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Mountaineer Casino Racetrack presents an 8-race card Tuesday evening featuring a mix of maiden races, claiming events, and competitive handicapping opportunities. The track is reporting “Good” dirt conditions with temperatures expected in the low 60s and a chance of light rain showers throughout the evening.​

Track Conditions and Weather Overview

Mountaineer’s main dirt track is listed as “Good” condition as of 6:07 PM ET. Evening temperatures are forecasted to reach 62°F with southwest winds at 5-10 mph and a 90% chance of precipitation, including possible morning rain transitioning to partly cloudy conditions. The weather pattern suggests the track surface may play slightly slower than normal if rain arrives, favoring horses with proven wet-track form and those breaking from inside posts to avoid kickback.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight (5 Furlongs)

This two-year-old filly maiden features six runners with Celestial Harmony drawing the rail with apprentice Michael Pagan aboard. The Erick Torres trainee has been working steadily and the inside post provides tactical speed advantages in the five-furlong sprint. Charthena brings Donald Blankenship’s reliable training to post position two, though she faces the challenge of breaking her maiden against this field. One Hit Wonder in the fifth slot represents Anthony Farrior’s barn with Deshawn Parker taking the mount, combining the track’s all-time leading jockey with a solid training operation.​

Pace analysis suggests this race will develop early speed from multiple runners, particularly those breaking from inside posts. The key angle centers on juvenile fillies making their second or third career starts, as they typically show significant improvement from their debuts.

Race 2 – Claiming ($4,000)

The second race presents a competitive claiming event at one mile featuring older fillies and mares. Mirage Code leads off with Parker aboard for Johanna Urieta’s stable, while Good Enough for Me represents the powerful Alejandro Gomez trainer-jockey combination. The scratch watch indicates several entries have been withdrawn from similar events recently, suggesting trainer confidence in those remaining.​

Heavenly Lady dropping down the claiming ladder with Maikol Vilchez provides an intriguing angle, particularly if the track surface favors speed horses that can establish early positioning.

Race 3 – Claiming Sprint (4½ Furlongs)

The third race presents a competitive sprint at 4½ furlongs featuring six seasoned claiming horses competing for a $12,500 purse at the $6,500 claiming level. This distance heavily favors early speed and tactical positioning from the break.​

Track Conditions and Setup

The dirt track is expected to remain in “Good” condition with evening temperatures around 62°F and potential light rain. The 4½-furlong distance leaves little room for error, requiring horses to show early speed or secure favorable stalking positions within the first furlong.​

Contender Analysis

Caribbean Pleasure (#4) enters as the probable favorite with Deshawn Parker aboard for trainer Anthony Farrior. Parker brings his exceptional Mountaineer credentials – over 6,100 career wins and status as the track’s all-time leading jockey – to this assignment. The five-year-old gelding carries 123 pounds and has shown consistent form in similar claiming company. Parker’s 16% win rate and intimate knowledge of Mountaineer’s racing surface provide significant advantages in competitive sprint races.​

Walt Whitman (IRE) (#2) represents intriguing value with Michael Pagan taking the mount for Juan Carlos Gotera’s stable. This five-year-old Irish-bred horse by Churchill (IRE) out of Bint Al Reem has been competitive in recent Mountaineer claiming events. The significant weight advantage at 116 pounds (7 pounds less than topweight Con On the Run) provides tactical benefits in the sprint distance. Recent form suggests he has been running well in similar company and should appreciate the shorter distance.​

Alfie Solomons (#1) brings consistency to the race under Kevin Gonzalez for trainer Crystal Richison. The eight-year-old gelding recently scored over 5 furlongs on dirt at Mountaineer, showing improved form after struggling on turf surfaces. His experience at this claiming level and proven ability to handle the track surface make him a legitimate threat. The rail post position provides tactical advantages in maintaining position through the early pace.​

Secondary Contenders

Weekend Concerto (#5) represents the Gotera stable with Luis Negron riding. This four-year-old gelding demonstrated competitive ability by winning a 6-furlong claiming race at Mountaineer in June, paying $4.00 to win. He also finished a strong second in a 7-furlong turf event, beaten only a short head. His versatility across surfaces and recent good form make him dangerous in this spot, though the step back to 4½ furlongs tests his early speed.​

Con On the Run (#3) carries topweight at 126 pounds with Erik Barbaran aboard for trainer Ron Potts. The six-year-old gelding brings experience but faces the challenge of conceding significant weight to most rivals. His recent form and connections suggest competitive ability, though the weight burden in a sprint may prove challenging.​

Kool Kathmandu (#6) completes the field with Brandon Whitacre riding for Wilson Langley. This five-year-old gelding has been active in Mountaineer claiming races and represents a stable that typically places horses appropriately for their ability level.​

Pace Analysis

The pace scenario suggests moderate early pressure with Caribbean Pleasure and Alfie Solomons likely showing early speed from their inside posts. Walt Whitman (IRE) may settle slightly off the pace with his tactical speed, while Weekend Concerto could press the early leaders. The 4½-furlong distance leaves little time for dramatic pace scenarios, making early positioning crucial.​

Key Angles

The trainer-jockey combinations provide important insights: Parker and Farrior have proven success together, while the Gotera stable double-enters Weekend Concerto and Walt Whitman (IRE), suggesting confidence in both runners. Gonzalez has shown good results with Alfie Solomons in recent starts.​

Wagering Strategy

Caribbean Pleasure represents the logical win bet with Parker’s track mastery and proven claiming form. Walt Whitman (IRE) offers excellent value given his weight advantage and Pagan’s solid riding record. The exacta combination of Caribbean Pleasure over Walt Whitman (IRE) provides the best risk-reward scenario.​

Consider using Alfie Solomons in multi-race wagers, as his inside post and recent improvement suggest competitive chances at longer odds. Weekend Concerto merits inclusion in exotic wagers given his proven ability to win at this track.​

Selection

Win: Caribbean Pleasure (#4)
Place: Walt Whitman (IRE) (#2)
Show: Alfie Solomons (#1)
Exacta: 4-2, 2-4
Trifecta: 4-2-1, 2-4-5, 4-2-5

The combination of Parker’s riding expertise, Caribbean Pleasure’s consistent claiming form, and the tactical advantages of their position makes them the selection in this competitive sprint.​

Race 4 – Maiden Claiming ($25,000)

The fourth race presents a competitive maiden claiming event at one mile featuring six fillies and mares seeking their first lifetime victory. The $25,000 claiming price represents the highest level of the evening, attracting quality maidens with connections willing to risk their horses at this price point.​

Track Conditions and Distance Setup

Racing over one mile on the main dirt track in “Good” condition, this event will test both speed and stamina. The mile distance allows for tactical development and provides opportunities for both early speed types and closers to show their best efforts. Evening temperatures around 62°F with potential light rain may favor horses with proven wet-track form.​

Eric Reed Stable Entry Analysis

Jammersnextattack (#1) and Surf Happy (#2) represent trainer Eric Reed’s powerful stable, creating an immediate focal point for the race. Reed’s decision to double-enter suggests strong confidence in both fillies’ abilities at this claiming level.​

Jammersnextattack carries Bailey Weatherly aboard and brings solid recent form to the contest. The four-year-old filly by Not This Time has shown consistent effort in recent maiden special weight company and drops into claiming ranks for the first time. Her form line includes a fourth-place finish in maiden special weight company, suggesting she possesses the class to handle this assignment. Weatherly brings an 11.6% win rate and 40.6% in-the-money percentage to the partnership, establishing herself as a reliable pilot for claiming horses.​

Surf Happy teams with Charle Oliveros and represents Reed’s secondary option. Recent form suggests she has been competitive in similar maiden company, with consistent placings indicating readiness for a breakthrough performance. The trainer-jockey combination has shown success at Mountaineer throughout the current meet.​

Brandon Whitacre Mount

Summer Forever (#3) brings three-year-old form with Brandon Whitacre riding for trainer John Fennessy. Whitacre enters the race in excellent form, having scored multiple victories in October including wins with Weekend Concerto, Trikitraki, and Union Branch. His recent 2nd-place finish aboard Summer Forever on October 7th demonstrates their partnership’s potential. The weight advantage of carrying only 121 pounds as a three-year-old provides a significant tactical benefit in the mile event.​

Veteran Mare Contender

Shoppingatbloomies (#4) represents the most experienced runner as a five-year-old mare by Freud trained by Francisco Ramos. Despite 13 career starts without a victory, her breeding and connections suggest quality that may finally emerge in claiming company. Brandon Tapara takes the mount on a mare who has shown consistent effort throughout her career, and the step into claiming ranks may provide the class relief needed for a breakthrough.​

Ramgeet Stable Connection

Sister Sola (#5) brings the husband-wife team of trainer Tina Ramgeet and jockey Andrew Ramgeet. The Ramgeet combination has established a solid presence at Mountaineer with consistent results across various claiming levels. Sister Sola has shown competitive form in recent maiden company, including a 3rd-place finish in June and consistent efforts throughout 2025. The family operation’s intimate knowledge of their horses provides advantages in tactical race planning.​

Trainer-Jockey Combination

My Angel Does (#6) represents the unique trainer-jockey combination of Alejandro Gomez. The three-year-old filly by Higher Power has made 13 career starts without victory but brings the advantage of unified training and riding from the same individual. Recent form includes a 7th-place finish at Mountaineer on September 18th, suggesting she remains competitive in maiden company.​

Pace Analysis

The pace scenario suggests moderate early fractions with multiple horses capable of showing early speed. Jammersnextattack and Surf Happy from the Eric Reed stable likely possess tactical speed, while Summer Forever’s three-year-old condition may allow her to press the early pace. The mile distance provides opportunities for pace development and strategic positioning throughout the race.

Key Angles

The Eric Reed stable’s double entry creates the primary storyline, with both fillies representing legitimate chances based on their recent form and proven ability. Whitacre’s hot riding streak aboard Summer Forever provides the most compelling angle, particularly given their recent partnership and the weight advantage.​

The claiming price of $25,000 represents significant value, suggesting connections believe these maidens possess quality worth protecting at this level. This factor often indicates horses with ability who may simply need the right race setup to break through.​

Wagering Strategy

Summer Forever offers the best combination of current form, jockey skill, and weight advantage. Whitacre’s recent success and their established partnership make them the logical win selection. The Eric Reed entries Jammersnextattack and Surf Happy represent the most dangerous opposition given their trainer’s success rate and recent form improvements.​

Consider exacta combinations using Summer Forever on top with both Reed entries, as well as the reverse scenarios given the stable’s proven ability. Sister Sola provides exotic value given the Ramgeet team’s consistent performances and intimate knowledge of their filly.​

Selections

Win: Summer Forever (#3)
Place: Jammersnextattack (#1)
Show: Surf Happy (#2)
Exacta: 3-1, 3-2, 1-3
Trifecta: 3-1-2, 3-2-1, 1-3-5

The combination of Whitacre’s current form, Summer Forever’s weight advantage, and their proven partnership makes them the selection in this competitive maiden claiming event.

Race 5 – Claiming Feature (5 Furlongs)

This eight-horse field represents the evening’s most competitive event. Fast Freeze Kaz brings class and experience under Luis Negron’s riding, while Tee Burns has shown consistent form in similar company. Remys Gunsmoke represents Marion Cuttino’s training operation with Brandon Whitacre aboard, creating a solid combination for claiming horses.

The pace scenario suggests early pressure from multiple speed types, potentially setting up a closing kick from horses settling off the early pace.

Race 6 – Claiming ($4,000)

The mile claiming event features older horses in bottom-level claiming company. Guns n’ Rojas brings Amy Albright’s training to the contest with Negron riding, while Irish Heatwave represents a nine-year-old campaigner still seeking victories. Birth of Cool provides value potential with Michael Pagan taking the mount for Jose Luna Silva’s operation.​

Race 7 – Claiming Mile

Tetched leads the seven-horse field as a three-year-old stepping up against older horses, creating both opportunity and challenge. Town Kisser and Luvtheoneurwith provide experienced options in the claiming ranks, while Bromista represents John Fennessy’s stable seeking improvement.

Race 8 – Claiming Finale (6 Furlongs)

The evening concludes with a competitive filly and mare claiming event. Cat One brings John Fennessy’s training to the contest, while Fancy Princess represents Donald Blankenship’s operation with proven success at Mountaineer. U So Money Baby provides an interesting middle-distance option in the field.​

Jockey Analysis

Deshawn Parker dominates the evening’s card with multiple mounts, bringing his exceptional Mountaineer record of over 4,785 track victories to each assignment. His 16% career win rate and intimate knowledge of the racing surface provide significant advantages, particularly in competitive claiming events.​

Michael Pagan offers solid value with his 15.6% win rate and 54.4% in-the-money percentage. His partnership with trainer Jose Luna Silva has produced consistent results throughout the current meet.​

Luis Negron brings tactical riding skills to his assignments, particularly effective in sprint distances where positioning becomes crucial in tight finishes.

Trainer Insights

Donald Blankenship enters the card with strong recent form, maintaining a 12% career win rate with 38% in-the-money finishes. His horses typically show improvement in subsequent starts and benefit from his patient development approach.​

Anthony Farrior combines well with Parker, creating trainer-jockey partnerships that have produced consistent results at the current claiming levels.

Juan Carlos Gotera brings versatility with both Walt Whitman (IRE) and Weekend Concerto entered in different races, suggesting stable depth and strategic placement.

Wagering Strategy

Focus on Parker’s mounts in competitive spots, particularly One Hit Wonder in Race 1 and Caribbean Pleasure in Race 3. The Blankenship-trained runners provide consistent value, especially Charthena if the maiden race develops pace pressure.

Consider exacta combinations in Race 5 using multiple speed types, as the eight-horse field provides numerous permutations for the competitive claiming sprint. The claiming double connecting Races 6 and 7 offers potential value, particularly using Birth of Cool and Tetched in favorable pace scenarios.

Weather conditions may favor inside post positions and horses with proven form on off tracks, making tactical adjustments crucial as conditions develop throughout the evening.