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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.
The racing program at Penn National for Friday, February 20, 2026, features a competitive seven-race card conducted under the lights. The schedule consists exclusively of dirt contests, ranging from maiden special weights to allowance events. With several scratches reported in the later races, including notable runners in the finale, the fields have become more compact, emphasizing tactical positioning.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Grantville indicates light rain throughout the day followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures will hover between a high of 42°F and a low of 34°F, with a significant 65% chance of precipitation and an easterly wind at 9 mph.
Bettors and fans should anticipate an off-track surface, likely categorized as muddy or sloppy. Historically, Penn National favors early speed in sprint distances on the main track, particularly as the surface seals during wet conditions. Statistics suggest a preference for middle and outside post positions; stalls four and five have historically produced higher win percentages than the inside rail, which sees a notable drop in efficiency.
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs
Pace Analysis
A moderate to fast early tempo is expected. Peach Smoothie 3 possesses significant early foot and is likely to dictate the terms from the outset. Walkers Beach 2 is the most probable candidate to apply pressure during the opening fractions.
Key Contenders
Peach Smoothie 3 enters with the strongest credentials, dropping into this spot with three career placings. His established speed at Parx suggests he will be highly effective on this layout.
Secondary Choices
Whisper Roar 1 debuts for a high-percentage stable and, despite the inside draw, has been prepared for a forward effort. Walkers Beach 2 is another first-time starter expected to be used aggressively early to secure a position.
Longshots
Tudox Rocket 4 is a debuting colt who may benefit from the middle draw to avoid early traffic and close late for a minor share.
Race 2: Claiming – 1 Mile
Pace Analysis
The route distance should allow for a more measured pace. Highly Potent 4 and Redoubtableripken 5 are the primary candidates to control the front end, with the tactical battle likely intensifying at the far turn.
Key Contenders
Highly Potent 4 benefits from a significant class drop and a top-tier jockey assignment. Redoubtableripken 5 brings consistent form and a running style that should allow him to stalk the leaders effectively from a middle post.
Secondary Choices
Annihilate Em 3 is a four-year-old capable of a competitive effort if he recaptures his best form. Letsgetluckytonite 6 brings veteran experience and tactical speed to the outside.
Longshots
Kuz Its Chilly 2 receives a substantial weight allowance, carrying only 115 pounds, which could make him dangerous if the early pace is uncontested.
Race 3: Starter Optional Claiming – 6 Furlongs
Pace Analysis
This sprint is loaded with early speed. Designed by Smarty 5 and Swift Attraction 3 are expected to engage in a rapid duel, potentially creating an opportunity for closers in the final stages.
Key Contenders
Confiscated 1 is a formidable closer who will benefit greatly from a fast pace. Robert’s Moon 2 is another off-the-pace threat with proven form in similar conditions and an affinity for off-tracks.
Secondary Choices
Swift Attraction 3 is very quick and carries a light weight of 116 pounds. Designed by Smarty 5 is perfectly drawn to apply pressure from the middle of the gate.
Longshots
Coloma 4 is a three-year-old facing older horses but comes from a high-percentage barn and possesses the speed to compete.
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs
Pace Analysis
Following the scratch of Titanio 3, the pace projects to be moderate. The Markinater 5 and Batant 7 are the most likely to lead the field through the early fractions.
Key Contenders
Shirl’s Delight 1 is the class of the field with extensive experience. Despite the rail, her tactical speed should keep her in contention. Batant 7 draws an advantageous outside post and is paired with a jockey currently in top form.
Secondary Choices
Explosive Love 2 is a primary pace threat who will likely be sent early. The Markinater 5 carries a light weight and has the speed to be involved from the start.
Longshots
Katischuo 6 has the potential to pass tired horses late if the early leaders duel too fiercely over the wet surface.
Race 5: Allowance – 6 Furlongs
Pace Analysis
A rapid early tempo is anticipated as Kashmir Witch 6 and Up N Runnin 5 vie for control of the lead.
Key Contenders
Up N Runnin 5 possesses superior speed figures and a favorable post position to stalk the leaders. Humoresque 1 is a class-heavy entry that will be dangerous if she can navigate a clean trip from the inside.
Secondary Choices
Combat Hoofs 2 is a veteran mare with a reliable closing kick. Night Quest 3 offers tactical speed and high-quality conditioning from a top stable.
Longshots
Dancing Diana 7 could improve at a price by making a wide, sweeping move from the outside post.
Race 6: Maiden Claiming – 5 1/2 Furlongs
Pace Analysis
This short sprint demands immediate speed. Wood Lily 4 and Avid El 5 are expected to be the quickest away from the gate.
Key Contenders
Wood Lily 4 is well-positioned in stall four and has been finding success with similar class drops. Mega Changer 1 is the fastest of the inside horses and will likely attempt to lead from start to finish.
Secondary Choices
Avid El 5 draws a statistically strong post and is ridden by a jockey with a high in-the-money percentage. Bramwell 7 should enjoy a clean trip from the far outside.
Longshots
Free Cash Flow 2 is a veteran who will attempt to save ground on the rail and capitalize on any mistakes by the favorites.
Race 7: Claiming – 1 Mile 70 Yards
Pace Analysis
With multiple scratches, including Bird King 9 and Here’s Waldo 3, the pace is expected to be tepid. Major Thomas 5 and Bullet Breeze 7 are the most likely candidates to lead the field through slow fractions.
Key Contenders
Porch Swing 6 is the class of the remaining field and possesses a strong closing kick. Vanzzy 4 is a veteran with significant back-class who remains a major threat at this level.
Secondary Choices
Hardy Choice 2 will benefit from the inside path and a hot jockey. Bullet Breeze 7 should secure a tracking trip just behind the leaders.
Longshots
Major Thomas 5 carries a very light weight and could prove difficult to catch if allowed to set a slow pace.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Yabriel O Ramos is the current standout at the meet, maintaining a win rate over 40%. Julio A Hernandez and Angel R Rodriguez remain top-tier choices, particularly on horses with tactical speed. Martin Chuan has shown remarkable consistency, hitting the board in two-thirds of his starts.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Cathal A Lynch continues to dominate with a win rate exceeding 60% at this track. The stables of Brandon L Kulp and T Bernard Houghton remain highly productive, particularly with horses positioned for class relief or debuting in maiden ranks.
