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Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Will Rogers Downs – Racing News and Analysis for February 23, 2026

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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.

Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Oklahoma runs a nine-race Thoroughbred card on Monday, February 23, 2026, with first post at 1:15 PM CST. The program is heavily Oklahoma-bred focused, featuring multiple state-bred claiming races, a maiden special weight for Oklahoma-bred fillies and mares, and a one-mile allowance as the day's feature. Purses range from 12,000 to 26,000 dollars, with the eighth race allowance at one mile topping the card in both purse and quality of entrants.

Key scratches impacting race shape include Eurostormsurvivor (Race 2, post 2), Devious Lover (Race 4, post 9), and Flash Humor (Race 7, post 1). The removal of Devious Lover is particularly significant, as he was a morning-line favorite and pace factor, leaving Race 4 far more open than originally drawn. The scratch of Flash Humor changes the early pace picture in Race 7, giving more control to the remaining speed.

Weather and Track Conditions

Morning temperatures at Claremore dipped into the low 20s around daybreak, but the afternoon high is forecast near the upper 40s, with lows in the mid-30s by evening. Winds are expected from the north-northeast at roughly 5 to 10 miles per hour during racing hours under mostly sunny skies, with no precipitation in the forecast. As the day progresses, winds should gradually veer to the south-southeast and increase slightly after sunset.

With no recent rain and dry conditions continuing through the afternoon, the main track should be listed and play as fast. The early chill may leave the surface tight for the first race or two, but sunshine and moderate temperatures will quickly move the track into a standard, consistent fast profile. There are no anticipated moisture-related biases, and the surface should reward horses able to secure good early position.

Track Bias and Post Position Notes

Will Rogers Downs historically plays kind to early speed, especially in sprints at five and a half and six furlongs. Horses that secure or press the lead typically have an advantage, as the surface seldom becomes overly tiring under dry conditions. Inside and middle posts in sprint races usually provide the cleanest trips, while wide posts can be at a slight disadvantage if the field size is large and the break is not clean.

At one mile, the run to the first turn is relatively short, which can make inside posts more valuable. Horses drawn near the rail with tactical speed are often able to save ground and control their trip, whereas wide-drawn runners can be forced to lose ground early if they cannot clear before the turn. Given today's expected fast track and light winds, any existing bias should primarily favor speed and inside trips rather than closers and wide rally types.

Race 1 Summary – Claiming 25,000 – 6 Furlongs (OK-bred F&M NW3L)

This six-furlong sprint for Oklahoma-bred fillies and mares has a relatively straightforward pace scenario. Everyone Nos Wendy (post 6) projects as the primary speed, a clear front-runner with strong recent form and a high in-the-money rate. Her prior win at this exact distance over this surface and her pairing with a leading rider make her the most reliable forward factor.

From The Top Rope (post 3), a lightly raced three-year-old with a high win percentage and an eight-pound weight break, appears to be the main alternative. She is more of a stalking or mid-pack type who can take advantage if the leader falters late. Sangria Sunset (post 4), a more seasoned mare with higher overall earnings, cuts back from routes and brings class, but must prove she can be as effective at six furlongs. Posetively Perfect (post 1) fills the role of a consistent underneath type, frequently hitting the board despite a modest win rate. Gospel Cozy (post 2) is the main longshot possibility, having just won at this distance but needing more pace than is likely given the projected race shape.

Race 2 Summary – Claiming 7,500 – 5 1/2 Furlongs (OK-bred NW3L)

With Eurostormsurvivor scratched from post 2, this sprint still retains enough speed for a contested pace. Blame Da Stoops (post 4) stands out as a tactical stalker with a strong in-the-money record and solid, consistent form. He should sit just off whatever early duel develops and gets a favorable rider–trainer combination.

Norway Beach (post 6) is a seasoned gelding with the highest earnings in the field, also possessing a stalking style that fits the likely race flow from his outside draw. Den's Dynasty (post 3) is a late-running type that will need the leaders to overdo it early but picks up a top rider and can certainly hit the frame if the fractions are strong. Tough Trooper (post 5) and I'm Alive (post 7) present themselves as secondary threats, with I'm Alive projecting as a potential longshot to clunk up for a share.

Race 3 Summary – Claiming 5,000 – 1 Mile (F&M)

This six-horse route features a clear early speed in Grand Prairie Gal (post 5), whose leader style and high win percentage make her a key pace player. She figures to secure the front or sit very close and is dangerous if left alone on manageable fractions.

Grace Given (post 4) arrives off a recent one-mile win at this track and distance and brings the best recent route form in the group. She has consistent earnings and proven capability in similar spots. Pure Connection (post 1), a multiple winner with a strong career record, draws the rail and should get a ground-saving trip, likely as a closer or mid-pack runner. Lookin Lucky Again (post 6) and Cat Tale Sky (post 3) are more grinding types: they are less flashy on paper but can pick up minor awards if the speed weakens late. Overall, Grace Given and Grand Prairie Gal form the main axis of the race, with Pure Connection the primary alternative from the inside.

Race 4 Summary – Claiming 7,500 – 6 Furlongs (NW3L)

The trainer scratch of Devious Lover from post 9 removes a key pace and class element, making this a more open contest. Mcmusic (post 1) is a fast leader drawn on the rail with a high rate of board finishes; he is now the most likely to control the early pace and is well suited to today's track profile.

Beau Day (post 2) is also a pace player, a fast leader type receiving a five-pound weight break that can make a real difference in a claiming sprint. The interaction between McMusic and Beau Day may decide how strong the early fractions become. Fastened (post 7) is the main off-the-pace threat, a closing type who benefits if the inside pair engage each other too aggressively. Aux Arcs (post 6), an older, consistent runner with tactical speed, and Stunning Bruno (post 3), a last-out winner with more of a closing profile, provide depth and potential longshot appeal in exotics.

Race 5 Summary – Claiming 7,500 – 5 1/2 Furlongs (OK-bred F&M NW3L)

Devious Diva (post 2) is the established class in this group, owning the highest earnings and a steady, if not prolific, win record. She is a stalking type that should sit just behind the primary speed and gets a capable rider–trainer team.

Rainbow Smiles (post 6) brings a wealth of experience and a high in-the-money rate, though she does not win often. Her pairing with a top rider makes her a solid secondary choice. Suprising Code (post 1) draws the rail and has a decent win percentage coupled with a productive barn, giving her a good chance at a prominent early spot and a consistent effort. Gospel Precious (post 4), coming off a win and a second in her two most recent starts at this distance, is in peak current form and shapes as a key contender despite offering more value on the line. Callitfateluckarma (post 5), from a very hot barn, is a closer with upside as a longshot, especially if the early fractions are sharper than expected.

Race 6 Summary – Maiden Special Weight – 5 1/2 Furlongs (OK-bred F&M)

This maiden special for Oklahoma-bred fillies and mares revolves around Bailey Sioux (post 4), who has finished in the money in all of her starts and consistently shows early speed. She should be on or near the lead in a race where front-running ability is a major advantage.

Brielle (post 2) is a frequent board hitter who has already shown ability at this distance and now gets a leading rider and a high-percentage trainer. She should track the pace and is the most logical alternative if Bailey Sioux does not finish the job. Six Gun Sally (post 5) is another pace-adjacent type with recent runner-up form at this trip and can capitalize if the favorite faces more pressure than expected. Gospel Share (post 3) has the highest earnings in the field and multiple minor placings at a higher circuit, but as an older filly carrying more weight, she may be slightly at a disadvantage against the improving three-year-olds. Chitoz Storm Cat (post 1) is the most interesting longshot, having recently shown improvement and drawing the rail for a potential ground-saving trip.

Race 7 Summary – Claiming 7,500 – 6 Furlongs (NW2L)

With Flash Humor scratched from post 1, Smackdown (post 6) becomes the main early pace presence. He projects as the lone true front-runner, which is a dangerous profile on a speed-favoring track if he breaks cleanly and clears.

Knock'em Out Jerry (post 3) has only one win but a high percentage of board finishes and arrives off a last-out win at this distance. He should sit just off the pace and is well positioned to take over if Smackdown weakens late. Fine Tuned (post 4) has a similar profile—one win, but many in-the-money finishes—and tends to close strongly from mid-pack, aided by strong rider and trainer statistics. Madethedean'slist (post 8) benefits from a weight break and brings a deep resume and earnings but has not won often, making him more of a secondary or underneath player. High Spark (post 2) is a lightly raced closer who can be a longer-priced factor if the pace becomes unexpectedly hot.

Race 8 Summary – Allowance – 1 Mile

This is the day's feature, a one-mile allowance where multiple horses have solid claims. Missing Code (post 4) owns the most relevant recent form, having just won at this track and distance and finishing second at the same conditions in his prior start. His consistency at the mile makes him a central contender.

Guapo (post 3), the morning-line favorite, has a strong win percentage and high overall talent but stretches out from successful sprints. If he handles the two-turn mile, his combination of speed and class is formidable. Bourbon Life (post 1), with the leading rider–trainer combination and strong overall earnings, is a deep closer from the rail who will be very dangerous if there is sufficient pace to chase. Vestes (post 2) is a front-running type with multiple wins and a high show rate who could control the race if allowed an easy lead from an inside draw. Cold Fact (post 5) is a minor player but shown recent competitiveness at the distance and fits as a secondary or underneath type.

Race 9 Summary – Claiming 5,000 – 1 Mile

The finale features a deep group with several seasoned winners. Absaroka (post 2) is a proven class horse with a high win rate and strong local form at one mile, including a recent victory over this track and distance. His inside draw and tactical speed profile him as the most likely key player on the front end or just off it.

Prince Rama (post 3) brings a very high career win percentage and drops out of tougher races at Oaklawn Park into far more manageable company. That class drop alone makes him a major threat. Outlier (post 6) is the highest earner on the entire card and arrives with strong sprint form; the main question is whether he can produce his best at a mile at this stage of his career. Ammenthedestroyer (post 1) and Hamazing Wisdom (post 7) add to the early pace picture, and their presence could ensure an honest tempo that benefits the stalking types. Passthecat (post 8), with a solid win and in-the-money record, is the leading longshot candidate to crash the trifecta from off the pace.

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