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Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Penn National – Racing News and Analysis for March 27, 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.

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Penn National offers a compact seven race Friday evening card on March 27, 2026, with a mix of claiming, starter, maiden, and Pennsylvania bred allowance events. The main track is a one mile dirt oval with a relatively short run into the first turn, and all races on this card are on dirt, so trip and early positioning will be critical throughout the night.

The feature quality races from a purse and class standpoint are Race 4 and Race 5, both Pennsylvania bred allowance events at a mile seventy and six furlongs respectively, drawing several familiar local barns and riders who routinely dominate the Penn circuit. Supporting races include a higher end $25,000 claimer to open the card in Race 1, a starter optional claiming route in Race 2, a maiden special weight sprint for three year old fillies in Race 3, a non winners of two lifetime claiming sprint in Race 6, and a maiden claiming sprint for fillies and mares in Race 7.

There are a number of recent scratch patterns worth paying attention to, including Kaladin (5) in Race 1 with multiple prior scratches, Malibu Warrior (1) and Curlington (5) in Race 2 coming off scratches, Marys Reward (1) in Race 4 returning from a recent illness related scratch, Paterno (7) and Racetrack Romance (3) in Race 5 exiting scratched allowance tries, Souper Vinnie (1) and Swift Attraction (3) in Race 6, and Bramwell (5) in Race 7. Those histories raise question marks about physical condition, placement, and intent that factor into handicapping decisions.

Weather and Track Conditions

Regional forecast data for central Pennsylvania on March 27, 2026, calls for cool conditions with daytime highs in the upper 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, trending cooler into the evening racing hours, with a mix of clouds and a chance of rain earlier in the day. Specific daily projections show moderate rain potential during the day with totals near 10 millimeters, followed by tapering precipitation by evening, suggesting the dirt track may start out wet, sealed, or listed as good before gradually drying if the rain ends on schedule.

Typical March patterns at similar central Pennsylvania locations show variable spring conditions, with days of rain interspersed with dry, cool evenings, which often leaves the surface tighter and slightly speed friendly when moisture is locked in and the track is sealed or harrowed just before the card. Handicappers should monitor official track condition changes close to post time, but for purposes of this analysis, an assumption of a reasonably tight, slightly moisture affected main track that can favor horses securing forward early position is appropriate.

Track Bias and Post Position Profile

Historical bias analysis for Penn National s main track indicates a mild but consistent preference toward horses with early pace in dirt sprints, helped by the short run to the first turn and the ability for speed to control fractions when the surface is tight. In sprints, inside to middle posts have performed best, with some data showing post three to five performing slightly above average, though the bias is not extreme and capable off the pace runners can still win with a clean trip and honest fractions.

Overall, Penn National tends to play fairly at longer route distances, with less pronounced post bias, although saving ground into the first turn is still a plus, particularly for mid pack types who can work out rail skimming trips behind dueling leaders. On nights when the surface retains moisture, a sealed or wet fast track can further tilt things toward speed and tactical pressers, so early position and gate speed should be upgraded, while deep closers dependent on a meltdown become more vulnerable unless multiple confirmed front runners collide.

Race 1 – Claiming 25,000 – 1 Mile Dirt – 5:45 PM

Race 1 has a compact group of five older geldings, and the pace scenario appears tactical rather than blazing, with several stalker to presser types and no pure need the lead burner evident on paper from the entries listed. Excellorator (3) has shown enough tactical speed in past races for this level to secure a forward position, while Hey Porter (4) is typically a pace pressing type who can be involved early without necessarily demanding the front, and Kaladin (5) has some early foot but is returning from multiple recent scratches which may temper aggressive tactics.

Key Contenders: Excellorator (3) for the Jamie Ness barn looks like the horse to beat from this field, dropping into a competitive but manageable claiming spot and drawing an ideal middle post for a stalking trip. Hey Porter (4) projects as the main danger, as a seasoned seven year old gelding who has been competitive in similar or slightly softer spots and tends to give a consistent account of himself when able to sit just off the pace.

Secondary Choices: Kaladin (5) is an interesting but somewhat risky proposition, returning here after multiple recent scratches at Parx including a claiming race and a starter optional claiming race, which raise questions about soundness or connections adjusting plans. Easter Bet (1) from the rail for trainer Konstantinos Harigeorgiou with rider Inoel Beato looks like a piece contender who can save ground behind the speed and try to grind up the rail late.

Longshots: Kissthemoon (2) under Pedro Cotto Jr for trainer Brandon Kulp appears to be the outsider of the group, with a running style that suggests mid pack or slightly off the pace, but without a strong edge on figures or recent form versus this claiming level.

Race 2 – Starter Optional Claiming – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt – 6:14 PM

This six horse route features several seasoned veterans with varying running styles, and the pace should be honest without being overly fast, as there are a couple of forward types but no absolute runoff. Malibu Warrior (1), if sent aggressively from the rail by Patrick Henry Jr for trainer Trevor Gallimore, could be involved early, though his recent scratch pattern, including steward and trainer scratches in tougher company, adds uncertainty about tactics and fitness.

Key Contenders: Bay Street Money (6) stands out on class and consistency, as a nine year old gelding for trainer Paulina Sinnefia with Julio Hernandez named, who has often been competitive in starter and lower level allowance company. Bet N Win (3) is another key player as a durable seven year old gelding who fits this starter optional claiming condition nicely and brings solid form that stacks up well against this group.

Secondary Choices: White Series (2) with Brittany Scampton aboard for Rodolfo Sanchez Salomon deserves respect as a five year old gelding who likely fits at this level based on typical barn placement patterns. Curlington (5) is a secondary contender with caveats, coming off a veterinarian scratch on February 26 at Penn in a 7,500 non winners of three lifetime claiming race.

Longshots: Malibu Warrior (1) is intriguing as a potential price play but carries risk, with a series of scratches including steward and trainer scratches in tougher races at Parx earlier in March, which may signal either an attempt to find a softer spot or underlying physical or behavioral issues. Immense Faith (4) with only 113 pounds could be hustled early to help ensure an honest tempo, especially as a stablemate to Malibu Warrior (1) for the Gallimore barn.

Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight – 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt – Three Year Old Fillies – 6:43 PM

Maiden sprints for three year old fillies often produce contested early pace, and this field of eight appears to have several speed oriented runners and a few who may be content to stalk. Tiz Ziffy (1) on the rail under Silvestre Gonzalez for Kathleen Demasi figures to show good early foot, while Itty Biddy City (3) with Yabriel Ramos for Robert Wolfe Jr and Blast Of Mischief (2) with Jomar Torres for Brandon Kulp also shape as pace players or pace pressers.

Key Contenders: Remembrall (7) is a key contender, with probable short odds reflecting positive impressions from workouts, pedigree, and connections. From the outside half of the gate with Julio Hernandez riding for Elisha Perez, Remembrall (7) can sit just off the early leaders, avoid inside traffic, and launch a well timed move turning for home. Tiz Ziffy (1) is another major player, likely to be well regarded in the wagering based on projected probable starting price ranges and the strength of the connections.

Secondary Choices: Itty Biddy City (3) appears to be a solid secondary contender with a likely mid range price, as consensus assessments slot her just behind the top two in projected odds. Blast Of Mischief (2) is another logical secondary, with the inside middle draw and Jomar Torres riding for Brandon Kulp, a barn that tends to have these types fit and ready.

Longshots: Volatile Sister (4) and Kylies Kiss (5) for trainer Flint Stites appear to be more mid priced or longshot types based on projected odds, both needing improvement or a favorable pace scenario to contend for the win. Tinker Bull (6) for Lydee Shea, Dont Even Think (8) also for Lydee Shea with David Cora, and Kylies Kiss (5) likely represent the bigger price possibilities in the field.

Race 4 – PA Bred Allowance – 1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt – Fillies and Mares – 7:12 PM

With only five entrants, this race should be run at a moderate pace, but small fields can sometimes lead to tactical chess matches where one rider seizes a soft lead and proves hard to catch. Eye Candy Warrior (3), a three year old filly with Yabriel Ramos up for Brandon Kulp, may show good early speed with the weight break at 114 pounds, and could attempt to control things from near the front.

Key Contenders: Disco Rules (2) stands out as a key contender, representing a younger four year old filly with room for improvement and placed here by a capable trainer in Riley Mott with Angel Rodriguez riding. Marys Reward (1) is another major player, but she is returning from a recent regulatory veterinarian scratch for illness from a March 19 claiming 10,000 race at Penn, which injects some uncertainty into her current condition.

Secondary Choices: Irish Coco (5), a six year old mare for trainer Elizabeth Merryman with Julio Hernandez aboard, is a logical secondary contender as an older mare who likely has faced solid company in prior Pennsylvania bred events. Eye Candy Warrior (3) earns attention as a lightly weighted three year old who may have upside and could get brave on the lead or from a pressing trip if she is allowed to dictate fractions without serious pressure.

Longshots: Combat Hoofs (4) with Inoel Beato for Erin McClellan appears to be the longest shot on paper, likely relying on a pace collapse or significant improvement to threaten for the win.

Race 5 – PA Bred Allowance – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Three Year Olds – 7:41 PM

This seven horse field contains several speed types and promising young horses, making it one of the more interesting pace puzzles on the card. Keystone State (1) at the rail with Angel Cruz for Cathal Lynch carries only 114 pounds, suggesting a likely front running or pace pressing ride, while Wave Rider (2) with David Cora for T Bernard Houghton and Letter To You (5) with Silvestre Gonzalez for Kathleen Demasi also possess early foot and will not want Keystone State (1) to get too comfortable.

Key Contenders: Paterno (7) looms as a key contender despite a recent trainer scratch from a March 12 allowance race at Penn, which may simply have been a placement decision. The outside post gives Ramos and trainer Bruce Kravets options to drop in and stalk the inside speed, and in a race that could melt for a late runner, Paterno (7) has an ideal draw and profile to deliver a strong late run down the center of the track. Rudiobus (4), a colt ridden by Jomar Torres for Elisha Perez, is another major player, likely to get a good spot in the second flight just behind Keystone State (1) and Wave Rider (2).

Secondary Choices: Keystone State (1) with the big weight break at 114 pounds is a dangerous front running or pressing type, especially if the rail is not a disadvantage and he breaks sharply. Letter To You (5) for Demasi with Silvestre Gonzalez is a logical secondary contender as a versatile type who can sit mid pack and strike when called upon.

Longshots: Wave Rider (2) and Borz (6) for trainer Houghton, and Racetrack Romance (3) under Andy Hernandez for Hugo Padilla, all have paths to improvement but appear a notch below the top tier on paper, with Racetrack Romance (3) coming off a veterinarian scratch from a recent allowance race that adds some uncertainty.

Race 6 – Claiming 10,000 N2L – 6 Furlongs Dirt – 8:10 PM

With a small field of mostly lightly raced or lightly accomplished geldings, the pace scenario is somewhat murky but likely to be moderate to honest rather than blazing. Torotoro (2), a three year old gelding with Emilio Flores for Lydee Shea, figures to be one of the quicker early types and may go forward from his inside middle post, while Swift Attraction (3), a stablemate under Maicol Inirio, could also show speed off previous efforts before a trainer scratch from a February 20 starter optional claiming non winners of two event.

Key Contenders: Jace Is No Joke (5) looks like the most attractive win candidate, with Yabriel Ramos up for the Kravets barn and a profile of a horse that can sit just off the leaders in a small field and get first run turning for home. Swift Attraction (3), despite a recent trainer scratch in a starter optional race, is another key contender with some upside, particularly if he can break sharply and either control the pace or sit a pressing trip just behind Torotoro (2).

Secondary Choices: Souper Vinnie (1) and Showtime Matinee (4) for trainers Steven Chircop and Bruce Kravets respectively both deserve secondary consideration, especially in vertical exotics where their grinding running styles can land them in the exacta or trifecta. Showtime Matinee (4) under Ramon Moya is likely to be overlooked slightly but benefits from having stablemate Jace Is No Joke (5) in the race to ensure an honest enough pace to set up his late run.

Longshots: Torotoro (2) is the most plausible longshot speed horse here, a three year old for Lydee Shea who may be sent from the gate in an attempt to steal it on the front end.

Race 7 – Maiden Claiming 10,000 – 6 Furlongs Dirt – Fillies and Mares – 8:39 PM

Maiden claiming sprints often feature chaotic pace and unpredictable form cycles, and this group has a blend of speed and off the pace types that should ensure a contested early fraction. Wood Lily (1) with Inoel Beato for T Bernard Houghton has the rail and some incentive to show speed, while Ambessa (4) and Craving Carbs (3) for Brandon Kulp, both three year olds, could also flash early foot with Jomar Torres and Angel Rodriguez respectively.

Key Contenders: Belliqueux (6), the five year old mare under Carlos Lopez for the Kreiser barn, looks like a key contender at this level based on typical barn strengths with claiming types and the mare s likely ability to finish strongly against modest maiden claiming company. Ambessa (4) under Jomar Torres for Brandon Kulp also looms large, as a younger three year old who may have more upside than many of these older, more exposed maidens.

Secondary Choices: Craving Carbs (3) is an interesting secondary contender, another Kulp trainee with a live rider in Angel Rodriguez and the profile of a filly who can break well and secure a good stalking position. Bramwell (5) has had prior trainer scratch issues from a March 6 maiden claiming 10,000 at Penn, but returns here for Houghton with David Cora, and could be primed for a better effort if the scratch was more about timing than health.

Longshots: Wood Lily (1) and Alice Fantastic (2) from the inside two posts may be forced into showing speed to hold position, but their chances of lasting the full six furlongs on the front are uncertain, particularly if the track surface is not strongly favoring inside speed at this point in the card. Deposit Slip (7) with Wilfredo Corujo for Kevin Fields and Sexy Red Dress (8) for Flint Stites complete the field as deeper longshots, but their outside draws give them the chance to sit a comfortable stalking or closing trip.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Penn National s jockey colony for this card features several familiar local riders who have strong track knowledge and long standing relationships with high percentage barns. Julio Hernandez, riding key mounts like Bay Street Money (6) in Race 2, Remembrall (7) in Race 3, Irish Coco (5) in Race 4, and Souper Vinnie (1) in Race 6, is a proven Penn specialist whose patient, well timed rides in routes and off the pace sprints often make the difference in tight finishes.

Jomar Torres is another rider to upgrade, with mounts such as Blast Of Mischief (2) and Marys Reward (1) for trainer Brandon Kulp, Rudiobus (4) in the key Race 5 allowance, and Ambessa (4) in the finale, all fitting his aggressive yet tactically aware profile. Yabriel Ramos, aboard horses like Kaladin (5), Itty Biddy City (3), Eye Candy Warrior (3), Paterno (7), Jace Is No Joke (5), and others, is also a significant factor, especially when riding for barns like Kravets and Kulp that have confidence in his ability to execute both front running and stalking trips.

Several barns appear prominently on this card and merit attention. Jamie Ness, represented by Excellorator (3) in Race 1, has an excellent reputation for placing horses realistically and winning at high percentages in mid level claimers. Brandon Kulp is another key player with multiple runners including Kissthemoon (2), Blast Of Mischief (2), Marys Reward (1), Eye Candy Warrior (3), Craving Carbs (3), and Ambessa (4), often spotting his horses in races where they can compete for top checks and using capable riders like Torres, Rodriguez, and Ramos.

Bruce Kravets is well represented with Kaladin (5), Paterno (7), Showtime Matinee (4), and Jace Is No Joke (5), and has a long history of success at Penn National, especially in claiming and allowance races where his horses often show consistent effort and tactical versatility. Trainers like Riley Mott with Disco Rules (2), Elizabeth Merryman with Irish Coco (5), and Cathal Lynch with Keystone State (1) also bring high caliber, often ship in or regional string horses that can outclass locals when spotted aggressively.

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