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Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Mahoning Valley – Racing News and Analysis for March 18, 2026

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Mahoning Valley runs an eight race Wednesday card today with a mix of low level open claimers, Ohio bred maiden special weights, and state bred allowance events that should offer some playable pace scenarios and several vulnerable favorites.

The undercard is dominated by short fields in the claimers early, then fuller and more competitive Ohio bred maiden and allowance races later in the day, which is where most of the wagering value is likely to sit.

Claiming prices range from 4000 to 5000 dollars in the first three races, while the Ohio bred maiden special weights and allowance events carry purses in the low to mid thirty thousand dollar range and often attract lightly raced or improving stock from productive local barns.

Weather and Track Conditions

Youngstown and Mahoning County in March typically see cool conditions with mean temperatures in the upper 30s Fahrenheit, average highs in the mid 40s, and frequent cloud cover with mixed rain or wet snow.

Today's specific regional forecast for March 18 calls for overcast skies and temperatures around the mid 30s, which usually translates to a cold but fully playable winterized dirt surface at Mahoning Valley, likely listed as fast or possibly good if any overnight moisture lingers.

Given the time of year and typical maintenance, expect a surface that can be a bit tight and mildly speed friendly, especially in the shorter sprints, but still fair enough for mid pack stalkers to have every chance with clean trips.

Track Bias and Post Position Tendencies

Mahoning Valley's six furlong chute and tight turns often favor horses with tactical speed who can secure position by the first bend and stay out of traffic on the relatively short stretch.

Historical results over recent meets suggest inside to middle posts are slightly advantageous at six furlongs and five and one half furlongs, while deep closers from the far outside typically need an honest or contested pace to get involved late.

At one mile, saving ground on the first turn from inside and middle draws still helps, but patient riders who can make a sustained run from just off the pace have done well, especially in these cheaper claiming conditions where frontrunners can come back to the field late.

Race 1 – Claiming 4000 N1Y – 5 1/2 Furlongs – 12:15 PM

This small five horse field lacks a true need the lead speedball, and most of these older geldings have been grinding at this level, so the race figures to be a compact, controlled pace with a moderate early tempo.

Orb Of The Boro (1) is an eight year old gelding with the rail draw and a veteran local rider in Kevin Gonzalez, and he should appreciate this restricted non winners since March 18 condition that effectively keeps him away from sharper recent winners. His prior work at this level and distance suggests he can sit just off the early leader and make a sustained run, and the inside post is a plus on this track when the rider is aggressive enough to hold position.

Joe Phillips (5) brings a productive barn in Juan Pablo Silva with a strong local win rate in low level claiming sprints at Mahoning, and with Luis Alberto Batista up he should be well meant and part of any serious win discussion despite his age.

Star Shopping (4) for trainer Khadeem Galloway with Angel Diaz in the irons is the type who can sit mid pack and pounce if the top pair hook up earlier than expected. Making Me Crazy (2) gets a slight weight break at 121 pounds under Jefferson Skerrett and may float up on the board, but his reliance on a late run in a race light on pace makes him more of a minor award candidate. David's Gem (3) is a nine year old coming off a veterinarian scratch in late February, which raises fitness and soundness questions.

Race 2 – Claiming 5000 N3L – 1 Mile – 12:43 PM

This six horse non winners of three lifetime claimer features a couple of potential pace players stretching or maintaining route distances, with several who do their best work as tactical stalkers rather than deep closers. Expect a legitimate but not suicidal pace, which should favor versatile types who can sit second or third and move at the three eighths pole rather than those dependent on a meltdown.

Action Man (6) from the Jason DaCosta barn with Batista up is a logical key player, as this trainer rider combination has been consistently strong in route claimers at Mahoning in recent meets. His profile suggests a horse capable of sitting just off the lead, and the outside post at a mile can be an advantage if Batista can gradually clear into a forward position without losing too much ground into the first turn.

Chasing Colton (3) is the other main pace factor from the Anthony Farrior barn with Erik Barbaran aboard, and this combination has been effective with similar mid level claiming routers shipping or running regionally. Cool Lester Smooth (2), also from the Farrior operation with Luis Raul Rivera riding, shapes up as a stablemate who can track just behind the main pace and make a timely move.

Quarantino (1) for Jeffrey Skerrett draws the rail with Jefferson Skerrett up and should save all the ground on both turns. Greewhiz (5) from the Rey Juarez Mendoza barn with Victor Fernandez riding comes off a recent stewards scratch. Beck's Spirit (4) for Oscar Romero and Angel Diaz is a four year old gelding adding some depth to the pace picture.

Race 3 – Claiming 5000 N3L F&M – 1 Mile – 1:11 PM

This five horse field for fillies and mares lacks explosive early speed, and several of these have been grinding at similar levels, suggesting a dawdling early pace that turns into a sprint home from the half mile pole. Trips and rider decision making will matter more than raw pace numbers, as a clever rider who seizes the initiative may be able to wire or control slow fractions.

Star Ella (1) for Nestor Rivera with Luis Raul Rivera aboard is a lightly raced three year old filly stepping into an older mare claiming N3L spot, and the youth and potential upside combined with the rail draw make her a primary win candidate. Her connections have done well with similar local stock, and the weight break at 116 pounds could be meaningful if the race turns into a sprint off a soft early tempo.

Fair Trade (5) from the Jay Bernardini barn with Luis Alberto Batista up has back class for this tag and conditions and should be rolling late if the early fractions are at least honest, though a recent veterinarian scratch in a higher priced N3L event is a minor concern.

Kate Wins (2) and Marmara (3), both trained by Manuel Vlaun with Alejandro Gomez and Chelsey Keiser riding respectively, give the barn a solid two pronged attack in mid pack stalking roles. Pearl Magic (4) for Cameron Trierweiler with Angel Diaz riding is not without a chance but appears to need a bit of pace help and some improvement to threaten for the win.

Race 4 – Ohio Bred Maiden Special Weight F&M – 6 Furlongs – 1:39 PM

This eight horse Ohio bred maiden special weight for fillies and mares features several lightly raced types and a few older mares, and at six furlongs on this track the race should be run at an honest early clip. Given the configuration and typical track bias, tactical speed remains an asset, but in maiden special weight fields the presence of several inexperienced horses can create some chaos and mid race shuffling.

Pyramid Scheme (3) from the Robert Gorham barn with Erik Barbaran up stands out as a key player, as this trainer rider combo has already been associated with similar Ohio bred maiden types at this track, and the filly should possess sufficient speed to secure a prominent spot.

Exponentially (2), a five year old mare trained by Michael Maker with Angel Diaz riding, brings a high profile national barn into a state bred maiden spot, and while she is older, the combination of class and placement makes her a major contender if she has maintained condition.

Ravishing Ruby (4) for Lorenzo Juarez with Luis Raul Rivera aboard should be forward early and can stick around for a major share if she avoids getting hooked in an early duel. Spectacular Tango (8) from the David Wolochuk barn with Chelsey Keiser riding has prior form that suggests she belongs at this level, though a prior veterinarian scratch is noted.

Mandalay Sky (1), Native Lucci (6), Dollar Dance (5), and Justworthashot (7) all have plausible improvement angles but currently profile as longer priced options who would need steps forward or pace collapses.

Race 5 – Ohio Bred Maiden Special Weight – 1 Mile – 2:07 PM

This nine horse Ohio bred maiden special weight at one mile includes several three year olds and a group of older maidens, which often creates a mixed pace scenario where a lightly raced horse can control the tempo if the older ones are content to stalk. Given the configuration, an honest but manageable pace is likely, and stamina plus a clean trip will matter more than pure early speed.

Bumper Sticker (8) for Robert Gorham with Erik Barbaran up is a key player, as this barn rider combination excels with Ohio bred maidens stretching out, and the gelding's outside draw can allow Barbaran to track in the clear and make a sustained run down the backstretch.

Red Ohio Bred (7) from the Jason DaCosta barn with Luis Alberto Batista riding has the right connections and pedigree profile to be a serious win candidate here, especially if he can secure a stalking trip in the second flight before launching into the far turn.

H F S Memories (1) for Penny Rone with Luis Raul Rivera aboard gets the rail and should be sent to secure position into the first turn, which makes him a plausible secondary choice. Cricklewood (3) for Craig Sweeting with German Terraza, and Party Boy (6) for Richard Zielinski with Brandon Tapara, round out the mid tier of contenders.

Kettle Coalmine (2), Indy's Hope (4), El Canelo One (5), and Silver B B (9) all qualify as longer priced options on paper.

Race 6 – Ohio Bred Allowance NW2L – 6 Furlongs – 2:35 PM

This six horse allowance for Ohio bred non winners of two races projects as one of the more straightforward pace races on the card, with multiple horses who want to be forward and relatively few true deep closers. Given the likely contested pace, horses who can sit just behind the speed and make a decisive move turning for home should hold an edge.

Drill Em (6) for Robert Gorham with Erik Barbaran up is a prime win candidate, as this barn rider tandem has been effective in similar Ohio bred allowance spots, and the outside draw allows Barbaran to see the pace unfold and position accordingly.

El Mexicano (2) from the Rodney Faulkner barn with Angel Diaz riding has enough early speed to be a main pace factor and has shown competitiveness in prior allowance tries.

Bosabrother (4), a three year old gelding from the Jennifer Tooley barn with Jose Bracho riding, gets a weight break at 116 pounds and figures to stalk the leaders before launching a run. Turkodancer (1) for Joshua Langley with Fernando Salazar Becerra and Just A Rockstar (5) for Kristina Tumblin with David Haldar round out the second tier. Lucky Juulz (3) for Julia Flick with Jairo Hernandez appears to be the most likely longer priced pace horse.

Race 7 – Ohio Bred Allowance NW2L – 6 Furlongs – 3:03 PM

This seven horse Ohio bred NW2L allowance features a mix of older and three year olds, with several who want to be prominent early and a few who can stalk and pounce. With multiple speed elements and a few lightly raced three year olds, the pace could be sharper than par, making tactical versatility and rider judgment crucial.

Rascal Flash (6) from the Robert Gorham barn with Mauro Cedillo aboard looks like a key player, as this three year old gelding has the right blend of tactical speed and finishing kick for this configuration and level.

Buckeye Mike (7) for Fernando Silva with Kevin Gonzalez riding is an older gelding who can sit off the pace and make a well timed run, and his experience at similar levels gives him a solid foundation against this group.

Plum Tuff (1) for Donaciano Gonzalez with Fernando Salazar Becerra and Lucky's Prize (4) for Manuel Vlaun with Angel Diaz are both viable secondary options who can take advantage of good breaks and rail or inside trips. He Is Dynamic (2) for Hugo Andrade with Yuri Yaranga riding, and Ripman (3) for Richard Zielinski with Brandon Tapara, add further depth to the field.

Sheltowees Rocket (5) for Michael Evans II with Rolando Aragon has a prior veterinarian scratch noted from a similar allowance NW2L spot, which introduces some uncertainty.

Race 8 – Ohio Bred Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs – 3:31 PM

The nightcap is a nine horse Ohio bred maiden special weight at six furlongs, featuring mostly three year old geldings and one older horse, and projects to have a lively pace as several debut or lightly raced types show early intent. With so many unknowns and potential pace pressures, trip and rider adaptability will be especially important.

Legal Jargon (8) for Robert Gorham with Erik Barbaran stands out as a major player, as this trainer rider combination has already shown strength with Ohio bred maiden sprinters on the card and in recent meets, and the outside draw gives Barbaran tactical flexibility to adjust to the early pace.

Dragon Hunter (3) for Penny Rone with Luis Raul Rivera is another strong contender, as the inside middle draw at six furlongs and a proven local rider can yield a perfect stalking or pressing trip just behind the expected early duel.

Motown Flattery (4) from the Justin Radosevich barn with David Haldar riding is an interesting mid tier contender. Rivers Of Wealth (7) for Rodney Faulkner with Angel Diaz, and Boaz (9) for Susan Yoder with Luis Alberto Batista, are both credible secondary contenders.

Markaway (1), Shallowbrook (2), Jace (5), and Cindy's Last Song (6) all profile as potential longshots or underneath players in a big field. Cindy's Last Song (6) in particular has a prior gate scratch noted, which raises some questions about behavior and professionalism.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Luis Raul Rivera has a strong local presence at Mahoning Valley and is booked on several key mounts today, including Star Ella (1) in Race 3, Ravishing Ruby (4) in Race 4, H F S Memories (1) in Race 5, and Dragon Hunter (3) in Race 8.

Luis Alberto Batista is another rider to watch, picking up live mounts for high percentage barns, including Joe Phillips (5) in Race 1, Fair Trade (5) in Race 3, Action Man (6) in Race 2, Red Ohio Bred (7) in Race 5, and Boaz (9) in Race 8.

Angel Diaz appears on several contenders such as Star Shopping (4) in Race 1, Beck's Spirit (4) in Race 2, Pearl Magic (4) in Race 3, Exponentially (2) in Race 4, El Mexicano (2) in Race 6, Lucky's Prize (4) in Race 7, and Rivers Of Wealth (7) in Race 8.

Erik Barbaran is closely tied with the Gorham barn and shows up on multiple potential keys including Chasing Colton (3) in Race 2, Pyramid Scheme (3) in Race 4, Bumper Sticker (8) in Race 5, Drill Em (6) in Race 6, and Legal Jargon (8) in Race 8.

The Robert Gorham barn is notably active on this card, sending out Pyramid Scheme (3) in Race 4, Bumper Sticker (8) in Race 5, Drill Em (6) in Race 6, Rascal Flash (6) in Race 7, and Legal Jargon (8) in Race 8, and given historical trainer metrics in allowance and maiden categories at Mahoning, this operation merits strong respect wherever it appears.

Jason DaCosta fields Action Man (6) in Race 2 and Red Ohio Bred (7) in Race 5, both of whom have live looks in their respective spots, and his runners usually show up fit and tactically ridden. Rodney Faulkner sends out Native Lucci (6) in Race 4, Kettle Coalmine (2) in Race 5, El Mexicano (2) in Race 6, and Rivers Of Wealth (7) in Race 8.

High profile national barn Michael Maker appears with Exponentially (2) in Race 4, and whenever this outfit ships or places horses into Ohio bred spots, the horse should be considered a serious player, even if the form is not obvious at first glance.

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