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The post-Thanksgiving card at Parx Racing features ten races with a mix of claiming, maiden, and allowance events. The feature race is the 9th, an allowance optional claiming event for Pennsylvania-breds. With large fields in several races, including full gates in the 1st and 6th, handicappers should find value opportunities throughout the afternoon. Several horses are returning from recent scratches or veterinarian lists, adding a layer of complexity to the puzzle.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Bensalem, Pennsylvania, calls for typical late November conditions with cool temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Highs will likely be in the upper 40s to low 50s. The dirt track is expected to be Fast. Parx Racing generally maintains a safe, consistent surface in the fall, though the lack of recent moisture suggests the track may be lively.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Parx Racing continues to display a distinct speed bias, particularly in sprint races at 6 and 6 1/2 furlongs. Early speed is a significant advantage, with front-runners winning at a clip of nearly 38% in dirt sprints. The inside post positions (1-3) often outperform outside draws in these shorter races, as the run to the turn is relatively short. In two-turn mile events, the bias is less pronounced, but tactical speed remains critical. Horses that can secure a position near the rail without being used too hard in the opening quarter often have the best chance of sustaining their run.
Race 1
Post Time: 12:05 PM
Key Contenders
Splitting Stones enters this maiden claiming event as a primary contender. Dropping into the maiden claiming ranks often wakes up runners, and his recent form suggests he fits well against this level of competition. Chilling Time is another runner who demands attention. Drawing the rail in a sprint at Parx can be advantageous, especially for a horse showing any early foot. The trainer-jockey combination of Whylie and Bowman will look to capitalize on the inside draw.
Secondary Choices
Irish Wish presents a viable alternative. While his form has been mixed, the distance of 6 1/2 furlongs should suit his closing style if the pace heats up up front. Battle Anthem is another horse to consider for the exotics. His speed figures are competitive for this low-level maiden claiming group, though he will need to overcome a wider post position than his main rivals.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears moderate. Chilling Time from the rail should be sent to protect position. Splitting Stones has enough tactical speed to sit close. If these two lock up early, it could set up the race for a stalker like Irish Wish, but in a low-level maiden claimer, the horse that clears the field often holds on.
Selections
Win: Splitting Stones
Place: Chilling Time
Show: Irish Wish
Race 2
Post Time: 12:32 PM
Key Contenders
Midnight Award looks like the horse to beat in this claiming route. His recent performances at the distance have been solid, and he finds a field that lacks depth. The ability to rate and finish is key in these mile-and-70-yard events. Majestic Lion is a threat from the inside post. Trainer Joann Bertone has this gelding in a spot where he can save ground and make one run.
Secondary Choices
Zippy Gizmo and H C Holiday round out the logical contenders. H C Holiday has back class but has been inconsistent. If he brings his best effort, he fits on speed figures. Zippy Gizmo will need to work out a trip from the inside but has the pedigree to handle the two turns effectively.
Pace Analysis
Majestic Lion and Midnight Award are likely to control the tempo. The mile-and-70-yard distance at Parx features a short run to the first turn, making the start crucial. Expect a deliberate pace which should favor the horses on or near the lead.
Selections
Win: Midnight Award
Place: Majestic Lion
Show: H C Holiday
Race 3
Post Time: 12:59 PM
Key Contenders
Sams After Party is a standout in this Maiden Special Weight contest. With morning line odds suggesting he will be a heavy favorite, his recent form stamps him as the clear class of the field. He has shown the ability to run fast early fractions and finish, a deadly combination at Parx. Very Bad Guy, trained by Scott Lake and ridden by Frankie Pennington, is the main danger. This high-percentage trainer-jockey team is always dangerous with young horses, and any improvement off his debut would put him right there.
Secondary Choices
Hephepcutdownnets offers some value underneath. While he may lack the raw speed of the top two, he is consistent and should be running on late. Gus’ Ten adds intrigue for the exotics but will need a significant step forward to challenge the top selection.
Pace Analysis
Sams After Party is expected to go straight to the front. Very Bad Guy will likely apply pressure from the outside. If Sams After Party breaks cleanly, he could be difficult to reel in given the track’s tendency to favor speed.
Selections
Win: Sams After Party
Place: Very Bad Guy
Show: Hephepcutdownnets
Race 4
Post Time: 01:26 PM
Key Contenders
Major Thomas, trained by Jamie Ness and ridden by Mychel Sanchez, is the horse to beat. Ness hits at a high percentage with claiming runners, and this gelding fits the conditions perfectly. Ahsad is a major player despite recent veterinarian scratches. If he is healthy and ready to run, his back class makes him a threat, though the recent “PrivVet-Illness” note is a slight concern.
Secondary Choices
Waldrip, another Ness trainee, gives the barn a strong one-two punch. Dexter Haddock takes the mount, and the horse has shown affinity for the Parx surface. New Commission is an eight-year-old veteran who knows his way around the track. He is best used in the lower rungs of the exotics.
Pace Analysis
This race features several horses who want the lead. Major Thomas and Waldrip may both show speed, potentially compromising each other. However, Ness is adept at placing his horses where they can win, so expect one to take the initiative while the other rates.
Selections
Win: Major Thomas
Place: Ahsad
Show: Waldrip
Race 5
Post Time: 01:53 PM
Key Contenders
Sirani draws the rail and should use it to her advantage. In a race void of deep speed, the inside post is a major asset. Lucky Opportunity looks to be the main challenger. She has been running against slightly better company and finds a soft landing spot here.
Secondary Choices
Winkiwinki and Sirenetta are logical users in vertical wagers. Winkiwinki has good tactical speed and should be in the mix turning for home. Sirenetta is a closer who would benefit from a pace collapse, though that seems unlikely in this lineup.
Pace Analysis
Sirani is the likely pacesetter from the rail. Without much other speed signed on, she could control the race from start to finish. Lucky Opportunity will likely track from mid-pack.
Selections
Win: Sirani
Place: Lucky Opportunity
Show: Winkiwinki
Race 6
Post Time: 02:20 PM
Key Contenders
Meet Me At Mundis is a strong choice in this full field. Trained by Jamie Ness with Dexter Haddock aboard, this gelding has been knocking on the door and finds a winnable spot. Kate’s Golden Dude is a ten-year-old veteran who still runs competitive races. His experience and ability to handle the Parx surface make him a reliable exotic play.
Secondary Choices
Hot Rod Rumble and Crypt offer value. Hot Rod Rumble has speed and could get brave if left alone. Crypt drops in to a claiming price where he should be competitive based on his summer form.
Pace Analysis
With eleven runners, the pace should be honest. Hot Rod Rumble and Meet Me At Mundis will likely vie for the lead. The large field increases the chances of traffic trouble, so a clean break is essential.
Selections
Win: Meet Me At Mundis
Place: Kate’s Golden Dude
Show: Hot Rod Rumble
Race 7
Post Time: 02:47 PM
Key Contenders
Ponder and Dream draws the rail for trainer Robert Reid Jr. and jockey Mychel Sanchez. This two-year-old has shown promise in morning drills and finds a field of PA-breds that is not overly intimidating. Mysterioso, trained by Cathal Lynch, is another debut runner with a solid pedigree. Lynch is capable with first-time starters, and Frankie Pennington is a go-to rider for the barn.
Secondary Choices
Alastar scratched from a race earlier this month but re-enters here. If he is over the issue that caused the scratch, he is a contender. Letter to You adds depth to the field and should be respected based on connections.
Pace Analysis
In a field of two-year-olds, the pace is often unpredictable. Expect Ponder and Dream to show speed from the rail. Any hesitation at the gate could be costly in a 5 1/2 furlong dash.
Selections
Win: Ponder and Dream
Place: Mysterioso
Show: Alastar
Race 8
Post Time: 03:14 PM
Key Contenders
Xerces is the one to beat. She has faced tougher company and should appreciate the relief in class. Her tactical speed allows her to sit just off the leaders and pounce. Shock is a three-year-old taking on older mares but has shown flashes of talent. Trainer Jeremiah Englehart places his horses well.
Secondary Choices
Alma Brilha and Penny Polka are best used underneath. Alma Brilha has speed but often fades late. Penny Polka is a grinder who picks up pieces but rarely wins.
Pace Analysis
Alma Brilha will likely send from the gate. Xerces can sit the trip in second or third. If the pace is slow, Xerces may take over early; if it is fast, she can wait. The race sets up well for her running style.
Selections
Win: Xerces
Place: Shock
Show: Alma Brilha
Race 9
Post Time: 03:41 PM
Key Contenders
Gordian Knot is the class of the field. A stakes winner with earnings over $400,000, he faces PA-bred allowance company here. If he runs his race, he is strictly the one to beat. Dr. Steve is the main speed threat. He loves the lead and has won over this track multiple times. If he gets loose, he could steal it.
Secondary Choices
Party At Sam’s is a consistent check-earner who won a similar race in late 2023. He usually runs his race and will be closing late. Grahmalamadingdong is another speed horse who could press Dr. Steve.
Pace Analysis
This race features a clash of speed between Dr. Steve and Grahmalamadingdong. Gordian Knot should enjoy a perfect stalking trip behind the duel. If the leaders tire each other out, Gordian Knot will get first jump. If Dr. Steve shakes loose, he becomes very dangerous.
Selections
Win: Gordian Knot
Place: Dr. Steve
Show: Party At Sam’s
Race 10
Post Time: 04:08 PM
Key Contenders
Pearls and Heels is the choice in the finale. Drawing the rail, she has the speed to secure position and the class to finish. Snappy Ride is a consistent mare who rarely runs a bad race. She carries high weight but handles it well.
Secondary Choices
Pacific Princess and Et’s Moon Maiden are logical alternatives. Pacific Princess gets a weight break with the apprentice rider. Et’s Moon Maiden draws the outside post which can be tricky at this distance but has the talent to overcome it.
Pace Analysis
Pearls and Heels should go from the inside. Snappy Ride will likely press. The start is critical in these mile-and-70-yard races; getting caught wide into the first turn is often a race-ending move.
Selections
Win: Pearls and Heels
Place: Snappy Ride
Show: Pacific Princess
Jockey Notes and Insights
Mychel Sanchez and Frankie Pennington continue to be the dominant riders at the colony. Sanchez is particularly dangerous on speed horses and has a strong rapport with the Jamie Ness barn. Dexter Haddock is a grinder who often brings in longshots and rides the track very well, often saving ground when others go wide. Look for Haddock on closing types in the route races.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jamie Ness is the premier trainer at Parx, winning at a clip near 25%. His horses are almost always live, especially when dropping in class. Scott Lake remains a force, particularly with claimers and sprinters. He often excels with horses making their second or third start off a layoff. Pay attention to any horses trained by Ernesto Padilla-Preciado in the sprints; his barn can be streaky but deadly when hot.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The best bet of the day is Gordian Knot in the 9th race. His class advantage is significant, and the pace setup appears favorable. A win bet and a key in the daily doubles is recommended.
For value, look to Meet Me At Mundis in the 6th race. In a wide-open field, he offers fair odds and has the connections to get the job done.
A suggested Pick 3 starting in Race 8:
Race 8: 1, 3
Race 9: 8
Race 10: 1, 3, 10
