Overview
Live racing returns to Prairie Meadows Racetrack on Monday, July 28, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM CDT. Today’s program features a mix of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, with five scheduled races. The track is set for a lively evening, boasting competitive fields and local favorites across the lineup. Below is a comprehensive look at track news, weather, connections, and expert picks for each race.
Track News & Weather Conditions
Prairie Meadows, situated in Altoona, Iowa, hosts live racing throughout the summer with post times at 4:00 PM on Sundays and Mondays. Today’s forecast calls for warm and partly cloudy conditions, typical for late July, creating ideal circumstances for fair and safe racing. The main track is rated fast and the turf is firm, providing optimal footing for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse contests.
Trainer and Jockey Notes
The leading trainers at Prairie Meadows—Steve Asmussen, Karl Broberg, and Kelly Von Hemel—have entered well-meant runners across today’s card. Top jockeys include Ken Tohill, Alex Birzer, and Elvin Gonzalez, with all three boasting impressive win percentages at this meet. Watch for several up-and-coming apprentice riders eager to make their mark, especially in the lower-level claiming events.
Race-by-Race Breakdown, Picks, and Predictions
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight – 4:00 PM
The opener is a competitive six-furlong dash for maidens. Trainer Steve Asmussen sends out a promising first-time starter by Into Mischief, who attracted attention during workouts. Karl Broberg’s #4, “West Side Flyer,” returns after showing speed before fading against similar.
- Top pick: Asmussen’s #1 “Quick Mischief” (strong works, top connections).
- Contenders: #4 “West Side Flyer” (form to improve, drop in class), #6 “Midnight Orbit” (live longshot for sharp barn).
- Prediction: 1 – 6 – 4
Race 2 – Claiming – 4:25 PM
A well-matched field of $10,000 claimers sprint five and one-half furlongs. Karl Broberg’s entry, “Run for Justice,” drops in class and looks well-placed. Ken Tohill, who pilots several live mounts today, rides “Township Leader,” shipping back from a tough Oaklawn meet.
- Top pick: “Run for Justice” (class relief, tactical speed).
- Contenders: “Township Leader” (recent bullet work), “Gray Sensation” (outside post, closing style).
- Prediction: 2 – 5 – 8
Race 3 – Allowance Optional Claiming – 4:50 PM
This race attracts some of the meet’s highest-rated runners, going one mile on the dirt. Trainer Kelly Von Hemel’s “Iowa Proud,” a recent allowance winner here, faces off against Asmussen’s “Copper Ridge.”
- Top pick: “Iowa Proud” (local form, repeat threat).
- Contenders: “Copper Ridge” (Asmussen, sharp in the mornings), “She’s All Heart” (filly facing males, but rates a look on consistency).
- Prediction: 3 – 1 – 6
Race 4 – Maiden Claiming – 5:15 PM
A wide-open maiden claiming event, six furlongs for colts and geldings. The field includes several with early foot, suggesting a lively pace. Broberg’s “Lookout Point” deserves respect with a key rider switch to Alex Birzer.
- Top pick: “Lookout Point” (trainer-jockey combo excels at this level).
- Contenders: “Gallant Guy” (debuting, quick works), “Big River Eddy” (recent improvement, underneath value).
- Prediction: 5 – 3 – 7
Race 5 – Allowance – 5:41 PM
The nightcap is a high-level allowance sprint for fillies and mares going six furlongs. Multiple stakes-placed “Prairie Pearl,” with Ken Tohill up, is favored to return to winning ways off a freshening. “Quick Romance” and “Burlingham Lass” are also live.
- Top pick: “Prairie Pearl” (class on class, top rider).
- Contenders: “Quick Romance” (front-end speed), “Burlingham Lass” (late runner).
- Prediction: 1 – 2 – 5
Notable Storylines
Prairie Meadows continues to offer robust purses and competitive daily cards, attracting some of the Midwest’s premier stables. With the Iowa Festival of Racing in the rearview mirror, attention now turns to late summer allowance and stakes preps. Expect some of tonight’s major performers to emerge as key players in upcoming feature races.
