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Penn National presents a competitive nine-race card this Wednesday evening featuring a solid mix of Pennsylvania-bred allowance races, claiming events across various levels, and maiden claiming races for juveniles. The card begins at 5:45 PM EST with a PA-bred fillies and mares allowance at six furlongs and ends at 9:37 PM with a bottom-level claiming sprint for fillies and mares. The feature race of the evening is Race 5, a $35,000 allowance at one mile and 70 yards for three-year-olds and up that have never won beyond maiden, claiming, starter, or Pennsylvania-bred company.
The scratch watch reveals several notable withdrawals that reshape multiple races. In Race 2, Pocket Sand has been scratched due to veterinarian concerns after racing twice in late October at Penn National. Race 4 loses Phil’s On the Run to veterinarian illness issues following a November 5 appearance. Race 5 has two major scratches, with Admiral’s Wave withdrawn after a November 1 start at Parx and Trevesso scratched by stewards after a September 28 race at Delaware. Race 8 loses Allaboutthemoney to veterinarian concerns, while Race 9 sees both Kefaliani (also-eligible from an October 8 Delaware race) and Ms. Laobanniang (trainer scratch after a October 12 Laurel starter optional claiming) removed from the field.
The card structure favors versatile handicappers with opportunities ranging from competitive Pennsylvania-bred allowance company races to bottom-level $4,000 claiming races. The presence of multiple trainers with strong Penn National records, including Flint Stites, Bruce Kravets, and Erin McClellan, adds intrigue to several races. The jockey colony’s strength features regular Penn National riders with local knowledge advantages.
Weather and Track Conditions
Penn National’s main dirt track is expected to be listed as fast for this Wednesday evening card. The track is a one-mile dirt oval with a seven-furlong turf course inside, though all nine races tonight will be contested on the main dirt surface. November racing in Pennsylvania typically features cooler temperatures with evening post times potentially seeing temperatures in the low 40s to mid 50s Fahrenheit range.
The track surface at Penn National tends to play relatively fair across all distances during standard fast conditions, though the facility has shown tendencies toward speed-favoring biases during certain seasonal conditions. Evening racing with cooler temperatures and limited sunlight can sometimes produce surfaces that seal slightly, potentially benefiting horses with tactical speed. Track maintenance between races becomes crucial during evening cards as track crews work to maintain consistent racing surfaces under artificial lighting.
Horsemen familiar with Penn National understand the importance of horses that can handle the track’s configuration, which features relatively tight turns compared to larger facilities. This characteristic particularly impacts route races where horses must navigate turns multiple times, often favoring runners with tactical speed or strong tactical positioning abilities over pure closers who must make up significant ground.
Race 1 – Pennsylvania-Bred Fillies and Mares Allowance
Post Time: 5:45 PM EST
This six-furlong allowance for PA-bred fillies and mares that have never won a PA-restricted race beyond maiden, claiming, or starter presents a competitive nine-horse field. The race conditions allow weight allowances based on recent form, with non-winners since October 12 getting two pounds off and non-winners since September 12 receiving four pounds.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears moderately contested with several horses likely to show early speed. Irish Love Song from the inside post has tactical speed capabilities under trainer Flint Stites. More Ransom brings significant experience with 46 career starts and has shown mid-pack stalking tendencies. The pace should be honest but not suicidal, setting up well for horses with tactical positioning or late-running ability. The six-furlong distance at Penn National typically produces competitive pace scenarios where horses breaking alertly gain significant advantages.
Key Contenders
More Ransom enters as a seasoned veteran with $338,522 in career earnings and a record of 46 starts with 10 wins. The six-year-old mare trained by Jamie Ness brings substantial class having competed successfully at Delaware Park and Parx Racing. Martin Chuan’s presence in the irons adds local knowledge with his 171 career mounts showing a 15 percent win rate. The weight allowance to 123 pounds provides a small advantage.
Combat Hoofs represents trainer Erin McClellan and shows tactical speed from post seven. The four-year-old filly carries 121 pounds with Manuel Aguilar riding, creating a potentially strong combination in this Pennsylvania-bred company. McClellan’s barn consistently produces competitive runners at Penn National.
Secondary Choices
Wicklow Pooka debuts for trainer Flint Stites as a three-year-old filly getting significant weight relief at 120 pounds. Stites also saddles Irish Love Song, giving the barn multiple win chances. The youth advantage and lower weight assignment make Wicklow Pooka a legitimate contender if showing readiness for this class level.
Winning Play represents the Kathleen Demasi barn with Silvestre Gonzalez aboard. The three-year-old filly gets 120 pounds and breaks from post six, providing a decent tactical position in the field. Gonzalez’s 99 career mounts with 14 percent win rate shows consistency.
Betting Strategy
Consider using More Ransom as a key horse in exactas and trifectas given the proven class and experience edge. The race sets up well for using multiple Flint Stites entries underneath in multi-race wagers. A More Ransom exacta box with Combat Hoofs provides coverage of the top two likely contenders while adding Wicklow Pooka creates a solid three-horse box encompassing experience and barn strength.
Selections
Win: More Ransom
Place: Combat Hoofs
Show: Wicklow Pooka
Race 2 – Fillies and Mares Claiming
Post Time: 6:14 PM EST
This one mile and 70-yard claiming race for $10,000 (with $9,000 option allowing two-pound weight break) features fillies and mares that have never won three races. The scratch of Pocket Sand reduces the field to seven starters. The race conditions provide weight allowances for non-winners at a mile or over within specific timeframes.
Pace Analysis
The extended distance of one mile and 70 yards should produce a more measured early pace compared to sprint races. Keep It Safe and Wicked Kitten both trained by Jose Ramirez could provide honest early fractions. The pace should set up favorably for horses with closing ability or those capable of saving ground on the turns. Route races at Penn National often favor horses with tactical positioning skills due to the track’s configuration.
Key Contenders
Keep It Safe brings Paul Luna aboard and represents the Jose Ramirez barn at 121 pounds. The four-year-old filly shows connections capable of winning at this level and the mile-plus distance suits horses with stamina and closing ability. The claiming price of $10,000 reflects realistic evaluation of the filly’s current form.
Wicked Kitten, stablemate to Keep It Safe under trainer Ramirez, provides the barn with dual entries. The five-year-old mare carries 121 pounds with Raul Mena riding. Having two horses in a small seven-horse field gives Ramirez excellent strategic options.
Secondary Choices
Phabulous Phoebe represents trainer Erin McClellan with Inoel Beato riding. The four-year-old filly at 121 pounds shows McClellan barn strength that consistently produces winners at Penn National. The trainer’s success rate warrants respect in this claiming company.
My Honeybunch from the Chuck Spina barn draws outside post eight with Anthony Salgado aboard at 121 pounds. The outside post position in route races can be advantageous, allowing the horse to save ground or establish preferred positioning without traffic concerns.
Longshots
Fitness trained by Henry Walters draws post six at 120 pounds for the $9,000 claiming level. Martin Chuan rides, bringing the successful jockey’s experience to a potential value play. The reduced claiming price and weight break could signal connections finding the right spot.
Betting Strategy
The Jose Ramirez double entry creates interesting wagering dynamics. Using both Keep It Safe and Wicked Kitten in exactas with Phabulous Phoebe and My Honeybunch provides solid coverage. Consider a trifecta box using the Ramirez pair with McClellan’s Phabulous Phoebe for multi-race sequence plays.
Selections
Win: Keep It Safe
Place: Phabulous Phoebe
Show: Wicked Kitten
Race 3 – Two-Year-Old Fillies Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 6:43 PM EST
This 5.5-furlong maiden claiming race for two-year-old fillies at the $25,000 level (with $22,500 option) presents an 11-horse field of first-time winners. Juvenile maiden races often produce unpredictable results but provide excellent opportunities for handicappers who can identify horses showing improvement or debut readiness.
Pace Analysis
With 11 two-year-old fillies going 5.5 furlongs, expect a contested pace early as multiple runners break alertly. Kylie’s Kiss, Rosie Warrior, and On the Beam all figure to show early speed, creating potential pace pressure. The competitive early fractions should set up well for fillies that can rate off the pace or close from mid-pack positions. The 5.5-furlong distance at Penn National requires horses to break sharply and establish position quickly.
Key Contenders
On the Beam represents trainer Michael Matz with Angel Cruz riding from post three. Matz brings extensive experience developing young horses and his presence in this race suggests confidence in this filly’s readiness. The inside-to-middle post position provides tactical advantages in a large field.
Fireball Annie trains for Flint Stites with Ricardo Chiappe aboard from post six. Stites consistently develops competitive juveniles at Penn National and Chiappe’s riding style suits the track’s characteristics. The middle post position allows tactical options without being trapped inside.
Secondary Choices
Run Out the Clock represents the Erin McClellan barn with Inoel Beato riding from post four. McClellan’s success with juveniles at Penn National makes any first-time starter from the barn worth attention. The favorable post position in the middle of the field provides flexibility.
Inanoceanoflove trained by Kathleen Demasi draws post seven with Silvestre Gonzalez riding. The combination has shown success at Penn National and the outside-middle post provides room to maneuver in a crowded field.
Longshots
A Little Presley from the Elisha Perez barn sits at post eight with Jomar Torres riding. Torres brings strong local knowledge and success rates that warrant respect even with unproven horses. The outside post requires alertness but can pay dividends if the filly breaks cleanly.
Betting Strategy
Maiden claiming races with 11 horses require broader coverage in exotic wagers. Consider using On the Beam and Fireball Annie on top of exactas while spreading underneath to include McClellan and Demasi entries. A trifecta wheel using two horses over four or five others provides reasonable coverage given the field size and predictable variance in juvenile maiden races.
Selections
Win: On the Beam
Place: Fireball Annie
Show: Run Out the Clock
Race 4 – Three-Year-Olds and Upward Claiming
Post Time: 7:12 PM EST
The scratch of Phil’s On the Run reduces this 5.5-furlong $5,000 claiming sprint to seven runners. The race conditions target horses that haven’t won since May 12 or have never won four races, representing bottom-level claiming company where form cycles and current condition become crucial handicapping factors.
Pace Analysis
Sprint races at this claiming level typically produce honest to quick early paces as multiple horses show speed without the class to rate effectively. Thick and Juicy, Bruder, and Infamous Nono likely show early speed, potentially setting up a contested pace scenario. The 5.5-furlong distance leaves little room for error with horses needing to establish position early and maintain it through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Infamous Nono carries top weight of 125 pounds but brings experience and class that may prove decisive at this level. David Cora’s presence in the irons adds tactical savvy, and trainer Mark Salvaggio’s barn shows consistency at Penn National’s claiming ranks. The five-year-old gelding’s record suggests ability to win when spotted properly.
Bruder represents trainer Todd Beattie with Wilfredo Corujo riding from post three at 123 pounds. The four-year-old gelding’s middle post position provides tactical options, and Corujo’s experience at Penn National gives the combination solid win potential.
Secondary Choices
Thick and Juicy breaks from the rail at 122 pounds for trainer Michael Salvaggio Jr. with Jomar Torres aboard. The three-year-old gelding gets weight relief and the inside post can prove advantageous if breaking alertly and establishing position along the rail. Torres’ strong win percentage makes this combination dangerous.
Disturbed from the Bruce Kravets barn draws post two at 121 pounds with Carlos Lopez riding. The five-year-old gelding gets significant weight relief, and Kravets’ barn consistently produces competitive horses at Penn National’s claiming levels.
Betting Strategy
The small seven-horse field allows for tighter coverage in exotic wagers. Use Infamous Nono and Bruder in exacta boxes while including Thick and Juicy for trifecta coverage. Consider playing Thick and Juicy at potentially larger odds given the inside post position and capable connections despite the crowded early pace scenario.
Selections
Win: Infamous Nono
Place: Bruder
Show: Thick and Juicy
Race 5 – Allowance Three-Year-Olds and Upward
Post Time: 7:41 PM EST
The scratches of Admiral’s Wave and Trevesso reduce this $35,000 allowance at one mile and 70 yards to seven runners. This represents the strongest race on the card for horses that have never won beyond maiden, claiming, starter, or Pennsylvania-bred company. The distance and class level create an intriguing handicapping puzzle.
Pace Analysis
With Admiral’s Wave and Trevesso scratched, the pace dynamics shift considerably. Reverse the Curse shows early speed tendencies from post two, while Wyoming Class, Caughtandcollected, and Metalhead likely press or stalk the pace. The one mile and 70-yard distance allows for more tactical maneuvering than sprint races. Expect a moderate to honest pace that sets up well for horses with closing ability or tactical speed who can position themselves favorably through the first turn.
Key Contenders
Caughtandcollected brings the strongest credentials with $359,332 in career earnings from 36 starts. The five-year-old horse trained by Timothy Kreiser shows significant class advantages and Angel Rodriguez rides, combining for a 29 percent win rate. The combination of proven ability at Penn National’s route distances and strong jockey-trainer partnership makes this horse the logical favorite despite the reduced field.
Metalhead enters from the Esteban Padilla barn with $134,340 in career earnings and a solid 24 percent win rate from 17 starts. Anthony Salgado rides from post nine, and recent form suggests this four-year-old gelding is competitive at this allowance level. The outside post position in route races can provide strategic advantages.
Secondary Choices
Wyoming Class represents trainer Benjamin Perkins Jr. with Julio Hernandez aboard at 123 pounds from post three. The four-year-old colt with $78,000 in career earnings shows enough class to factor in this reduced field. Hernandez’s 20 percent win rate from 79 mounts demonstrates consistency.
Egot a Poker Face from the Flint Stites barn draws post six with Ricardo Chiappe riding at 121 pounds. The six-year-old gelding shows $283,816 in career earnings with solid experience at Penn National’s route distances, making this combination a legitimate contender.
Longshots
Cody Pass trained by T. Bernard Houghton sits at post seven with David Cora aboard at 120 pounds. The three-year-old gelding has $94,200 in earnings from just 10 starts, including a recent win at Penn National’s one-mile distance. The improving three-year-old facing older horses gets weight relief that could prove significant.
Betting Strategy
With only seven runners after scratches, consider focusing wagering on exactas and trifectas rather than superfectas. Use Caughtandcollected on top with Metalhead and Wyoming Class underneath. The reduced field size decreases potential payouts but increases probability of hitting exacta and trifecta combinations. Consider including Cody Pass at larger odds in multi-race wagers for potential value.
Selections
Win: Caughtandcollected
Place: Metalhead
Show: Wyoming Class
Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 8:10 PM EST
This $36,000 allowance optional claiming race at one mile features eight runners in conditions for horses that have never won two races beyond maiden, claiming, starter, or Pennsylvania-bred company, or have never won four races overall. The $40,000 claiming option adds strategic complexity as connections must decide whether to risk losing horses for value or protect runners in straight allowance company.
Pace Analysis
The one-mile distance and class level should produce a measured early pace with tactical positioning becoming crucial. Pretorian Gold, Ten Gauge, and Easter Bet likely show early speed while others rate off the pace. The route distance allows horses with closing ability to position themselves effectively through the first turn and make sustained moves through the stretch. Pace pressure should be moderate, setting up well for horses that can save ground or make middle moves.
Key Contenders
My Imagination brings $121 pounds and significant experience to post three with Luis Rivera riding. The five-year-old gelding trained by Alan Bedard shows versatility and the middle post position provides tactical options. The allowance optional claiming format suggests connections have confidence in this horse’s current form.
Ten Gauge represents trainer Daniel Velazquez from post four with Adam Bowman aboard at 123 pounds. The six-year-old gelding’s experience and middle post position create opportunities for tactical positioning through the first turn.
Secondary Choices
Kissthemoon trained by Brandon Kulp draws post two with Pedro Cotto Jr. riding at 123 pounds. The four-year-old gelding shows enough class to factor in this field, and the inside-to-middle post position can prove advantageous if breaking alertly.
Excellorator from the Jamie Ness barn sits at post five with Martin Chuan aboard at 121 pounds. The seven-year-old gelding gets weight relief, and the Ness-Chuan combination has shown success at Penn National. The middle post position provides flexibility in route races.
Longshots
Frosty the Giant trained by Kelly Lynn Deiter draws the outside post eight with Paul Luna riding at 121 pounds. The four-year-old gelding gets weight relief and Luna’s tactical ability could prove valuable from the outside post in route races. Consider using as a value overlay in multi-race wagers.
Betting Strategy
The allowance optional claiming format creates value opportunities as some horses entered for the claiming tag may be undervalued. Use My Imagination and Ten Gauge in exacta combinations while spreading underneath to include Kissthemoon and Excellorator. Consider boxing three or four horses in trifectas given the competitive nature of the field.
Selections
Win: My Imagination
Place: Ten Gauge
Show: Kissthemoon
Race 7 – Two-Year-Old Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 8:39 PM EST
This 5.5-furlong maiden claiming race for two-year-old males at the $10,000 level features eight first-time winners. Juvenile maiden claiming races present significant handicapping challenges but offer value opportunities for horsemen placing young horses properly for initial wins.
Pace Analysis
Eight two-year-old colts and geldings going 5.5 furlongs should produce competitive early fractions as multiple runners show speed. Stonecoldhandsome, Christ Is King, and Whiskey Alley likely press the pace early. The sprint distance requires alertness from the gate with position established quickly. Expect honest to quick early pace that may favor horses rating just off the lead or showing late tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Christ Is King represents trainer Bruce Kravets from post two with David Cora riding. The Kravets barn shows strong success rates with juveniles at Penn National, and Cora’s tactical ability suits the track’s characteristics. The inside-to-middle post position provides advantages in an eight-horse sprint field.
Whiskey Alley trained by Panagiotis Synnefias draws post four with Julio Hernandez aboard. The middle post position in sprint races allows tactical flexibility, and Hernandez brings strong win percentages to potentially live longshots.
Secondary Choices
Paterno represents the Brandon Kulp barn from post five with Angel Rodriguez riding. The combination shows consistency at Penn National, and the middle post position provides tactical options without being trapped inside or forced extremely wide.
Pergamon trained by George Albright draws the outside post eight with Ricardo Chiappe riding. The outside post requires alertness but can prove advantageous if the horse breaks cleanly and establishes position without fighting for rail spots in traffic.
Longshots
Stonecoldhandsome from the Bruce Kravets barn draws the rail with Yabriel Ramos aboard. The inside post position can prove golden if the horse breaks alertly and establishes rail position through the turn. Kravets enters two horses in this race, suggesting confidence in barn readiness.
Betting Strategy
Juvenile maiden claiming races with eight horses require broader exotic coverage given unpredictability. Use Christ Is King and Whiskey Alley on top of exactas while spreading underneath to include Paterno, Pergamon, and Stonecoldhandsome. Consider trifecta wheels using two horses over four or five others to capture value if longshots hit the board.
Selections
Win: Christ Is King
Place: Whiskey Alley
Show: Paterno
Race 8 – Bottom-Level Claiming Route
Post Time: 9:08 PM EST
The scratch of Allaboutthemoney reduces this 1 1/16-mile $4,000 claiming race to seven runners. This bottom-level route represents the card’s weakest class with horses that haven’t won since May 12, creating opportunities for handicappers who can identify horses cycling back to form or properly placed by connections.
Pace Analysis
Route races at bottom claiming levels often produce slower early paces as horses lack the class to establish and maintain competitive fractions. Porch Swing and The Gatekeeper likely show early speed while others rate off the pace. The 1 1/16-mile distance emphasizes stamina over speed, favoring horses that can maintain consistent fractions throughout rather than those relying on quick early pace. The extended distance allows closers time to make sustained moves if positioned properly.
Key Contenders
Porch Swing trained by Brandon Kulp draws post two with Angel Rodriguez riding at 125 pounds. The five-year-old gelding’s connections show consistent success at Penn National, and the inside-to-middle post position provides advantages in route races where saving ground becomes crucial. Rodriguez’s 29 percent win rate adds confidence to this selection.
The Gatekeeper represents trainer Paulina Sinnefia from post four with John Lloyd aboard at 125 pounds. The six-year-old gelding shows enough experience to factor at this claiming level, and the middle post position allows tactical positioning through the first turn.
Secondary Choices
Here’s Waldo trained by Carlos Johnson sits at post five with Inoel Beato riding at 125 pounds. The seven-year-old gelding brings experience in route races, and Beato’s tactical ability suits Penn National’s configuration. The middle post position provides flexibility.
Book Marker from the Bruce Kravets barn draws post six with David Cora aboard at 125 pounds. The five-year-old gelding benefits from Cora’s tactical savvy, and Kravets consistently produces competitive runners at all claiming levels.
Longshots
Barleewon draws post three with apprentice rider Matilda Burnham aboard at 118 pounds. The significant seven-pound weight advantage from the apprentice allowance could prove decisive at this claiming level where small edges matter. The eight-year-old gelding trained by Konstantinos Harigeorgiou represents value if properly placed.
Betting Strategy
Bottom-level claiming routes often produce surprising results with horses cycling through form patterns. Use Porch Swing on top of exactas while spreading underneath broadly to include The Gatekeeper, Here’s Waldo, Book Marker, and Barleewon. The reduced field of seven makes trifecta boxes affordable while providing coverage of multiple form scenarios.
Selections
Win: Porch Swing
Place: The Gatekeeper
Show: Here’s Waldo
Race 9 – Fillies and Mares Claiming
Post Time: 9:37 PM EST
The scratches of Kefaliani and Ms. Laobanniang reduce this 5.5-furlong $5,000 claiming sprint for fillies and mares that have never won two races to seven runners. This card-closing bottom-level sprint presents handicapping challenges but offers value opportunities for horsemen placing fillies properly.
Pace Analysis
Sprint races at bottom claiming levels typically produce contested early paces as multiple fillies show speed without class to rate effectively. Beach Queen, Red Head Italian, and Miss Wildwood likely press the pace early, creating potential pace pressure. The 5.5-furlong distance requires alertness from the gate with horses establishing position quickly. The competitive early pace should set up well for fillies rating just off the lead or showing late closing ability if pace collapses.
Key Contenders
Red Head Italian trained by Mark Salvaggio draws post three with Jomar Torres riding at 123 pounds. The four-year-old filly benefits from Torres’ strong success rates at Penn National, and the inside-to-middle post position provides tactical advantages in sprint races. The Salvaggio barn shows consistency at claiming levels.
Beach Queen represents trainer Brandon Kulp from the rail with Angel Rodriguez aboard at 122 pounds. The three-year-old filly gets weight relief, and Rodriguez’s 29 percent win rate combined with the inside post position creates a dangerous combination if breaking alertly. The notation shows this filly running on Lasix.
Secondary Choices
Say No More trained by Bassam Captan draws post four with Adam Bowman riding at 123 pounds. The six-year-old mare brings experience, and the middle post position allows tactical flexibility in the seven-horse field.
Red Betty from the George Albright barn sits at post five with Ricardo Chiappe aboard at 123 pounds. The four-year-old filly shows enough class to factor from the middle post position with Chiappe’s tactical riding ability.
Longshots
Miss Wildwood trained by Kathleen Demasi draws post six with Wilfredo Corujo riding at 122 pounds. The three-year-old filly gets weight relief and represents value from connections that show consistency at Penn National. Consider using in multi-race exotic finales for potential value payouts.
Betting Strategy
The card-closing bottom-level sprint creates opportunities for value-based wagering. Use Red Head Italian and Beach Queen in exacta boxes while spreading underneath to include Say No More, Red Betty, and Miss Wildwood. Consider trifecta and superfecta plays given the reduced seven-horse field and potential for value payouts with longshots hitting the board. This race sets up well for aggressive play if looking to close the evening with significant returns.
Selections
Win: Red Head Italian
Place: Beach Queen
Show: Say No More
Jockey Notes and Insights
Angel Rodriguez shows the strongest consistency with 63 mounts resulting in 29 percent wins and 60 percent in-the-money finishes. Rodriguez rides Caughtandcollected in Race 5, Porch Swing in Race 8, and Beach Queen in Race 9, creating opportunities for jockey-based multi-race wagering sequences. His tactical ability in route races and alertness in sprints make him particularly effective at Penn National’s configuration.
Jomar Torres brings 57 mounts with 23 percent wins and 58 percent in-the-money performance. Torres rides More Ransom in Race 1, Thick and Juicy in Race 4, Reverse the Curse in Race 5, and Red Head Italian in Race 9. His strong success rate and tactical versatility across distances make Torres-ridden horses worth attention, particularly in claiming races where experience matters.
David Cora shows consistency with 58 mounts producing 17 percent wins and 45 percent board finishes. Cora rides Dancing Diana in Race 1, Infamous Nono in Race 4, Cody Pass in Race 5, Christ Is King in Race 7, and Book Marker in Race 8. His tactical savvy suits Penn National’s tight turns, particularly in route races where saving ground proves crucial.
Julio Hernandez demonstrates strong results with 79 mounts showing 20 percent wins and 54 percent in-the-money finishes. Hernandez rides Wyoming Class in Race 5, Just Call Ray in Race 6, and Whiskey Alley in Race 7. His effectiveness with younger horses and tactical positioning ability make him valuable in allowance and maiden races.
Ricardo Chiappe brings experience with 31 mounts producing 16 percent wins but impressive 65 percent board finishes. Chiappe rides Fireball Annie in Race 3, Egot a Poker Face in Race 5, Pergamon in Race 7, and Red Betty in Race 9. His high place and show percentages create value in exotic wagers where board finishes matter.
Martin Chuan shows consistency across 171 career mounts with 15 percent wins and 37 percent board finishes. Chuan rides More Ransom in Race 1, Fitness in Race 2, Shoulda Known in Race 3, and Excellorator in Race 6. His extensive experience and local knowledge make him effective on horses needing tactical positioning.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Bruce Kravets enters multiple horses across the card with strong success rates. The Kravets barn runs Kashmir Witch and Casa Juanita in Race 1, Disturbed in Race 4, Christ Is King and Stonecoldhandsome in Race 7, and Book Marker in Race 8. Kravets shows particular strength with juveniles and bottom-level claiming horses, making barn entries worth attention in Races 7 and 8.
Erin McClellan demonstrates consistent success at Penn National with entries in Race 1 (Sadie’s Grace, Combat Hoofs), Race 2 (Phabulous Phoebe), Race 3 (Run Out the Clock), and Race 6 (Pretorian Gold). McClellan’s barn consistently produces competitive runners across multiple class levels, particularly with fillies and mares.
Flint Stites shows strong versatility with entries in Race 1 (Irish Love Song, Wicklow Pooka), Race 3 (Fireball Annie), and Race 5 (Egot a Poker Face). The Stites barn excels with Pennsylvania-bred horses and shows particular strength in allowance company, making barn entries worth attention in the card’s stronger races.
Timothy Kreiser brings solid credentials with horses in Race 2 (Pocket Sand – scratched), Race 4 (Sunday Gilt), and Race 5 (Caughtandcollected). The Kreiser barn shows strong success rates particularly in route races, with Caughtandcollected appearing as the strongest play in Race 5.
Brandon Kulp demonstrates consistency across claiming levels with entries in Race 2 (Rosie Warrior), Race 6 (Kissthemoon), Race 7 (Paterno), Race 8 (Porch Swing), and Race 9 (Beach Queen). The Kulp barn shows particular strength at Penn National’s claiming ranks, making multiple entries worth attention in the card’s back half.
Esteban Padilla shows strong percentages with 77 mounts producing 19 percent wins and 55 percent board finishes. The Padilla barn runs Admiral’s Wave (scratched) in Race 5 and Metalhead in Race 5, demonstrating confidence in the barn’s stronger runner despite the scratch of the stablemate.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The multiple scratches reshape several races and create value opportunities where fields reduce in size. Race 5 loses two horses, dropping from nine to seven runners and potentially creating overlay situations on remaining horses as bettors’ money concentrates on fewer options. Similarly, Race 8 and Race 9 see scratches that reduce field sizes and create potential value.
Jockey-based multi-race sequences present strong wagering opportunities. Angel Rodriguez’s mounts in Races 5, 8, and 9 create pick-3 and pick-4 opportunities focusing on the card’s strongest rider. Similarly, Jomar Torres rides in Races 1, 4, 5, and 9, allowing construction of jockey-based sequences across the entire card.
Trainer-based wagering angles focus on Bruce Kravets and Erin McClellan, who each enter multiple horses across different races. Using barn strengths in multi-race wagers creates structural advantages where connections demonstrate consistent success rates.
The card’s structure favors pick-3 and pick-4 sequences focusing on the middle races where field sizes and class levels create more predictable outcomes. Consider pick-3 sequences using Races 4-5-6 or Races 5-6-7, where allowance and allowance optional claiming races provide anchors for multi-race sequences.
Value plays focus on bottom-level claiming races where form cycles and proper placement create opportunities for significant returns. Race 4 at the $5,000 claiming level, Race 8 at the $4,000 level, and Race 9 at the $5,000 claiming sprint all present opportunities for value-based wagering where connections place horses properly for form cycle rebounds.
Exacta and trifecta coverage in reduced fields following scratches creates strong wagering opportunities. Race 5 with seven runners, Race 8 with seven runners, and Race 9 with seven runners all allow tighter exotic coverage with reasonable costs while maintaining potential for solid payouts if longshots hit the board.
Pennsylvania-bred allowance races in Race 1 create value opportunities where state-bred restrictions limit field quality and create more predictable outcomes. Focus wagering on horses with proven class at this level, particularly More Ransom with extensive experience and strong connections.
Late pick-4 sequences covering Races 6-7-8-9 create opportunities for significant returns while requiring investment in only four races. Use single horses in Race 6 or Race 8 while spreading in the juvenile maiden claiming Race 7 and card-closing bottom sprint Race 9 for balanced coverage combining conservative anchors with value plays.
