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Penn National presents a competitive nine-race card on Wednesday evening, with first post at 5:45 PM EST. The track surface is expected to be fast to good, with overcast conditions and temperatures reaching a comfortable high of 66°F and low of 44°F. These moderate November conditions should favor closers and horses with tactical speed.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast calls for overcast skies with temperatures ranging from 44°F to 66°F, creating ideal racing conditions. Light winds and no precipitation expected should maintain fast track conditions throughout the evening. The cooler temperatures may benefit horses with stamina, particularly in the longer distance races.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Claiming $4,000, 6 Furlongs
This claiming sprint features older horses with limited recent success. The pace appears moderate with several tactical speed types.
Key Contenders:
- Boss Holiday brings the best early speed and should secure a good stalking position under Inoel Beato
- Mighty Minion has shown consistency in recent starts and benefits from the Bobadilla/Inirio combination
- Bargaining Power carries top weight but has class advantages over this field
Secondary Choices:
- Warrior Ted represents the hot Brandon Kulp stable and could improve off the layoff
- Kaz Sweet Heist has tactical speed and experienced jockey Julio Hernandez
Longshot Consideration:
- Shakin Loose at 4 years old may have upside in this easier spot
Pace Analysis: Moderate early pace with Boss Holiday and Mighty Minion likely setting fractions, allowing closers to be effective late.
Selection: Boss Holiday to win, Mighty Minion to place, Bargaining Power to show
Race 2 – Claiming $5,000, 1 Mile
The longer distance favors horses with proven stamina at the route. Several have shown form at this level recently.
Key Contenders:
- Phil’s On the Run is the lone 3-year-old with weight advantages and upside potential
- Mischief Warrior has route experience and the reliable Bobadilla training
- What Does It Take represents Brandon Kulp’s barn and should be competitive
Secondary Choices:
- Sweet Spite has shown speed but needs to maintain it over the distance
- Ampersand brings experience but inconsistent recent form
Longshot Consideration:
- Manta Rey drops significantly in weight with Christopher Elliott riding
Pace Analysis: Expect honest early pace with Phil’s On the Run and Mischief Warrior likely pressing, setting up for late runners.
Selection: Phil’s On the Run to win, Mischief Warrior to place, What Does It Take to show
Race 3 – Maiden Claiming $10,000, 6 Furlongs (Fillies)
The maiden fillies present betting value with several first-time starters and lightly raced types.
Key Contenders:
- Lady Catalina is the 4/1 morning line favorite with good connections
- Mega Changer offers value at 5/1 odds for the Sinnefia stable
- Poor Mans Lady has shown early speed in limited starts at 6/1
Secondary Choices:
- Lace Curtain brings experience and should be competitive at 6/1
- Lady Lemoncello has tactical speed for the Fields barn at 8/1
Longshot Consideration:
- Dancing for Jack has breeding potential and McClellan training
Pace Analysis: Several speed types should create honest fractions, favoring fillies with tactical speed.
Selection: Mega Changer to win, Lady Catalina to place, Poor Mans Lady to show
Race 4 – Maiden Claiming $25,000, 6 Furlongs
Higher-level maiden claiming with some promising types making debuts or returning from breaks.
This $21,000 purse maiden claiming event at 7:12 PM features a competitive field of nine horses seeking their first career victory. The race appears wide open with several legitimate contenders and solid betting value opportunities.
Race Overview
The 6-furlong sprint on dirt attracts a mixed field of 3-year-olds and older horses, with claiming prices up to $25,000 ($22,500 with 2-pound weight allowance). This level suggests horses with some ability but lacking the consistency to break their maiden at higher levels.
Detailed Horse Analysis
Overspent (Post 3) – 3/2 Morning Line Favorite
The Richard Hendriks-trained gelding enters as the deserving favorite based on recent form. Coming off a second-place finish at Delaware Park, Overspent has shown consistent improvement in his three career starts with a 0-1-1 record and $48,450 in earnings. The significant weight drop to 118 pounds with Kendry Rivera (27% win rate) aboard provides a key advantage. Rivera’s aggressive riding style should complement Overspent’s stalking tactics, and the horse appears ready to break through after his recent placing efforts.
Jamaica Redd (Post 7) – 4/1 Second Choice
This 4-year-old colt brings the most experience with nine career starts and $79,640 in earnings. Trained by Marvin Richards, Jamaica Redd has been competing at higher-level tracks including Gulfstream Park, showing his class advantage over this field. The significant weight break to 116 pounds with Anthony Radcliffe riding creates an appealing betting proposition. His stalking running style should position him well in the early pace scenario, and the class drop to this level suggests he should be competitive.
Katischuo (Post 5) – 5/1 Live Contender
The Lydee Shea-trained gelding shows promise with a 0-1-1 record from three starts and tactical speed. His $36,800 in earnings demonstrates he has been competitive at this level, with recent experience at Penn National providing familiarity with the track conditions. Maicol Inirio (12% win rate) takes the mount, and their combination has shown improvement in recent outings. The breeding (Mucho Macho Man – Dusty Rose) suggests he should handle the distance well.
Benny’s Candy Man (Post 2) – 5/1 Wildcard
This first-time starter for trainer Elisha Perez represents an intriguing unknown quantity. With Angel Rodriguez (24% win rate) in the saddle, the combination brings solid credentials to this debut effort. The lack of published workouts or trial data makes him difficult to assess, but Perez’s 31% win rate with maidens suggests confidence in the horse’s readiness. The 3-year-old gelding’s breeding and connections warrant respect in this competitive field.
Hall of Jazz (Post 8) – 6/1 Improving Sort
Flint Stites trains this 4-year-old gelding who shows a 0-0-1 record from two starts with $23,240 in earnings. His recent third-place finish at Penn National demonstrates familiarity with the track and improving form. Martina Rojas takes the mount, and while her win percentage is low, Stites maintains a solid 14% strike rate with his stable. The horse’s “Fast Deep” running style could prove effective if the early pace develops favorably.
Hard Performer (Post 1) – 9/1 Longshot Value
This 6-year-old horse brings experience but limited recent success to the field. Trained by Marvin Richards and ridden by Richard Mitchell, he represents a stable double with Jamaica Redd. His $24,000 in earnings suggests modest ability, but the longer odds create potential value if he can improve significantly off recent efforts. The post position advantage could help establish early position.
Passionforglory (Post 6) – 5/1 Newcomer
Another first-time starter, this time for trainer Kathleen Demasi with Andrew Wolfsont (17% win rate) riding. The lack of racing experience makes evaluation difficult, but the connections suggest adequate preparation. Wolfsont’s solid riding statistics provide confidence, and the horse warrants consideration despite the unknown factors.
Cantyoustoptheking (Post 4) – 12/1 Outsider
Kelly Lynn Deiter trains this gelding with limited recent success, showing $1,870 in career earnings. Yabriel Ramos (16% win rate) takes the assignment, but the combination faces a challenging task against this field. The longer odds might attract exotic play consideration.
Vigneron (Post 9) – 10/1 Stablemate
The second Stites runner brings no published earnings or race record. Ricardo Chiappe (14% win rate) provides competent navigation, and the trainer’s double-entry suggests confidence in at least one of his charges. The outside post position creates tactical challenges in the sprint distance.
Pace Analysis
The race sets up with moderate early pace, as several horses show stalking tendencies rather than pure speed. Overspent, Jamaica Redd, and Katischuo should settle within range of the early leaders, while Hall of Jazz may need to overcome a potentially unfavorable pace scenario given his closing style. The 6-furlong distance favors horses with tactical speed who can position well and finish strongly.
Key Angles and Wagering Strategy
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Race 5 – Claiming $16,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards
This competitive $22,000 purse claiming route at 7:41 PM features an 11-horse field with several proven route performers and intriguing betting angles. The race conditions favor horses that have not won since August 5th or have never won four races, creating a balanced competitive environment.
Race Overview
The extended mile distance on Penn National’s main track should favor horses with proven stamina and tactical speed. The claiming tag of $16,000 (with allowances for $14,000 entries) attracts a solid mix of experienced campaigners and improving types seeking their breakthrough performance.
Detailed Horse Analysis
Storming Chrome (Post 7) – 3/1 Morning Line Favorite
Jamie Ness trains this 6-year-old gelding who enters as the deserving favorite with solid recent route form. His recent fourth-place efforts at Laurel Park over similar distances demonstrate his competitiveness at this level, earning $409,614 in career purses from 40 starts with a 12% win rate and 48% in-the-money percentage. Martin Chuan (16% win rate, 43% in-the-money) provides competent handling, and the Ness barn maintains an impressive 24% win rate with 59% in-the-money statistics. His slower stalker running style should position him well in the expected pace scenario.
Omar Comin (Post 8) – 4/1 Second Choice
Timothy Kreiser trains this 4-year-old gelding who brings excellent recent form including a recent victory at Delaware. With career earnings of $259,334 from 37 starts and an impressive 22% win rate with 46% in-the-money performance, Omar Comin presents strong credentials. Angel Rodriguez (28% win rate, 59% in-the-money) takes the mount for the Kreiser stable, which maintains a 35% win rate with 67% in-the-money statistics. His recent second-place finish at Penn National over this distance demonstrates familiarity with track conditions, and the slower leading running style should prove effective.
Six Kings (Post 6) – 5/1 Solid Value
Robert Falcone Jr. trains this 4-year-old gelding who benefits from a significant weight break to 116 pounds and the addition of blinkers. Despite limited recent success, his career record of 3 wins from 18 starts with $176,820 in earnings shows ability. Christopher Elliott (18% win rate, 34% in-the-money) provides experienced handling, and the equipment change suggests trainer confidence. His recent second-place finish in Florida and previous Saratoga experience indicate class, making him dangerous at the current odds.
Hardy Choice (Post 9) – 5/1 Live Contender
Timothy Kreiser’s second entry brings excellent current form with a recent victory at Penn National over this distance. The 5-year-old gelding shows strong statistics with 6 wins from 25 starts, 24% win rate, and $187,040 in earnings. David Cora (16% win rate, 43% in-the-money) has been effective with this horse, and the Kreiser barn’s strong statistics provide additional confidence. His fast leading running style could prove effective if he can establish position early and maintain it through the stretch.
My Redemption (Post 5) – 7/1 Improving Type
Kevin Fields trains this 6-year-old gelding who has shown consistent improvement with strong recent placings at Penn National. His impressive statistics of 10 wins from 40 starts with a 25% win rate and 55% in-the-money percentage demonstrate reliability. Inoel Beato (21% win rate, 61% in-the-money) provides excellent jockey work, and his fast stalker running style should complement the expected pace scenario. Recent efforts show he is competitive at this level and distance.
Ocala Dream (Post 11) – 7/2 Class Dropper
Erin McClellan trains this 7-year-old gelding who brings the highest career earnings at $748,250, suggesting significant class advantages. Despite modest recent statistics of 4 wins from 37 starts, his 11% win rate and 38% in-the-money performance include some quality efforts. Emilio Flores (14% win rate, 45% in-the-money) takes the assignment, and McClellan maintains a solid 21% win rate with 50% in-the-money statistics. His fast leading running style could be effective if the pace develops favorably.
Curlington (Post 10) – 8/1 Closer Angle
Elisha Perez trains this 8-year-old gelding who brings excellent closing ability and strong recent form. His career record shows 8 wins from 34 starts with a 24% win rate and impressive 59% in-the-money percentage. Martina Rojas (15% win rate, 38% in-the-money) handles the closing tactics well, and his fast closer running style should benefit from any early pace pressure. Recent efforts including a second and a victory at Penn National demonstrate his comfort with the track.
Wish for Peace (Post 4) – 11/1 Longshot
Bruce Kravets trains this 6-year-old gelding with extensive experience and career earnings of $690,096. Despite modest recent form, his 49 career starts with 7 wins and 14% win rate show ability. Yabriel Ramos (4% win rate, 43% in-the-money) provides the navigation, and his fastest leading running style could surprise if the pace develops favorably. The longer odds create potential value in exotic wagering.
Strawberry Treat (Post 1) – 14/1 Stablemate
Michael Zalalas’ first entry brings solid experience with 29 career starts and $287,340 in earnings. His 14% win rate and 34% in-the-money performance show consistency, with recent efforts at Penn National demonstrating track familiarity. Julio Hernandez (22% win rate, 56% in-the-money) provides strong jockey work, and the Zalalas barn maintains excellent statistics. His slowest leading running style may struggle in this competitive pace scenario.
Prince of Rain (Post 2) – 19/1 Experience Edge
The second Zalalas entry brings extensive experience with $535,328 in career earnings from 25 starts. Despite a modest 4% win rate, his 48% in-the-money percentage demonstrates consistency. Ricardo Chiappe (16% win rate, 62% in-the-money) provides competent handling, and recent efforts at Penn National show familiarity with conditions. His slower deep running style requires the right pace setup to be effective.
Nazareno (Post 3) – 19/1 Dark Horse
Erin Carpio trains this 6-year-old gelding with solid statistics of 4 wins from 24 starts and 17% win rate. Jomar Torres (22% win rate, 58% in-the-money) takes the mount, providing strong jockey statistics. Recent efforts at Penn National demonstrate competitiveness, and his slower leading running style could be effective in the right scenario.
Pace Analysis
The race sets up with multiple speed types including Hardy Choice, Omar Comin, and Ocala Dream likely pressing early. This should create honest fractions that favor horses with tactical speed and closing ability. Storming Chrome and My Redemption appear well-positioned to benefit from the pace setup, while Curlington could be dangerous late if the early pace is contested.
Key Angles and Wagering Strategy
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Race 6 – Allowance $35,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards (Fillies & Mares)
This quality $35,000 allowance race for fillies and mares at 8:10 PM features a competitive seven-horse field with several proven performers stepping up or returning from breaks. The conditions restrict entries to horses that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, starter, or Pennsylvania bred races, creating an excellent competitive balance.
Race Overview
The extended mile distance on Penn National’s main track favors horses with proven stamina and tactical speed. With several horses carrying strong recent form and others returning from layoffs, this race presents excellent wagering opportunities across multiple betting pools.
Detailed Horse Analysis
Qualified Hire (Post 7) – 7/2 Hot Hand
Erin McClellan trains this 3-year-old filly who enters in peak form with three consecutive victories including a dominant 4.25-length score at Delaware Park in her most recent start. Her impressive career record of 4 wins from 12 starts with a 33% win rate and 58% in-the-money percentage demonstrates consistent improvement. Inoel Beato (21% win rate, 61% in-the-money) provides excellent jockey work, and the McClellan barn maintains solid 21% win rate with 50% in-the-money statistics. Her slower leading running style should position her well for the expected pace scenario, and the recent winning streak suggests she is peaking at the right time.
Braquet (Post 1) – 2/1 Morning Line Favorite
Timothy Kreiser trains this 4-year-old filly who earned favoritism with a recent victory at Laurel Park over 7 furlongs. Her excellent career statistics show 8 wins from 30 starts with a 27% win rate and impressive 57% in-the-money performance, earning $269,423. Angel Cruz (17% win rate, 42% in-the-money) teams with the highly successful Kreiser stable, which boasts a 35% win rate and 67% in-the-money statistics. Her fastest stalker running style should complement the pace setup, and the rail post position provides tactical advantages. Recent form at Penn National shows one win from four starts with strong placing efforts.
Volatility (Post 2) – 3/2 Second Choice
Jamie Ness trains this 5-year-old mare who brings a recent victory at Delaware Park over the route distance. Despite modest overall statistics of 3 wins from 27 starts with an 11% win rate, her 41% in-the-money percentage shows consistency. Martin Chuan (16% win rate, 43% in-the-money) handles the tactical assignment for the excellent Ness stable, which maintains a 24% win rate with 59% in-the-money statistics. Her fast leader running style could prove effective if she can establish early position and maintain it through the stretch run.
So Fully Sue (Post 6) – 4/1 Layoff Return
Louis Linder Jr. trains this 6-year-old mare returning from an 11-week layoff after a solid third-place effort at Parx Philadelphia. Her career record shows 4 wins from 30 starts with a 15% win rate and excellent 59% in-the-money percentage, earning $222,080. Luis Ocasio (14% win rate, 37% in-the-money) provides experienced handling, and her recent win at Penn National over this distance demonstrates track familiarity. The slowest stalker running style requires the right pace setup, but her class and experience make her dangerous at current odds.
Vanilla Sundae (Post 5) – 5/1 Russell Special
Brittany Russell trains this lightly raced 3-year-old filly who shows promise despite limited experience with just 6 career starts. Her lone victory came at Aqueduct, and recent efforts at Monmouth Park show she can compete at this level. Jevian Toledo provides the navigation for the Russell stable, which maintains an impressive 25% win rate despite limited starts. Her slowest deep running style requires pace help, but the breeding (Gun Runner – Vanilla Bean Back) suggests route ability. The 120-day layoff creates some uncertainty but also potential improvement.
Southampton Dock (Post 4) – 8/1 Class Edge
Louis Linder Jr.’s second entry brings the highest career earnings at $321,359, suggesting significant class advantages. Despite modest recent statistics of 2 wins from 31 starts with a 6% win rate, her impressive 58% in-the-money percentage demonstrates consistency. Anthony Salgado (12% win rate, 31% in-the-money) takes the mount, and her mid-pack closer running style could benefit from expected early pace pressure. Recent efforts at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands show she remains competitive at this level.
Sparkling Ruby (Post 3) – 7/1 Trainer Change
David Geist trains this 3-year-old filly making her first start for new connections after competing at Presque Isle Downs. Her solid record shows 4 wins from 15 starts with a 27% win rate and 60% in-the-money percentage, earning $70,630. Emilio Flores (14% win rate, 45% in-the-money) provides the handling, and her mid-pack stalker running style should position her well in the pace scenario. The trainer change creates some uncertainty, but her breeding (War Front – Runnin Ruby) suggests quality, and recent efforts show competitiveness at similar levels.
Pace Analysis
The race sets up with moderate early pace as Volatility and Qualified Hire likely press early, while Braquet and the others settle into stalking positions. This honest pace scenario should favor horses with tactical speed and finishing ability, particularly those who can position themselves within range and finish strongly down the stretch.
Key Angles and Wagering Strategy
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Race 7 – Claiming $5,000, 1 1/16 Miles
Longer claiming route favors horses with proven stamina and class.
Key Contenders:
- Lucky Lucky Luke has route experience for Bruce Kravets
- Ray’s Blue Wagon is improving for the same Kravets barn
- Riverboat Bandit brings class for Frank Cifarelli
Secondary Choices:
- Town Kisser has early speed but questionable stamina
- Wild Jaime represents the Sinnefia stable with tactical speed
Longshot Consideration:
- Chill Boss could surprise at longer odds for the Rojas barn
Pace Analysis: Moderate pace expected over the longer distance, favoring closers.
Selection: Lucky Lucky Luke to win, Ray’s Blue Wagon to place, Riverboat Bandit to show
Race 8 – Claiming $5,000, 1 Mile (Fillies & Mares)
Competitive claiming route for fillies and mares with several proven route runners.
Key Contenders:
- Maggie K brings consistency for the Bobadilla barn
- Peach Tea has tactical speed for Anthony Pecoraro
- Golden Limoncello has class advantages in this spot
Secondary Choices:
- Charlize Chub represents Harold Wyner with experience
- Metanoia has upset potential for Kevin Fields
Longshot Consideration:
- Margo’s Margarita could improve for the Fields stable
Pace Analysis: Honest early pace expected, setting up for competitive stretch drive.
Selection: Maggie K to win, Peach Tea to place, Golden Limoncello to show
Race 9 – Claiming $4,000, 5 1/2 Furlongs (Fillies & Mares)
Sprint finale features older fillies and mares in the lowest claiming level of the evening.
Key Contenders:
- Bold Baby has early speed and Haddock riding
- Sea Maiden brings class for the Rabadan barn
- Warrior’s Treasure represents the hot Brandon Kulp stable
Secondary Choices:
- Desi’s Reward has experience for Cody Beattie
- La Lima brings tactical speed for Mark Ippolito
Longshot Consideration:
- Aruma could surprise at longer odds with Rivera riding
Pace Analysis: Fast early pace expected in the sprint, favoring speed horses with stamina.
Selection: Bold Baby to win, Sea Maiden to place, Warrior’s Treasure to show
Jockey Notes and Insights
Angel Rodriguez has multiple mounts and strong connections with Brandon Kulp’s barn, making his horses competitive across several races. Inoel Beato brings consistency and tactical riding skills, particularly effective in claiming races. Julio Hernandez has experience with route runners and should be competitive on his mounts.
Maicol Inirio teams well with Jose Bobadilla’s trained horses and has shown improvement in recent starts. Ricardo Chiappe brings class and should be effective on his route horses.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brandon Kulp enters multiple horses and has been among the leading trainers at the meet. His horses should be competitive across the card. Jose Bobadilla has strong form with his claiming horses and the barn appears in good form.
Kevin Fields has multiple runners and his horses often improve off layoffs. Timothy Kreiser brings experience and should have live chances with his entries. Michael Zalalas has two horses in Race 5 and both appear competitive.
Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Best Single Race Play: Race 3 presents excellent value with Mega Changer at 5/1 morning line odds in a competitive maiden field.
Daily Double Opportunities: Races 1-2 connecting Boss Holiday with Phil’s On the Run offers solid value. Races 5-6 linking Prince of Rain with Southampton Dock provides another strong daily double play.
Exacta Plays: Race 5 exacta using Prince of Rain with Wish for Peace and My Redemption should provide good value. Race 6 exacta boxing Southampton Dock with Vanilla Sundae and Volatility offers multiple winning combinations.
Pick 3 Strategy: Races 7-8-9 using Lucky Lucky Luke, Maggie K, and Bold Baby as singles with secondary choices for coverage.
Trifecta Value: Race 3 trifecta using Mega Changer on top with Lady Catalina, Poor Mans Lady, and Lace Curtain underneath provides strong value potential.
