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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.

A competitive 10-race card under the lights featuring a mix of sprints and routes on the Tapeta. The evening is highlighted by a competitive Allowance Optional Claiming event in Race 8 and deep Maiden Special Weight contests in Races 5 and 9. Field sizes are robust, offering excellent value despite being a mid-week card.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecast: Typical February conditions with temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s°F, dropping into the 20s°F after sunset. Skies will be partly cloudy to overcast. Track Condition: Fast (Tapeta). The all-weather synthetic surface is expected to maintain a consistent cushion regardless of the cold temperatures. Track Bias:

• Sprints (6F – 6 1/2F): The track is playing fair but often favors horses capable of stalking from the outside (posts 5-9) to avoid kickback.
• Routes (1 Mile): Ground-saving trips are crucial, favoring inside posts into the first turn, though deep closers can succeed if the pace is hot.

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Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1: Claiming (6 1/2 Furlongs)

Race Notes: A moderate pace scenario is expected. Special Sauce (5) has flashing speed and fits the class profile well, while Diablo Shiraz (9) offers tactical versatility from the outside.

• Key Contenders: Special Sauce (5), Diablo Shiraz (9)
• Secondary Choices: Emily’s Joy (2), Agua Fresca (6)
• Longshot: More Sweets (7)

Race 2: Maiden Claiming (1 Mile)

Race Notes: Marshal (5) is the primary speed stretching out and adding blinkers; if he clears, he is dangerous. Fly Guy Mick (1) is a consistent closer who will benefit if the pace heats up.

• Key Contenders: Marshal (5), Fly Guy Mick (1)
• Secondary Choices: Abbi Fede (7), Tuxedo Park (2)
• Longshot: Hellacious (3)

Race 3: Maiden Claiming (6 Furlongs)

Race Notes: Scratch: Shez Twisted (14). The pace dynamic shifts to favor Miss Queue (11), who drops in class and has the tactical speed to clear the field from the outside.

• Key Contenders: Miss Queue (11), Dragon Navy (3)
• Secondary Choices: Beautiful McKinzie (1), Fizzy Girl (9)
• Longshot: Amber Road (5)

Race 4: Claiming (6 Furlongs)

Race Notes: The pace should be honest. Urban Cowgirl (11) is a horse for the course (4 wins at Turfway) and had a troubled trip last time. Takethesilver (4) is a consistent mare who will sit just off the leaders.

• Key Contenders: Urban Cowgirl (11), Takethesilver (4)
• Secondary Choices: Spanish Cara (7), Save the Bees (12)
• Longshot: Googly Eyes (14)

Race 5: Maiden Special Weight (6 Furlongs)

Race Notes: Scratch: A P Sweetheart (12). A brisk pace is expected. Golden Thread (10) has shown significant promise in morning works and draws well. Cat Island (3) represents dangerous connections with George Weaver and Walter Rodriguez.

• Key Contenders: Golden Thread (10), Cat Island (3)
• Secondary Choices: Seeing Stars (6), Givemethebeat (5)
• Longshot: Edey (1)

Race 6: Claiming (6 Furlongs)

Race Notes: Several speedy types will likely duel early. Holding the Line (9) drops into a claiming spot where his class should prevail. Stargazzers Dream (10) will look to close late into a fast pace.

• Key Contenders: Holding the Line (9), Stargazzers Dream (10)
• Secondary Choices: Merlotti (11), Graydaria (1)
• Longshot: No strong longshot opinion; stick to class.

Race 7: Claiming (1 Mile)

Race Notes: A murky pace scenario often favors classier horses. Hearts United (11) has the best recent form despite the wide post. Decree (2) should save ground on the rail with veteran Perry Wayne Ouzts aboard.

• Key Contenders: Hearts United (11), Decree (2)
• Secondary Choices: Don’t Worry (5), Champagne On Ice (3)
• Longshot: Wave Skipper (13) (if drawing in)

Race 8: Allowance Optional Claiming (1 Mile)

Race Notes: The feature race has a small field where the early leader has a massive advantage. Golden Sunshine (1) is the controlling speed from the rail. Takemetothebeach (3) is the class of the field stalking the pace.

• Key Contenders: Golden Sunshine (1), Takemetothebeach (3)
• Secondary Choices: Love Her Lots (2), Fantastical (4)
• Longshot: Girl of My Dreams (6)

Race 9: Maiden Special Weight (6 Furlongs)

Race Notes: Magical Day (9) trained by Brendan Walsh is the one to watch with a strong outside draw. Loriebeth (10) has speed and should clear the field early.

• Key Contenders: Magical Day (9), Loriebeth (10)
• Secondary Choices: Lady Chic (6), Maclean’s Lullaby (3)
• Longshot: Dream Chick (1)

Race 10: Claiming (6 Furlongs)

Race Notes: A full field with traffic likely. My Life Story (7) is taking a significant class drop for trainer Mike Maker and should have the speed to overcome the mid-pack draw.

• Key Contenders: My Life Story (7), Prince Lancelot (3)
• Secondary Choices: Another Charlie (5), Southern Pass Time (11)
• Longshot: Flyin Ryan (8)