where horses who can save ground and make a sustained move around the far turn will be rewarded.
Key Contenders
Amazingness (PP2) stands out as the horse to beat in this spot. This six-year-old mare by Notional is trained by Anthony Granitz, who celebrated his 1,000th career training victory in 2016. Amazingness won her most recent start at Horseshoe Indianapolis on September 18, 2025, and has multiple wins from her career. Jose Bracho rides, continuing his successful partnership with leading trainers at the meet. The mare offers class relief dropping to this level.
Grey Market (PP1) for trainer Nestor Rivera draws the advantageous rail position. The three-year-old filly by Thousand Words has a victory at Lone Star Park in April and finished second in her most recent start at Thistledown. The inside post should help her secure early position.
Secondary Choices
Yehawmemaw (PP3) is listed at longer odds but could offer value for trainer Tommy Short. Laureano Sosa takes the mount on this four-year-old filly.
Sicilian Style Two (PP4) has been identified as a contender at this level for trainer Johanna Urieta. Alexander Crispin rides.
Longshots
Shieldmewithprayer (PP6) at bigger odds offers some appeal for exacta and trifecta underneath spots. The four-year-old filly carries 126 pounds, the highest weight assignment in the field.
Betting Strategy
Amazingness appears well-suited to this spot with class relief and a hot jockey. The mare should be used as a key in multi-race wagers. Grey Market from the rail offers exacta value beneath.
Selections
Win: Amazingness (2)
Place: Grey Market (1)
Show: Yehawmemaw (3)
Race 4 – Claiming $5,000 – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $15,400
Post Time: 1:39 PM EST
A full field of ten fillies and mares sprint six furlongs in this claiming event. The higher claiming level attracts competitive runners, though several horses on the scratch watch may not make the gate.
Pace Analysis
This race could see a lively early pace with Computadora (if she runs), Countryclub Couple, and others showing speed tendencies. The large field and sprint distance suggest early position will be crucial.
Key Contenders
Reno Touch (PP3) rates highly among handicappers for this race. The seven-year-old mare trained by Michael Rone has experience at the track and draws a favorable inside post. Veteran jockey Luis Raul Rivera, who has accumulated nearly $40 million in career earnings, takes the mount. The mare has shown consistency and the post position should help.
Countryclub Couple (PP2) for trainer Anthony Farrior also draws inside and could secure early position. Luis Alberto Batista rides the four-year-old filly.
Secondary Choices
American of Course (PP9) gets the nod from some handicappers despite the outside draw. The eight-year-old mare trained by Jay Bernardini has experience in this class. Erik Barbaran rides.
Chipotle Pepper (PP10) is on the scratch watch but if she runs, trainer Elliot Sullivan’s four-year-old mare has ability at this level. Angel Diaz is named to ride.
Longshots
Heart Light (PP6) at 15-1 offers value for exotic players. Trainer Oscar Romero sends out the six-year-old mare with Yan Aviles riding.
Betting Strategy
This race presents challenges with scratches pending. Reno Touch and Countryclub Couple from inside posts offer the best value given the track bias. Wait for final entries before making significant wagers.
Selections
Win: Reno Touch (3)
Place: Countryclub Couple (2)
Show: American of Course (9)
Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $24,300
Post Time: 2:07 PM EST
This maiden special weight event features ten runners (with Betty Who scratched from the race) going six furlongs for maidens ages three through six. Several runners have placed in previous starts and are close to breaking their maiden.
Pace Analysis
This maiden field could see several horses showing early speed, including Docs Legend and Caesarea who have shown front-running tendencies. The pace should be honest, which could set up for a tactical runner to close into the stretch.
Key Contenders
Docs Legend (PP1) draws the advantageous rail position for trainer Jay Bernardini, one of the top trainers in the Ohio circuit. The four-year-old gelding by Lord Nelson has finished second in his last two starts and third in his previous outing, showing consistency. Jockey Erik Barbaran, ranked among the top 20 nationally in wins with 212 victories in 2024, takes the mount. Bernardini won the 2023 Winter/Spring meet training title at Mahoning Valley and knows how to prepare horses for this track. The rail draw is significant given the inside bias at six furlongs.
Caesarea (PP4) is trained by Eric Reed, who made history as the trainer of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike at 80-1 odds. This three-year-old colt by Texas Ryano has finished third twice this year at Mahoning Valley and Indianapolis. The colt is searching for his first win and could improve with the experience gained. Charle Oliveros rides.
Secondary Choices
Fracture (PP2) is listed as the morning line favorite at 2-1. Trainer Daniel Leitch sends out the four-year-old gelding with Deshawn Parker aboard. The horse was recently reported as a gelding, which sometimes helps horses focus better.
Onirico (PP3) offers some appeal at 6-1 for trainer Richard Estvanko. Jose Bracho rides the three-year-old gelding.
Longshots
Bozaano (PP8) at 8-1 could offer value if the favorites falter. Trainer Robert Gorham sends out the four-year-old gelding with Fernando Salazar Becerra riding.
Lordbetwentothorns (PP9) at 15-1 is trained by Justin Radosevich and ridden by Yan Aviles. The three-year-old gelding is worth including in wider exotic wagers.
Betting Strategy
Docs Legend from the rail with a top trainer-jockey combination represents solid value at 3-1. The inside draw is crucial at this track for sprints. Consider keying Docs Legend over Caesarea and Fracture in exactas.
Selections
Win: Docs Legend (1)
Place: Caesarea (4)
Show: Fracture (2)
Race 6 – Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $26,400
Post Time: 2:35 PM EST
This allowance event features ten fillies and mares sprinting six furlongs for horses that have never won three races. The field includes several horses with sharp recent form.
Pace Analysis
She’s So Sexy and Sacos Stogie could contest the early lead, with several others capable of pressing. The pace should be moderate to honest, favoring horses who can rate just off the early pressure.
Key Contenders
Vespera (PP9) has been picking up steam for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich, who has achieved over 3,000 career training victories including a milestone win at Mahoning Valley. This three-year-old filly by Volatile has won two of her last three starts at Thistledown and finished second in her most recent outing. Luis Raul Rivera maintains the mount, continuing a successful partnership. Radosevich, a former champion jockey who transitioned to training, knows how to prepare horses at this level.
She’s So Sexy (PP1) for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich draws the rail and won her last start at Mahoning Valley on October 30 at odds of 6-5. Jose Bracho rides the four-year-old filly who has shown consistency in recent races. The rail draw is advantageous at this track.
Secondary Choices
No No No Never (PP2) ships from Ireland for trainer Eric Reed, the same conditioner who won the 2022 Kentucky Derby with Rich Strike. Charle Oliveros rides the five-year-old mare.
Little Miss Munny (PP5) for trainer Julie Pappada has Rocco Bowen in the irons. The four-year-old filly could improve with the experience.
Longshots
Khali J (PP4) at bigger odds offers some appeal. The three-year-old filly trained by Robert Gorham won at Thistledown in October, defeating Pearl Magic. Erik Barbaran rides.
Betting Strategy
Vespera and She’s So Sexy both come from the Radosevich barn, giving the trainer a strong hand. She’s So Sexy from the rail may offer slightly better value if the public pounds Vespera. Consider boxing these two with No No No Never in trifectas.
Selections
Win: Vespera (9)
Place: She’s So Sexy (1)
Show: No No No Never (2)
Race 7 – Ohio Bred Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $33,700
Post Time: 3:03 PM EST
This allowance event is restricted to Ohio-bred runners, featuring nine horses sprinting six furlongs for those that have never won two races. The enhanced purse attracts competitive state-breds.
Pace Analysis
Duo and Curious Corn could contest the early lead. The pace should be moderate, setting up for horses with tactical speed who can press and sustain their run through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Curious Corn (PP1) draws the favorable rail position for trainer Kathy Jarvis and rates as the morning line favorite at 6-5. The three-year-old gelding by Kettle Corn won at Mahoning Valley on October 23 and finished third in an Ohio-bred allowance event on November 11. The inside draw is significant, and jockey Jann Hernandez has shown an affinity for this horse.
Duo (PP4) for trainer Michelle Winters has shown improvement in recent races. The three-year-old colt by Drill finished third last time at Mahoning Valley and draws a favorable inside post. Alexander Chavez takes the mount.
Secondary Choices
Mobil Mission (PP7) for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich has placed in Ohio-bred company and could improve with the class relief. T.D. Houghton rides.
Professor Nick (PP6) for trainer Richard Zielinski offers some appeal at longer odds. Victor Fernandez rides the three-year-old gelding.
Longshots
Heidi N Seek (PP5) at 20-1 is a deep price for trainer Sergio Donjuan with Brandon Tapara riding.
Moment in the Dark (PP2) at 30-1 offers bomb potential if the favorites falter.
Betting Strategy
Curious Corn from the rail appears to be the horse to beat in this Ohio-bred restricted event. Consider using Curious Corn as a single in multi-race wagers or keying over Duo and Mobil Mission in exactas.
Selections
Win: Curious Corn (1)
Place: Duo (4)
Show: Mobil Mission (7)
Race 8 – Ohio Bred Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $33,700
Post Time: 3:31 PM EST
The final race mirrors Race 7 as an Ohio-bred allowance event at six furlongs for horses that have never won two races. Nine runners are entered, though Bumpkin is on the scratch watch.
Pace Analysis
Truth N Soul and Be An Eddie could contest the early lead, with Drill Em also capable of pressing. The pace should be honest enough to set up for a tactical runner making a sustained bid.
Key Contenders
After Sunrise (PP8) has been identified by handicappers as the horse to beat at 5-2 morning line. The four-year-old gelding trained by Wilson Langley won at Mahoning Valley on October 23 and has been competitive in his recent Ohio-bred allowance attempts. Joe Stokes maintains the mount.
Truth N Soul (PP1) draws the rail for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich and finished third behind After Sunrise in October. Jose Bracho rides the three-year-old gelding, and the rail draw provides a significant advantage.
Secondary Choices
Couple Beers Deep (PP9) is listed at 3-1 and can build on his recent success. Trainer Saul Morales sends out the three-year-old gelding with Noel Vigil riding.
Bumpkin (PP4) is on the scratch watch but if he runs, trainer Shane Meyers’ four-year-old gelding has shown ability. Alexander Chavez would ride.
Longshots
Be An Eddie (PP7) at 8-1 offers some appeal for trainer Michael Rone. The three-year-old gelding won at Mahoning Valley in March and could bounce back. Luis Raul Rivera rides.
Drill Em (PP6) at 10-1 for trainer Robert Gorham is worth including in exotic wagers. Erik Barbaran rides.
Betting Strategy
After Sunrise is the deserving favorite but draws outside in an inside-biased track. Truth N Soul from the rail could offer better value and has a top jockey. Consider boxing After Sunrise, Truth N Soul, and Couple Beers Deep.
Selections
Win: After Sunrise (8)
Place: Truth N Soul (1)
Show: Couple Beers Deep (9)
Jockey Notes and Insights
Erik Barbaran ranks among the top jockeys nationally with over 212 wins in 2024 and lifetime earnings exceeding $21.9 million. He has developed a strong partnership with trainer Jeffrey Radosevich, showing a 38% win rate when they team together. Barbaran has been the leading jockey at Mahoning Valley during the current fall meet.
Jose Bracho follows in his father Agustin’s footsteps as a successful Ohio circuit rider. The younger Bracho has developed strong relationships with the leading trainers at Mahoning Valley and rides with confidence. His partnership with trainer Robert Cline on Real Naughty has produced multiple wins.
Luis Raul Rivera is a veteran jockey with nearly $40 million in career earnings and over 2,600 wins lifetime. He was the leading money winner at a previous Mahoning Valley meet, though he did sustain a broken hip in an accident at Thistledown in 2024. Rivera has returned to form and continues to be one of the top riders in the Ohio circuit.
Alexander Chavez has shown strong recent form at Mahoning Valley, winning with Pupil on November 25 and consistently riding for trainer Nestor Rivera’s operation. Chavez has tactical ability and knows how to use the inside bias to his advantage.
Rocco Bowen is a native of Barbados who achieved his 1,000th career victory in 2020 and has accumulated over 1,400 wins lifetime. His first graded stakes win came in the 2021 Longacres Mile Handicap, and he brings professional experience to his mounts today.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jeffrey Radosevich is a legendary figure on the Ohio circuit, having achieved over 3,000 career training victories. The former champion jockey transitioned to training in 1993 after suffering career-ending injuries in the saddle. Radosevich has multiple training titles at Thistledown and Mahoning Valley and has finished in the top 10 nationally in wins multiple times. He saddles She’s So Sexy in Race 6 and Vespera in Race 6, and Truth N Soul in Race 8.
Nestor Rivera has established himself as one of the top trainers at Mahoning Valley with a 21% win rate in 2025 and earnings approaching $1.9 million. He operates Rivera Racing Stables and develops young horses well. Rivera sends out multiple runners today including Grey Market, Pearl Magic, Shivaree, and Sudden Shift.
Jay Bernardini won the 2023 Winter/Spring meet training title at Mahoning Valley, besting Nestor Rivera and Robert Gorham by one win. The Boston native has won seven lifetime training titles across multiple tracks and brings over 35 years of experience. He saddles Docs Legend in Race 5 and American of Course in Race 4.
Robert Gorham has achieved over 1,000 career training wins and competes regularly at Mahoning Valley and Thistledown. He sends out multiple runners today including Khali J, Shipshewana, Bozaano, and Drill Em.
Eric Reed gained international fame as the trainer of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike at 80-1 odds. Reed sends out Caesarea in Race 5 and No No No Never in Race 6 from his Kentucky base. His ability to prepare horses to peak at the right time makes his runners worth watching.
Anthony Granitz celebrated his 1,000th career training victory in 2016 and continues to develop horses at the regional circuit level. He sends out Amazingness in Race 3.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The inside post bias at Mahoning Valley creates tangible 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 given the potential for wet track conditions today.
Best Bet of the Day: Real Naughty in Race 1 represents the best win play on the card. The five-year-old gelding has class and recent form advantages over this field, and the move to one mile suits his running style. At anticipated odds of 5-2 to 3-1, he offers fair value with a strong chance to win.
Value Play: Truth N Soul in Race 8 draws the rail at a track with pronounced inside bias and may offer overlay value if the betting public pounds After Sunrise. Jose Bracho rides for the powerful Radosevich barn.
Multi-Race Wager Strategy: For the Pick 4 covering Races 5-8, consider using Docs Legend as a single in Race 5, then spreading in Races 6-8 to cover multiple possibilities. The Ohio-bred allowances in Races 7-8 could produce surprising results.
Exotic Wager Angle: In Race 6, the Radosevich barn saddles both Vespera and She’s So Sexy. Consider boxing these two with No No No Never for a trainer double combination.
Trifecta Keys: In races with clear favorites, key the top selection over a group of four or five secondary horses for the second and third slots to manage ticket cost while maintaining coverage.
Weather Consideration: With the potential for wet track conditions and gusty winds up to 40 mph, favor horses who have shown ability on off tracks. Speed horses may tire more quickly fighting the headwinds, potentially setting up for closers.
