Mountaineer Park presents an eight-race card on Tuesday evening, August 19, 2025, with the first post at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The West Virginia track continues its busy summer schedule with a competitive mix of claiming races, starter allowances, and maiden special weight events. The card features purses ranging from $8,300 to $16,500.
Weather Forecast and Track Surface Conditions
The weather forecast for August 19, 2025, indicates partly cloudy conditions with temperatures reaching approximately 86-87°F during racing hours. The RealFeel temperature is expected to remain comfortable at around 86°F with moderate humidity levels. Winds are forecast to be light from the southwest at approximately 5 mph, which should not significantly impact racing conditions.
Current track conditions show the main dirt surface listed as fast, while the turf course is rated firm. The temporary rail distance has been set at 21 feet for turf races, which is within normal parameters for the track’s configuration. No significant precipitation is expected during racing hours, though conditions can change rapidly in the region and bettors should monitor any late updates.
Race-by-Race Analysis and Picks
Race 1 – Starter Allowance ($14,200)
Top Selection: Teshima (5) at 8-1 odds
Trained by J.P. Bernardini and ridden by B. Tapara, this runner offers excellent value in the opener. The longer odds make this an attractive play for handicappers seeking early card value.
Race 2 – Starter Optional Claiming ($14,600)
Top Selection: Triple Start (6) at 2-1 odds
This J. Fennessy trainee with C. Oliveros aboard represents the most logical choice based on recent form patterns. The morning line favorite status reflects legitimate credentials.
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight ($16,500)
Top Selection: Red Roscoe (7) at 5-1 odds
M.L. Cuttino sends out this runner with B. Whitacre in the saddle. The turf surface for this 5-furlong sprint should suit runners with tactical speed, and this combination offers value at the projected odds.
Race 4 – Claiming ($8,300)
Top Selection: Poseidon’s Son (8) at 7-2 odds
J.C. Poole conditions this runner for jockey Y. Aviles. The partnership between trainer and jockey has shown consistent results throughout the current meet.
Race 5 – Claiming
Top Selection: Tee Burns (6) at 2-1 odds
J.T. Brown trains this runner for K. Gonzalez. The morning line favorite carries solid credentials into this competitive claiming event.
Race 6 – Claiming
Top Selection: Flying Blind (4) at 3-1 odds
J.L. Silva conditions this runner for L.A. Batista. Silva’s stable has maintained strong form throughout the meet.
Race 7 – Claiming
Top Selection: Baytown Butterfly (1) at 6-1 odds
P. McEntee sends out this runner with O. Bocachica aboard. This represents a solid value play in a competitive claiming event.
Race 8 – Claiming (Finale)
Top Selection: Agenda (2) at 4-1 odds
V. Demczyk trains this closer for R. Barrios. The finale often rewards patient tactics, making this selection appealing for exotic wagers.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Several jockeys emerge as key figures on tonight’s card. Y. Aviles continues to demonstrate strong tactical awareness on the Mountaineer circuit, particularly effective when partnered with quality trainers who know the track well. His mount Poseidon’s Son in Race 4 represents a logical win candidate.
K. Gonzalez brings veteran experience to multiple mounts, including the favored Tee Burns in Race 5. His familiarity with the track’s nuances and ability to judge pace makes him a reliable choice for horizontal wagers.
L.A. Batista takes the call on Flying Blind in Race 6, continuing a productive partnership with trainer J.L. Silva. The combination has proven effective throughout the current meet, with Batista’s patient style well-suited to the claiming ranks.
B. Tapara represents value on the longshot Teshima in the opener, providing an experienced pilot for what appears to be an overlaid opportunity to start the card.
Trainer Notes and Insights
J.L. Silva continues to show strong form with his stable, sending out competitive runners in multiple races. His claiming operation has maintained consistency throughout the meet, with particular success when paired with regular jockey partners who understand his horses’ running styles.
The presence of multiple trainers with solid win percentages at the current meet adds competitive depth to several races. J.T. Brown’s entry Tee Burns in Race 5 comes from a barn that has found success at this claiming level.
V. Demczyk’s finale runner Agenda represents the type of late-developing sort that often thrives in the nightcap. The trainer’s patient approach with developing horses has yielded positive results throughout the summer.
J.C. Poole’s Poseidon’s Son carries the expectations of a barn that has shown improvement with recent runners, making this selection worth consideration in Race 4.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The card presents several opportunities for value-conscious bettors. The opener with Teshima at 8-1 odds offers excellent value for those seeking to start the evening with a price horse. This selection could anchor Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences at attractive odds.
For horizontal wagers, consider keying the more reliable favorites in Races 2 and 5 (Triple Start and Tee Burns) while spreading in the more competitive claiming events. The Race 6-7-8 Pick 3 sequence offers opportunities to use multiple horses in each leg while maintaining reasonable ticket costs.
Daily Double players should consider connecting Race 1 value with the Race 2 favorite, providing a high-payoff opportunity if the opener produces an upset. Similarly, the late Daily Double connecting Races 7 and 8 allows for creative combinations using mid-priced alternatives.
Exacta and trifecta players will find the most competitive races in the claiming events (Races 4, 6, 7, and 8), where multiple runners possess legitimate winning chances. Boxing strategies in these races can provide coverage while maintaining reasonable costs.
Summary of Previous Racing
The previous day’s card at Mountaineer Park on Saturday, August 17, 2025, featured several notable results. In the opener, Mornin’ Boss scored at generous odds of 10.80-1 under Luis Batista, providing an excellent start for value players. Lady Serenity finished second at 2.40-1, demonstrating the competitive nature of the claiming ranks.