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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 Turfway Park for Saturday, February 28, 2026, features a comprehensive ten-race card highlighted by the 125,000 dollar Wintergreen Stakes. This stakes event for fillies and mares at one mile on the synthetic surface serves as the centerpiece of an evening that includes competitive maiden special weight and allowance contests. The card offers a diverse range of distances from five-furlong sprints to one-mile routes, providing various challenges for the participating horses, jockeys, and trainers. With many full fields and several also-eligible entries, the races are expected to be highly competitive throughout the Night.

Weather and Track Conditions

The weather forecast for Florence, Kentucky, indicates a typical late February evening with overcast skies and temperatures ranging from the high 30s to low 40s. These conditions are well-suited for the Tapeta synthetic surface at Turfway Park, which is engineered to maintain a consistent and safe racing environment regardless of temperature fluctuations or moisture. The track condition is expected to remain Fast for the duration of the program. Handicappers should note that while the synthetic surface is generally fair, cold temperatures can sometimes influence the way the wax-coated material plays, occasionally favoring horses with tactical speed who can maintain their momentum in the stretch.

Track and Post Position Bias

Analysis of recent racing at Turfway Park suggests a relatively fair playing field, though certain trends have emerged on the Tapeta surface. In sprint distances such as five and six furlongs, horses drawn in middle to outside post positions have recently shown a slight advantage, as they can avoid being pinned along the rail in the early stages. For route races at one mile, the rail and inside paths tend to be more advantageous, allowing runners to save ground around both turns. Tactical speed remains a primary asset on this surface, with horses capable of stalking the pace often having the best opportunity to pounce in the final furlong.

1st Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

5:55 PM ET

Pace Analysis

The pace in this five-furlong maiden claiming sprint is expected to be quick. With several low-level sprinters vying for early position, a contested lead is likely. Horses with the ability to sit just off the initial vanguard may have the best chance to finish strongly in the Short Stretch.

Key Contenders

Redeposit 9 enters this race with consistent form and strong connections. This five-year-old has demonstrated the speed necessary to compete at this level and should benefit from a favorable outside draw. Go Go Jelly Roll 8 is another primary challenger who has shown flashes of potential and should be forwardly placed from the start.

Secondary Choices

Halfway Joking 7 brings a wealth of experience to the field and has shown an ability to compete on the synthetic surface. Can Of Corn 2 has the tactical speed to secure a good position early and could be a factor if the pace-setters tire late.

Longshots

The Exodus Twist 6 could provide value if able to replicate his best morning Work on the race track. Cold Front 5 is a bit of a wildcard returning from a layoff but has the pedigree to handle the distance.

2nd Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

6:25 PM ET

Pace Analysis

This one-mile maiden claiming event for three-year-old fillies is likely to feature a moderate early tempo. Without a clear speed horse in the lineup, the race may be decided by which rider can effectively manage their mount through the early fractions and save enough for the finish.

Key Contenders

Frosty For Ever 4 stands out as a top contender based on recent Speed Figures and a pedigree that suggests the one-mile distance will be within reach. Lady Faye 2 is another logical choice who has shown improvement in each start and draws a favorable inside post.

Secondary Choices

Red Hot Luck 1 has the benefit of the rail and should be able to Work out an efficient trip. Gio Linh 5 comes from a high-profile barn and must be respected despite making a significant move in class.

Longshots

Nancy Mak 6 could show significant improvement with the stretch out to a mile. Victura 10 faces a difficult Task from the outside post but has shown enough late energy in sprints to suggest she can handle more ground.

3rd Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

6:55 PM ET

Pace Analysis

The pace for this 6 1/2 furlong claiming race should be contested. With several runners dropping in class or returning from layoffs, the early fractions are expected to be Honest, favoring horses that can relax behind the leaders.

Key Contenders

Mcilroy 4 is a leading contender who has shown a particular affinity for the synthetic surface. His tactical versatility allows him to adapt to any pace scenario. Guardian 7 is another horse in top form who has consistently performed well at this distance.

Secondary Choices

Mr Randy 8 is a younger runner taking on older horses but possesses the raw talent to compete. Sweet Freedom 9 should be finishing strongly and will benefit if the early leaders duel too fiercely.

Longshots

Papiamento 1 could surprise from the rail if able to secure a clear lead. Utopian 5 has back class that makes him dangerous if he can rediscover his best form.

4th Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

7:25 PM ET

Pace Analysis

In this one-mile claiming race for older horses, the pace is projected to be slow to moderate. Many of the entrants prefer to track the leaders, which could lead to a tactical affair where position entering the final turn is critical.

Key Contenders

Some R Blessed 9 is a veteran runner who finds a very soft spot here. His experience and closing kick make him the horse to beat. Count Of Amazonia IRE 8 is another seasoned campaigner who has competed against tougher fields and should relish the class drop.

Secondary Choices

Del Mo 4 has shown the ability to sit close to the pace and could get the first jump on the closers. Coppermaster 1 should save ground from the inside and be a factor in the final stages.

Longshots

Pipes And Drums 8 is an older runner who can still produce a competitive effort on his best day. Bramble Blaze 7 could be a factor if he is fully recovered from recent minor setbacks.

5th Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

7:55 PM ET

Pace Analysis

This 6 1/2 furlong maiden claiming sprint features a large field and a likely fast pace. With several young horses and new additions to the claiming ranks, expect a frantic scramble for the lead in the opening quarter-mile.

Key Contenders

Love In Lights GB 7 is an intriguing contender with international experience that often translates well to the synthetic surface. Lawless Ways 5 has the tactical speed and pedigree to be a major player in this maiden ranks.

Secondary Choices

Shallus 8 has shown steady improvement and should be moving forward late. Cardinal Union 2 has shown promise in morning trials and could be a factor with a clean break from the inside.

Longshots

Market Watch 13 faces a tough Task from the outside but has the speed to clear the field. Vex 10 could be a sleeper if the pace collapses in the final furlong.

6th Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

8:25 PM ET

Pace Analysis

This maiden special weight at one mile is expected to have a fair and Honest pace. As many of these three-year-olds are still learning their craft, the race often rewards the horse that can maintain a steady rhythm throughout the middle fractions.

Key Contenders

Celtic Flame 3 is the horse to beat following a sharp runner-up effort in his most recent start. He appears perfectly suited for the one-mile distance. Supercharger 6 is a well-bred individual from a top barn who has been training forwardly for this assignment.

Secondary Choices

Hey Dey 11 must overcome a wide post but has shown the talent to compete with this caliber of maiden. Helpful Howie 2 should benefit from an inside trip and have every chance to contest the lead.

Longshots

Brave Force 10 is an improving type who could jump up at a price. Silver Sniper 1 will likely be sent early and could Prove difficult to pass if he finds a comfortable lead.

7th Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

8:55 PM ET

Pace Analysis

The pace in this six-furlong allowance sprint for fillies and mares will be exceptionally fast. Multiple speed-oriented runners are entered, which should set the table for a horse capable of tracking just behind the first flight.

Key Contenders

Social Belle 10 has the ideal running style for this setup, possessing the ability to stalk a fast pace and finish strongly. Lost And Found 4 is another Major Contender who has shown a high level of consistency in allowance company.

Secondary Choices

Classic Appeal 11 is a dangerous runner who has the speed to stay close despite the wide draw. Salty Senorita 3 is a reliable veteran who rarely runs a bad race and should be In The Mix late.

Longshots

Steampunk 6 has shown a fondness for this track and could provide value in the exotics. Hue 9 is a closing type who would benefit from an extremely fast early tempo.

8th Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

9:25 PM ET

Pace Analysis

The Wintergreen Stakes at one mile is expected to feature a moderate but steady pace. With 125,000 dollars on the line, riders will be looking to secure tactical positions early Without overextending their mounts before the final turn.

Key Contenders

Literate 4 is the clear class of the field, coming off a victory in a similar stakes event. She is a versatile mare who can win from on or off the lead. Devassa BRZ 1 has performed admirably since arriving in the United States and should benefit from the rail draw.

Secondary Choices

Storm Miami IRE 7 is a talented runner who could be the main speed in the race. Stylish Sue 5 is a consistent performer who always gives a good account of herself in stakes company.

Longshots

Wrigleyville 2 is an intriguing longshot who could surprise if the favorites engage in a premature duel. Settling Storm 6 has shown an affinity for the Tapeta surface and could outrun her odds.

9th Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

9:55 PM ET

Pace Analysis

This six-furlong claiming race for fillies and mares should see a brisk tempo. The short sprint distance favors horses with natural speed, though the synthetic surface often allows for late-closing efforts.

Key Contenders

Atlantic Passage 1 is a primary contender with significant early speed and the advantage of the inside post. Catalyzed FR 11 is a high-class runner who should find this level of competition much to her liking.

Secondary Choices

Hard To Get 8 is a consistent runner who should be finishing strongly. Bend My Ear 4 is a younger filly who possesses enough talent to challenge the older mares in this spot.

Longshots

Ihaveissues 2 could be a factor if able to Work out a stalking trip from the inside. Zafyre 10 is a wildcard who could show improved form at a big price.

10th Race – Turfway Park

Post Time

10:25 PM ET

Pace Analysis

The finale is a five-furlong maiden claiming sprint where pure speed is the name of the game. Expect a mad dash for the lead, as horses at this level often rely on being forwardly placed to have their best chance.

Key Contenders

Count The Green 3 is a leading choice based on his Speed Figures and recent competitive efforts. Sailor Sam 2 is a dangerous runner from a barn that specializes in winning these types of sprints.

Secondary Choices

Doc Dallas 6 has shown flashes of ability and should be in a good position throughout. Put Me In Coach 8 is another runner who should be forwardly placed from the start.

Longshots

Sierra Power 1 could be a factor if able to avoid traffic from the rail. Numbers Game 10 has the speed to be a factor if he can overcome the wide draw.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Luan Machado and Walter Rodriguez have been among the most successful jockeys at the current Turfway Park meet. Their familiarity with the nuances of the Tapeta surface makes them formidable on any mount. Rafael Manuel Hernandez and Gerardo Corrales are also having strong seasons and are particularly effective on horses that need to be ridden aggressively from the gate. Among trainers, Brad Cox and Michael Maker continue to lead the way with high win percentages and well-placed runners. Wesley Ward remains the trainer to watch in sprint races, while Cherie DeVaux has shown a knack for winning with improving three-year-olds. Trainers John Ennis and Eric Foster are also worth noting for their ability to win with locally based horses at competitive prices.