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Today’s card at Parx Racing features 10 races, headlined by a competitive Allowance Optional Claiming event in Race 9 and a pair of Maiden Special Weight contests for fillies. The wagering menu includes the standard Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 sequences, with the late Pick 5 starting in Race 6.
Weather and Track Conditions
Forecast: The weather in Bensalem is expected to be cloudy with a high near 43°F (6°C). Rain is likely, particularly after 1:00 PM, with a 50% chance of precipitation. Winds will be from the northeast at 5-10 mph.
Track Condition: Expect the track to start Fast, but it may be downgraded to Good or Sloppy as the afternoon progresses if the forecasted rain arrives.
Track Bias: Parx Racing has shown a distinct speed and rail bias during the current meet, particularly in sprints (6f and 6.5f). Front-runners starting from the inside posts (1-4) have won at a clip of approximately 37% in dirt sprints. If the track is sealed due to rain, this speed bias often intensifies, making it very difficult for closers to make up ground.
Jockey and Trainer Notes
- Trainer Michael V. Pino: Pino is in the midst of a phenomenal meet, striking at a remarkable 40% win rate. His runners are live in almost every spot today, particularly in the lower-level claiming ranks.
- Trainer Jamie Ness: A perennial powerhouse at Parx, Ness continues to win at a high clip (~25%). His entries often take money and are reliable keys in exotics.
- Jockey Mychel Sanchez: The leading rider at the track, Sanchez is the go-to jockey for aggressive, forward rides that suit the Parx profile. He has live mounts in 8 of the 10 races today.
- Jockey Dexter Haddock: Consistently finishing in the top tier of the standings, Haddock is an excellent value rider who often brings in mid-priced winners.
Race 1
Post Time: 12:05 PM ET
Distance: 1 Mile 70 Yards
Class: Claiming $7,500 (N2L)
Pace Analysis
The two-turn distance with a short run to the first turn emphasizes tactical position. #4 Redoubtableripken should show initiative from a good draw. #10 Watch Hill and #12 Saucy Ham have speed but must overcome difficult outside posts.
Key Contenders
#4 Redoubtableripken: The clear horse to beat. Trainer Michael Pino is winning at an elite 40% clip, and this 3-year-old gelding draws perfectly to secure a stalking position. He drops into a realistic spot and should handle this field.
#12 Saucy Ham: Gets the services of top jockey Mychel Sanchez. While the talent is there, the far outside post (12) is a major disadvantage at this distance/configuration. He will need a brilliant ride to clear the field before the first turn.
Secondary Choices
#10 Watch Hill: A consistent runner for Clarence King who fits well at this level. Like Saucy Ham, he is compromised by the draw but has the tactical speed to overcome it if he breaks sharply.
#6 Prairie Dunes: Dexter Haddock takes the mount for Miguel Rodriguez. He should be running late and could pick up the pieces if the early pace is too hot.
Betting Strategy
Focus on #4 Redoubtableripken as a potential single in early exotics given the Pino/Post advantage. Use #12 defensively.
Selections
Win: 4
Place: 12
Show: 10
Race 2
Post Time: 12:32 PM ET
Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs
Class: Claiming $7,500
Pace Analysis
A sprint that sets up well for early speed. #1 Extremely Gruntled has the rail and should send. #10 Sheza Bernardini has dangerous speed from the outside and will likely press the pace immediately.
Key Contenders
#10 Sheza Bernardini: A formidable entry combining the meet’s top trainer (Pino) and top jockey (Sanchez). This mare has the tactical speed to sit just off the rail runner and pounce on the turn. She is the most likely winner.
#1 Extremely Gruntled: Draws the rail, which is a significant advantage at this distance (37% wire winners). If she breaks clean, she could lead them all the way.
Secondary Choices
#11 Denali Rae: The “other” Pino entrant. She may be compromised by the wide post but cannot be ignored given the barn’s form.
#8 Sonadora Girl: Abner Adorno rides; capable of a good effort if she can find a trip behind the speed.
Betting Strategy
A strong exacta box of 10-1 looks appealing here, leveraging the Pino factor and the rail bias.
Selections
Win: 10
Place: 1
Show: 11
Race 3
Post Time: 12:59 PM ET
Distance: 1 Mile 70 Yards
Class: Claiming $12,500 (N3L)
Pace Analysis
#2 Sunny Side Up and #7 Antonacci Girl project to be part of the early mix. The pace should be honest, giving a chance to stalkers.
Key Contenders
#7 Antonacci Girl: Trained by Cathal Lynch, who places his horses very well. She was entered in a cancelled race on Dec 2, so she should be fresh and ready to fire. Angel Cruz comes in to ride.
**#1oyal Party: Dexter Haddock rides for Uriah St. Lewis. Drawing the rail at this distance allows her to save ground on both turns, a major asset in a two-turn mile.
Secondary Choices
#5 Tavria: Ruben Silvera takes the mount. She has shown flashes of ability and fits this class level.
#4 Repaynt: Consistent check-earner who usually finishes in the mix.
Betting Strategy
Value play on #1 Royal Party to ride the rail to a victory.
Selections
Win: 1
Place: 7
Show: 5
Race 4
Post Time: 01:26 PM ET
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Class: Claiming $12,500 (N2L)
Pace Analysis
#3 Adios Jersey possesses high early speed and will likely gun for the lead. #7 Gucci Vision will apply pressure from the outside.
Key Contenders
#7 Gucci Vision: Represents the Jamie Ness barn (25% wins). Ness excels with these types of claimers, and Yedsit Hazlewood is a capable rider. Expect a strong effort off the shelf.
#6 Compa: Mychel Sanchez rides this 4-year-old gelding. He should sit a perfect stalking trip behind the speed duel.
Secondary Choices
#3 Adios Jersey: The speed of the speed. If the track is playing to the bias, he could be hard to catch, though he risks burning out if pressured early.
#5 Authentic Kingdom: A solid closer who will benefit if the top two engage in a suicide pace.
Betting Strategy
Key #7 Gucci Vision in Pick 3s.
Selections
Win: 7
Place: 6
Show: 3
Race 5
Post Time: 01:53 PM ET
Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs
Class: Claiming $5,000
Pace Analysis
#1 Lord Winsalot has the rail and speed. #9 Diamond Heist also has speed but is parked wide.
Key Contenders
#1 Lord Winsalot: The “Lock of the Day” candidate. He has the “Holy Trinity” of Parx advantages: 1) Trainer Michael Pino (40%), 2) The Rail Post (Post 1), and 3) Early Speed. It will be very difficult for anyone to beat him if he breaks well.
#9 Diamond Heist: The main danger, trained by Jamie Ness. He is talented but the post position draw (9) creates a significant hurdle against a rail-skimming Pino horse.
Secondary Choices
#5 Chip’s Friend: Dexter Haddock rides. A logical piece for the trifecta underneath the top two.
#2 First Money: Draws well inside and should save ground.
Betting Strategy
Aggressive Win Bet on #1. Exacta 1-9 cold.
Selections
Win: 1
Place: 9
Show: 5
Race 6
Post Time: 02:20 PM ET
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Class: Maiden Special Weight
Pace Analysis
A race with many lightly raced fillies. #1 Silent Wrath and #8 Untouchable show signs of early foot.
Key Contenders
#4 New Nation: Trained by John Servis with Frankie Pennington up. This is a high-percentage connection (Servis/Pennington). Servis dominates with maidens at Parx.
#8 Untouchable: Another Michael Pino entrant. She gets Lasix (L) and should improve markedly. A dangerous threat.
#1 Silent Wrath: Mychel Sanchez rides for Guadalupe Preciado. The rail draw is a big plus, and Sanchez’s aggressive style fits perfectly.
Longshot Look
#3 Mischievous Twins: Yan Rodriguez rides for Butch Reid. Reid’s horses often improve with experience; could be a value play.
Betting Strategy
Box 1, 4, 8 in exactas.
Selections
Win: 4
Place: 8
Show: 1
Race 7
Post Time: 02:47 PM ET
Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs
Class: Claiming $15,000
Pace Analysis
#3 Thegoddessofsnakes is a classy veteran with plenty of back class and speed.
Key Contenders
#1 Leftover Sushi: Mychel Sanchez rides for Marya Montoya. Draws the rail and should be sent hard. The one to catch.
#3 Thegoddessofsnakes: Frankie Pennington rides. Likely to sit just off the #1 and look to pounce.
Secondary Choices
#9 Scarborough Fair: Trainer Tyler Servis sends this one out. A threat if the pace collapses.
Selections
Win: 1
Place: 3
Show: 9
Race 8
Post Time: 03:14 PM ET
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Class: Maiden Special Weight (2YO Fillies)
Analysis
#3 Yo Philly: Trained by Butch Reid and ridden by Mychel Sanchez. Reid is excellent with 2-year-olds at Parx, and this PA-bred looks primed for a big effort.
#2 Divine Seeker: The “other” Reid, ridden by Pennington. The Reid entry (un-coupled) looks to have a stranglehold on this race.
#8 J K Strong: Tyler Servis trainee who could spoil the Reid party.
Selections
Win: 3
Place: 2
Show: 8
Race 9
Post Time: 03:41 PM ET
Distance: 7 Furlongs
Class: Allowance Optional Claiming
Analysis
#4 Real Men Violin: John Servis and Abner Adorno. A classy 4-year-old who finds a softer spot here. He should relish the 7-furlong distance.
#3 Beyondexpectations: Butch Reid/Sanchez. Consistent runner who is always in the money.
#6 Marvelous Mo: Silvestre Gonzalez rides for Kathleen Demasi. A dangerous stalker.
Selections
Win: 4
Place: 3
Show: 6
Race 10
Post Time: 04:08 PM ET
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Class: Claiming $7,500
Pace Analysis
A chaotic claiming sprint to close the card. #7 Curlins Cruzin and #10 Thirsty Pappy will be moving.
Key Contenders
#7 Curlins Cruzin: Michael Pino puts Joezer Rangel on this one. Despite the jockey switch, the Pino stats (40%) make this horse a must-use.
#10 Thirsty Pappy: Mychel Sanchez rides for Jaime Bravo-Estrada. A strong finisher who will be rolling late.
#5 Brewing: Abner Adorno/Scott Lake. Has the back class to crush this field if he wakes up.
Selections
Win: 7
Place: 10
Show: 5
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Best Bet: Race 5 #1 Lord Winsalot. The combination of Trainer Michael Pino, the rail post, and the track profile is overwhelming.
Value Play: Race 1 #4 Redoubtableripken. Might offer a fair price over the “name” jockey on the #12.
Late Pick 4 Ticket (Races 7-10):
- Race 7: 1, 3
- Race 8: 2, 3
- Race 9: 3, 4
- Race 10: 5, 7, 10
(Cost for $1 ticket: $24)
