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The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

Mahoning Valley Race Course in Youngstown, Ohio, runs a nine-race card on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, beginning at 12:15 PM Eastern. The program consists of claiming, allowance, starter optional claiming, maiden claiming, and maiden special weight events at distances from 5 1/2 furlongs to one mile on the dirt.

There are several key scratches reshaping the card. Race 3 loses Golden Degree (PP5). Race 4 loses Sobieski (PP1) and Tie Breaker Lennie (PP7). Race 5 loses the original morning-line favorite Quality Kiss (PP2). Race 7 is reduced to four runners after the scratches of Compute This (PP1), Bella Flora (PP6), and Echo Valley (PP7). Race 9 has multiple withdrawals, including H F S Memories (PP1), Red Ohio Bred (PP2), El Canelo One (PP5), Rivers of Wealth (PP6), and Rascal Flash (PP8).

Leading barns coming in with strong recent form include Nestor Rivera, Jay Bernardini, and Anthony Farrior, each with seven wins over the last several weeks. Their runners appear in multiple races and figure prominently among the main contenders throughout the card.

Weather and Track Conditions

Morning conditions at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport show a temperature in the mid-teens Fahrenheit, with a forecast high around the low 30s. Winds are light, and skies are mostly cloudy, with a high probability of precipitation during the day.

The track is expected to play Muddy to Sloppy through the card. With ongoing freeze–thaw conditions, the surface should remain moisture-laden and demanding. Wet-track performance is a key factor; horses with prior success on off tracks gain a notable advantage, while pure fast-track specialists may be at risk of regression.

Track Bias and Post Position Notes

Mahoning Valley typically favors speed on the dirt, especially in six-furlong sprints. Horses that secure or press the lead by the turn hold a measurable edge. Inside to middle post positions are generally preferred in sprints, offering better ground-saving trips into the lone turn.

In winter, surface variability introduces the possibility of a dead rail. On such days, more effective lanes often emerge from the two- to four-paths off the inside. With today’s sloppy conditions, the rail may not be as reliable as on a dry day, and early races should be monitored closely for an apparent outside flow.

At one mile, the short run to the first turn places additional premium on inside posts and tactical speed. Horses drawn wide in the mile events can be forced to expend extra energy early to clear or secure position, which can soften their finish late.

Race 1 – Claiming, 1 Mile (R1)

A moderate, tactical pace is expected, with Indian Fever (PP1) and Will E Sutton (PP3) most likely to secure forward positions. Not Yet Charlie (PP5) can also be involved early. The shape favors a horse with tactical speed and a ground-saving trip.

Key contenders:

• Agnello’s Dream (PP4): Classy and in good current form, has been widely rated the horse to beat. The mid-gate draw and slight weight break are positives.
• Indian Fever (PP1): Rail draw at one mile is valuable; veteran with ample local experience and enough speed to secure position.

Secondary choices:

• Will E Sutton (PP3): Logical stalking type from an ideal post; consistently competitive at this level.
• Not Yet Charlie (PP5): Versatile enough to sit close to the pace and stay on.

Longshots:

• Broadway Sky (PP7): Capable of clunking up late at a price if the pace proves hotter than projected.
• Gold Buckle (PP8): Outside draw but usable underneath in deeper exotics.

Race 2 – Starter Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs (R2)

The pace should be forward, led by Lucky Cougar (PP1) and Socialbutterflytam (PP6), with Loaded Once More (PP5) adding pressure. The configuration suits early speed and inside-to-middle draws.

Key contenders:

• Lucky Cougar (PP1): Rail draw, strong recent form, and a high-percentage barn make her a primary win candidate.
• Socialbutterflytam (PP6): Consistent and capable of pressing or stalking; sits a perfect trip behind the speed.

Secondary choices:

• Larimar (PP2): Inside draw and honest form make her a key underneath player.
• Loaded Once More (PP5): Comes from a live barn and looks competitive against this group.

Longshots:

• Hartful Hope (PP4): Has the right style to pick up pieces late if the top speeds soften each other.
• Lady Wellington (PP7): Outside draw but usable for minor awards if the track favors outside lanes.

Race 3 – Allowance, 6 Furlongs (R3)

With Golden Degree scratched, the six-horse field should see a moderate, controlled pace. A Little Canela (PP6), Az We Speak (PP3), and Bellofthebluegrass (PP4) are the most likely pace factors, racing within a length or two of each other into the turn.

Key contenders:

• A Little Canela (PP6): Backed by a hot barn and consistent allowance-level efforts; tactical style fits the projected pace.
• My Girl Kew (PP7): From a top national stable with a strong local rider; figures to sit just off the speed and finish.

Secondary choices:

• Az We Speak (PP3): Good draw and capable of working a pocket trip behind the leaders.
• Bellofthebluegrass (PP4): Strong connections and enough speed to stay engaged from the outset.

Longshots:

• Banana Pudding (PP1): Rail-hugging trip and possible improvement on an off track make her a longshot worth respect for minor shares.

Race 4 – Claiming, 1 Mile (R4)

With Sobieski and Tie Breaker Lennie scratched, this becomes a six-horse race with a more open feel. Charlieslitldevil (PP4), Greewhiz (PP8), and Action Man (PP3) project as key early players. The pace should be fair rather than aggressive.

Key contenders:

• Charlieslitldevil (PP4): Natural replacement as the main win threat after the scratches; tactical and proven at this level.
• Greewhiz (PP8): Outside draw is less problematic in the reduced field; capable of pressing and sustaining a long run.

Secondary choices:

• Action Man (PP3): Beneficial inside draw at a mile and a reliable barn make him a strong second-tier option.
• Breeze the Bayou (PP5): Receives weight relief and should get a mid-pack, ground-saving trip.

Longshots:

• Photo Hop (PP6): Slightly lesser on paper but fits with these and could outperform odds if the pace backs up.

Race 5 – Maiden Claiming, 6 Furlongs (R5)

The scratch of Quality Kiss significantly opens up this maiden field. A fairly strong pace is expected with multiple inexperienced speed types vying for position, giving pressers a slight edge.

Key contenders:

• Indy’s Hope (PP5): Inherits the likely favorite role; central form and a favorable middle draw.
• Donald’s Nation (PP10): Outside gate complicates the trip, but his ability and upside remain appealing.

Secondary choices:

• Formyboys (PP4): Solid, grinding type drawn well enough to draft behind the speed and finish.
• Skiptheguilttrip (PP1): Rail draw and tactical speed can deliver a trip on or just behind the lead.

Longshots:

• Cricklewood (PP3): First-time blinkers angle and a strong post make him the live price play for significant improvement.
• Triangulo Rojo (PP8): Lightly raced, with the weight advantage and some upside as a three-year-old.

Race 6 – Claiming, 5 1/2 Furlongs (R6)

Ten entered, with several pace types lined up inside and out. Game Boy Benny (PP1), Collectorate (PP2), Don’t Cross Jack (PP3), and Boudin (PP10) all contribute to what should be a strong early tempo. The winner likely comes from a horse capable of sitting just off the leaders.

Key contenders:

• Boudin (PP10): Classy for this level and arrives from a high-percentage barn; must overcome the wide draw but has the tools to do so.
• Collectorate (PP2): Ideal inside draw for a pressing trip; possesses the tactical drive to maintain position.

Secondary choices:

• Flowerpecker (PP4): Proven hard-trying veteran who fits on figures and can sit just behind the sharper speeds.
• Don’t Cross Jack (PP3): Well-drawn and agile enough to stay within striking range.

Longshots:

• Hagler (PP9): Needs pace help but can close late if the leaders overdo it.
• So Dialed In (PP6): Weight break and barn pattern allow a case for minor awards.

Race 7 – Allowance, 6 Furlongs (R7)

Three early scratches leave just four runners, turning this into a small but tricky event. Pace should be moderate, likely controlled by Midnight Goddess (PP5) and Lesotho (PP4), with Mobil Ensign (PP2) close by.

Key contenders:

• Midnight Goddess (PP5): Moves up by default with the favorites out; figures to be prominent from the break.
• Lesotho (PP4): Well suited to a small field and could dictate or sit right behind the leader.

Secondary choices:

• Mobil Ensign (PP2): Inside draw and tactical speed make her a logical alternative.
• Razzberry Ripple (PP3): Needs things to fall right but is certainly in with a chance in a four-horse setup.

Race 8 – Allowance, 5 1/2 Furlongs (R8)

This race features a deep field with ample early pace. Kingdom Trails (PP3), Queenofthebuckeye (PP1), and possibly Flashy N (PP6) project as the main early players, while several others, including Popstyle (PP7), are poised to stalk and pounce.

Key contenders:

• Popstyle (PP7): Widely endorsed by handicappers, well spotted at the conditions, and benefits from a small weight reduction.
• Wellareyouhappynow (PP8): Proven at this level and tactical enough to adapt to whatever pace unfolds.

Secondary choices:

• Alien Princess (PP9): From a hot barn and partnered with a productive rider; looms as a major win candidate and key exotics horse.
• Kingdom Trails (PP3): Enters in top form after a big win at a mile; the cutback is a question but her class is not.

Longshots:

• The Devil’s Dream (PP5): Capable of grabbing a share with the right trip.
• Don’t Listen (PP4): Sneaky underneath type who fits better than the likely price suggests.

Race 9 – Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs (R9)

Extensive scratches remove several logical favorites and leave a reduced, highly unpredictable field. Pace is uncertain but Dragon Hunter (PP10) and Lowells Legacy (PP7) have the profiles to show early or tactical speed. As is typical in maiden special weight races, inexperience can lead to chaotic trips and surprise outcomes.

Key contenders:

• Dragon Hunter (PP10): Well-regarded by handicappers and paired with a strong local rider, he stands out among those remaining.
• Lowells Legacy (PP7): Solid barn, favorable mid-outer draw, and a profile that fits well in a reduced field.

Secondary choices:

• Motown Flattery (PP3): Good inside draw and reliable rider make him a logical threat.
• Chasing Orion (PP12): Powerful barn connection adds upside, even from a wide draw.

Longshots:

• Markaway (PP11): Needs improvement but the thinned-out field enhances his chances to pick up a significant share.
• My Paisan (PP9): Will be a big price but qualifies for inclusion in deeper tickets due to the general uncertainty in this division.