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Penn National presents an eight-race Thursday evening card featuring competitive claiming and allowance events with purses ranging from $12,000 to $36,000. The card showcases a mix of sprint and route races with conditions favoring horses demonstrating early tactical speed and recent form. Several races feature tight eligibility restrictions including non-winners since specific dates, creating opportunities for horses showing improvement or returning from layoffs.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather forecasts indicate partly cloudy conditions with a high near 50 degrees Fahrenheit and west winds up to 13 mph with gusts reaching 26 mph. The track is expected to be fast with no precipitation forecast for the evening racing program. Temperature will drop into the mid-30s as the evening progresses, creating ideal racing conditions without weather-related complications. Wind conditions from the west may provide a slight tailwind or headwind depending on race direction, potentially affecting sprint races more than routes.
Penn National historically favors speed horses in sprint races due to the relatively short run to the first turn. Post position analysis reveals middle posts perform well, with post four showing an 18.7 percent win rate and post five at 17.1 percent. Inside posts show slightly lower productivity at 11.8 percent from post one. Route races tend to be more honest with less post position bias as horses have more time to establish position.
Race 1: Claiming $10,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards
Post Time
5:45 PM
Pace Analysis
This one-turn mile race features a field of seven older geldings in the claiming ranks with several demonstrating early speed tendencies. The extended distance around one turn should favor horses with tactical speed who can secure favorable position into the first turn without expending excessive energy. Expect moderate early fractions with pace pressure developing if multiple horses contest the lead.
Key Contenders
Rapper Zapper for trainer Mark Salvaggio and jockey Jomar Torres merits serious consideration despite the outside post. Torres ranks among Penn National’s leading riders with 65 wins from 357 starts in 2025, posting strong consistency rates. The combination of experience and tactical ability makes this pairing dangerous in a competitive claiming sprint.
What Does It Take represents trainer Brandon Kulp and jockey Angel Rodriguez, an exceptionally productive partnership at Penn National. Kulp leads all trainers at the meet with 93 wins from 310 starts and over $1.8 million in earnings. Rodriguez recently earned jockey of the week honors with multiple victories. The seven-year-old gelding carries top weight but draws a favorable middle post.
Secondary Choices
Melt With You from the Jamie Ness barn draws post one with Chuan Martin aboard. The four-year-old receives a weight concession that could prove beneficial in this competitive field. Inside post position provides opportunity to save ground throughout despite lower win percentages from this draw.
Chuck Adams trained by Bruce Kravets appears on the scratch list, removing one key contender from consideration. Kravets maintains a 14.93 percent win rate at Penn National with extensive experience at the claiming level.
Longshots
Keithsendshelloooo from the Jorge Diaz barn receives significant weight relief at 119 pounds with apprentice Jadiel Zambrana riding. The five-year-old gelding represents value if able to secure favorable position from post two.
Betting Strategy
Structure exacta and trifecta wagers around the Kulp-Rodriguez combination with What Does It Take while using Rapper Zapper in multiple positions. Consider boxing the top three selections in trifectas while including Melt With You as a longshot saver.
Selections
Win: What Does It Take
Place: Rapper Zapper
Show: Melt With You
Race 2: Claiming $5,000, 1 1/16 Miles
Post Time
6:14 PM
Pace Analysis
This fillies and mares claiming route features eight entries with varied form patterns and route experience. The two-turn configuration should produce honest pace dynamics with opportunity for closers to factor if early fractions become contested. Several entrants show limited recent activity, creating uncertainty regarding current fitness levels.
Key Contenders
Kentucky Reign for trainer Jose Bobadilla and rider Maicol Inirio merits attention from post seven despite outside draw. The five-year-old mare possesses route experience and should benefit from the two-turn configuration allowing time to establish position.
Sunny Side Up trained by Jorge Diaz draws post eight with Jorge Gonzalez Sanchez aboard. The four-year-old filly represents the extreme outside but trainer Diaz maintains solid statistics at Penn National’s claiming levels.
Secondary Choices
Blackdiamond Dinny appears on the scratch list as a veterinary scratch, removing one potential contender. Sister Mary Lou also scratched as a veterinary withdrawal, tightening this competitive field.
Missy Boss from the A. Ferris Allen barn draws post two with Jomar Torres riding. Torres continues strong form and the inside-to-middle post provides tactical flexibility in a route race.
Longshots
Unbounded Movement trained by Murray Rojas with daughter Martina Rojas riding represents an interesting family combination from post one. The three-year-old filly faces older competition but receives a weight concession that could prove beneficial.
Betting Strategy
Use Kentucky Reign and Sunny Side Up as foundation horses in exacta and trifecta combinations while including Missy Boss for Torres factor. Consider multi-race wagers beginning with this race given competitive nature and potential for value payoffs.
Selections
Win: Kentucky Reign
Place: Sunny Side Up
Show: Missy Boss
Race 3: Claiming $4,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards
Post Time
6:43 PM
Pace Analysis
This bottom-level claiming event features older geldings with extensive racing experience competing at the one-turn mile distance. Pace dynamics should produce moderate early fractions with several entrants showing tactical speed patterns. The extended distance favors horses demonstrating sustained speed rather than pure early speed.
Key Contenders
Ferrari Kid represents the Murray Rojas barn with Martina Rojas riding from post four. The gelding appears on the scratch list as a veterinary withdrawal but if cleared represents strong value at this claiming level. The middle post position provides tactical advantages in sprint-route races.
Bold Hoppertunity trained by Jack Abrams draws post six with Francisco Martinez aboard. The five-year-old gelding possesses experience at this distance and claiming level.
Secondary Choices
Tony Small also appears scratched due to re-entry considerations. Checkitup from the Jaime Bravo-Estrada barn draws post three with Franklin Gonzalez Jr. riding. The five-year-old gelding benefits from an inside-to-middle post that should allow rating into the first turn.
Spinning Musician trained by Cody Beattie pairs with rider Yabriel Ramos from post seven. The Beattie training operation maintains strong statistics at Penn National with generations of family experience at the track.
Longshots
Makabim also from the Cody Beattie barn draws the rail with Leonardo Corujo aboard. The eight-year-old gelding represents longshot value if able to secure favorable position from the inside post.
Betting Strategy
Structure wagers around Bold Hoppertunity while using Spinning Musician and Checkitup in secondary positions. Consider using multiple horses in trifecta combinations given the competitive and unpredictable nature of bottom-level claiming races.
Selections
Win: Bold Hoppertunity
Place: Spinning Musician
Show: Checkitup
Race 4: Claiming $5,000, 5 1/2 Furlongs
Post Time
7:12 PM
Pace Analysis
This fillies and mares sprint features seven entrants over the traditional sprint distance where early speed typically dominates at Penn National. The short run to the first turn favors horses demonstrating tactical speed from favorable post positions. Expect contested early fractions with pace pressure developing through the opening quarter mile.
Key Contenders
Mexican Sugar appears scratched as a veterinary withdrawal, removing one potential speed factor. Warrior’s Miss trained by Brandon Kulp with Angel Rodriguez riding represents the strongest combination in this field. Kulp’s 30 percent win rate combined with Rodriguez’s recent hot streak creates formidable partnership.
Let’s Go Mo from the Erin Carpio barn draws post four with Inoel Beato riding. The six-year-old mare benefits from the track’s most productive post position showing 18.7 percent win rates.
Secondary Choices
Me Darlin Kathleen for Cody Beattie draws post one with Leonardo Corujo aboard. The five-year-old mare possesses experience at this distance and the Beattie operation maintains solid statistics at Penn National.
Pretty Lily trained by Jose Bobadilla pairs with Maicol Inirio from post two. The five-year-old mare receives weight relief that could prove beneficial in a competitive sprint.
Longshots
Never So Lucky from trainer Konstantinos Harigeorgiou carries only 114 pounds with apprentice Matilda Burnham riding. The significant weight concession provides value potential if the mare demonstrates improved form.
Betting Strategy
Build wagers around Warrior’s Miss and Let’s Go Mo in exacta and trifecta combinations. Include Me Darlin Kathleen as trifecta saver given Beattie’s consistent performance.
Selections
Win: Warrior’s Miss
Place: Let’s Go Mo
Show: Me Darlin Kathleen
Race 5: Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 Mile
Post Time
7:41 PM
Pace Analysis
This allowance optional claiming event features fillies and mares competing for a $36,000 purse at one mile. The quality level elevates significantly from earlier claiming races with several entrants demonstrating stakes-level ability. Pace should develop moderately with opportunity for tactical speed horses to control tempo.
Key Contenders
Reigert Girls appears on the scratch list as a trainer scratch but trained by Brandon Kulp with Angel Rodriguez riding, this combination would represent the logical favorite. Kulp and Rodriguez maintain exceptional statistics with 30 percent win rates and recent success.
Gourmet trained by Bruce Kravets pairs with Ricardo Chiappe from post four. Kravets brings extensive experience with over 3,900 career victories and strong placement rates. Chiappe demonstrates tactical ability suited to Penn National’s configuration.
Secondary Choices
Girvinized from the A. Ferris Allen barn draws post five with Jomar Torres riding. Torres maintains leading rider statistics and the five-year-old mare possesses allowance-level ability.
Vieux Carre also trained by Bruce Kravets pairs with Yabriel Ramos from post six. The three-year-old filly faces older competition but receives weight concessions that enhance competitiveness.
Longshots
Party scratched as main track only but represents Anthony Radcliffe training with apprentice rider. Dancing On My Own trained by Felissa Dunn draws post one with Melvis Gonzalez aboard as potential longshot value.
Betting Strategy
Focus wagers on Gourmet and Girvinized in exacta combinations while using Vieux Carre in trifecta positions. Consider this race as foundation for multi-race wagers given quality level and competitive nature.
Selections
Win: Gourmet
Place: Girvinized
Show: Vieux Carre
Race 6: Starter Optional Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles
Post Time
8:10 PM
Pace Analysis
This starter optional claiming route features six three-year-olds and older competing over two turns for $20,000. The reduced field size and route distance should produce honest pace dynamics with opportunity for tactical positioning throughout. Several entrants demonstrate improving form patterns making this competitive despite smaller field.
Key Contenders
Hope’s Alive appears on the also-eligible list for trainer Blake Kelly but if drawing in represents strong value. The three-year-old colt shows developing ability that could translate to success at this level.
Max Barley trained by Michael Zalalas draws post five with Ricardo Chiappe riding. Chiappe’s tactical ability combined with the outside post provides opportunity to rate into contention.
Secondary Choices
Annihilate Em from the Kevin Fields barn pairs with David Cora from post three. The three-year-old gelding benefits from inside-to-middle post positioning in a route race.
Major Mischief trained by Erin McClellan draws post four with Jomar Torres aboard. Torres continues strong form and the middle post provides tactical flexibility.
Longshots
Awesome Harry also from the Kevin Fields barn draws post one with Inoel Beato riding. The four-year-old gelding represents longshot value from the rail in a route race where ground-saving trips matter.
Solar Glare trained by Paulina Sinnefia rounds out the field from post six with Julio Hernandez aboard. The three-year-old gelding possesses developing ability that could produce upset potential.
Betting Strategy
Use Max Barley and Major Mischief as foundation horses in exacta combinations while including Annihilate Em for value. Consider keying these selections over longshots in trifecta wagers given small field size.
Selections
Win: Max Barley
Place: Major Mischief
Show: Annihilate Em
Race 7: Starter Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs
Post Time
8:39 PM
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong sprint features seven entrants where early speed typically dominates Penn National’s configuration. The short run to the first turn creates advantage for horses demonstrating tactical speed from favorable posts. Expect contested early fractions with pace pressure through the opening quarter.
Key Contenders
Sharon’s Prince trained by Brandon Kulp with Angel Rodriguez riding represents the strongest combination from post five. Kulp’s dominant meet statistics combined with Rodriguez’s recent success creates formidable pairing. The middle-to-outside post allows tactical flexibility in sprint races.
War Code from the Mark Salvaggio barn draws post one with Jomar Torres aboard. Torres maintains leading rider statistics and the three-year-old gelding shows developing speed.
Secondary Choices
Dixieland Chill trained by Bruce Kravets pairs with Yabriel Ramos from post seven. The three-year-old gelding faces older competition but Kravets brings extensive experience at this level.
Ole Authority also from the Brandon Kulp barn draws post three with Anthony Salgado riding. Kulp’s multiple entrants demonstrate barn strength and confidence in this competitive sprint.
Longshots
Punch It Margaret trained by Flint Stites draws post four with Maicol Inirio riding. The three-year-old gelding benefits from track’s most productive post position.
Confiscated from the Kathleen Demasi barn rounds out contenders from post six with Silvestre Gonzalez aboard. The four-year-old colt possesses tactical speed that could produce upset value.
Betting Strategy
Build wagers around Sharon’s Prince while using War Code and Dixieland Chill in secondary positions. Consider boxing top three selections in trifectas while including Punch It Margaret from favorable post.
Selections
Win: Sharon’s Prince
Place: War Code
Show: Dixieland Chill
Race 8: Claiming $16,000, 6 Furlongs
Post Time
9:08 PM
Pace Analysis
The closing race features seven older geldings competing in a $16,000 claiming sprint where early speed advantages Penn National’s configuration. Sprint races at six furlongs typically favor tactical speed horses securing favorable position through the opening quarter mile. Expect competitive early fractions with multiple pace factors.
Key Contenders
Bronx Boys and Neon Sign both appear on the scratch list, removing two key contenders from consideration. Mask Patrol trained by Kathleen Demasi draws post five with Jomar Torres riding. Torres continues dominant form at the meet and the six-year-old gelding possesses experience at this level.
Fightertown from the Charles DeMario barn draws post three with Inoel Beato aboard. The five-year-old gelding benefits from inside-to-middle post positioning in a competitive sprint.
Secondary Choices
Yo Yo Candy appears scratched as a veterinary withdrawal. Playing for Keeps trained by Louis Ruberto pairs with Martina Rojas from post four. The five-year-old gelding draws track’s most productive post position showing 18.7 percent win rates.
Going At It from the Robert Wolfe Jr. barn leads off from post one with Maicol Inirio riding. The five-year-old gelding receives weight relief that enhances competitiveness.
Longshots
Bronx Boys scratched as veterinary withdrawal. With multiple scratches, remaining longshots gain value through reduced field competition.
Betting Strategy
Focus wagers on Mask Patrol and Fightertown in exacta combinations while using Playing for Keeps from favorable post. Consider this race as closer for multi-race wagers including Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences.
Selections
Win: Mask Patrol
Place: Fightertown
Show: Playing for Keeps
Jockey Notes and Insights
Angel Rodriguez dominates Penn National’s jockey standings with recent jockey of the week honors and exceptional partnership with leading trainer Brandon Kulp. Rodriguez posted 119 wins from 523 rides over the past 12 months with strong place percentages exceeding 45 percent. The Rodriguez-Kulp combination produces 30 percent win rates making any pairing from this partnership worthy of serious consideration.
Jomar Torres ranks as Penn National’s leading rider by starts with 65 wins from 357 mounts in 2025. Torres maintains consistency across all race types and claiming levels with strong exacta and trifecta percentages. His tactical ability suits Penn National’s configuration particularly in sprint races where early positioning proves crucial.
Ricardo Chiappe brings experience and tactical awareness to Penn National’s competitive jockey colony. Chiappe excels in route races where patient tactics and rail-saving trips produce value. His partnership with Bruce Kravets creates productive combinations particularly in allowance and optional claiming races.
Julio Hernandez maintains solid statistics with 48 wins from 192 starts at Penn National in 2025. Hernandez demonstrates ability across race types with particular success in route races where tactical positioning matters.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brandon Kulp dominates Penn National’s trainer standings with 93 wins from 310 starts earning over $1.8 million in 2025. Kulp’s 30 percent win rate combined with 63.91 percent in-the-money percentage demonstrates exceptional consistency across all race types. His partnership with Angel Rodriguez produces remarkable results making Kulp-Rodriguez combinations automatic considerations.
Bruce Kravets brings decades of experience with over 3,900 career victories and $36 million in earnings. Kravets maintains 14.93 percent win rates at Penn National with strong place percentages exceeding 45 percent. His multiple graded stakes placings demonstrate ability to compete at highest levels.
Todd Beattie and son Cody Beattie represent multi-generational training success at Penn National. The Beattie operation maintains strong win percentages with particular success in claiming races and Pennsylvania-bred events. Their horses typically demonstrate fitness and tactical speed suited to Penn National’s configuration.
Mark Salvaggio and Timothy Kreiser round out Penn National’s leading trainers with strong statistics across race types. Both trainers maintain solid win percentages and demonstrate ability to place horses in appropriate conditions.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Focus wagering attention on races featuring the Brandon Kulp and Angel Rodriguez partnership as this combination produces exceptional results across all race types. Kulp’s 30 percent win rate combined with Rodriguez’s recent hot streak creates bankable situations particularly in claiming and allowance races.
Structure multi-race wagers around mid-card races five through seven where competitive fields and quality levels produce value payoffs. The allowance and starter optional claiming races typically feature tighter competition creating opportunities for exacta and trifecta value.
Consider keying Jomar Torres horses in horizontal wagers as his consistency produces strong exacta and trifecta percentages. Torres maintains leading rider statistics with ability to produce value from various post positions.
Target sprint races where Penn National’s configuration favors early speed and middle post positions. Post four shows 18.7 percent win rates while posts three and five demonstrate similar productivity. Avoid overcommitting to extreme inside or outside posts in sprint races unless connections demonstrate exceptional ability.
Structure Pick 3 and Pick 4 wagers using single or multiple horses in races featuring Kulp-Rodriguez combinations while spreading in competitive races with multiple viable contenders. The reduced takeout on multi-race wagers enhances profitability when connecting competitive races.
