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Mahoning Valley Race Course in Youngstown, Ohio presents an eight-race card today featuring a mix of claiming, allowance, maiden special weight, and starter allowance conditions. Post time for the first race is 12:15 PM ET, with the final race at approximately 3:31 PM ET.
Today’s card is headlined by the presence of trainer Jeffrey Radosevich, who has all five of his entrants listed at 4-1 or less on the morning line, making him the single most impactful barn on this card. Radosevich, a 3,000-career-win trainer, operates as one of the most dominant conditioners at this oval and his entries deserve serious respect in every race they appear.
The scratch watch is important today. King Curlin (PP3) has been scratched from Race 2 due to a vet-illness finding, reducing that field to four runners. Vesper Martini (PP7) has been scratched from Race 6 by the stewards, trimming that field to six. In Race 8, El Rosillo (PP6) and For Mama (PP99) are listed as also-eligible and may or may not draw into the race depending on other scratches.
The card features distances of 5-1/2 furlongs, 6 furlongs, and 1 mile on dirt, all on the main track. Purses range from $12,100 (Race 3) to $33,700 (Race 6), reflecting the typical winter meet purse structure at Mahoning Valley.
Weather and Track Conditions
Today’s forecast for the Youngstown, Ohio area calls for a high of approximately 57 degrees Fahrenheit with an overnight low near 46 degrees. This is well above the seasonal normal high of 38 degrees for this date. Winds are expected to remain light at approximately 4 mph, and precipitation probability is minimal at around 2%.
Yesterday’s conditions saw a high of 43 degrees, a low of 33 degrees, and zero precipitation, though dense fog was reported in the morning hours. The month-to-date precipitation stands at just 0.15 inches, well below the 1.34-inch normal, indicating the surface has been relatively dry in recent weeks.
Given the warm-for-February temperatures and dry conditions, the track is expected to be rated Fast today. The Mahoning dirt surface often tightens up in colder weather favoring speed, but with temperatures pushing toward the upper 50s and minimal moisture, the surface should play fairly and may allow closers a bit more opportunity than typical midwinter cards. Handicappers should still lean toward tactical speed as the primary running style, but do not discount horses with late kick, particularly in the two one-mile routes.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Mahoning Valley typically features a speed-favoring profile, especially in 6-furlong sprints. Horses that can secure early position and save ground on the turns often hold an advantage at this oval.
Post position bias in sprints at Mahoning Valley leans slightly toward the inside to middle gates, as wider draws can force horses into disadvantageous wide trips around the single turn. However, in the deeper winter months, the rail can become dead due to freeze-thaw cycles, creating what is referred to as an “outside flow” bias that forces horses to rally three to four paths off the fence. With today’s unseasonably warm temperatures, this rail-deadening effect may be less pronounced, but it is worth monitoring through the early races.
For the one-mile races (Race 2 and Race 7), the short run to the first turn places a premium on inside post positions and tactical speed. Horses drawn wide in one-mile events at Mahoning Valley often use extra energy to secure position, which can compromise their late-race efforts.
Race 1 — Claiming $5,000, 6 Furlongs, Purse $12,200
Post Time: 12:15 PM ET
This is a field of six older horses going six furlongs for a $5,000 claiming tag. The conditions specify horses that have never won three races, with a two-pound allowance for non-winners since January 17.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario here looks moderate. A La Carte (PP6) and Loony (PP1) both possess some early speed, but neither is a confirmed front-runner who will press hard fractions. Breeze the Bayou (PP3) has shown the ability to sit just off the pace and pounce. Without a confirmed speedball in the field, expect honest but not suicidal fractions, which should benefit tactical speed types.
Key Contenders
Breeze the Bayou (PP3) draws the consensus nod from handicappers. Trained by Jeffrey Skerrett with German Terraza aboard, this 5-year-old gelding figures to sit a comfortable stalking trip just off the early pace. At a morning line of 9-2, he offers some value if he can secure a clean trip from the three hole. The Skerrett barn has been steady at the meet and this horse has been competitive at the level.
Cacique Abarrio (PP4) is another Skerrett trainee and picks up the lighter 119-pound impost thanks to being a non-winner since January 17. Jefferson Skerrett rides for his father’s barn, and this 5-year-old gelding has been knocking on the door at this level. A morning line of 5-2 suggests he is among the top choices, and handicappers favor his class edge in this spot.
Secondary Choices
Loony (PP1) has the rail advantage and the services of Mauro Cedillo, one of the more reliable riders at the oval. Trained by Joseph Mahan, this 6-year-old has been competitive in similar spots and could benefit if the rail is playing fair today. At 124 pounds, he faces no weight disadvantage and his inside draw gives him a ground-saving trip.
Beck’s Spirit (PP5), trained by Christopher Davis with Luis Raul Rivera up, is an interesting play. Rivera is one of the leading riders at the meet and can elevate a horse’s chances. The “o” equipment notation suggests a change that could spark improvement.
Longshots
A La Carte (PP6), the 8-year-old veteran with Helen Marie Vanek aboard for trainer Nick Mileni Jr., is the longest shot on the board but has the outside post in a short field. At his age, consistency is the question, but at a $5,000 tag he has seen this level many times.
Meadow Value (PP2) gets the lightweight at 119 pounds with Jose Ramos Gutierrez riding for Michelle Elliott. Elliott is a capable trainer, but this gelding will need to show more than recent form suggests.
Betting Strategy
This is a race where the Skerrett barn holds a significant edge, saddling two runners (PP3 and PP4). A Skerrett exacta box (3-4) is the core play. Use Breeze the Bayou and Cacique Abarrio on top of exactas and trifectas, keying Loony (PP1) underneath for the show spot.
Selections
Win: 3 Breeze the Bayou
Place: 4 Cacique Abarrio
Show: 1 Loony
Race 2 — Allowance, 1 Mile, Purse $27,500
Post Time: 12:43 PM ET
With King Curlin (PP3) scratched due to illness, this allowance event for horses that have never won four races is reduced to four runners going one mile on the dirt. The conditions state non-winners of a race since January 17 get a two-pound allowance. This is one of the higher-purse races on the card.
Pace Analysis
In a four-horse field at a mile, the pace should be moderate to slow. Knicks Glory (PP1) and Storming Chrome (PP2) both have some tactical speed, while Bohemian Style (PP4) and Lucky Jeremy (PP5) can sit off the pace. With such a small field, jockeys will be more inclined to rate their horses early, setting up a potential sprint to the wire in the stretch. The horse with the best turn of foot in the final quarter should prevail.
Key Contenders
Knicks Glory (PP1) is the clear morning line favorite at 2-1 and draws the rail in a route race where inside position is critical at Mahoning Valley. Trained by Ben Colebrook with Jose A. Bracho aboard, this 4-year-old colt has the class edge in this group. Bracho is the leading jockey at the current Mahoning Valley meet, and the Colebrook-Bracho combination commands respect.
Bohemian Style (PP4) is trained by Nestor R. Rivera with Alexander Chavez in the irons. This 4-year-old gelding gets the benefit of a small field and should find his best stride late in the race. Rivera is a solid conditioner at this level, and Chavez has been riding well.
Secondary Choices
Storming Chrome (PP2), a 7-year-old gelding trained by Jeffrey Radosevich with Luis Raul Rivera aboard, brings experience to the table. Radosevich, as noted, is the top trainer on today’s card, and Rivera provides reliable piloting. While the horse is older, he knows his job and could sit a perfect stalking trip from the two post.
Longshots
Lucky Jeremy (PP5), trained by Caryn Vecchio with Alexander Crispin up, is the outsider in this group. He will need significant improvement to factor, but in a four-horse field, anything can happen, and a piece of the trifecta is not out of the question.
Betting Strategy
With only four runners, win/place wagers are the way to go. Knicks Glory at 2-1 on the morning line is likely to go lower with the scratches, so the value may lie in keying Bohemian Style underneath in exactas. A cold exacta of 1 over 4 with a saver of 1 over 2 covers the most likely scenarios.
Selections
Win: 1 Knicks Glory
Place: 4 Bohemian Style
Show: 2 Storming Chrome
Race 3 — Claiming $5,000, 5-1/2 Furlongs, Purse $12,100
Post Time: 1:11 PM ET
A seven-horse field goes 5-1/2 furlongs for a $5,000 tag. The conditions specify non-winners of two races lifetime. This is the lowest-level race on the card and the shortest distance, which can produce chaotic results.
Pace Analysis
At 5-1/2 furlongs, early speed is king. Complex Cat (PP4), Vidiano (PP6), and J J Valentin (PP5) all possess some early foot. The pace should be honest, possibly even hot if multiple runners try to clear the field early. Horses that can rate just off the pace and pick up the pieces late may have an advantage if the speed types burn each other out.
Key Contenders
J J Valentin (PP5) is the consensus top pick from multiple handicapping sources at 8-5 on the morning line. Trained by Jeffrey Radosevich with Luis Raul Rivera in the irons, this is the most potent combination on the card. Radosevich’s runners are live at all levels today, and Rivera’s aggressive riding style suits the sprint distance. This 5-year-old gelding should be forwardly placed and has the class to dispatch this group.
Vidiano (PP6), trained by Jacinto Lopez with Mauro Cedillo riding, has drawn outside in a sprint, which can be advantageous if the rail is dead. Cedillo is a steady hand and should have this horse in a good position turning for home.
Secondary Choices
Complex Cat (PP4) is trained by Jose Bracho Jr. with Agustin Bracho aboard, keeping it a family affair. This 4-year-old gelding has tactical speed and draws a middle post, which is favorable at this distance.
No Authority (PP1) gets the rail with David Haldar riding for Jami Poole. The rail draw can be helpful at 5-1/2 furlongs if the inside path is playing fair, and Haldar is experienced enough to maximize the position.
Longshots
Quarantino (PP2), another Skerrett-trained runner with Jefferson Skerrett aboard, gets the two-pound weight break at 119 pounds. This 6-year-old has been finding trouble winning but could sneak into the trifecta at a price.
Parade of Fears (PP7), trained by Jay Bernardini with Luis Tapara up, is the widest draw and will need to overcome that disadvantage. He is a borderline trifecta possibility at best.
Betting Strategy
J J Valentin is the play on top. Key him in exactas over Vidiano, Complex Cat, and No Authority. A trifecta key of 5 over 4,6,1 over all provides good coverage without breaking the bank.
Selections
Win: 5 J J Valentin
Place: 6 Vidiano
Show: 4 Complex Cat
Race 4 — Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs, Purse $24,300
Post Time: 1:39 PM ET
Seven maidens go six furlongs in this maiden special weight event with a $24,300 purse. Ohio-registered foals are preferred. This race features a dominant favorite.
Pace Analysis
Game and Smart (PP1) has shown tactical speed and should be forwardly placed from the rail. Total Silence (PP5) and Cold Front (PP4) also possess some early foot. The pace should be moderate, with Game and Smart likely controlling the tempo from the inside. If he can dictate terms, the race may be over early.
Key Contenders
Game and Smart (PP1) is the overwhelming favorite at 4-5 on the morning line and is the consensus top pick across all handicapping sources. Trained by Jeffrey Radosevich with Luis Raul Rivera aboard, this 4-year-old colt by Game Winner steps down in class after a recent placed effort and figures to be far too talented for this field. His rating of 84 from form analysts is significantly higher than any other runner in the field. The Radosevich-Rivera combination is the most formidable on the card, and this horse should dominate.
Total Silence (PP5), also trained by Radosevich with Jose A. Bracho riding, provides a one-two punch from the same barn. This 4-year-old colt by Gormley has shown promise in similar company and carries a rating of 59. He is the logical second choice at 4-1 on the morning line.
Secondary Choices
Monopoli (PP6), trained by David Wolochuk with Chelsey Keiser aboard, drops in grade and could find improvement. His rating of 65 suggests he has some ability, and at 3-1 on the morning line, he is the main threat to the Radosevich pair. The Curlin bloodline offers some pedigree appeal.
Cold Front (PP4), trained by Michael Evans II with Rolando Aragon riding, was a beaten favorite last time and carries a rating of 58. He has shown flashes but needs to put it all together. At 10-1, he could offer value if the favorites falter.
Longshots
Runningonhighlevel (PP3), ridden by apprentice Kirsten Swan for trainer Rodney Faulkner, is a 3-year-old facing older horses and carries only 118 pounds. The weight break is notable, but the talent gap may be too wide. At 15-1, he is a deep longshot.
Bitofjustice (PP2) and Cor Spice (PP7) are both 20-1 shots who would need significant improvement and pace meltdowns to factor.
Betting Strategy
This is a likely Radosevich-dominated race. Game and Smart is a strong single in multi-race wagers like Pick 3s and Pick 4s. The win price will be short, so the best value is using him as a key in exactas with Monopoli and Total Silence underneath. A Radosevich exacta of 1 over 5 pays better than the straight win bet.
Selections
Win: 1 Game and Smart
Place: 5 Total Silence
Show: 6 Monopoli
Race 5 — Ohio-Bred Claiming $15,000, 6 Furlongs, Purse $21,500
Post Time: 2:07 PM ET
Nine Ohio-bred runners go six furlongs in this claiming event with a $15,000 tag. This is the largest field on the card, offering good exotic wagering opportunities.
Pace Analysis
This is a pace-loaded race. A Van On the Run (PP2), Stormed Out (PP3), and Drill’s Boy (PP7) all possess early speed. Man’s Choice (PP6) and Envelope Please (PP8) can also show tactical speed. With multiple runners wanting the lead, the pace should be honest to fast, potentially setting up for closers or horses that can rate just off the pace. This is a race where trip handicapping will be essential.
Key Contenders
Envelope Please (PP8), trained by Justin Radosevich (the son of Jeffrey Radosevich) with Luis Raul Rivera aboard, is the morning line favorite at 2-1. This 5-year-old horse has the benefit of the Rivera-Radosevich connection that has been dominant at the meet. Drawing the eight post in a full field is not ideal, but Rivera should be able to navigate the traffic from there. He should sit off the pace and rally.
Silent Drill (PP9), trained by Craig Sweeting with Angel I. Diaz riding, is backed by some handicappers at 3-1 on the morning line. Diaz is a competent rider and this 4-year-old gelding draws the far outside, which could be advantageous if the rail is playing dead and the pace is hot up front.
Secondary Choices
Stormed Out (PP3), trained by Robert C. Cline with Jose A. Bracho aboard, has course-and-distance experience and the leading jockey at the meet. Bracho’s presence always adds value, and this horse has been competitive in similar Ohio-bred claiming events.
National Story (PP1) draws the rail for trainer David Wolochuk with Chelsey Keiser up. He finished runner-up over course and distance recently and has solid claims in this spot.
Tahlequah Joe (PP4), trained by Emily Szczepanski with Yuri Yaranga aboard, could be a mid-pack runner who benefits from a speed collapse.
Longshots
Drill’s Boy (PP7), trained by Jose Romero with German Terraza riding, is a 4-year-old who possesses early speed. If he can clear the field and get an easy lead, he could steal the race at a big price.
Man’s Choice (PP6), trained by Richard Zielinski with Brandon Tapara up, is another speed type who could be part of a speed duel or could benefit if the other front-runners falter.
Betting Strategy
With a large field and contested pace, this race sets up well for exacta and trifecta wagering. Key Envelope Please on top with Stormed Out, Silent Drill, and National Story underneath. A Pick 3 beginning in this race through Races 6 and 7 offers a chance to build value. Use the likely pace meltdown to key closers over speed types in trifectas.
Selections
Win: 8 Envelope Please
Place: 9 Silent Drill
Show: 3 Stormed Out
Race 6 — Ohio-Bred Allowance Fillies/Mares, 6 Furlongs, Purse $33,700
Post Time: 2:35 PM ET
This is the highest-purse race on the card at $33,700 for Ohio-bred fillies and mares, three and up, that have never won two races. With Vesper Martini (PP7) scratched, the field is reduced to six runners. This is a highly competitive affair.
Pace Analysis
Miss Elecktra (PP1) and All Pepped Up (PP5) both have tactical speed and should be forwardly placed. Secret Valentine (PP2) can also show speed. The pace should be moderate with no confirmed speed demon, and the race could come down to which horse has the strongest late surge. The shorter field reduces traffic concerns.
Key Contenders
Miss Elecktra (PP1), trained by Jason DaCosta with Alexander Chavez riding, is the morning line favorite at 2-1. This 3-year-old filly by Jimmy Creed steps down in class and has an impressive pedigree rating of 74 from form analysts. DaCosta is one of the top trainers in the region, and Chavez provides reliable handling. Drawing the rail in a reduced six-horse field is ideal.
All Pepped Up (PP5), trained by Robert M. Gorham with Victor Fernandez aboard, impressed when winning on debut and is the morning line second choice at 3-1. The Formscan analysis from form experts noted that she “impressed when winning on debut and could follow up,” which is a strong endorsement. Her recent debut victory gives her an edge in confidence and fitness.
Secondary Choices
Secret Caller (PP4), trained by Nestor R. Rivera with Elijah Greenidge riding, “won well last time out and may pose the main threat,” according to form analysts. She gets a two-pound weight allowance at 121 pounds and has distance form over the course. At 10-1 on the morning line (with Vesper Martini scratched, odds may shift), she represents significant value.
Secret Valentine (PP2), trained by Timothy Hamm with Laureano Sosa up, sits at 5-1 and has enough early speed to be dangerous if the pace is moderate. She can press the pace and hold on for a share.
Longshots
Lady Indya (PP3), a 3-year-old trained by Jay Bernardini with Samuel Bermudez aboard, gets the lightweight at 116 pounds and is 8-1 on the morning line. She is still developing and could improve sharply at any time.
Sunny Lion (PP6), trained by Robert Cline with David Haldar riding, recently ran second in a similar spot at Mahoning Valley and cannot be dismissed at 12-1. She is an honest mare who tries hard every time.
Betting Strategy
With the highest purse on the card, this is the race to invest in exotic wagers. Miss Elecktra and All Pepped Up are the two to key on top, but Secret Caller’s recent winning effort at a price makes her a must-use underneath. An exacta box of 1-5 with a trifecta key using 1 and 5 on top over 4, 2, and 6 provides solid coverage. The scratching of Vesper Martini simplifies the race and may push value toward the secondary choices.
Selections
Win: 1 Miss Elecktra
Place: 5 All Pepped Up
Show: 4 Secret Caller
Race 7 — Allowance Fillies/Mares, 1 Mile, Purse $26,400
Post Time: 3:03 PM ET
Eight fillies and mares go a mile in this allowance event for horses that have never won two races other than maiden, claiming, starter, or Ohio-bred. This is a competitive route race with a full field.
Pace Analysis
At a mile with a full field, early positioning is critical. Little Miss Munny (PP2) and Miss Fussy Pants (PP4) both have some tactical speed and should be prominent early. Asian Matriarch (PP1) from the rail can also secure a good position. The pace should be moderate, with jockeys rating their horses in anticipation of the long stretch run. Closers will need to be within striking distance entering the final turn to have a chance.
Key Contenders
Lofty Cowtown (PP6), trained by Megan Fadlovich with Mauro Cedillo riding, is the consensus pick from multiple handicapping sources at 6-1 on the morning line. This 6-year-old mare draws a mid-pack post and should sit off the early pace before making a move entering the stretch. At 6-1, she offers legitimate value in a wide-open route race.
Little Miss Munny (PP2), trained by Julie Pappada with Rocco Bowen aboard, draws the favorable two post for a route race and has the benefit of one of the top riders at the current meet. Bowen is second in the jockey standings at Mahoning Valley this winter, and the Pappada barn is competitive at this level.
Secondary Choices
Miss Fussy Pants (PP4), trained by Nestor Rivera with Luis Raul Rivera riding, has the advantage of the top jockey in the irons. Rivera’s record at Mahoning Valley speaks for itself, and this mare has been competitive at the allowance level.
Asian Matriarch (PP1), trained by Robert Cline with Victor Fernandez aboard, draws the rail and should save ground throughout. In a route race at Mahoning Valley, the rail is a significant advantage, and if she can secure early position, she could be very tough to pass.
My Kathryn Rose (PP7), trained by Eric Reed with Charle Oliveros up, is an intriguing shipper from the Eric Reed barn. Reed is a nationally recognized trainer, and any time he sends a runner to a smaller circuit like Mahoning Valley, it warrants attention.
Longshots
Haut Les Coeurs (PP8), also from the Julie Pappada barn with Luis Alberto Batista aboard, gives Pappada a two-pronged attack in this race. She draws the outside post, which is unfavorable for a mile race, but at a big price she could round out exotic tickets.
Sacred Connection (PP3), trained by Ricardo Bailey with Angel Diaz riding, and Ima Mom (PP5), trained by Ivan Vazquez with Deshawn Parker aboard, are both longshots who could find a piece at a price if the pace unfolds in their favor.
Betting Strategy
This is a wide-open race that screams for horizontal exotic play. Lofty Cowtown at 6-1 is the value play on top, but the race is competitive enough to spread in exactas and trifectas. A trifecta box of 6, 2, 4, and 1 covers the main contenders while offering a good price if Lofty Cowtown delivers.
Selections
Win: 6 Lofty Cowtown
Place: 2 Little Miss Munny
Show: 4 Miss Fussy Pants
Race 8 — Starter Allowance, 6 Furlongs, Purse $17,600
Post Time: 3:31 PM ET
The closing race is a starter allowance for horses that have started for a claiming price of $5,000 or less in 2025-2026. Seven runners are entered with El Rosillo (PP6) and For Mama (PP99) as also-eligibles who may or may not draw in. This race carries Ohio-bred preference.
Pace Analysis
Don’t Stop (PP1), Ismybusiness (PP5), and Poppy’s Pride (PP2) all have some early speed. The pace should be moderate to honest in a six-furlong sprint. Tonight (PP4) and Me and Chili (PP7) can sit off the pace and close. The configuration of the pace will determine whether front-runners hold or closers prevail.
Key Contenders
Tonight (PP4), trained by Jeffrey Radosevich with Jose A. Bracho riding, is the anchor play in this race. The combination of the leading trainer on the card (all entrants 4-1 or less) and the leading jockey at the meet is the most powerful combination running in this final event. This 4-year-old gelding should sit a perfect stalking trip and pounce in the stretch.
Don’t Stop (PP1), trained by Khadeem Galloway with Angel Diaz aboard, draws the rail at 7-2 on the morning line and has tactical speed. The rail draw is favorable for a six-furlong sprint, and Diaz is a reliable rider who knows when to push and when to rate.
Secondary Choices
Poppy’s Pride (PP2), trained by Caryn Vecchio with Alexander Crispin riding, is the highest-weighted runner at 126 pounds, indicating he has been winning recently. This 8-year-old gelding won at Mahoning Valley on January 22 and should be competitive again. The Vecchio barn has been performing well this winter.
Ismybusiness (PP5), trained by Tim Eggleston with Victor Fernandez riding, carries top weight of 126 pounds and has early speed. Eggleston is a capable trainer, and Fernandez has been riding consistently.
Longshots
Prince of Pennies (PP3), trained by Michelle Elliott with Jose Ramos Gutierrez aboard, gets the lightweight at 119 pounds and could offer a big price. Elliott has been competitive at the meet, and the weight break is significant in a sprint.
Me and Chili (PP7), trained by Rey Juarez-Mendoza with Luis Alberto Batista up, is a deep closer who needs a pace meltdown to factor. At this level, pace collapses are not uncommon, making him a worthwhile inclusion in trifectas and superfectas.
Betting Strategy
The closing race is the best spot to look for value in the last-race exotics. Tonight and Don’t Stop form the logical exacta, but spreading wider in trifectas to include Poppy’s Pride and Ismybusiness provides better payoffs. A trifecta key of 4 over 1, 2, 5 over all is the recommended structure.
Selections
Win: 4 Tonight
Place: 1 Don’t Stop
Show: 2 Poppy’s Pride
Jockey Notes and Insights
Jose A. Bracho leads the current jockey standings at Mahoning Valley for the 2025-2026 winter meet. He has three mounts today: Race 2 (Knicks Glory, PP1), Race 4 (Total Silence, PP5), and Race 8 (Tonight, PP4). His presence in the Radosevich barn gives those runners an added edge, and he should be a factor in every race he rides.
Rocco Bowen sits second in the jockey standings, just two wins behind Bracho. He has one mount today in Race 7 aboard Little Miss Munny (PP2) for Julie Pappada. Bowen is an experienced rider who has competed at higher-profile circuits and brings a level of professionalism to every ride.
Luis Raul Rivera has five mounts on today’s card: Race 1 (Beck’s Spirit, PP5), Race 3 (J J Valentin, PP5), Race 4 (Game and Smart, PP1), Race 5 (Envelope Please, PP8), and Race 7 (Miss Fussy Pants, PP4). Rivera has been a leading rider at Mahoning Valley for years, compiling over $39 million in career earnings with a career win percentage around 23%. His mounts are almost always in contention, and his five-ride card today includes three morning line favorites.
Mauro Cedillo has three mounts today: Race 1 (Loony, PP1), Race 3 (Vidiano, PP6), and Race 7 (Lofty Cowtown, PP6). He is a dependable pilot who rarely makes costly errors and is particularly effective in route races.
Alexander Chavez rides twice today: Race 2 (Bohemian Style, PP4) and Race 6 (Miss Elecktra, PP1). He is a rising talent at the meet and his assignment on the Race 6 favorite is a strong endorsement of his abilities by DaCosta.
Angel I. Diaz rides twice: Race 5 (Silent Drill, PP9) and Race 8 (Don’t Stop, PP1). Diaz is consistent and has historically performed well at Mahoning Valley.
Victor Fernandez has three mounts: Race 5 (Redden, PP5), Race 6 (All Pepped Up, PP5), and Race 7 (Asian Matriarch, PP1). He is a workmanlike rider who gives honest efforts.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jeffrey Radosevich is the dominant trainer on today’s card with five entries, all at 4-1 or less on the morning line. He has accumulated over 3,000 career wins, making him one of the most accomplished trainers in North American racing history. His entries today are:
Race 2: Storming Chrome (PP2) — listed second in a four-horse field after the King Curlin scratch.
Race 3: J J Valentin (PP5) — morning line favorite at 8-5.
Race 4: Game and Smart (PP1) — heavy favorite at 4-5; also saddles Total Silence (PP5).
Race 5: Envelope Please (PP8) — morning line favorite at 2-1 (trained by his son Justin Radosevich).
Race 8: Tonight (PP4) — among the top choices.
When Radosevich loads up on a card like this, it is a signal that his barn is firing on all cylinders. His runners should be singled or keyed heavily in multi-race wagers.
Jeffrey Skerrett saddles two in Race 1: Breeze the Bayou (PP3) and Cacique Abarrio (PP4). He also sends out Quarantino (PP2) in Race 3. The Skerrett barn is a steady presence at Mahoning Valley and his two-pronged attack in Race 1 should not be dismissed.
Nestor R. Rivera has entries in Race 2 (Bohemian Style, PP4), Race 3 (Insanity It Seems, PP3), and Race 7 (Miss Fussy Pants, PP4). He maintains a consistent stable at Mahoning Valley and his runners are always competitive.
Jason DaCosta sends out Miss Elecktra (PP1) in Race 6 as the morning line favorite. DaCosta is among the top trainers in the region and his presence in the highest-purse race on the card is significant.
Robert C. Cline has three entries: Race 5 (Stormed Out, PP3 and Redden, PP5) and Race 7 (Asian Matriarch, PP1). Cline is a reliable local conditioner who consistently places his horses where they can compete.
Julie Pappada has two entries in Race 7: Little Miss Munny (PP2) and Haut Les Coeurs (PP8). Running two in the same race suggests confidence that at least one will be a factor.
Megan Fadlovich trains Lofty Cowtown (PP6) in Race 7, the consensus pick. This is a barn that occasionally produces big-priced winners and her selection of Cedillo to ride is noteworthy.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The Radosevich Factor: With all five Radosevich entries at 4-1 or less, building multi-race wagers around his runners is the most logical approach. Consider a Pick 4 beginning in Race 3 through Race 6, singling J J Valentin (R3) and Game and Smart (R4) to reduce cost while spreading in Races 5 and 6.
Value Play of the Day: Lofty Cowtown (PP6) in Race 7 at 6-1 on the morning line. She is the consensus pick from multiple handicapping outlets in a wide-open route race. At that price, a win wager has excellent expected value, and keying her in exactas over the field provides a chance for a significant payout.
Best Win Bet: Game and Smart (PP1) in Race 4 at 4-5. While the price is short, the horse is clearly the most talented runner in the field and has the best connections. This is a race to bet to win with confidence.
Best Exacta Play: Race 1, an exacta box of 3 (Breeze the Bayou) and 4 (Cacique Abarrio). The Skerrett barn dominates this race, and having both runners in the exacta at 9-2 and 5-2 respectively should produce a fair return.
Best Trifecta Play: Race 5, keying 8 (Envelope Please) on top with 9 (Silent Drill), 3 (Stormed Out), and 1 (National Story) in the place and show slots. The large field and pace dynamics create the potential for a generous trifecta payout.
Daily Double Strategy: The Race 7 to Race 8 daily double offers a chance to couple Lofty Cowtown (R7) with Tonight (R8) for a Radosevich-Fadlovich double that could pay handsomely.
Pick 3 Strategy: Races 6 through 8 present an opportunity to build a late Pick 3. Use Miss Elecktra and All Pepped Up in Race 6, spread wider in Race 7 with Lofty Cowtown, Little Miss Munny, and Miss Fussy Pants, and key Tonight and Don’t Stop in Race 8. A partial Pick 3 covering 1,5 with 2,4,6 with 1,4 costs $18 for a $1 base wager and captures the most likely outcomes.
Morning Line Analysis: Races with short-priced favorites (Race 4 with Game and Smart at 4-5, Race 3 with J J Valentin at 8-5) are best used as singles in horizontal wagers rather than win bets. The value in the card lies in the mid-priced races — Race 1, Race 5, Race 7, and Race 8 — where the fields are more competitive and the odds are more generous.
Overall, this is a card built for the disciplined handicapper who can identify the dominant Radosevich barn as the backbone of multi-race bets while finding value in the more wide-open races.
