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Parx Racing features a competitive 10-race card on Monday afternoon primarily focused on claiming races, with purses between $18,000 and $28,000. The card starts with a maiden claiming race for two-year-old fillies and ends with a one-mile, 70-yard route race. The scratch watch shows several notable withdrawals, including Samantha’s Capo and Wanting Attention from Race 1, Davola from Race 2, and multiple horses across the middle races. These scratches have reduced field sizes and may have affected pace scenarios in several races.
The conditions favor horses with tactical speed and the ability to either secure good early positions or stalk within striking distance. Since most races involve claiming action, class relief and trainer form patterns will be important in identifying contenders. The heavily scratched card suggests some last-minute training decisions that handicappers should consider when assessing fitness levels.
Weather and Track Conditions
Monday’s weather in Bensalem, Pennsylvania calls for mostly clear skies with temperatures reaching a high near 49°F and a low around 38-41°F. Wind conditions are expected to be light to moderate from the northwest. The forecast indicates no precipitation, which should maintain a fast dirt track throughout the afternoon racing program.
The current track condition is listed as Fast, which is typical for Parx Racing during dry weather. The clear conditions and moderate temperatures provide ideal racing conditions for November, with no weather-related advantages expected for any particular running style. Morning workouts should proceed normally, and the racing surface is expected to remain consistent from the first race through the finale.
Race 1: Maiden Claiming Two-Year-Old Fillies
Post Time: 12:05 PM
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong maiden claiming sprint is likely to have moderate early fractions with several fillies displaying early speed. Uptown Art, Confrontational, and Tush Push all tend to challenge the early pace. The pace scenario indicates a competitive run to the first turn, with a possible speed duel that could favor late runners. With several first-time starters and limited experience in the field, the pace could be somewhat unpredictable.
Key Contenders
Tush Push emerges as the primary selection based on handicapper consensus. This Modernist filly trained by Josue Arce has shown the most promise in her limited outings and represents solid connections. The filly gets Francisco Martinez in the saddle, who has been effective with Brown trainees throughout the meet. Her speed figures and breeding suggest she should handle this level comfortably.
Confrontational represents trainer Edward Allard, a multiple graded stakes-winning conditioner who excels with first-time starters and lightly raced fillies. The daughter of Not This Time gets Angel Rodriguez aboard and figures to show improved form with the dropdown to claiming ranks. Her breeding and connections suggest significant ability despite limited exposure.
Secondary Choices
Uptown Art showed some ability in her debut and returns with blinkers added for trainer Daniel Velazquez. The equipment change and the presence of Luis Ocasio suggest connections expect improvement. Velazquez has been among the hottest trainers at the Parx meet with a 35% strike rate in recent weeks, making this barn change significant.
Rhysie’s Rocket represents the Josue Arce barn and gets Melvis Gonzalez to ride. While her early efforts have been modest, the filly is bred to improve with experience and the claiming level may prove suitable. Any market support would be notable given her modest form to date.
Betting Strategy
The race offers potential exotic value with Tush Push as a vulnerable favorite. Consider keying Confrontational on top in exactas over Tush Push and Uptown Art. A straight exacta box of Confrontational, Tush Push, and Uptown Art provides coverage if the pace sets up correctly. In trifectas, use those three over a deeper group including Rhysie’s Rocket and In the Biz.
Selections
Win: Tush Push
Place: Confrontational
Show: Uptown Art
Race 2: Three-Year-Olds and Up, Claiming
Post Time: 12:32 PM
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong claiming sprint features a moderate pace scenario with Planet and Soar Richard likely to contest the early lead. The relatively short field of eight should produce honest fractions without a destructive speed duel. Mid-pack runners will need to be forwardly placed turning for home to have realistic chances.
Key Contenders
Soar Richard has been identified as a primary selection by handicappers. The four-year-old gelding drops significantly in class and gets the rider switch to Jeriel Catala. The combination of class relief and a capable jockey makes this horse dangerous despite limited recent form. Trainer Juan Carlos Guerrero has been patient with this one, and the timing suggests readiness.
Planet shows tactical speed and has been competitive at this level. The four-year-old gelding represents Alexis Romero and gets Joezer Rangel, a jockey who has been effective throughout the meet. His early speed should secure good position, and he has shown the ability to hold on late in similar spots.
Secondary Choices
Fastidious represents consistent connections and has been knocking on the door in recent starts. The three-year-old gelding has tactical speed and should be forwardly placed throughout. Anthony Nunez takes the mount for trainer Jose Santaella-Calderon, a combination that has found success at the meet.
Big Dosser returns from a layoff for trainer Joann Bertone. While the freshening could help, the horse faces a competitive field and will need significant improvement. Consider for deeper exotics only.
Betting Strategy
Focus on exactas using Soar Richard and Planet with secondary choices. A straight win bet on Soar Richard appears warranted given the class relief. In trifectas, use the top two over Fastidious, Taporical, and Private Cabana to capture value if the pace unfolds favorably.
Selections
Win: Soar Richard
Place: Planet
Show: Fastidious
Race 3: Claiming Route
Post Time: 12:59 PM
Pace Analysis
The one mile and 70-yard distance should see a moderate pace with It’s Game Time and Youbetterbejoking likely to establish early positions. The route configuration at Parx favors horses that can secure stalking positions and maintain momentum through the far turn. Closers will need racing luck to secure clear paths in the relatively small field.
Key Contenders
Saint Marco has been competitive at this class level and returns to a distance that suits his running style. The eight-year-old gelding trained by Trevor Gallimore gets Wilfred Vasquez, one of the leading riders at the meet. His recent form suggests competitiveness, and the route distance plays to his strengths.
Rackataptap is a stablemate to Saint Marco and represents similar credentials. Dexter Haddock takes the mount, and the veteran jockey has been effective with Gallimore trainees throughout the season. The gelding has shown ability at the distance and class level.
Secondary Choices
Youbetterbejoking shows tactical speed and has been competitive in recent starts. The five-year-old gelding gets Kendry Rivera aboard for trainer Elliott Soto-Martinez. His ability to secure favorable early position could prove decisive if the pace becomes honest.
It’s Game Time brings tactical speed and should be forwardly placed. The nine-year-old gelding trained by Jamie Ness benefits from one of the best barns at the meet, though the age factor raises questions about sustained form.
Betting Strategy
The race offers value opportunities with Saint Marco as a potential overlay. Consider exacta boxes with Saint Marco, Rackataptap, and Youbetterbejoking. In trifectas, include It’s Game Time and Cobble Road to capture longshot scenarios. Place and show bets on Saint Marco offer solid value given the pace setup.
Selections
Win: Saint Marco
Place: Rackataptap
Show: Youbetterbejoking
Race 4: Fillies and Mares, One Mile
Post Time: 1:26 PM
Pace Analysis
This one-mile claiming race for fillies and mares should feature a competitive pace with Always Laughing and Racey Ruby expected to contest the early lead. The pace pressure could set up closers like Mavilus and Wow Lucky, both of whom have shown ability to finish strongly in similar scenarios.
Key Contenders
Always Laughing emerges as the consensus top selection with a 22% win probability and 71% show probability according to handicapping models. The five-year-old mare trained by Timothy Kreiser has been in excellent form with consistent performances at similar class levels. Angel Cruz takes the mount, and the combination has been effective throughout the meet with a 29% win rate and 71% in-the-money percentage.
Thegoddessofsnakes represents value at morning line odds. The seven-year-old mare trained by Josue Arce showed improved form in her last start, closing with interest after showing little early speed. Dexter Haddock takes the mount, and his 13% meet win rate combined with Arce’s 10% strike rate provides solid value in the mid-range of the field.
Secondary Choices
Mavilus brings the highest earnings in the field with over $900,000 banked. The seven-year-old mare has been competitive at higher levels and drops into this claiming spot. Mychel Sanchez gets the call, and his 29% win rate at the meet makes this a dangerous combination despite the mare’s closing style potentially facing pace setup challenges.
Wow Lucky has been competitive in recent starts and gets Francisco Martinez aboard. The four-year-old filly won her last start at the distance and should be forwardly placed. Trainer Howard Brown has shown a 227% return on investment this season, making any of his runners worth consideration.
Betting Strategy
Always Laughing appears vulnerable as a short-priced favorite despite strong credentials. Consider exacta boxes using Always Laughing, Thegoddessofsnakes, and Wow Lucky. The suggested superfecta of 2-3-6-1 from handicappers targets profit potential with Always Laughing on top, Racey Ruby second, Wow Lucky third, and Mavilus fourth. Place exotic emphasis on Thegoddessofsnakes for value.
Selections
Win: Always Laughing
Place: Thegoddessofsnakes
Show: Wow Lucky
Race 5: Three-Year-Olds and Up, Claiming
Post Time: 1:53 PM
Pace Analysis
The six-furlong sprint should see early pace from multiple horses including Crack the Code and Roxton. The pace scenario suggests moderate fractions that should allow stalkers to remain in contention throughout. With a seven-horse field, positioning out of the gate becomes critical.
Key Contenders
Crack the Code brings tactical speed and has been competitive at this level. The six-year-old gelding trained by Paul Conrad gets Kemich De Jesus to ride. His recent form suggests fitness, and the six-furlong distance suits his running style. The gelding has shown ability to rate early and finish.
Au Some Warrior represents trainer Brandon Kulp and gets Angel Rodriguez aboard. The three-year-old gelding has been competitive in recent starts and benefits from the weight allowance. His tactical speed should secure favorable position, and the class level appears suitable.
Secondary Choices
We Miss Neil has been running consistently for trainer Louis Linder Jr. The three-year-old colt gets Eliseo Ruiz, who has been effective at the meet with a 9% win rate and 45% in-the-money percentage. His ability to secure early position could prove decisive.
Coalville brings experience and has been competitive at this claiming level. The five-year-old gelding trained by Kathleen Demasi should be forwardly placed throughout.
Betting Strategy
The race offers opportunities for value with multiple horses showing similar credentials. Consider exacta boxes with Crack the Code, Au Some Warrior, and We Miss Neil. In trifectas, add Coalville and Roxton to capture potential upsets. The competitive nature of the field suggests place and show betting may offer better value than win propositions.
Selections
Win: Crack the Code
Place: Au Some Warrior
Show: We Miss Neil
Race 6: Three-Year-Olds and Up, Claiming
Post Time: 2:20 PM
Pace Analysis
The six-and-a-half-furlong distance should produce moderate early fractions with Flashy Alex and Pontiac likely to establish early positions. The extended sprint distance favors horses with tactical speed who can maintain momentum through the stretch. Closing types will need clear paths to be effective.
Key Contenders
Bobo Liver represents trainer Scott Lake and has shown competitive form at this level. The four-year-old gelding gets Joezer Rangel aboard, and the combination should secure favorable early position. Lake’s 10% win rate at the meet combined with solid recent form makes this horse a contender.
Back East returns from a layoff for trainer Farrel Mann. The five-year-old gelding has ability and gets Adam Bowman to ride. The freshening could prove beneficial, and the gelding has shown tactical speed in previous starts.
Secondary Choices
Liberty Runner brings experience and consistent form. The seven-year-old gelding trained by Carlos Leung has been competitive at this claiming level. Dexter Haddock takes the mount, and his familiarity with these conditions makes him a threat.
Pontiac should be forwardly placed throughout and represents trainer Timothy Smylie. Jean Aguilar takes the mount, and the jockey has been effective at the meet with a 12% win rate and 39% in-the-money percentage.
Betting Strategy
The competitive field suggests exacta and trifecta coverage across multiple horses. Consider boxing Bobo Liver, Back East, and Liberty Runner in exactas. Add Pontiac and Bad Advice for trifecta coverage. The race setup favors horses with tactical speed who can rate early.
Selections
Win: Bobo Liver
Place: Back East
Show: Liberty Runner
Race 7: Five-and-a-Half Furlongs, Claiming
Post Time: 2:47 PM
Pace Analysis
The abbreviated distance should produce quick early fractions with Diamond Heist and Easy Action likely to show early speed. The short sprint favors horses with tactical speed who can secure early position and maintain momentum. Closers face significant challenges at this distance.
Key Contenders
Easy Action has been identified by handicappers as a top selection. The five-year-old gelding trained by Ruperto Perez brings tactical speed and has been competitive at this class level. Jean Aguilar takes the mount, and the combination has shown effectiveness throughout the meet.
Diamond Heist represents trainer Guadalupe Guerrero and has shown ability at this distance. Francisco Martinez takes the mount, and his 8% meet win rate combined with solid positioning skills makes this horse competitive. The gelding’s recent form suggests readiness.
Secondary Choices
Six Whips has been running consistently for trainer Trevor Gallimore. Dexter Haddock gets the call, and the combination has been effective throughout the season. The gelding’s tactical speed should secure favorable position.
Practical Coach brings experience and has competed successfully at this level. Mychel Sanchez takes the mount, and his meet-leading statistics make any horse he rides a threat. The gelding’s ability to rate early could prove decisive.
Betting Strategy
Focus on exactas using Easy Action and Diamond Heist with secondary choices. The suggested pick of Easy Action appears solid given the pace setup. In trifectas, include Six Whips, Practical Coach, and Full Irish to capture value scenarios. The short distance limits rally opportunities, making early position critical.
Selections
Win: Easy Action
Place: Diamond Heist
Show: Six Whips
Race 8: Starter Optional Claiming
Post Time: 3:14 PM
Pace Analysis
The six-and-a-half-furlong starter optional claiming contest should see competitive early fractions with Cap Steak Robbery and Asmodeus likely to establish early positions. The race features horses with similar form profiles, suggesting an honest pace that could favor stalkers like Southern Dream and Legendary Thunder.
Key Contenders
Southern Dream emerges as the consensus favorite with a 29% win probability and 84% show probability. The five-year-old gelding trained by Juan Polanco has been consistently competitive with earnings exceeding $372,000. Wilfred Vasquez takes the mount, and his 14% meet win rate combined with strong recent form makes this horse the one to beat.
Legendary Thunder represents value at morning line odds. The four-year-old gelding trained by Scott Lake shows a 21% win probability and 67% show probability according to handicapping models. Jorge Vargas Jr. takes the mount, and his 25% win rate combined with Lake’s 10% strike rate makes this a dangerous combination. The gelding has shown versatility in running styles and recent turf form suggests fitness.
Secondary Choices
Cap Steak Robbery brings early speed and represents trainer Martin Thompson. The three-year-old gelding has shown improvement in recent starts and gets Joezer Rangel aboard. His 19% win probability suggests value potential, particularly if the pace sets up favorably.
Extrasexymcsteemee won his last start impressively and returns for trainer Jacinto Solis. Frankie Pennington takes the mount, and the combination has been effective with a 22% strike rate. The gelding’s stalking style fits the expected pace scenario.
Betting Strategy
Southern Dream appears vulnerable as a short-priced favorite despite strong credentials. The suggested superfecta of 1-6-3-4 targets Southern Dream on top with Legendary Thunder second, Great Composer third, and Leo’s Legacy fourth for profit potential. Consider exacta boxes using Southern Dream, Legendary Thunder, and Cap Steak Robbery. Place emphasis on Legendary Thunder for value given his recent form and connections.
Selections
Win: Southern Dream
Place: Legendary Thunder
Show: Cap Steak Robbery
Race 9: Fillies and Mares, Six Furlongs
Post Time: 3:41 PM
Pace Analysis
The six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares should produce competitive early fractions with several horses possessing tactical speed. The pace scenario suggests moderate fractions that should allow stalkers to remain in contention. With an eight-horse field, positioning becomes critical.
Key Contenders
Umbral brings tactical speed and represents trainer Ruperto Perez. The four-year-old filly has been competitive at this class level and gets Silvestre Gonzalez aboard. Her recent form suggests fitness, and the weight advantage could prove beneficial.
Ree Nee’s Six represents trainer Howard Brown Jr., whose horses have shown a 227% return on investment this season. Francisco Martinez takes the mount, and the combination has been effective throughout the meet. The four-year-old filly’s tactical speed should secure favorable position.
Secondary Choices
Flower Mound has been consistently competitive for trainer Trevor Gallimore. Wilfred Vasquez gets the call, and his meet-leading statistics make this filly a threat. Her ability to rate early and finish could prove decisive in the sprint distance.
Leftover Sushi returns from a layoff for trainer John Kirby. Mychel Sanchez takes the mount, and his 24% meet win rate makes any horse he rides dangerous. The freshening could prove beneficial if the filly shows early speed.
Betting Strategy
The competitive field suggests exacta and trifecta coverage across multiple horses. Focus on boxing Umbral, Ree Nee’s Six, and Flower Mound in exactas. Add Leftover Sushi and Tempest Rising for trifecta depth. The pace setup suggests value opportunities throughout the field.
Selections
Win: Umbral
Place: Ree Nee’s Six
Show: Flower Mound
Race 10: One Mile and 70 Yards, Claiming
Post Time: 4:08 PM
Pace Analysis
The closing route race should see moderate early fractions with Asmodeus and Bold Endeavor likely to establish early positions. The extended distance favors horses with tactical speed who can maintain momentum through the far turn. Closers will need racing luck in the 10-horse field.
Key Contenders
Bold Endeavor represents the powerful combination of trainer Jamie Ness and jockey Mychel Sanchez. Ness leads the national standings with 304 wins and a 25% strike rate, while Sanchez tops the Parx standings with 171 wins and a 24% meet percentage. The nine-year-old gelding shows a 16% win probability and 51% show probability, and his fast early running style fits the expected pace scenario. The combination has earned over $590,000 and should secure favorable position throughout.
Asmodeus has been competitive in recent starts with two consecutive runner-up finishes at the distance. The five-year-old gelding trained by Irving Rodriguez shows a 22% win probability and 66% show probability. Dexter Haddock takes the mount, and his familiarity with route races at Parx makes this horse dangerous. The gelding’s early speed should secure position, and his recent form suggests peak fitness.
Secondary Choices
Amedeus Music brings tactical speed and has been consistently competitive. The six-year-old gelding gets Abner Adorno aboard, and the combination has shown effectiveness at the meet. His ability to stalk the pace and finish strongly makes him a threat in the route distance.
Magical Road represents trainer Silvino Ramirez and has shown improvement in recent starts. Joezer Rangel takes the mount, and his 20% win rate combined with Ramirez’s 23% strike rate makes this a dangerous combination. The colt’s mid-pack stalking style fits the expected pace scenario.
Betting Strategy
Bold Endeavor deserves support given the powerful Ness-Sanchez combination and recent form. Consider exacta boxes using Bold Endeavor, Asmodeus, and Amedeus Music. The suggested smart pick shows Bold Endeavor offers solid value despite potentially short odds. In trifectas, add Magical Road and Book Runner to capture longshot scenarios. The route distance and large field suggest place and show coverage provides value.
Selections
Win: Bold Endeavor
Place: Asmodeus
Show: Amedeus Music
Jockey Notes and Insights
Mychel Sanchez continues his dominance at the Parx Racing meet with 171 wins from 606 starts, translating to a remarkable 28% win rate and $4.6 million in purse earnings. His combination with trainer Jamie Ness has been particularly effective, and he rides Bold Endeavor in the finale, making that horse a must-use in exotics. Sanchez has won his last three consecutive riding titles at Parx and appears well on his way to a fourth.
Dexter Haddock brings veteran experience with 127 starts resulting in a 13% win rate and 42% in-the-money percentage. His familiarity with route races and ability to rate horses effectively makes him particularly dangerous in the longer races. Haddock rides in multiple races today and represents solid value connections throughout the card.
Francisco Martinez has been effective with trainer Howard Brown Jr., whose stable shows a 227% return on investment this season. Martinez rides Tush Push in the opener and Ree Nee’s Six in Race 9, both representing value opportunities. His 8% meet win rate understates his effectiveness with specific barns.
Angel Cruz teams with trainer Timothy Kreiser on Always Laughing in Race 4, a combination that has produced a 29% win rate and 71% in-the-money percentage in recent starts. Cruz’s positioning skills in route races make him particularly effective when matched with horses possessing tactical speed.
Wilfred Vasquez rides Southern Dream in the featured eighth race and brings strong credentials with a 14% win rate and 29% in-the-money percentage. His effectiveness with Trevor Gallimore trainees throughout the season makes any of their combinations worth consideration.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jamie Ness dominates the Parx Racing trainer standings with 104 wins from 464 starts, producing a 22% strike rate and leading the national rankings with 304 wins overall. His 25% national win percentage demonstrates remarkable consistency, and he appears certain to capture his sixth consecutive Parx title. Ness runners should be considered automatic contenders, particularly when paired with leading jockeys like Mychel Sanchez. He has It’s Game Time in Race 3 and Bold Endeavor in the finale.
Michael Pino continues his remarkable season with a 40% win rate from 119 starts at Parx through mid-year, banking 48 wins and hitting the board 69% of the time. This hot streak represents one of the best sustained performances in recent Parx history. While Pino does not have starters on today’s card, his barn form indicates the high level of competition.
Trevor Gallimore has multiple starters throughout the card and represents consistent value. His connections with jockeys Dexter Haddock and Wilfred Vasquez have been particularly effective, with Saint Marco and Rackataptap both representing his barn in Race 3. Gallimore’s ability to place horses at appropriate class levels makes his runners worth consideration.
Howard Brown Jr. brings exceptional value with a 227% return on investment this season despite a modest win percentage. His four winners have paid $5-2, $18-1, $9-1, and $7-1, providing excellent value for backers. Brown has Tush Push in the opener and Ree Nee’s Six in Race 9, both offering potential overlays.
Daniel Velazquez emerges as one of the hottest trainers at the meet with a 35% strike rate and 42% wagering ROI from a 7-for-20 record. His aggressive barn management and ability to spot horses effectively make Uptown Art in the opener particularly intriguing despite limited form.
Scott Lake maintains consistent form with a 10% win rate and 39% in-the-money percentage. His experience and ability to manage multiple horses across different class levels make Bobo Liver in Race 6 and Legendary Thunder in Race 8 solid value propositions.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The card presents multiple value opportunities, particularly in the early and late races. Race 1 offers potential for longshot exotic payouts with Confrontational representing an excellent overlay given her connections and class relief. A trifecta using Confrontational, Tush Push, and Uptown Art with depth underneath could produce significant returns.
Race 4 presents the best value opportunity of the afternoon. Always Laughing appears vulnerable as a short-priced favorite, and Thegoddessofsnakes offers excellent exotic value. A straight exacta of Thegoddessofsnakes over Always Laughing provides solid value, while a trifecta box adding Wow Lucky captures the upside if the pace unfolds favorably.
Race 8 represents the featured betting race with Southern Dream appearing vulnerable despite strong credentials. Legendary Thunder offers exceptional value at expected odds given his recent form and powerful jockey-trainer combination. An exacta box of Southern Dream and Legendary Thunder with Cap Steak Robbery provides coverage across multiple pace scenarios.
The finale presents the strongest betting opportunity with Bold Endeavor representing the dominant Ness-Sanchez combination. A straight win bet appears warranted, while exacta coverage including Asmodeus and Amedeus Music provides value protection. The large field and route distance make trifecta and superfecta coverage particularly attractive.
Multi-race wagers should key Bold Endeavor in Race 10 across all vertical exotic sequences. The Pick 3 covering Races 8-9-10 using Southern Dream and Legendary Thunder in Race 8, Umbral and Ree Nee’s Six in Race 9, and Bold Endeavor and Asmodeus in Race 10 provides solid coverage at reasonable cost.
Daily double opportunities exist connecting Race 7 into Race 8, using Easy Action and Diamond Heist in Race 7 with Southern Dream, Legendary Thunder, and Cap Steak Robbery in Race 8. This combination offers value given the competitive nature of both races and potential for upset scenarios.
Place and show wagering on Bold Endeavor in the finale offers exceptional value given the Ness-Sanchez combination and competitive field size. The route distance and large field create opportunities for interference, making place and show coverage a sound strategy even for the likely favorite.
