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Based on current track conditions and weather forecasts for Mahoning Valley Race Course, today features a solid racing card with a fast track and temperatures rising from 47°F to 67°F during the day. The dirt track is listed as fast, with possible late afternoon showers and gusty winds that might influence the final races. First post is scheduled for 12:15 PM ET.
Weather and Track Conditions
Current conditions show mostly cloudy skies with calm winds early on, shifting to increasingly windy conditions with some sunshine and possible isolated showers late in the afternoon. The dirt track is rated fast, offering optimal racing conditions for the eight-race card. Humidity is at 77%, and temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day.
Race 1: Maiden Claiming 5 Furlongs (12:15 PM)
This two-year-old maiden claimer for $15,000 features seven juveniles making early career starts. The scratch watch shows Cosmic Collission and Strike Breaker as potential scratches due to stewards and veterinarian concerns respectively.
Key Contenders: Mombo Jumbo brings seasoned rider Rocco Bowen and trainer Anthony Farrior, who leads nationally with 203 wins and a 26% strike rate. The colt has acceptable early speed figures for this level.
Secondary Choices: Shukran with Deshawn Parker offers value, as Parker maintains a strong 26% win rate at the meet. Gunn’s Roar represents Jeffrey Radosevich, who shows solid recent form with 90 wins from 422 starts.
Longshot: Bee the Force from Norman Cash could surprise at higher odds if the pace sets up favorably for closers.
Pace Analysis: Expecting moderate early fractions with Gonzalo and Mombo Jumbo likely setting the tempo.
Wagering Angles: Exacta box Mombo Jumbo with Shukran and Gunn’s Roar provides solid coverage.
Selection: Mombo Jumbo to win, Shukran for place value.
Race 2: Claiming 1 Mile (12:43 PM)
Seven older horses compete in this $5,000 claimer at the distance. Cloud Forest appears the class of the field with consistent recent efforts and Erik Barbaran aboard.
Key Contenders: Cloud Forest has shown steady improvement and Barbaran maintains a 20% win rate with strong earnings. Cocktails At Noon represents the hot Anthony Farrior barn and drops in class.
Secondary Choices: Outa Jail On Bail has tactical speed and could benefit from the longer distance. Photo Hop offers experience at the level.
Longshot: Moon Charger at higher odds could benefit from a pace meltdown.
Pace Analysis: Moderate pace scenario with Photo Hop and Sky Key likely pressing early.
Wagering Angles: Win bet on Cloud Forest with exacta backup including Cocktails At Noon.
Selection: Cloud Forest to win, Cocktails At Noon to place.
Race 3: Claiming Fillies/Mares 5.5 Furlongs (1:11 PM)
Seven fillies and mares compete in this $5,000 claimer with American of Course potentially scratched due to stewards issues.
Key Contenders: Mali Bali represents the successful Saul Morales barn and Fernando Salazar Becerra, showing consistent form at the distance. Inner Harbor brings class and Rocco Bowen’s experience.
Secondary Choices: Countryclub Couple connects with Anthony Farrior’s hot stable. Living in Style could improve with the class drop.
Longshot: Remember Me at longer odds offers trifecta value with recent workouts.
Pace Analysis: Expecting contested early pace with multiple speed horses engaged.
Wagering Angles: Trifecta key Mali Bali on top with Inner Harbor and Countryclub Couple.
Selection: Mali Bali to win, Inner Harbor to place.
Race 4: Starter Allowance 1 Mile 70 Yards (1:39 PM)
Eight horses that have started for $5,000 or less compete in this starter allowance. Rhumjar shows as a potential scratch due to private veterinarian illness.
Key Contenders: Dr Schuster represents Robin Schuster’s stable with Jose Bracho riding. The gelding shows tactical speed and has competed well at this level. Boldness brings class for the Rivera barn.
Secondary Choices: Shivaree has distance experience and Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard. Dr Jack Flyer could benefit from the cutback in distance.
Longshot: Sweeping Giant offers value for the Khadeem Galloway stable if pace sets up favorably.
Pace Analysis: Moderate pace expected with Dr Schuster and Boldness likely prominent early.
Wagering Angles: Exacta box Dr Schuster with Boldness and Shivaree.
Selection: Dr Schuster to win, Boldness to place.
Race 5: Maiden Special Weight 6 Furlongs (2:07 PM)
This $31,800 maiden special weight for accredited Ohio-bred two-year-olds features twelve juveniles competing at six furlongs on the dirt. The race presents excellent betting opportunities with a large field of first-time starters and lightly raced horses.
Scratches and Field Updates
Motown Dream and Soup Today both appear on the scratch watch due to veterinarian concerns from their October 22nd entries at this same track. Both horses showed promise in recent training but veterinary issues may force their withdrawal.
Key Contenders
Sammy’s Halo represents the powerful Jeffrey Radosevich stable with Jose Bracho aboard, a combination that has dominated recent racing at Mahoning Valley with multiple wins. The gelding previously showed speed in his October 22nd debut here, prompting the pace before tiring. The Radosevich-Bracho partnership has recorded ten wins from thirty-five starts over the past 21 days, establishing a 29% strike rate. Bracho’s aggressive riding style suits the six-furlong distance and the colt draws post five for tactical flexibility.
That’s Fair enters for the respected Larry Smith stable with Angel Diaz aboard, bringing professional connections and solid preparation. Smith maintains two wins from fifteen starts over the past three weeks, showing selective placement. The gelding draws the rail position, providing early positioning advantages if he shows gate speed.
Classic David represents Jacinto Lopez’s training with Brandon Tapara riding, offering value consideration at longer odds. The combination brings tactical speed that could prove effective if early pace develops moderately.
Secondary Choices
Dr Spirito connects with the improving Megan Fadlovich barn and veteran rider David Haldar, who brings experience to first-time starters. The gelding’s training pattern suggests readiness for debut competition.
Chasing Orion represents Jason DaCosta’s stable with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard, bringing solid recent form indicators. The combination shows promise for horses making career debuts.
Rascal Flash (marked with ‘b’ indicating blinkers) represents Robert Gorham’s stable with Erik Barbaran riding. Gorham shows nine wins from forty-four starts over the past 21 days, maintaining a 20% win rate. The addition of blinkers suggests focus issues that the equipment change may address.
Longshot Considerations
Rivers of Wealth offers significant value with Alexander Crispin aboard for Rodney Faulkner’s stable. The colt brings pedigree appeal and could surprise if pace sets up favorably for closers.
My Paisan represents Tina Casalinova’s training with Mauro Cedillo riding, providing trifecta value at higher odds.
Ringthatbell from Robert Cline’s barn with T.D. Houghton aboard offers longshot potential for exotic wagers.
Pace Analysis
The large twelve-horse field creates potential for moderate early fractions with multiple horses possessing early speed. That’s Fair from post one likely shows gate speed, while Sammy’s Halo demonstrated pace-pressing ability in his previous start. Classic David adds pace dimensions from post seven, creating potential early confrontation.
The six-furlong distance favors horses with tactical speed who can secure favorable position without excessive early pressure. The final quarter-mile should prove decisive with acceleration separating the contenders.
Track Conditions and Distance
The fast dirt surface provides optimal conditions for two-year-olds making career debuts. Ohio-bred maiden special weights typically produce competitive fields with multiple horses possessing winning potential. The afternoon timing allows horses to benefit from settled track conditions.
Trainer and Jockey Angles
Jeffrey Radosevich’s exceptional recent form with ten wins from thirty-five starts over twenty-one days establishes him as the leading trainer at the current meet. His partnership with Jose Bracho has proven particularly effective, winning multiple races together including recent victories.
Robert Gorham maintains strong recent statistics with nine wins from forty-four starts, providing solid secondary trainer angles. Larry Smith’s selective approach with two wins from fifteen starts suggests confidence when targeting specific spots.
Wagering Strategy
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Race 6: Ohio-Bred Claiming 6 Furlongs (2:35 PM)
This $21,500 claiming race for registered Ohio-bred horses three years old and upward features ten geldings competing at the $8,000 claiming level. The six-furlong sprint distance on the fast dirt track creates tactical opportunities for horses with proven speed and class relief angles.
Scratches and Field Updates
Red Head Kid appears on the scratch watch due to stewards concerns from his September 26th race at Belterra Park, where he encountered issues in a $7,500 claiming event. This potential scratch reduces the field and impacts wagering considerations.
Key Contenders
Mo Dont No represents the most accomplished horse in the field despite his advanced age of twelve years. This Uncle Mo gelding has captured multiple Best of Ohio Endurance Stakes victories and earned Ohio Horse of the Year honors during his distinguished career. Trained by Jeffrey Radosevich, who recently celebrated his 3,000th career victory, and ridden by Erik Barbaran, this combination has dominated Ohio racing for years. The gelding drops from a $10,000 claiming level to $8,000 today, providing significant class relief. His career earnings exceed $848,000, establishing him as one of Ohio’s greatest horses. Recent Ohio Thoroughbred Fund supplements indicate continued competitive form throughout 2025.
Into Gold enters from Joseph Mahan’s stable with Luis Batista aboard, bringing proven consistency at the claiming level. The six-year-old gelding competed recently for $10,000 claiming and drops to $8,000 today, suggesting trainer confidence for class relief. His multiple Ohio Thoroughbred Fund awards throughout 2025 demonstrate continued earnings and competitive form. Batista provides experienced riding with solid statistics at the current meet. The gelding carries 126 pounds, two more than most competitors, but his class advantage may overcome the weight differential.
Gapper represents Joseph Poole’s training with Jose Bracho riding, combining solid recent form with proven claiming experience. The four-year-old gelding drops from $10,000 claiming to today’s $8,000 level, providing class relief similar to the top choices. Bracho maintains excellent statistics at Mahoning Valley and brings tactical speed that suits the sprint distance. Recent Ohio Thoroughbred Fund earnings indicate active competitive form.
Secondary Choices
Worthy Opponent connects with Rocco Bowen’s riding and Candace Huffman’s training, offering solid claiming experience for the six-year-old gelding. The combination brings tactical awareness and claiming expertise that could prove effective at this level.
Spirit of Akron has remained active throughout 2025 with multiple Ohio Thoroughbred Fund earnings in claiming competition. T.D. Houghton rides for Ricardo Bailey’s stable, providing veteran experience and tactical awareness. The four-year-old gelding benefits from recent competitive activity.
Goldstriker and Raise the Purses both represent Saul Morales’ stable, providing dual trainer representation suggesting confidence. Goldstriker draws Noel Vigil while Raise the Purses connects with Yan Aviles, both offering tactical speed for the sprint distance.
Longshot Considerations
Derby Included brings eight years of racing experience with Brandon Tapara riding for Robert Cline’s stable. The veteran gelding offers trifecta value at longer odds if pace develops favorably.
A Prayer for Kids represents Richard Rettele’s training with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard, providing solid claiming experience at longer odds.
Pace Analysis
The six-furlong distance favors horses with tactical speed and finishing ability. Mo Dont No possesses proven gate speed and tactical awareness from his extensive stakes experience. Into Gold and Gapper both demonstrate early speed that should secure favorable positioning without excessive pressure.
Expected early fractions should develop moderately with multiple horses possessing speed, creating potential for late acceleration. The final quarter-mile becomes crucial for separation among the contenders.
Track Conditions and Class Analysis
The fast dirt surface provides optimal conditions for claiming horses seeking class relief. The $8,000 claiming level represents a significant drop for horses previously competing at $10,000, creating genuine improvement opportunities.
Ohio-bred claiming races typically produce competitive fields with horses possessing similar class levels. The six-furlong distance eliminates stamina concerns and emphasizes speed and tactical positioning.
Trainer and Jockey Analysis
Jeffrey Radosevich’s exceptional career achievements, including 3,000 victories, establish him as Ohio’s premier trainer. His partnership with Erik Barbaran has produced countless victories, particularly with claiming horses like Mo Dont No. Barbaran maintains leading statistics at Ohio tracks with strong win percentages.
Joseph Poole’s stable has shown consistent results with claiming horses, while Joseph Mahan brings solid experience developing older geldings. The trainer angles favor horses dropping in claiming price with professional connections.
Wagering Strategy
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Race 7: Allowance 1 Mile 70 Yards (3:03 PM)
This $25,900 allowance race for three-year-olds and upward features eight geldings competing under conditions for horses that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, starter, or Ohio bred, or which have never won two races. The mile and seventy-yard distance provides tactical opportunities for horses with proven route experience and class advancement potential.
Key Contenders
Strategist emerges as the morning line favorite at 2-1 odds, representing the powerful Anthony Farrior stable with Deshawn Parker aboard. The three-year-old gelding carries just 122 pounds, benefiting from the two-pound weight allowance for non-winners since October 5th. Farrior leads nationally with 203 wins and maintains exceptional form at Mahoning Valley with multiple recent victories. Parker brings outstanding statistics with a 26% win rate at the current meet, establishing this combination as formidable. The gelding has shown promise at this allowance level with improving form patterns suggesting readiness for breakthrough performance.
Ed’s Reward represents Timothy Hamm’s stable with Rocco Bowen riding, creating a proven partnership that has delivered consistent results throughout 2025. The three-year-old son of Improbable enters off recent winning form in allowance company, positioning him perfectly for class advancement. Hamm maintains excellent statistics with 794 career victories and $12.2 million in earnings, demonstrating long-term success. His 2025 record shows three wins from twenty-four starts with strong earnings per start averaging $11,270. Bowen provides tactical riding expertise that maximizes opportunities in route competition. Recent form shows consistent improvement with the colt posting a 12-4671 pattern in allowance races.
That’s the Way brings the most accomplished credentials through Jeffrey Radosevich’s training and Erik Barbaran’s riding. The six-year-old gelding captured the $75,000 George Lewis Memorial Stakes at Thistledown in June 2024 with this exact partnership, establishing stakes-winning ability. Radosevich recently celebrated his 3,000th career victory and maintains exceptional form with multiple winners throughout 2025. Barbaran was named Jockey of the Week after winning eleven races including two stakes at Thistledown. The gelding’s breeding by City Weekend suggests stamina for the distance with tactical versatility. His official rating of 88 demonstrates class superiority over most allowance competitors.
Secondary Choices
Law of the Jungle finished runner-up in this exact class during his last start, providing proven form at today’s level. The six-year-old gelding by Constitution represents Ivan Calderon’s stable with Angel Diaz riding, bringing tactical speed and route experience. His recent placing suggests competitive ability within this allowance condition.
Patriarchal represents Caryn Vecchio’s training with Alexander Crispin aboard, offering four-year-old improvement potential. The gelding by Catholic Boy brings solid pedigree credentials with tactical awareness suited for route competition.
K Kid connects with Richard Zielinski’s stable and Jose Bracho’s riding, providing claiming experience that translates to allowance competition. The five-year-old gelding has shown consistency at lower levels and benefits from the class advancement opportunity.
Longshot Considerations
Ramsey offers value consideration with David Haldar riding for Jabdiel Castillo’s stable. The five-year-old gelding brings veteran experience that could prove effective at longer odds.
Sight Unseen carries significant weight relief at 119 pounds with Elijah Greenidge aboard for Kevin Ray’s stable. The six-year-old gelding offers trifecta value if pace develops favorably for closers.
Pace Analysis
The mile and seventy-yard distance creates moderate early pace expectations with positioning crucial through the first turn. Strategist brings proven tactical speed that should secure favorable early position without excessive pressure. That’s the Way possesses similar pace capabilities from his stakes experience, potentially creating early confrontation between top choices.
Ed’s Reward adds pace-pressing ability with recent winning form providing confidence for aggressive tactics. The expected early fractions should develop at measured levels with acceleration through the final quarter-mile determining the outcome.
Track Conditions and Class Analysis
The fast dirt surface provides consistent racing conditions favoring horses with proven route form. Allowance races at Mahoning Valley typically produce competitive fields with multiple horses possessing advancement potential. The substantial $25,900 purse attracts quality horses seeking class elevation or form confirmation.
Weight allowances create tactical advantages with Strategist carrying 122 pounds and Sight Unseen benefiting from 119 pounds. The afternoon timing allows horses to benefit from settled track conditions without weather complications.
Trainer and Jockey Analysis
Anthony Farrior’s national leadership with 203 victories establishes exceptional current form. His partnership with Deshawn Parker has produced multiple winners with strong win percentages. Jeffrey Radosevich’s milestone 3,000th career victory demonstrates sustained excellence across decades. His combination with Erik Barbaran has captured stakes races and maintains leading statistics at Ohio tracks.
Timothy Hamm brings Grade 1 stakes experience with proven ability developing allowance horses. His partnership with Rocco Bowen has delivered consistent results throughout the 2025 campaign.
Wagering Strategy
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Race 8: Ohio-Bred Fillies/Mares Allowance 1 Mile (3:31 PM)
This $35,100 allowance concludes the afternoon card featuring nine registered Ohio-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward who have never won three races. The mile distance provides route competition requiring stamina and tactical positioning, while potential weather developments late in the afternoon may impact conditions.
Key Contenders
Pride and Attitude emerges as the most accomplished horse in the field through her established partnership with Joseph Poole and Jose Bracho. The four-year-old chestnut filly by Western Pride captured a convincing victory at Mahoning Valley on February 27, 2024, winning by multiple lengths as a 7-1 outsider. Her subsequent campaign shows consistent placings in allowance company including runner-up finishes at Thistledown with the same connections. Recent Ohio Thoroughbred Fund earnings throughout 2025 demonstrate active competitive form with multiple allowance starts. Career earnings of $150,630 establish her class level within this field. The Poole-Bracho partnership has maintained consistency with this filly across multiple seasons, suggesting optimal preparation and tactical familiarity.
Illuminate represents the elite Timothy Hamm stable with Rocco Bowen riding, creating one of Ohio racing’s most successful partnerships. The three-year-old bay filly by Tom’s D’Etat brings exceptional breeding credentials from her Grade 1-winning sire who earned over $1.7 million in his racing career. Her 2025 campaign includes victories at Thistledown on July 14th and June 21st with Rocco Bowen aboard, demonstrating current winning form. Recent third-place finish at Thistledown on September 23rd shows competitive ability at the allowance level. Hamm’s statistics include 794 career victories with $12.2 million in earnings, establishing him among North America’s premier trainers. Bowen brings exceptional current form with strong win percentages and tactical expertise suited for route competition.
Electric Melody connects with Megan Fadlovich’s training and David Haldar’s riding, representing proven allowance experience. The three-year-old chestnut filly by Mendelssohn has captured one career victory at Mahoning Valley on December 28, 2024, with Haldar aboard. Recent allowance activity includes a fourth-place finish at Thistledown on September 24th in a $35,800 allowance, demonstrating competitive ability at today’s class level. Ohio Thoroughbred Fund earnings throughout 2025 show consistent activity in allowance company. Her official rating of 55 provides competitive positioning within this field. The Fadlovich-Haldar partnership brings tactical awareness and proven chemistry.
Secondary Choices
J P Indy brings veteran experience as a five-year-old mare with established allowance credentials. Recent Ohio Thoroughbred Fund earnings on October 7th and October 21st, 2024, demonstrate competitive form in allowance company. Victor Fernandez provides tactical riding experience with Robert Cline’s training offering solid preparation. Her maturity advantage could prove decisive in route competition.
S’mor Crafty represents Robert Guciardo’s stable with Ricardo Feliciano riding, offering three-year-old improvement potential in her first allowance attempt. The filly draws post position one, providing early positioning advantages if she shows gate speed.
I Belong First creates a potential stable advantage for Megan Fadlovich with dual representation alongside Electric Melody. The three-year-old filly carries 122 pounds with Mauro Cedillo aboard, benefiting from weight allowances. Fadlovich’s confidence with two entries suggests strong stable form.
Longshot Considerations
Carmel Rose offers value potential with Deshawn Parker’s excellent riding statistics and Anthony Stephen’s training. Parker maintains leading win percentages at the current meet, providing upset possibilities at longer odds.
Lesotho and Exaltada both represent experienced connections seeking allowance success, with Yan Aviles and Fernando Salazar Becerra providing tactical riding for Robert Cline and Robert Gorham respectively.
Pace Analysis
The mile distance creates moderate early pace expectations with positioning crucial through the first turn. Pride and Attitude possesses proven tactical speed from her Mahoning Valley victory, likely securing favorable early position. Illuminate brings similar pace capabilities from her multiple Thistledown victories, potentially creating early confrontation between top choices.
Electric Melody adds pace-pressing ability with recent allowance experience providing tactical confidence. Expected early fractions should develop at measured levels with acceleration through the final quarter-mile determining separation among contenders.
Track Conditions and Distance
Fast dirt conditions favor fillies with proven route experience and tactical positioning. Ohio-bred allowance races typically produce competitive fields with multiple horses possessing advancement potential. The substantial $35,100 purse attracts quality fillies seeking class elevation or form confirmation.
Weight allowances benefit three-year-olds carrying 122 pounds compared to older mares at 124-126 pounds, creating tactical advantages for younger competitors. Late afternoon timing may introduce weather complications if forecasted showers develop.
Trainer and Jockey Analysis
Timothy Hamm’s elite credentials with 794 career wins establish exceptional preparation standards. His partnership with Rocco Bowen has delivered consistent results throughout 2025 with multiple allowance victories. Joseph Poole brings proven success developing Ohio-bred fillies with his established partnership with Jose Bracho producing winning results.
Megan Fadlovich demonstrates confidence with dual entries, suggesting strong stable form and preparation. Her partnership with David Haldar has produced consistent allowance placings throughout the campaign.
Wagering Strategy
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Jockey Analysis
Deshawn Parker leads the meet with a 26% win rate and shows particular strength in allowance races. Erik Barbaran maintains solid 20% statistics with strong earnings. Jose Bracho partners effectively with Jeffrey Radosevich’s horses and shows consistency.
Trainer Insights
Anthony Farrior dominates with 203 national wins and appears multiple times on today’s card with live chances. Jeffrey Radosevich shows 21% win rate with 90 victories and strong recent form. Both trainers have established successful partnerships with their regular riders.
Wagering Strategy
Focus on exactas and trifectas in the larger maiden fields while utilizing win bets on standout performers in smaller allowance races. The fast track conditions favor speed horses, but longer distances may benefit stalkers and closers. Consider weather impact on the final two races if afternoon showers develop as forecasted.
Best Bets: Cloud Forest (Race 2), Strategist (Race 7), Pride and Attitude (Race 8)
Value Plays: Shukran (Race 1), Mali Bali (Race 3), Into Gold (Race 6o Gold (Race 6)
