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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.
Turfway Park presents a competitive ten-race program this Friday evening, headlined by the $125,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares. The card features a diverse mix of claiming events, high-level allowances, and wide-open maiden contests. Racing at Turfway takes place on the Tapeta synthetic surface, which has historically favored versatile runners capable of maintaining speed while also rewarding late closers when the early fractions become contested. The evening’s feature, the Wishing Well Stakes, brings together a deep field of eleven sprinters at six and a half furlongs, including several graded stakes performers returning from layoffs.
Weather and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for Florence, Kentucky, indicates extremely cold conditions with wind chill values expected to dip into the single digits. While the Tapeta surface is designed to handle cold temperatures and moisture better than traditional dirt, the severe arctic air can occasionally impact how the track plays, sometimes tightening the surface and favoring speed. Current reports suggest the track will be listed as fast for the duration of the program, though bettors should watch the early races for any signs of a speed-favoring bias that often accompanies significant temperature drops.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Recent trends at the current Turfway meet suggest a relatively fair playing surface, though tactical speed remains a major advantage at the six-furlong and six-and-a-half-furlong distances. Inside posts have shown a slight edge in sprint races, while the one-mile events have allowed for more varied trips, often rewarding horses that can sit just off the lead and pounce at the top of the stretch. Given the expected cold, the surface may play slightly faster than usual, making it difficult for deep closers to make up significant ground in the final furlong.
1st Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
The opening race features several veteran claimers with established speed. Zoombie and Royally Bitter are the primary speed threats and are expected to duel early for the lead.
Key Contenders
Zoombie enters this race in sharp form and possesses the early gears to clear most of this field from the four-hole. This runner has historically performed well on synthetic surfaces and is the one to beat.
Secondary Choices
Mister Kelly is a seasoned veteran who knows his way around the Turfway winner’s circle. While he may lack the raw speed of the favorite, his tactical versatility allows him to sit in the second flight.
Longshots
Span of Control could offer value if the pace collapses. This runner has shown flashes of late interest in previous starts and should appreciate the 120-pound weight assignment.
2nd Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
This one-mile maiden claiming event lacks a clear pacesetter. Frosty Mojito and Executive Suite may find themselves on the lead by default. A moderate pace is expected.
Key Contenders
Raconteuse stands out based on her pedigree and recent training reports. Moving into the maiden claiming ranks for a high-percentage trainer suggests a strong intent to win today.
Secondary Choices
Risky Wave has shown consistent improvement and has the tactical speed to secure a ground-saving trip.
Longshots
Fashion Affirmed is an interesting longshot play. While her recent form is spotty, she has shown an affinity for synthetic tracks in the past.
3rd Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
In this compact field of three-year-old fillies, the pace should be honest. Lovely Grey and Liveoaks Viewpoint are the most likely to contend for the early lead.
Key Contenders
Back Ring Buzz is the class of the field and comes into this race with strong speed figures. Her training at Turfway has been exemplary, and her stalking style is perfectly suited for this distance.
Secondary Choices
Lovely Grey brings a front-running style that can be dangerous if left alone. If she can steal an easy first quarter, she could prove difficult to pass.
Longshots
Tearin’up My Heart has shown enough grit in her maiden win to suggest she can compete at this level.
4th Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
A full field of fillies and mares will ensure a contested pace. Flirting With Time and Moon Law are the primary speedsters.
Key Contenders
Flirting With Time has shown a liking for the Turfway surface and possesses the tactical speed necessary to overcome her post position. She is consistently in the mix at this level.
Secondary Choices
Miss Bourbon is a strong contender coming off a freshening. Her best efforts would beat this field, and the presence of a top-tier jockey is a positive sign.
Longshots
Atlantic Passage is the value play in this field. She has shown enough ability in the past to warrant consideration at a double-digit price.
5th Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
This one-mile claiming event features plenty of early speed, with Jack’s Summer and Fascinator likely to lead the charge. This should favor off-the-pace runners.
Key Contenders
Embrace Me is a strong contender with a proven track record at this distance. Her ability to close into a fast pace makes her the primary selection.
Secondary Choices
Ask Amanda is another runner with solid synthetic credentials. She has shown the ability to sit just off the pace and should get first run on the leaders.
Longshots
Ziggzappa is a wildcard but has the ability to outrun her odds. If she gets a clean trip from the twelve-post, she could sneak into the frame.
6th Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
This six-and-a-half furlong sprint features several young horses with limited experience. Honest Al and American Bear are expected to lead the way.
Key Contenders
Galantini has shown significant potential in recent starts and should appreciate the slight cutback in distance. His stalking style is ideal for the six-and-a-half furlong configuration.
Secondary Choices
Honest Al is the one to catch and has the speed to clear the field. If he can manage the early pressure, he will be a major player.
Longshots
Dark Danger is an interesting longshot who has shown improvement in his morning works.
7th Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
This high-level allowance race features a group of seasoned route runners. First Strike and Sing Sing are the most likely pacesetters.
Key Contenders
Sing Sing is a very talented runner from a powerhouse barn. His synthetic form is excellent, and he possesses the tactical speed to sit in a perfect position.
Secondary Choices
Ocean Atlantique is a veteran class-dropper who has competed against much tougher competition in the past.
Longshots
Friar Newton is a potential longshot who could benefit from a fast pace. He has shown a liking for the Turfway surface.
8th Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
The feature Wishing Well Stakes will be a test of speed and endurance. Kehoe Beach is extremely fast and will likely look to lead from start to finish. Dala and Lithe Spirit will be in hot pursuit.
Key Contenders
Kehoe Beach is the class of the field and is a graded stakes winner on the turf. Her speed translates well to synthetic surfaces, and she will be very difficult to catch.
Secondary Choices
Lithe Spirit is the defending champion of this race and loves the Turfway surface. She has three wins over this track.
Longshots
Zadorsky is a consistent performer who often finds a way into the exotics. She could benefit if the top two choices engage in a speed duel.
9th Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
This low-level claiming event features several horses with inconsistent form. Ole Red Wing and Pharaoh’s Favorite are expected to lead.
Key Contenders
Crowned With Grace has shown the most consistent form in this group and has a stalking style that should play well today.
Secondary Choices
Quill Pen is another runner with solid credentials and could be the primary challenger.
Longshots
Hand It Over is a longshot who could surprise if the favorites fail to fire.
10th Race – Turfway Park – February 6th, 2026
Pace Analysis
The finale is a maiden sprint for three-year-olds. Itchy and Coach Rudy are the primary speed threats in a race that could be chaotic.
Key Contenders
Captain Keno comes from a top barn and has shown talent in morning training. This looks like a prime spot for a winning debut.
Secondary Choices
Numbers Game has the experience edge and should be in the mix throughout.
Longshots
Vilnius is a well-bred runner who could outrun his odds on debut.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Walter Rodriguez currently leads the jockey standings and has been exceptionally sharp on the synthetic surface. His ability to judge pace is a major asset, particularly in the sprint races. Luan Machado is another rider to watch, as he has a high winning percentage with horses coming off layoffs. Fernando De La Cruz remains one of the most consistent riders at the meet, often providing excellent value on mid-priced contenders. Joseph Ramos has a strong rapport with several top stables and is a regular in the winner’s circle.
Trainer Notes and Insights
The Michael Maker stable continues to be a force at Turfway Park, particularly in the allowance and stakes ranks. His horses are typically well-prepared for the synthetic surface. Wesley Ward is another trainer to watch, especially with sprinters like Kehoe Beach, as his runners possess superior early speed. Additionally, the Bill Morey barn has been very effective this meet, often hitting at a high percentage with horses dropping in class. Bettors should also pay close attention to runners from the Larry Rivelli barn.
