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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.
Turf Paradise presents an eight-race Tuesday card featuring a mix of thoroughbred sprints, route races, and a Quarter Horse opener. The highlights of the day include an Allowance Optional Claiming sprint for three-year-olds in the second race and competitive claiming events throughout the afternoon. With several high-percentage barns and top-tier jockeys in action, the card offers a professional look at established local form and emerging young talent.
Weather and Track Conditions
The weather in Phoenix for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, is forecast to be partly sunny with a high temperature of 82°F and a low of 55°F. Humidity is low at 17% with a light wind of 7 mph from the south. Given these conditions, the dirt surface is expected to be fast and firm. Historically, these dry and warm conditions at Turf Paradise favor horses with early speed and those able to maintain a position near the rail.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Manuel Americano and Karlo Lopez remain the riders to watch today as they continue to lead the standings with aggressive and tactically sound performances. Americano is particularly adept at securing early position on the speed-favoring surface. Orlando Mojica is another key figure to monitor, especially when paired with the Diodoro barn, as this combination has proven lethal throughout the current meet.
Trainer Notes and Insights
The trainer standings are highlighted by Robertino Diodoro and Justin Evans, both of whom have live runners across the card. Diodoro continues to strike at a high percentage by placing his horses in realistic spots where they can dominate early. Justin Evans is known for having his sprinters sharp and ready to contest the lead immediately. Additionally, Kevin Eikleberry and Wade Rarick bring consistent performers who are often well-prepared for the unique conditions of the Phoenix track.
1st Race – Turf Paradise
Post Time
01:15 PM
Pace Analysis
In this 300-yard Quarter Horse sprint, the break from the gates will determine the winner. Rebs Regalo 1 and Cant Tell You Why 3 show the necessary early foot to contest the lead immediately, while Av Tornadoe Warning 2 is expected to be pressing the pace from the start.
Key Contenders
Rebs Regalo 1 is a primary contender due to a favorable rail draw and solid local connections. Av Tornadoe Warning 2 enters with competitive speed figures and a history of hitting the board in similar company.
Secondary Choices
Cant Tell You Why 3 is a consistent performer who should be in the mix if the top choices break poorly. Goodbye Tyme 4 has shown enough tactical speed to be competitive if the race stays close.
Longshots
Corazon Stoli 5 and Mr Icon Six 6 face a tougher task today and would need significant improvement to challenge the leaders in this short dash.
2nd Race – Turf Paradise
Post Time
01:45 PM
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong sprint features legitimate speed from Saint Benji 1, who will likely attempt to clear the field early. Mr. Matic 4 and Hey Pardner 3 possess enough tactical speed to stay within striking distance, potentially pressuring the leader throughout the turn.
Key Contenders
Saint Benji 1 is the standout contender based on his early speed and the high-percentage barn of Justin Evans. Court of Appeal 2 is the primary challenger, bringing class and a stalking style that could benefit from a fast pace.
Secondary Choices
Mr. Matic 4 is a steady performer from the Eikleberry barn who fits well at this level. Hey Pardner 3 has shown the ability to stay on for a share of the purse in similar sprints.
Longshots
Marking Broadway 5 appears to be stepping up in class and will need to show more early initiative to compete with this group.
3rd Race – Turf Paradise
Post Time
02:15 PM
Pace Analysis
Devil Among Us 3 is expected to dictate the tempo or sit a comfortable stalking trip just off the lead. Desperate Man 1 also possesses early foot and will likely be the one to challenge the leader as they enter the stretch.
Key Contenders
Devil Among Us 3 is the class of the field and benefits from the Diodoro and Mojica partnership. Desperate Man 1 is the main threat, entering with strong recent form and a preferred running style for this distance.
Secondary Choices
Player B 4 is a veteran runner who consistently delivers competitive efforts at this level. Jaime’s Commitment 5 has the tactical speed to secure a good position early and stay for the minor awards.
Longshots
Where’s the Loot 2 and First Call 6 appear to be trailing the top contenders on recent speed figures and will need a pace collapse to factor.
4th Race – Turf Paradise
Post Time
02:45 PM
Pace Analysis
With a key scratch in the race, the pace should be controlled by Sparkley Barkley 4 and Earl’s Girl 6. Both fillies are expected to vie for the early lead in this five-furlong maiden event.
Key Contenders
Chipada 1 draws the rail and gets a top jockey, making her a formidable presence if she breaks cleanly. Sparkley Barkley 4 has shown flashes of speed that suggest she is ready to compete at this claiming level.
Secondary Choices
Mystic Skye 7 benefits from the leading rider and could improve significantly in this spot. Earl’s Girl 6 is a logical inclusion based on her ability to stay near the lead in short sprints.
Longshots
Hot Summer Breeze 5 and Ten of Hearts 8 have yet to show the necessary speed to challenge the top half of this field.
5th Race – Turf Paradise
Post Time
03:15 PM
Pace Analysis
Following multiple scratches, this five-furlong sprint will be a tactical battle. Bacalar 1 and Classic American 5 are the primary pace setters and should be able to control the race from the outset.
Key Contenders
Bacalar 1 is the most accomplished runner left in the field and possesses the speed to win from the rail. Classic American 5 is the main rival and should be right with the leader throughout.
Secondary Choices
High Gunner 3 has shown enough ability to factor if the top two engage in a duel. Lula Bella 4 is a steady performer who can pick up the pieces if the leaders tire late.
Longshots
Trouble N Paradise 2 and B C Chu Chu 7 are facing a tough group and will need to find a new level of performance to threaten.
6th Race – Turf Paradise
Post Time
03:45 PM
Pace Analysis
In this one-mile maiden event, May Surprise 5 and Circle of Fire 1 are expected to lead the field through moderate fractions. The distance will test the stamina of these runners as they navigate the two turns.
Key Contenders
May Surprise 5 enters with the best recent form and a trainer-jockey combination that excels in route races. Ms. Buzzinga 6 is a strong contender who has shown the ability to finish well at this distance.
Secondary Choices
Circle of Fire 1 should benefit from an inside trip and save ground throughout. Golden Midnight 7 is a grinder who could improve while stretching out to the mile.
Longshots
Barbies Fury 9 and Fae Allannah 8 face a difficult task from the outside posts and will need to overcome tough trips to contend.
7th Race – Turf Paradise
Post Time
04:15 PM
Pace Analysis
Saqeel 4 is the clear speed of the race and is expected to clear the field early. Golden Affair 2 and Outofquemado 1 will likely be the primary pursuers, attempting to stay within range before the top of the stretch.
Key Contenders
Saqeel 4 is the most likely winner given his class advantage and high-percentage connections. Golden Affair 2 is a dangerous rival if the favorite faces any early pressure.
Secondary Choices
Outofquemado 1 has the tactical speed to sit a good trip and should be finishing strongly. Herecomegeorgieboy 3 is a veteran with plenty of experience at this distance and level.
Longshots
Dangerous Game 7 and Silver Dash 10 are deep closers who will need an extremely fast pace to be effective in the final stages.
8th Race – Turf Paradise
Post Time
04:45 PM
Pace Analysis
The finale is a wide-open sprint where Valley Echo 2 and Pink Channel 1 are expected to contest the lead. Army Knife 4 and Mini Again 7 should be sitting just behind the lead, ready to strike as the field turns for home.
Key Contenders
Valley Echo 2 is a strong contender with a leading rider and a versatile running style. Pink Channel 1 has the speed to be a factor if she can handle the pressure from the inside.
Secondary Choices
Mini Again 7 is an improving filly who fits well with this group. Army Knife 4 has shown consistency in similar sprints and should be in the mix late.
Longshots
Social Status 8 and Screaming Virginia 3 face a steep challenge today and will need career-best efforts to defeat the top selections.
