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Today marks an eight race program at Turf Paradise on Wednesday February 18 2026. The card is anchored by the Luke Kruytbosch Overnight Stakes and features a variety of claiming and maiden events. With the rail on the turf course set at 28 feet and potential moisture affecting the surface, the day presents a complex puzzle for horseplayers. Early speed remains a dominant factor at this meet, but the weather could shift the advantage toward horses with proven wet track capabilities or those capable of closing from just off the pace.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Phoenix involves light rain throughout the day with a high of 58 degrees and southwest winds reaching 15 miles per hour. This precipitation is expected to change the main track condition to muddy or sloppy. Such a shift often helps horses with high knee action or pedigrees suited for off tracks. The turf course may also soften, potentially moving from firm to yielding, which generally favors horses who can handle a bit of give in the ground.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Historically, Turf Paradise rewards horses that can secure early positions near the rail, especially in dirt sprints. However, a muddy or sealed track can sometimes create an outside paths bias where the rail becomes deeper and more tiring as the day progresses. On the turf, the 28 foot rail setting makes it difficult for wide closers to make up ground, so look for horses that can stay within two or three lengths of the lead and save ground throughout the turns.
Race 1 – Maiden
Post Time
01:15 PM
The pace in this 250 yard sprint will be immediate and intense. Wild Tymes 3 and Ivy Chanel 5 are the primary contenders, with the former dropping in class and showing high speed figures in previous attempts. Kvn Negro to Blanco 9 and Playingwithfiretwo 2 represent the secondary choices, as both have shown flashes of talent but lack consistent finishing power. First Hummingbird 4 and Sweet Blazin Corona 7 are the longshots to watch, particularly if they can find a clean path from their respective draws in the slop.
Race 2 – Maiden
Post Time
01:41 PM
Speed is the name of the game in this short dash. Hp Ridge Runner 8 and I Am the Queen B 5 stand out as the key contenders based on their ability to break alertly and maintain a straight path. Tm Louisiana Beduino 10 and Agent Bob 7 serve as the secondary options, bringing veteran experience to a field of younger rivals. For those looking at prices, Munsters 2 and Costsalottobeacowboy 4 are longshots that could benefit from an inside trip if the frontrunners tire in the final yards.
Race 3 – Claiming
Post Time
02:07 PM
The pace should be honest at this one mile turf distance with Bangie Go 4 likely to lead the way. Dontmesswithtess 2 and Donna Wyn 1 are the class of the field and the clear key contenders, both showing an affinity for the Phoenix turf. Forest Acclamation 3 and Vulin 7 are secondary choices that could strike if the turf comes up soft. Marquette Warrior 5 is the primary longshot, though she will need a significantly fast pace to set up her late run.
Race 4 – Claiming
Post Time
02:37 PM
This sprint likely features a contested lead between Diamond Dee 6 and Union Coach 2. Union Coach 2 and Hot Jammies 3 are the key contenders, with Union Coach 2 looking to repeat her recent dominant performance at this distance. Secondary choices include Diamond Dee 6 and Guide My Steps 7, both of whom possess the tactical speed to stay within range. Capital Heat 1 is a veteran longshot who could potentially grind out a share of the purse if the leaders duel too hard early.
Race 5 – Claiming
Post Time
03:06 PM
A high pressure pace is expected with multiple speed horses signed on. Six Hot Grands 7 and Stetsonsnstilettos 1 are the key contenders as they are best equipped to sit just off the lead and take over late. Brass 2 and Sanderson 3 are the secondary choices, with Brass 2 being dangerous if he is allowed to dictate terms on the front end. Crown Prosecutor 6 is a live longshot who would benefit most from a complete pace meltdown in the final furlong.
Race 6 – Claiming
Post Time
03:35 PM
She is a One of One 1 is expected to fly from the rail and will be the one to catch as the primary key contender. Shanghai Barbie 3 also figures prominently as a key contender given her consistent closing style. Secondary choices Top Review 6 and Deux Meres 2 have the figures to compete if the top choices falter. Prancing Matilda 4 and Daddys Nina 5 are longshots that could fill out the bottom of exotics if they handle the likely muddy track conditions.
Race 7 – Luke Kruytbosch Overnight Stakes
Post Time
04:05 PM
The afternoon feature features a sophisticated pace dynamic where Independence Rise 6 is the key contender to watch. He has a powerful turn of foot that sets him apart from this group of three year olds. Need the Purse 4 is the other key contender, having already shown he can win over this specific course. Secondary choices Secret Insanity 9 and Little to No Money 1 have the pedigree to handle the mile distance. Hacksaw Mountain 2 and Pi Time 8 are the longshots that could surprise if the favorites find trouble in traffic.
Race 8 – Claiming
Post Time
04:40 PM
The finale is a five furlong dirt scramble where Poco Yo 2 and Pakas Secret 5 emerge as the key contenders. Both have shown they can handle the pressure of short sprints and have the gate speed to stay out of trouble. Drum Bunny 7 and Hatagasal 1 are the secondary choices, with Drum Bunny 7 dropping in class for a live barn. Cruel Endeavor 3 and Excessive Thievery 4 are the longshots that could capitalize if the track bias favors a specific path late in the day.
