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Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Mahoning Valley – Racing News and Analysis for March 19, 2026

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Mahoning Valley offers an 8 race Thursday card built around lower level claiming events, two Ohio bred maiden special weights, and the Southern Park Stakes for state bred three year old fillies as the feature in race 5. Field sizes are modest but consistent, with 6 to 9 runners per race. The program is dirt only, with sprints from 5.5 to 6 furlongs and two one mile routes, so surface changes are not a concern.

The overall profile for the day leans toward proven local form and connections that handle Ohio winter and early spring dirt, especially barns that have kept their stock active through February and early March. Several horses exit sloppy track races earlier in the meet, so their form lines must be interpreted carefully now that the surface is expected to be dry and quicker. The lineup includes a mix of older hard knocking claimers in races 1, 2, 4, and 6, improving fillies in races 3 and 5, and lightly raced Ohio bred maidens with upside in races 7 and 8.

Weather and Track Conditions

Regional forecasts for Mahoning County and Ohio on March 19 indicate a sunny, dry day with afternoon highs in the upper 40s to near 50 degrees Fahrenheit and no measurable precipitation. Historical and forecast data around Youngstown and Mahoning County point to firm, dry conditions with no recent heavy rainfall on the day itself, suggesting the track should be listed as fast for Thursday's card. Winds are expected to be light to moderate and should not create a pronounced headwind or tailwind on either the backstretch or homestretch.

Mahoning's dirt surface typically tightens and plays quicker on clear, cool days without moisture, which often benefits horses with tactical speed that can secure forward positions without having to work hard early. Prior races earlier in March were run on sloppy tracks on certain days, but there is no indication that today's surface will retain that moisture profile. As a result, horses whose best recent efforts came on wet tracks may regress slightly, while those who struggled in the slop but possess prior fast track form are eligible to rebound.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Mahoning Valley's one mile dirt configuration features a relatively short run to the first turn, which tends to favor inside and tactical runners in routes and can make things tougher on deep closers drawn outside. In six furlong races, the starting point is closer to the clubhouse turn with a fair run up, and historical patterns show a mild preference toward inside to middle posts when the track is fast, especially for horses with early or tactical speed. Extreme rail or outside biases are not reported for today, and with fast conditions expected, the track should play fairly but still slightly reward horses who can secure position by or just after the first call.

Recent results at Mahoning in March, including multiple sloppy track days, showed front running types dominating on heavily wet tracks, but on fast days there has been more balance with stalkers and pressers winning a large share of races. Given the projected fast track, deep closers from the back still face a tactical disadvantage, particularly in short fields where the pace can moderate, but late runners are not eliminated if they have enough tactical speed to stay within four to six lengths early. Inside posts remain slightly advantageous in both sprints and routes, particularly for horses with sufficient gate speed to hold position into the first turn.

Race 1 – Claiming 5.5 Furlongs (12:15 PM)

Race 1 is a small six horse claiming sprint for older horses that have not won two races since March 19 of last year, at 5.5 furlongs. The field structure suggests a moderate but honest pace, with several seasoned veterans who have shown past early speed but may not be as sharp as in prior seasons. Horses like Zippin Gigi (1), Florida Gator (4), and Mshindi (6) project to be involved early based on their sprint profiles at similar levels, while Exchange Day (2) and More Love (5) appear more comfortable sitting just off the speed.

Key Contenders: Zippin Gigi (1) draws the rail and fits well at this 4000 claiming level, with a profile of an older sprinter who can show enough gate speed to secure inside position. Exchange Day (2) is an eight year old gelding with plenty of back class and multiple wins on the dirt, now in the Julie Mathes barn with Luis Alberto Batista up, a combo that tends to be live in these lower level claimers.

Secondary Choices: Scratchoff (3) for trainer Jami C Poole with David J Haldar may offer a mid price alternative, as his past sprints suggest he can sit in mid pack and pass some tired rivals late. More Love (5), a six year old horse for Ricardo Bailey with veteran rider T D Houghton, has some route oriented stamina but could be interesting in this 5.5 furlong spot cutting back.

Longshots: Florida Gator (4) is a seven year old with Brandon Tapara aboard for trainer Jay P Bernardini, and he appears to be one of the pace factors who may need the lead or at least a pressing position to show his best. Mshindi (6) is another seven year old gelding with Angel I Diaz riding for Rodney C Faulkner, bringing tactical early speed from the outside post.

Race 2 – Claiming 6 Furlongs (12:43 PM)

Race 2 is a six furlong non winners of two lifetime claiming race for fillies and mares, where early speed and tactical positioning are often decisive. The group includes a mix of lightly raced four year olds and older mares, many of whom have displayed some early foot but not consistent ability to finish. Ruby River (1), Jaganna (2), and Scary Proposition (6) project as key pace players, with Fromthewonderland (5) and Red Delicious (3) possibly stalking just off them.

Key Contenders: Ruby River (1) from the rail with Alexander Chavez riding for Amy Sondej looks like a major player, especially if she has shown early speed in prior starts at this level. Scary Proposition (6), a four year old filly with Angel I Diaz up for trainer Justine Eder, figures as another key contender, especially if she has recent, competitive efforts at or near this level.

Secondary Choices: Jaganna (2) with Helen Marie Vanek riding for Nick Guy Mileni, Jr., brings enough early speed and inside proximity to be a factor in the first half mile. Fromthewonderland (5), trained by Kevin Buttigieg with Chelsey Keiser aboard, drops from allowance company last time where she was a steward scratch, into a more realistic spot here at the 5000 claiming level.

Longshots: Red Delicious (3), a six year old mare for Robert Guciardo with Alejandro Gomez, has the look of a grinder who may sit mid pack and try to pick off tired rivals late. Neoprene (4), a five year old mare for Jacinto Lopez with Mauro Cedillo riding, comes off a veterinarian scratch earlier in the meet, which raises some fitness and soundness questions.

Race 3 – Claiming 1 Mile (1:11 PM)

Race 3 is a one mile claiming event for fillies and mares that have never won two races, with seven entries and a mix of three to six year olds. Stella E Veloce (3), Save The Date (2), and Anotherwinner (5) show enough tactical speed to be forwardly placed, while Morgan's Bluff (4) and Joropo (6) tend to settle mid pack. Tiz Mia (7), a three year old, may attempt to use her youth and speed drawn outside to gain position into the first turn.

Key Contenders: Morgan's Bluff (4) is listed as a probable favorite in overseas odds and is expected to be well bet due to her consistent form and prior mile performances at Mahoning. Tiz Mia (7), a three year old filly with Fernando Salazar Becerra riding for trainer Nestor R Rivera, is another significant contender, especially if she improves off recent efforts at shorter distances or over sloppy tracks.

Secondary Choices: Joropo (6), a three year old filly ridden by Luis Raul Rivera for Larry E Smith, is regarded as one of the main challengers based upon probable odds and recent form. Save The Date (2), a five year old mare for Kevin Buttigieg with Angel I Diaz in the irons, drops from allowance company into this claiming event, which should prove to be a class relief.

Longshots: Stella E Veloce (3), a four year old filly for trainer Richard Zielinski with Brandon Tapara riding, has some back class and recent competitive efforts at similar distances, including solid showings over wet tracks. Princess Opal (1), a five year old mare with Jairo H Hernandez riding for Tina Casalinova, has been inconsistent and is listed at higher odds in probable markets. Anotherwinner (5), a four year old filly with Chelsey Keiser riding for Richard Zielinski, rounds out the field as another pace factor or mid pack runner.

Race 4 – Ohio Bred Claiming 6 Furlongs (1:39 PM)

This is a six furlong Ohio bred claiming race for fillies and mares that have never won four races, with a field of six and several runners capable of flashing early speed. Shes A Storm (1), E Kracker (4), and Credit Check (6) all have sprint profiles that suggest they will be prominent from the break, while Cousin Minnie (3) and Extra Crafty (5) likely stalk. State Of Grace (2) may settle a bit farther back early, relying on her stamina and experience to make a late run.

Key Contenders: Shes A Storm (1), a five year old mare ridden by Joshua J Radosevich for trainer Jeffrey A Radosevich, is likely to be one of the main betting choices given the barn's strong local presence and her inside speed. Cousin Minnie (3), a four year old filly with Luis Raul Rivera up for Larry E Smith, profiles as a dangerous stalker who can sit just behind the early speed duo and pounce turning for home.

Secondary Choices: E Kracker (4), a four year old filly trained by Larry E Smith with Angel I Diaz aboard, is a pace factor who can press or even clear from her middle gate. Credit Check (6), a four year old filly for Richard Zielinski with Brandon Tapara in the irons, draws outside and may have to apply outside pressure to the inside speed.

Longshots: State Of Grace (2), a seven year old mare with Alejandro Gomez riding for Donaciano Gonzalez, appears more of a longshot given age and overall win profile, but her experience and potential to pick up pieces late cannot be discounted. Extra Crafty (5), a seven year old mare trained by Robert Guciardo with Chelsey Keiser aboard, rounds out the field and fits as an off the pace type or mid pack runner.

Race 5 – Southern Park Stakes 6 Furlongs (2:07 PM)

The Southern Park Stakes is a six furlong stakes for Ohio bred three year old fillies, featuring nine runners with varying levels of experience and class. Spun In Dominus (1), All Pepped Up (2), Cast Your Spell (4), and Echo Valley (6) all have profiles suggesting good early speed or tactical pace, which should ensure a lively tempo. Perfect Angel (7), Kontiki (8), and Miss Elecktra (9) also bring tactical speed, whereas a filly like Dunn's River (5) may be content to sit off the pace and make a run.

Key Contenders: Kontiki (8), a three year old filly from the Brad H Cox barn with Fernando De La Cruz riding, stands out on paper due to connections and suggested class. Cast Your Spell (4), trained by Michael J Maker with Angel I Diaz aboard, is another high profile filly in this stakes event.

Secondary Choices: Dunn's River (5), a filly with T D Houghton up for Ricardo Bailey, carries 122 pounds and likely brings route or rating style which could be effective if the pace melts down. Echo Valley (6), a filly for trainer Robert M Gorham with Erik Barbaran riding, is a logical secondary contender based on tactical speed and local stakes experience. Perfect Angel (7), another filly with notable connections under Luis Alberto Batista for Jason DaCosta, has enough tactical speed to be in the mix early and could take a step forward in her three year old season.

Longshots: Spun In Dominus (1), with Rocco Bowen riding for Megan Fadlovich, draws the rail and could be part of the early speed picture but may face a tricky trip if she cannot break sharply and hold the inside. All Pepped Up (2), a filly ridden by Fernando Salazar Becerra for Robert M Gorham, might be more of a pace factor than a top win threat. No Napping (3), a filly with Jose A Bracho up for Jay P Bernardini, also figures as a fringe contender who can grab a minor piece with the right trip. Miss Elecktra (9), from the outside for Jason DaCosta with Alexander Chavez, has the disadvantage of a wide post but can still stalk and try to drop in around the first turn.

Race 6 – Claiming 1 Mile (2:35 PM)

This is a one mile claiming event for three year olds and upward with a 15000 claiming tag, featuring six older geldings. Atkins (1), Colonel Poppy (2), Patriarchal (3), and Sunset Town (4) all present varying degrees of early speed or tactical pace, while Dark Baron (5) and Colonel Vargo (6) can sit mid pack. With multiple horses capable of contesting the lead, the pace should be honest, though small field dynamics sometimes cause riders to rate more than usual.

Key Contenders: Atkins (1), a six year old gelding with Luis Alberto Batista riding for Jay P Bernardini, draws the rail and should be able to secure the inside stalking or pace pressing trip. Sunset Town (4), also a six year old gelding for Ricardo Bailey with T D Houghton aboard, is another strong player with prior mile experience and tactical speed.

Secondary Choices: Patriarchal (3), a five year old gelding with Fernando Salazar Becerra riding for Caryn Vecchio, fits as a solid secondary choice, likely to sit a mid pack or tracking trip before making a move between the three eighths and quarter pole. Colonel Vargo (6), a six year old gelding for Ricardo Bailey ridden by Jason Simpson, is another mid pack type who can creep into the race late.

Longshots: Colonel Poppy (2), a six year old gelding with Brandon Tapara riding for Robin Schuster, is a potential pace presence from an inside gate. Dark Baron (5), a six year old gelding ridden by Laureano Sosa for Kristina M Tumblin, is more of an outsider on paper and may need a career best to threaten for the win.

Race 7 – Ohio Bred Maiden Special Weight 1 Mile (3:03 PM)

Race 7 is a one mile Ohio bred maiden special weight for three to six year olds, with a field of six and a mix of lightly raced three year olds and one older gelding. Scared Cause (1) and Beat The Buzzer (4) look like potential pace factors from their inside draws, while Rollin For Real (3) and Jolly Mon (6) may track just behind. O G Mr. Brightside (5) and Cantcatchlilfletch (2) figure to be mid pack or slightly off the pace early.

Key Contenders: Rollin For Real (3), a three year old gelding ridden by Jose A Bracho for trainer Justin Radosevich, appears to be a prime contender based on connections and likely improvement between starts. Beat The Buzzer (4), another three year old gelding, is handled by trainer Robert M Gorham with Fernando Salazar Becerra riding, and he presents as a strong early pace factor with enough stamina to carry his speed a mile.

Secondary Choices: Scared Cause (1), with veteran Deshawn L Parker riding for Robert C Cline, is a live secondary choice, particularly from the inside draw and with Parker's skill at rationing speed on the rail. Jolly Mon (6), trained by Robert M Gorham with Mauro Cedillo aboard, is a three year old gelding who may be slightly overlooked compared to stablemate Beat The Buzzer (4) but could surprise if he takes a step forward.

Longshots: Cantcatchlilfletch (2), a four year old gelding with Kevin Gonzalez riding for Jeff Fletcher, is older than most of his rivals and still a maiden, which can be a negative, but he may have physical maturity on his side. O G Mr. Brightside (5), a three year old gelding for trainer Shane Meyers with Luis Raul Rivera riding, has prior experience at this level and was a steward scratch earlier in the meet.

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

Race 8 is a six furlong Ohio bred maiden special weight sprint for three to six year olds, with seven horses. Mr. Riffle (1), Happycastle (2), Bold Windsor (3), Leftitforyou (5), and Run Bobby Run (6) all project to have some early pace, while Paula's Passion (4) and Pure Grinding (7) may stalk or sit mid pack depending on break. With several first or lightly raced maidens, the pace picture includes some unknowns, but the configuration suggests a lively early tempo.

Key Contenders: Mr. Riffle (1), a three year old gelding trained by Robert C Cline with Jose A Bracho riding, draws the rail and will likely be aggressively ridden to maintain inside position. Pure Grinding (7), another three year old gelding ridden by Rocco Bowen for Megan Fadlovich, looks like a strong contender from the outside gate.

Secondary Choices: Run Bobby Run (6), a three year old colt with Victor R Fernandez riding for Robert C Cline, is a stablemate to Mr. Riffle (1) and provides another early speed option. Leftitforyou (5), trained by Richard Zielinski with Brandon Tapara aboard, is a three year old gelding who figures to sit mid pack and attempt one run.

Longshots: Happycastle (2), a four year old colt ridden by David J Haldar for Rodney C Faulkner, has been a steward scratch previously and may need to prove fitness and form at this level. Bold Windsor (3), a four year old gelding with Mauro Cedillo riding for Jacinto Lopez, has prior experience at this level, including a steward scratch earlier in the meet. Paula's Passion (4), a four year old gelding with Kevin Gonzalez riding for Jeff Fletcher, rounds out the field as a longer priced option likely to sit mid pack.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Luis Alberto Batista, who rides Exchange Day (2), Perfect Angel (7), and Atkins (1), is a reliable, aggressive rider known for giving speed and stalkers well judged trips, particularly from inside or mid posts. Angel I Diaz partners with trainers such as Justine Eder, Larry E Smith, and Michael J Maker on horses like Scary Proposition (6), E Kracker (4), Save The Date (2), and Cast Your Spell (4). Jose A Bracho rides Rollin For Real (3) in race 7 and Mr. Riffle (1) in race 8, mounts for trainers Justin Radosevich and Robert C Cline respectively. Veteran T D Houghton, aboard More Love (5), Dunn's River (5), and Sunset Town (4), brings extensive experience on the Mahoning circuit and is particularly good at rationing speed on front running and pressing types. Deshawn L Parker, one of the most accomplished riders in the region, rides Scared Cause (1) in race 7.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Jeffrey A Radosevich, who sends out Shes A Storm (1) in race 4, is a perennial leading trainer at similar Ohio circuits and often spots horses very aggressively in Ohio bred claiming races. Brad H Cox, a nationally prominent trainer, ships in Kontiki (8) for the Southern Park Stakes, and the mere presence of this barn in an Ohio bred stakes strongly signals intent and quality. Michael J Maker saddles Cast Your Spell (4) in the Southern Park, representing a top level outfit stepping into a state bred stakes with a well managed three year old filly. Local fixtures such as Larry E Smith and Robert M Gorham have multiple runners across the card, including Cousin Minnie (3), E Kracker (4), Joropo (6), and State Of Grace (2) for Smith, and All Pepped Up (2), Echo Valley (6), Beat The Buzzer (4), and Jolly Mon (6) for Gorham. Trainers Ricardo Bailey and Jay P Bernardini also have multiple live runners, including More Love (5), Dunn's River (5), Sunset Town (4), Colonel Vargo (6), Florida Gator (4), No Napping (3), and Atkins (1).

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