Parx Racing presents a challenging Wednesday card on August 20, 2025, following yesterday’s successful racing program. The track returns to regular weekday action with a competitive slate of claiming and maiden races scheduled throughout the afternoon. The card features multiple claiming events at various levels, including races with purses ranging from the mid-teen thousands to higher claiming levels.
The racing program includes ten races, with post times beginning at 12:40 PM. Race 5 appears to be a notable claiming event featuring three-year-olds and up, geldings and ridglings competing at 6.5 furlongs on the dirt surface with a substantial purse of $23,000.
Weather Forecast and Track Conditions
Current track condition information for August 20, 2025 is limited in available sources. However, based on recent patterns at Parx Racing, track maintenance crews typically provide updated surface conditions throughout the morning hours leading up to first post time.
Weather conditions and track surface ratings will be crucial factors for handicapping today’s card, particularly given the impact that surface variations can have on horse performance and race outcomes at the Pennsylvania facility.
Race-by-Race Analysis and Picks
Race 1
We suggest a $2 Place wager on horse #4 Justheart for the opening race. This represents a conservative approach focusing on a horse showing solid recent form indicators.
Race 2
Race 2 at Parx Racing features a competitive Maiden Special Weight event for two-year-old fillies competing at five furlongs on the dirt surface. The race carries a substantial $50,000 purse, reflecting the quality of the juvenile field assembled for this Wednesday afternoon contest.
This maiden event presents seven fillies making their racing debuts or seeking their first career victory. The short five-furlong distance favors horses with natural early speed and tactical pace, making post position and early positioning crucial factors in the outcome.
Field Analysis and Contenders
Top Choice: Extrasexyzqteepeye (#5)
Morning line favorite at 3/1 odds, Extrasexyzqteepeye represents the most experienced runner in the field with one previous start where she earned $4,620. Her lone outing resulted in a third-place finish over 4.5 furlongs at Parx Racing, providing valuable experience that should benefit her in this step up to five furlongs.
Jockey Andy Hernandez takes the mount for trainer Jacinto Solis. Hernandez shows a 20% in-the-money percentage from five recent starts, while this represents Solis’s first starter in the analysis period. The combination of race experience and favorable morning line positioning makes her the logical choice.
Secondary Contender: Tiza Smokeshow (#3)
Listed at 5/2 morning line odds, Tiza Smokeshow presents the most interesting value proposition in the field. She carries high prediction percentages of 31% win, 72% place, and 95% show according to handicapping models.
The filly will be ridden by Frankie Pennington for trainer J Tyler Servis. This represents a powerful connection, as Pennington shows perfect statistics from two recent starts (100% win and place percentage), while Servis demonstrates identical success rates with a 100% win and place percentage from two starters.
Live Longshot: Project Maximus (#2)
Project Maximus offers interesting value at 3/1 morning line odds despite being a maiden. Professional analysis places her third in the expected order of finish with solid value potential at 3/1 odds.
Eliseo Ruiz rides for trainer Robert E Reid Jr. Ruiz brings recent experience with a 17% win rate and 33% place rate from six starts, providing tactical riding skills that could prove valuable in a competitive maiden field.
Additional Contenders
Dress Like Coco (#1) and Authentic Lady (#6) both carry 4/1 morning line odds and represent live alternatives if the favorites encounter trouble. Dress Like Coco pairs jockey Abner Adorno with trainer John C Servis, while Authentic Lady features Joezer Rangel riding for J Tyler Servis.
Snapy Legacy (#7) at 9/1 odds represents the longest shot with some experience, having finished sixth in her debut over 4.5 furlongs at Parx Racing. Luis M Ocasio rides for trainer Scott A Lake in what appears to be a developmental effort.
Wagering Strategy
A conservative $2 Place wager on Extrasexyzqteepeye (#5) acknowledges her race experience advantage while protecting against the unpredictability common in maiden races.
For handicappers seeking higher returns, the Tiza Smokeshow and Project Maximus combination offers value potential in exacta wagering. Both fillies show competitive form indicators and benefit from experienced connections familiar with two-year-old development.
Expected Finish Order
Based on comprehensive analysis, the expected order of finish projects as follows:
Extrasexyzqteepeye – Race experience provides significant advantage
Tiza Smokeshow – Strong trainer/jockey combination with high prediction ratings
Project Maximus – Solid value alternative with tactical rider
Dress Like Coco – Competitive maiden from established stable
Authentic Lady – Secondary option from successful trainer
Snapy Legacy – Longshot with previous race experience
Mariah’s Big Girl – Needs significant improvement from debut performance
The competitive nature of this maiden field suggests multiple horses capable of winning, making exotic wagering an attractive option for handicappers comfortable with the inherent uncertainty of two-year-old racing.
Race 4 – Claiming Race
Magic Eight Ball is the morning line favorite at 1.20 odds, positioned as the expected winner. The competitive field also includes Once an Eagle at 4.50 odds and Far Heart at 5.00 odds as secondary contenders.
Key contenders in order of expected finish:
Magic Eight Ball (2/5 morning line) – Top choice with strong recent form
Once an Eagle (9/2) – Solid secondary option with value potential
Far Heart (5/1) – Live longshot possibility
Race 5 – Claiming $12,500
This 6.5-furlong dirt race for three-year-olds and up carries a $23,000 purse. AI recommends a $2 Place wager on horse #6.
Professional handicapping suggests Probationer as the top choice at 3.00 odds, with Scudetto as the secondary option at 3.50 odds. Supreme Mind at 4.00 odds represents additional value in a competitive claiming field.
Expected order of finish:
Probationer (6/5) – Morning line favorite with tactical speed
Scudetto (7/2) – Strong secondary choice with consistent recent form
Supreme Mind (4/1) – Value alternative with upside potential
Race 6
Race 6 at Parx Racing features a competitive Maiden Special Weight event for two-year-old fillies competing at 5.5 furlongs on the dirt surface. The race carries a substantial $50,000 purse, indicating the quality of juvenile fillies assembled for this Wednesday afternoon contest.
This maiden event presents seven fillies, with most making their racing debuts or seeking their first career victory. The 5.5-furlong distance provides a middle ground between sprint and route racing for these developing juveniles, requiring both early speed and some stamina.
Field Analysis and Top Contenders
Top Choice: Union Doos (#3)
The morning line favorite at 2/1 odds, Union Doos represents the most logical choice based on both experience and handicapping metrics. She shows impressive prediction percentages of 24% win, 49% place, and 75% show according to professional models.
Her lone career start resulted in a creditable second-place finish out of six runners at 4.5 furlongs at Parx Racing, earning $8,400. The step up to 5.5 furlongs should suit her developing stamina, and her previous experience at the track provides a significant advantage over the debut runners.
Frankie Pennington takes the mount for trainer Robert E Reid Jr. Pennington brings a solid 12% win rate and 56% place rate from 16 recent starts, demonstrating consistent tactical riding skills essential in maiden company.
Strong Secondary Option: In The Biz (#4)
Listed at 7/2 or 3.5/1 morning line odds, In The Biz presents an intriguing debut runner with strong connections. Her prediction model shows 20% win, 42% place, and 65% show percentages, indicating solid potential despite her inexperience.
Abner Adorno rides for trainer John C Servis, representing one of the most successful combinations in the field. Adorno shows a 5% win rate and 33% place rate from 21 starts, while Servis demonstrates exceptional recent form with a 30% win rate and 40% place rate from 10 starters. The trainer’s ability to prepare debut runners could prove crucial.
Value Alternative: She’scomin’Uprosie (#7)
At 9/2 or 4.5/1 morning line odds, She’scomin’Uprosie offers interesting value despite disappointing debut performance. She finished fourth out of six runners at 4.5 furlongs at Parx Racing but earned $25,200, suggesting some ability despite the poor finishing position.
Eliseo Ruiz takes the mount for trainer Robert E Reid Jr. Ruiz brings impressive recent statistics with a 28% win rate and 59% place rate from 29 starts, providing the tactical skills needed to improve on her previous effort. The slight stretch-out in distance could benefit her late-running style.
Additional Contenders
Law School (#1) at 5/1 morning line represents an interesting debut runner with a high 29% win prediction despite no previous starts. Jamie Ness trains with Ajhari Williams aboard, bringing a 5% win rate and 48% place rate from 21 starts.
Savor It (#6) also carries 5/1 odds and a 29% win prediction as another debut runner. Francisco Martinez rides for Lewis Uriah St, with Martinez showing strong recent form including a 27% win rate and 57% place rate from 30 starts.
Minxzraggztorichez (#5) at 5/1 odds has experience but disappointed in her debut, finishing fifth out of six at 4.5 furlongs at Parx Racing despite earning $12,600. Dexter Haddock rides for Jacinto Solis.
Alyvia’s Lil Girl (#2) represents the longest shot at 12/1 odds but shows some experience with two previous starts and $12,400 in earnings. Her mid-pack, deep running style could provide value if the pace develops favorably.
Wagering Strategy
AI recommends a conservative $2 Place wager on Union Doos (#3), acknowledging her race experience advantage and strong prediction metrics while protecting against maiden race unpredictability.
We saw some handicappers suggest a Superfecta combination of 3-4-2-7, targeting Union Doos and In The Biz in the top two positions with Alyvia’s Lil Girl and She’scomin’Uprosie as the deeper picks.
For value seekers, the combination of Union Doos and In The Biz in exacta wagering provides solid foundation, while including She’scomin’Uprosie in trifecta combinations could yield higher returns given her jockey’s strong recent form.
Expected Finish Order
The projected order of finish:
Union Doos – Race experience and strong prediction metrics favor the favorite
In The Biz – Powerful trainer/jockey combination with debut potential
She’scomin’Uprosie – Jockey upgrade and distance stretch-out provide improvement opportunity
Law School – Intriguing debut runner with high win prediction percentage
Savor It – Solid connections suggest competitive debut effort
Minxzraggztorichez – Needs significant improvement from disappointing debut
Alyvia’s Lil Girl – Longshot with deep running style requiring perfect trip
The competitive nature of this maiden field, combined with several intriguing debut runners from successful connections, suggests Union Doos provides the most reliable choice while offering reasonable value in exotic wagering combinations.
Race 7
Race 7 at Parx Racing presents a competitive Maiden Special Weight event for two-year-old colts competing at 5.5 furlongs on the dirt surface. The race carries a substantial $50,000 purse, reflecting the quality of juvenile colts assembled for this Wednesday afternoon contest.
This maiden event features eight colts, with most making their racing debuts while a few have limited experience. The 5.5-furlong distance provides an ideal testing ground for these developing juveniles, requiring tactical speed and emerging stamina as they mature through their two-year-old campaigns.
Field Analysis and Top Contenders
Top Choice: Tough Guy Tony (#5)
The morning line favorite at 5/2 odds, Tough Guy Tony represents the most experienced and accomplished runner in the field. He shows impressive prediction percentages of 26% win, 56% place, and 86% show according to professional handicapping models. His lone career start resulted in a fourth-place finish out of seven runners over five furlongs at Monmouth Park, earning $31,500 and demonstrating competitive ability at a higher level.
Frankie Pennington takes the mount for trainer Robert E Reid Jr. Pennington brings solid recent statistics with a 12% win rate and 56% place rate from 16 starts, providing the tactical riding skills essential for maiden company. The combination of race experience, strong prediction metrics, and competent connections makes him the logical favorite.
Strong Secondary Option: Joy Boy (#2)
Listed at 7/2 morning line odds, Joy Boy presents an intriguing debut runner with solid prediction indicators showing 21% win, 44% place, and 69% show percentages. Despite making his racing debut, the handicapping models suggest competitive potential that warrants serious consideration.
Abner Adorno rides for trainer Jacinto Solis. While Adorno shows modest recent statistics with a 5% win rate and 33% place rate from 21 starts, his experience with two-year-old maidens could prove valuable. This represents one of the more interesting debut runners in the field based on the prediction metrics.
Live Value Alternative: Mailata (#8)
At 5/1 morning line odds, Mailata offers attractive value as another debut runner with promising indicators. He shows identical prediction percentages to Joy Boy at 21% win, 44% place, and 69% show, suggesting similar competitive potential.
Eliseo Ruiz takes the mount for trainer Robert E Reid Jr. Ruiz brings impressive recent form with a 28% win rate and 59% place rate from 29 starts, representing the strongest jockey statistics in the race. The combination of a hot rider and solid prediction metrics creates an appealing value proposition at the current odds.
Longshot with Potential: Quick To Judge (#7)
At 8/1 morning line odds, Quick To Judge represents an interesting longshot despite making his debut. Francisco Martinez rides for trainer Lewis Uriah St, with Martinez showing strong recent statistics including a 27% win rate and 57% place rate from 30 starts.
The jockey’s hot recent form could provide the tactical advantage needed to maximize any natural ability this colt possesses, making him worth consideration in exotic wagering combinations.
Additional Contenders
Vino Gray (#3) at 9/2 odds pairs jockey Ajhari Williams with trainer Alfredo Velazquez as another debut runner, while Petey Motto (#4) at 8/1 odds brings limited experience with one disappointing start where he finished sixth out of nine at 4.5 furlongs at Parx Racing.
Filled With Desire (#1) at 8/1 odds represents trainer Bobbi Anne Hawthorne’s debut runner, while Mavis’s Prince (#6) at 20/1 odds has struggled in two previous starts but could benefit from the slight distance increase.
Wagering Strategy
AI recommends a conservative $2 Place wager on Tough Guy Tony (#5).
Consider a Superfecta combination of 5-2-8-4, targeting Tough Guy Tony and Joy Boy in the top two positions with Mailata and Petey Motto as deeper selections. This combination balances the logical favorite with value alternatives that show competitive potential.
For handicappers seeking higher returns, the exacta combination of Tough Guy Tony with Mailata provides solid foundation given both horses’ strong jockey connections and prediction metrics. Including Joy Boy in trifecta combinations offers additional value given his debut potential.
Expected Finish Order
The projected order of finish:
Tough Guy Tony – Race experience and highest prediction percentages favor the favorite
Joy Boy – Strong debut potential supported by solid prediction metrics
Mailata – Excellent jockey form and matching prediction indicators to Joy Boy
Vino Gray – Trainer Alfredo Velazquez shows solid recent statistics
Quick To Judge – Hot jockey could maximize natural ability in debut
Petey Motto – Previous race experience provides some advantage
Filled With Desire – Needs significant natural ability to compete
Mavis’s Prince – Requires major improvement from disappointing form
The competitive nature of this maiden field, featuring several debut runners with intriguing connections alongside horses with limited experience, suggests Tough Guy Tony provides the most reliable choice while the supporting cast offers attractive exotic wagering opportunities.
Race 9
Race 9 at Parx Racing features a competitive $75,000 Claiming event for three-year-old geldings and colts competing at six furlongs on the dirt surface. The race carries a substantial $42,000 purse, reflecting the quality of this claiming level. This sprint distance favors horses with tactical speed and the ability to maintain their pace through the stretch run.
The seven-horse field presents an intriguing mix of experience levels and running styles, with several horses showing recent competitive form at the six-furlong distance. The claiming level suggests horses capable of winning at this level while providing opportunities for connections to make strategic moves.
Field Analysis and Top Contenders
Top Choice: Otter Mischief (#3)
The morning line favorite at 3/2 odds, Otter Mischief demonstrates the strongest handicapping metrics with impressive prediction percentages of 32% win, 73% place, and 95% show. His 11-race career shows solid consistency with a 1-4-5 record and $86,540 in earnings, indicating competitive ability at this level.
His recent form shows encouraging signs, including a second-place finish at Delaware Park over six furlongs and a victory at Parx Racing at the same distance. Andy Hernandez takes the mount for trainer Guadalupe Preciado, with Hernandez showing a 15% win rate and 48% place rate from 114 recent starts. The combination of strong prediction metrics and favorable recent form makes him the logical choice.
Strong Secondary Option: Smile Maker (#6)
Listed at 3/1 morning line odds, Smile Maker presents equally impressive prediction statistics with 32% win, 73% place, and 95% show percentages, matching the favorite’s metrics. Despite having only two career starts, he shows remarkable consistency with a 1-2-2 record and 50% win rate, demonstrating natural ability at this level.
His recent form includes a victory at Parx Racing over six furlongs followed by a second-place finish at 5.5 furlongs, both strong indicators for today’s distance. Frankie Pennington rides for trainer Guadalupe Preciado, with Pennington showing exceptional recent statistics including a 27% win rate and 50% place rate from 106 starts. The powerful jockey-trainer combination adds significant appeal.
Live Value Alternative: Marvelous Mo (#2)
At 7/2 morning line odds, Marvelous Mo offers attractive value despite showing solid recent form. His prediction percentages of 16% win and 31% place suggest competitive potential at favorable odds. His five-race career includes a recent victory at Parx Racing over six furlongs, demonstrating his ability to win at today’s distance and track.
Silvestre Gonzalez rides for trainer Kathleen A Demasi. Gonzalez brings steady statistics with a 16% win rate and 49% place rate from 162 recent starts. His stalking running style should position him well if the early pace develops favorably.
Experience Factor: Friday Surprise (#4) and Huggy (#1)
Friday Surprise at 4/1 odds brings the most extensive resume with nine career starts and $198,200 in earnings, the highest in the field. His 22% career win rate and recent form including a victory at Delaware Park over 5.5 furlongs suggest continued competitiveness. Francisco Martinez rides for Lewis Uriah St, with Martinez showing a 17% win rate and 51% place rate.
Huggy at 4/1 odds earned $158,820 from five starts but shows concerning recent form including a last-place finish at Saratoga in his most recent start. Eliseo Ruiz takes the mount for Robert E Reid Jr, with Ruiz demonstrating a 15% win rate and 49% place rate from 181 starts.
Additional Contenders
Let’smakeitadouble (#7) at 4/1 odds shows solid recent form with in-the-money finishes in his last three starts, all at Parx Racing. Abner Adorno’s mid-pack stalking style could prove effective if positioned properly.
Wax Box (#5) represents the longest shot at 7/1 odds but shows a 25% career win rate from four starts, suggesting natural ability despite recent disappointing efforts.
Expected Finish Order
Otter Mischief – Highest prediction percentages with consistent recent form
Smile Maker – Matching prediction metrics with excellent jockey connection
Marvelous Mo – Recent winner offering value at current odds
Friday Surprise – Experience and earnings suggest continued competitiveness
Huggy – Solid career earnings despite recent disappointing form
Let’smakeitadouble – Recent consistency at Parx Racing provides late-kick potential
Wax Box – Needs significant improvement from recent efforts
Jockey and Trainer Notes
F. Gonzalez Jr. appears among the riding assignments, working with trainer E. Tzortzakis on at least one mount. These connections represent experienced partnerships familiar with the Parx Racing surface and conditions.
Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Conservative Approach
Focus on Place wagers in Races 1 and 5 represent lower-risk strategies for handicappers seeking consistent returns. These selections target horses with solid recent form showing Place and Show potential.
Value Opportunities
Race 4 presents interesting value potential with Once an Eagle and Far Heart both offered at 5/1 or better odds despite showing competitive recent form. These horses could provide solid return opportunities if the favorite fails to deliver.
Race 5 offers multiple horses in the 4/1 to 9/1 range, creating opportunities for exacta and trifecta combinations targeting moderate to higher payouts.
Exotic Wagering
The competitive nature of today’s claiming events suggests opportunities for horizontal wagers connecting multiple races. The presence of several races with competitive fields and reasonable favorite odds creates potential for rolling strategies throughout the afternoon program.
Summary of Previous Day’s Races – August 19, 2025
Yesterday’s racing at Parx featured challenging muddy track conditions that significantly impacted race outcomes throughout the day. The track surface was rated as muddy from early morning, creating tactical advantages for horses with proven wet-track form and affecting pace scenarios across the card.
Key Results from August 19
The racing program included multiple claiming events and featured several competitive fields despite the challenging surface conditions. The muddy track favored horses with tactical speed and those able to handle off-going effectively, while early pace horses faced additional challenges on the deeper surface.
The track conditions created opportunities for mid-priced and longshot alternatives, as the surface variations contributed to some surprising results that rewarded strategic wagering approaches.
Racing patterns from August 19 suggest that inside post positions and horses with early tactical speed maintained advantages despite the challenging surface, though the deeper track did allow for some effective late runs from horses positioned properly for closing kicks.
