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The Pick Pony Handicapper’s Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. The report is prepared by one of our Pick Pony analysts, so selections may differ from Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all analysts.
Weather and track conditions at Parx Racing show fair skies with temperatures around 41°F, northeast winds at 3 mph, and a fast dirt surface that should favor horses with early speed.
Track Overview
Parx Racing presents a competitive 10-race card with claiming and starter optional claiming events ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 levels, along with maiden races for two-year-old fillies. The track’s consistent dirt surface should provide fair racing conditions throughout the afternoon program.
Weather Forecast
Current conditions show fair weather with temperatures at 41°F and light northeast winds at 3 mph with 62% humidity. The forecast calls for mostly sunny conditions, providing ideal racing weather with a fast track surface expected to remain consistent throughout the card.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Claiming $7,500 (1 Mile 70Y)
Key Contenders: Prime Motive returns from a main-track-only scratch and draws the rail-adjacent post in this claiming affair. Get Like Mike shows consistent form for the hot Michael Pino stable and gets leading rider Ruben Silvera.
Secondary Choices: Artwell represents the value option from post 8 with Abner Adorno riding for trainer Michelle Castillo.
Longshots: River’s Gamble could improve off the pace at this distance for trainer Harold Wyner.
Pace Analysis: This appears to be a moderate pace scenario with several horses capable of pressing early. Prime Motive likely sets the early fractions with Get Like Mike tracking closely.
Race 2 – Starter Optional Claiming $25,000 (6 Furlongs)
Key Contenders: Wiffleball represents excellent value at 3-1 for trainer Timothy Kreiser with Angel Cruz aboard. Friday Surprise drops down from higher company and gets hot apprentice Yan Rodriguez.
Secondary Choices: Reelin N Dealin for Louis Linder Jr. shows tactical speed that could be effective at this distance.
Pace Analysis: This sprint should develop into a contentious pace with multiple speed horses likely to engage early.
Race 3 – Maiden Claiming Fillies (1 Mile)
Key Contenders: Solemn Beauty gets the services of Omar Hernandez Moreno for Bruce Brown and offers solid value at 7-2 odds. Astrid represents Keri Brion’s stable with Victor Carrasco riding.
Secondary Choices: Rosies Pinot for the Silvino Ramirez stable could improve with the route distance.
Longshots: In the Biz trains out of the powerful Tyler Servis barn and bears watching despite limited experience.
Pace Analysis: The route distance should allow for pace development, favoring horses with stamina and tactical speed.
Race 4 – Starter Optional Claiming Fillies $25,000 (6½ Furlongs)
Key Contenders: Kate’s Love offers substantial value at 8-1 odds for Joann Bertone with Joezer Rangel riding. Captain Whiner represents solid form for trainer Robert Reid Jr.
Secondary Choices: Sweet Distraction could benefit from the slight distance stretch for Uriah St. Lewis.
Pace Analysis: The extra half-furlong could favor horses with sustained speed over pure sprinting ability.
Race 5 – Starter Optional Claiming $16,000 (6 Furlongs)
Key Contenders: Banjo and Cojelo Pa Ti both offer strong chances, with Cojelo Pa Ti getting the services of top rider Mychel Sanchez for the hot Michael Pino stable.
Secondary Choices: Chineseiam represents value for Josue Arce with Kendry Rivera aboard.
Pace Analysis: This competitive sprint should develop into an honest pace with multiple speed horses engaged.
Race 6 – Claiming $7,500 (1 Mile 70Y)
Key Contenders: Preach It Warrior gets Silvestre Gonzalez for trainer Ernesto Padilla-Preciado and shows value at 5-2. Hey River represents solid form for Jack Abrams.
Secondary Choices: Fully Committed drops significantly in class for leading trainer Silvino Ramirez.
Longshots: Auden could provide value from the outside posts.
Pace Analysis: The extended distance should set up well for closers and stalkers with good stamina.
Race 7 – Claiming $5,000 (6 Furlongs)
Key Contenders: Up Against It shows consistent form for trainer Howard Brown Jr. and offers solid value. Full Irish represents good form for Trevor Gallimore with Angel Castillo riding.
Secondary Choices: Carbonite could improve for Emmanuel Tzortzakis despite the extended layoff.
Pace Analysis: This lower-level claiming race should develop into a moderate pace with several horses capable of early engagement.
Race 8 – Claiming $40,000 (1 Mile)
This $40,000 claiming race at 1 mile represents the highest-class claiming event on today’s Parx Racing card, carrying a $35,000 purse. The field of seven features seasoned older horses with proven form at this level, making for a competitive and bettable race.
Key Contenders
Houlton (Post 1) emerges as the morning line favorite at 8-5 odds for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. and top jockey Kendrick Carmouche. Dutrow shows a solid 13% win rate in 2025 with 24 starts producing 3 wins and 6 seconds, earning over $270,000. Houlton has shown consistent form with 17 career starts producing 3 wins and 4 seconds, including recent victories in July at 8-13 odds. The American Pharoah colt has proven capable at this distance and claiming level.
Expensive Cut (Post 2) represents trainer Robert Mosco with Silvestre Gonzalez aboard. Mosco operates with solid claiming statistics, showing 130 wins from 831 career starts. Expensive Cut has experience at Parx Racing and previously ran in maiden special weight company at this track. The gelding offers potential value as a secondary choice with proven connections.
Margin of Air (Post 3) trains under Hugo Padilla with Andy Hernandez riding. Padilla shows activity at today’s card with multiple entries, suggesting confidence in his stable’s current form. This horse could provide value at longer odds for handicappers seeking alternatives to the favorite.
Secondary Choices
Concealed Carry (Post 4) represents the powerful Louis Linder Jr. stable at reduced weight of 118 pounds with Kendry Rivera aboard. Linder recently scored with Concealed Carry in the $75,000 M.P. Ballezzi Appreciation Mile at Parx Racing, demonstrating this horse’s ability at the track. The recent stakes victory shows Concealed Carry possesses the class to compete effectively at this level.
Tuskegee Airmen (Post 5) brings the Jamie Ness training excellence to this contest with Mychel Sanchez riding. This Street Sense gelding shows a recent win at Penn National in July running 7-2 odds over 6 furlongs. Ness leads the national trainer standings and maintains exceptional form at Parx Racing. The horse has proven route ability and should improve stretching out to a mile.
Longshots and Value Plays
Hoku (Post 6) offers substantial value at longer odds for trainer Ronald Abrams with Andrew Wolfsont aboard. This represents a live longshot possibility in a competitive field where the favorite faces legitimate challenges.
Aggrandize (Post 7) provides the longest odds in the field at 118 pounds with Jeriel Catala riding for trainer Abdul Williams. The weight allowance could prove significant in a competitive race where every advantage matters.
Pace Analysis
The race should develop into a moderate to honest pace with Houlton likely setting or pressing early fractions from the rail position. Expensive Cut and Margin of Air could provide early pressure, while Concealed Carry and Tuskegee Airmen possess the tactical speed to position favorably throughout. The one-mile distance allows for pace development, potentially setting up well for horses with sustained speed and stamina.
Track and Distance Considerations
Parx Racing’s one-mile configuration favors horses with proven route ability and tactical speed. The fast track surface should provide fair racing conditions for all running styles. Horses breaking from inside posts hold slight advantages in terms of ground saving, particularly important at this distance.
Jockey Analysis
Kendrick Carmouche brings elite riding skills to Houlton, representing a significant advantage in a competitive field. Mychel Sanchez provides exceptional riding for Tuskegee Airmen, leading the Parx jockey colony with over 100 wins in 2025. Silvestre Gonzalez shows solid form with 30 Parx wins and consistent performance throughout the meet.
Trainer Angles
Richard Dutrow Jr. returns to prominence with improving statistics, showing particular effectiveness with claiming horses at this level. Jamie Ness continues his remarkable 2025 campaign, leading national trainers in wins while maintaining a 25% strike rate. Louis Linder Jr. demonstrates excellent form with recent stakes success, indicating his stable’s current sharpness.
Wagering Strategy
Win Bet: Houlton provides the most reliable win option despite short odds, offering solid value based on connections and recent form.
Value Play: Concealed Carry at 7-2 odds represents exceptional value given recent stakes success and proven ability at Parx Racing.
Exacta Strategy: Box Houlton with Concealed Carry and Tuskegee Airmen for optimal return potential.
Trifecta Approach: Key Houlton on top with Concealed Carry, Tuskegee Airmen, and Expensive Cut in the second and third positions.
Final Selection
Win: Concealed Carry (4)
Place: Houlton (1)
Show: Tuskegee Airmen (5)
The combination of Concealed Carry’s recent stakes form, Linder’s hot stable, and attractive 7-2 odds makes this horse the value selection in Race 8. Houlton remains a solid backup choice with elite connections, while Tuskegee Airmen offers excellent each-way value with Ness training and Sanchez riding.
Race 9 – Starter Optional Claiming $25,000 (1 Mile 70Y)
This starter optional claiming race at 1 mile and 70 yards carries a $32,000 purse and represents one of the more competitive betting races on today’s Parx Racing card. The field of eight features horses with proven form at the $25,000 claiming level, creating multiple viable wagering options in a well-balanced contest.
Key Contenders
Call Me Fast (Post 6) emerges as the standout selection despite 4-1 morning line odds, representing the elite Jamie Ness-Mychel Sanchez combination that maintains exceptional statistics at Parx Racing. This 6-year-old gelding shows impressive lifetime earnings of $1,637,340, significantly higher than any other horse in the field. Ness leads the national trainer standings with a 25% win rate and has won five consecutive training titles at Parx Racing. Sanchez continues his dominant season with over 100 wins and exceptional statistics including 29% wins and 66% in-the-money percentages. The combination has proven particularly effective in claiming races at this level.
Have You Heard (Post 7) commands respect as the 5/2 morning line favorite with Kevin Gomez riding for dual-purpose trainer Keri Brion. Brion brings unique qualifications as both a flat and steeplechase trainer, having worked as the final assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard before launching her own successful operation in 2021. The horse shows “Fastest Leads” running style, suggesting early tactical speed that could prove decisive in this competitive field. Brion’s recent success includes multiple Saratoga winners and Grade 1 steeplechase victories.
Chachaching (Post 8) offers solid value at 3-1 odds for the Francisco Martinez-Robert Mosco combination that recently scored together. This 4-year-old gelding shows consistent form with owner Jack Armstrong celebrating recent exacta scores. Mosco trains with a 31% win rate and 56% in-the-money percentage, while Martinez provides experienced riding with 16% wins and 53% ITM statistics. The “Fast Closer” running style suits the extended distance and positions the horse well for a late rally.
Secondary Choices
Mad Banker (Post 4) represents Jamie Ness’s second entry with Ruben Silvera aboard at 5-1 odds. This combination previously succeeded with Mychel Sanchez riding, demonstrating the horse’s ability to win for the stable. Mad Banker shows solid earnings of $309,773 and “Fast Stalker” running style that provides tactical options throughout the race. Silvera brings consistency with 12% wins and 50% ITM percentages.
Transcendental (Post 2) trains under Ernesto Padilla-Preciado with Jorge Vargas Jr. riding at 4-1 morning line odds. The “Fast Leader” designation suggests early positioning ability, while the trainer shows activity on today’s card with multiple entries including He’s Got Swagger.
Longshots and Value Plays
He’s Got Swagger (Post 5) represents potential value at 7-1 odds with solid earnings of $356,332 for trainer Ernesto Padilla-Preciado. The trainer scored a second win recently, indicating current stable form. Abner Adorno provides the riding with 13% wins and 48% ITM statistics.
Gametime Gladiator (Post 1) offers longshot potential with the Dexter Haddock-Josue Arce combination. Haddock recently won a featured race at Parx Racing, suggesting current riding form. The inside post position provides ground-saving opportunities in a competitive field.
Cisco Kid (Post 3) represents the longest odds at 11-1 with “Slowest Closer” designation. Melvis Gonzalez brings solid statistics with 19% wins and 49% ITM percentages for trainer Elliott Soto-Martinez.
Pace Analysis
The race projects to develop moderate early fractions with Have You Heard likely setting the pace as “Fastest Leads” while Transcendental provides early pressure as “Fast Leader”. Mad Banker and Call Me Fast should track in stalking positions, setting up well for the stretch run. Chachaching’s “Fast Closer” style positions perfectly for a late rally, while the extended distance of 1 mile and 70 yards favors horses with proven stamina.
Track and Distance Considerations
The extended distance beyond one mile suits horses with proven route ability and stamina. Parx Racing’s configuration favors tactical speed and positioning, particularly important with the quality of this field. The fast track surface should provide fair conditions for all running styles.
Trainer Analysis
Jamie Ness dominates this analysis with two entered horses, continuing his remarkable 2025 campaign that has him leading national trainers in wins. His operation maintains consistency with a 25% win rate and has produced over 236 winners in 2025. The trainer’s success stems from individual horse care and maintaining steady statistics over a large stable of approximately 140 horses.
Robert Mosco brings solid claiming expertise with Chachaching, showing 31% wins and strong recent form. Keri Brion provides unique dual-purpose experience that translates to tactical advantages in competitive races.
Jockey Considerations
Mychel Sanchez leads the Parx Racing jockey colony and maintains exceptional partnership statistics with Jamie Ness. The combination produces consistent results across all claiming levels. Francisco Martinez shows improving form with recent victories for Robert Mosco, while Kevin Gomez brings experience to the morning line favorite.
Wagering Strategy
Win Selection: Call Me Fast (6) provides the best combination of elite connections, superior earnings history, and tactical racing style at attractive 4-1 odds.
Value Play: Chachaching (8) at 3-1 odds offers excellent place and show value with proven recent form and effective trainer-jockey combination.
Upset Special: He’s Got Swagger (5) at 7-1 provides longshot value with solid earnings and trainer hitting form recently.
Exacta Strategy: Box Call Me Fast with Have You Heard and Chachaching for optimal coverage of the most likely outcomes.
Trifecta Approach: Key Call Me Fast on top with Have You Heard, Chachaching, and Mad Banker in the second and third positions.
Final Selections
Win: Call Me Fast (6)
Place: Have You Heard (7)
Show: Chachaching (8)
The superior earnings history of Call Me Fast combined with the elite Ness-Sanchez partnership provides the strongest foundation for victory in this competitive starter optional claiming race. Have You Heard offers solid place value as the morning line favorite, while Chachaching provides excellent show value with proven recent form.
Race 10 – Maiden Claiming Fillies (6 Furlongs)
Key Contenders: Candothis and Gotmistyonthemind both show potential, with Candothis getting Julio Hernandez for Kathleen Demasi.
Secondary Choices: Purple Lu Lu represents the powerful Tyler Servis stable with Ruben Silvera aboard.
Longshots: Several first-time starters could provide value in this wide-open maiden event.
Pace Analysis: This maiden sprint should develop into an honest pace with multiple inexperienced horses.
Jockey Insights
Mychel Sanchez leads the Parx Racing colony with over 100 wins this season and maintains his position as the track’s premier rider. He rides Cojelo Pa Ti in Race 5 and Call Me Fast in Race 9, both representing strong win chances for their respective connections.
Silvestre Gonzalez shows strong form with 30 Parx wins and over $1 million in purse earnings. He rides Preach It Warrior in Race 6, representing one of the day’s best values.
Ruben Silvera provides consistent riding and gets prime mounts throughout the card, including Get Like Mike in Race 1 and Purple Lu Lu in Race 10.
Trainer Notes
Jamie Ness continues his dominance at Parx Racing with 98 wins from 434 starts, maintaining a 25% win rate. His consistent operation runs like “a tremendous machine” and he’s currently leading the national trainer standings.
Michael Pino shows exceptional form with 79 wins from 232 starts at Parx, representing a remarkable 40% win rate. His horses Get Like Mike (Race 1) and Cojelo Pa Ti (Race 5) represent strong win chances.
Silvino Ramirez operates a solid claiming stable with horses entered in multiple races throughout the card, including Rosies Pinot (Race 3) and Fully Committed (Race 6).
Best Wagering Strategies
Single Race Bets: Focus on Prime Motive (Race 1), Wiffleball (Race 2), Cojelo Pa Ti (Race 5), Preach It Warrior (Race 6), and Houlton (Race 8) for strong win chances.
Multi-Race Wagers: Consider Pick 3 combinations using Race 1 (Prime Motive/Get Like Mike), Race 2 (Wiffleball/Friday Surprise), and Race 3 (Solemn Beauty/Astrid).
Value Plays: Kate’s Love in Race 4 at 8-1 odds represents the day’s best value play, while Chachaching in Race 9 offers solid win value at 4-1.
Exacta Opportunities: Focus on Race 5 with the Banjo/Cojelo Pa Ti combination and Race 8 using Houlton with Margin of Air and Expensive Cut.
