Get more in-depth analysis, expert picks, handicapper reports, AI picks, handicapping tools, in-article data tooltips, NO ADVERTISEMENTS, and other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!
Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!
The Pick Pony Handicapper’s Report is published daily and provides 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.
The 2025 Thoroughbred season at Remington Park continues with a nine-race card featuring a mix of maiden special weights, allowances, and competitive claiming events. All races are scheduled for the main dirt track. The feature events include a solid allowance optional claiming sprint in Race 6 and a competitive allowance route in Race 9 for Oklahoma-breds.
Post time for the first race is 6:00 PM CST.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Oklahoma City on Thursday calls for clear skies and cool temperatures.
- Sky: Mostly Clear
- Temperature: High near 65°F, dropping into the low 40s/upper 30s during racing hours.
- Wind: Light winds expected, likely not a major factor.
- Track Condition: Fast
- Surface Note: With no rain in the immediate forecast, the dirt surface should be fast and fair.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
- Sprint Bias (5 1/2 – 6 Furlongs): The main track at Remington often favors horses with tactical speed. Inside posts (1-3) can be advantageous in 5 1/2 furlong sprints, but the “sweet spot” is often posts 3 through 7. The rail (Post 1) has been fair but can get deep if the track is harrowed aggressively.
- Route Bias (1 Mile – 1 1/16 Miles): In two-turn races, speed is dangerous, with wire-to-wire winners occurring at a rate of approximately 35%. Outside posts (8+) are generally a disadvantage due to the short run into the first turn. Horses capable of securing position before the first turn often outperform closers who get hung wide.
Race 1
Post Time: 6:00 PM CST
Distance: 7 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Maiden Claiming $30,000 (Okla-Bred $35,000)
Pace Analysis
In this 7-furlong event, Quality Style and Roman Eagle project to show the most early initiative. With a short field, the pace should be moderate, allowing the front-runners to dictate terms. Expensive Game may try to get involved early but returns from a vet scratch in November.
Key Contenders
Quality Style (3)
The likely favorite dropping into a realistic spot. Shows consistent speed figures that top this field. The cutback or lateral move to 7 furlongs suits his running style. He should be on or near the lead throughout.
Roman Eagle (2)
A dangerous threat from the Austin Gustafson barn. David Cabrera takes the mount, which is a high-percentage jockey/trainer combination (approx. 27% win rate). He has shown flashes of ability and fits well at this claiming level.
Secondary Choices
Choctaw Cat (1)
Draws the rail and gets Lara Ezequiel. Will need to break sharp to avoid getting shuffled back. A steady grinder who could pick up pieces if the top two falter.
Longshots
Expensive Game (4)
Listed in the scratch watch with a vet scratch on Nov 8. If he runs back to his old form, he fits, but the layoff and vet history are question marks.
Betting Strategy: Exacta box 2-3. Win bet on 3.
Selections
Win: Quality Style (2)
Place: Roman Eagle (3)
Show: Choctaw Cat (1)
Race 2
Post Time: 6:28 PM CST
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Dirt
Conditions: Maiden Special Weight (Fillies and Mares)
Pace Analysis
Gloryibee and Hot Cookie should vie for the early lead. Courtinbymoonlight has tactical speed and should sit a perfect stalking trip just off the pace. The two-turn distance favors horses who can save ground.
Key Contenders
Gloryibee (2)
Trained by Steve Asmussen, this filly is the class of the field. Asmussen is hitting at a massive 26% clip this meet. She stretches out and should relish the distance. Expect her to be aggressive early.
Courtinbymoonlight (6)
Consistent runner for Austin Gustafson with Stewart Elliott aboard. She has been knocking on the door and her speed figures are competitive. The outside post in a field of 7 isn’t terrible, but she will need to clear runners inside her to save ground on the first turn.
Secondary Choices
Joyful Image (7)
The veteran of the field with experience. She often finishes in the money but has trouble finding the winner’s circle. A solid candidate for vertical wagers (Ex/Tri).
Longshots
Grand Circle (5)
Richard Eramia rides for Kari Craddock. Needs to improve significantly on speed figures to challenge the top two but could clunk up for a share.
Betting Strategy: Win on 2. Exacta 2-6. Trifecta 2-6-7.
Selections
Win: Gloryibee (2)
Place: Courtinbymoonlight (6)
Show: Joyful Image (7)
Race 3
Post Time: 6:56 PM CST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Claiming $20,000 (N2L)
Pace Analysis
Solevo and Choice Not Chance look like the primary speed. Secrecy Is Evil adds blinkers (or shows speed) and could press. This N2L condition is often chaotic, but the pace should be honest.
Key Contenders
Solevo (4)
Another Asmussen entry. Drops into a winning spot and has the highest recent speed figures. Erik Asmussen rides; the father/son duo has been lethal all meet (approx. 28% win rate).
Choice Not Chance (1)
Draws the rail for Gustafson/Cabrera. Should send hard from the gate. If he can hold off the pressure from Solevo, he has a legitimate chance to wire the field.
Secondary Choices
Secrecy Is Evil (3)
Stablemate to Choice Not Chance. Luis Quinonez rides. Offers value if the pace heats up and the leaders tire, though his form is less consistent than the top two.
Longshots
Copper Echo (2)
A closer who needs a pace meltdown. The small field might work against him, but he picks up Kelsi Purcell who rides hard.
Betting Strategy: Exacta 4-1. Win 4.
Selections
Win: Solevo (4)
Place: Choice Not Chance (1)
Show: Secrecy Is Evil (3)
Race 4
Post Time: 7:24 PM CST
Distance: 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Maiden Special Weight (2YO)
Pace Analysis
Two-year-old sprint races are often dominated by raw speed. Stormforged and Astro Beau show the best early foot on paper. Renton could improve second time out.
Key Contenders
Stormforged (2)
Asmussen trainee who looked sharp in workouts or debut. The barn excels with 2YOs at Remington. Erik Asmussen rides. Likely to be overbet but hard to go against.
Astro Beau (1)
Floyd Wethey Jr. rides for Scott Young. Draws the rail which can be tricky for a young horse, but if he breaks clean, he has the speed to contend.
Secondary Choices
Renton (3)
Another Asmussen runner (Stewart Elliott up). Often the “B” horse in these entries offers better value. Watch the tote board; if money flows here, he might be the live runner.
Moneymilitia (5)
C.R. Trout sends this one out with Luis Quinonez. Trout is known for having his horses ready, and this gelding could surprise at a price.
Longshots
Shop Time (7)
David Cabrera rides for Kevin Scholl. Outside post is a plus for a young horse (less kickback).
Betting Strategy: Exacta Box 2-1-3. Value play on 3 if odds are 4-1 or higher.
Selections
Win: Stormforged (2)
Place: Renton (3)
Show: Astro Beau (1)
Race 5
Post Time: 7:52 PM CST
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Dirt
Conditions: Claiming $10,000 (Okla-Bred Fillies/Mares)
Pace Analysis
Mucho Mia and One Eye Super Fly project to control the pace. Gospel Fabulous may try to close late.
Key Contenders
Mucho Mia (7)
Obed Sanchez rides. She has back class and fits well at this bottom-level claiming price. Her speed figures suggest she is the one to beat if she handles the distance.
One Eye Super Fly (5)
Younger filly facing older mares. She has upside and should be forwardly placed. Valdes-Jiminez rides for Stetson Rushton.
Secondary Choices
Janes Girls (3)
Listed with a “Scratch Watch” note from Nov 13 (Off-Turf). Returning to dirt here. If she runs back to her best dirt form, she is a major player.
Gospel Fabulous (1)
Deep closer. Needs a pace collapse. Listed as a vet scratch on Nov 29, so check the warm-up.
Longshots
Wild Gold Rush (6)
Speed type who could hang around for a share if the pace is slow.
Betting Strategy: Win 7. Trifecta key 7 over 3,5.
Selections
Win: Mucho Mia (7)
Place: One Eye Super Fly (5)
Show: Janes Girls (3)
Race 6
Post Time: 8:20 PM CST
Distance: 5 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Allowance Optional Claiming $35,000 (Okla-Bred)
Pace Analysis
A fast 5-furlong dash. Connors Outlaw is a dedicated front-runner. Mi Saturday and Caymen’s Soldier will also show speed. Expect a blazing opening quarter.
Key Contenders
Connors Outlaw (5)
The speed of the speed. Trained by Kari Craddock with Leandro Goncalves. If he clears the field early, he likely doesn’t look back. The 5-furlong distance is his specialty.
Devious Dennis (2)
The stalker/closer. If Connors Outlaw gets engaged in a duel, Devious Dennis will be the one flying late under David Cabrera. He is consistent and always fires.
Secondary Choices
Gypsy Mischief (6)
Outside post allows him to stalk the speed. Obed Sanchez rides. Good exotic filler.
Mi Saturday (1)
Rail draw forces him to go. Walter De La Cruz will have to send hard. Could fade late.
Longshots
Tzedakah (3)
Floyd Wethey Jr. rides. Will need a career best to top the top two.
Betting Strategy: Exacta 5-2 (Cold). This looks like a two-horse race.
Selections
Win: Connors Outlaw (5)
Place: Devious Dennis (2)
Show: Gypsy Mischief (6)
Race 7
Post Time: 8:48 PM CST
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Allowance (NW2L)
Pace Analysis
Risk It has massive speed but comes with question marks. Gun Show and Chivalrous will likely chase.
Key Contenders
Risk It (4)
A talented Asmussen runner listed as a “PrivVet-Illness” scratch on Nov 8. If he is fully recovered, he is likely much the best here on class and raw speed. Erik Asmussen rides.
Chivalrous (3)
Floyd Wethey Jr. rides for Dick Cappellucci (29% win rate). This barn is firing on all cylinders. If Risk It is vulnerable off the illness, Chivalrous is the likely beneficiary.
Secondary Choices
Gun Show (2)
Consistent runner who usually hits the board. Good key for 2nd or 3rd.
Hollywood Icon (1)
Rail draw. Needs to improve but gets Isaiah Wiseman.
Longshots
Storm On the Beach (7)
C.R. Trout entry. David Cabrera rides. Trout horses often improve with racing. Worth a look at a price.
Betting Strategy: Win 4 (if he looks healthy in post parade). Saver on 3.
Selections
Win: Risk It (4)
Place: Chivalrous (3)
Show: Gun Show (2)
Race 8
Post Time: 9:16 PM CST
Distance: 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt
Conditions: Allowance Optional Claiming (2YO)
Pace Analysis
A wide-open juvenile sprint. High Cinco and I Am What I Am have shown speed. Perfect Audible is an intriguing Asmussen entrant.
Key Contenders
High Cinco (3)
Danny Pish trains; Weston Hamilton rides. Showed good speed in previous starts and figures to be tough in this spot.
I Am What I Am (4)
Consistent form. Valdez-Jiminez stays aboard. Should be in the mix from the bell.
Perfect Audible (1)
Asmussen/Asmussen combo. The rail is tricky for a 2YO, but the connections demand respect.
Secondary Choices
Canned Heat (7)
Richard Eramia rides for Jesse Oberlander. Outside post is a major advantage here, keeping him in the clear.
Stretch (2)
Gustafson/Cabrera. Blinkers on? Watch for equipment changes.
Longshots
West of Town (5)
Brent Davidson trainee with Floyd Wethey Jr. Could pick up the pieces if the pace collapses.
Betting Strategy: Wide open race. Trifecta Box 1-3-4-7.
Selections
Win: High Cinco (3)
Place: I Am What I Am (4)
Show: Canned Heat (7)
Race 9
Post Time: 9:44 PM CST
Distance: 1 Mile Dirt
Conditions: Allowance (Okla-Bred)
Pace Analysis
Vestes and Out to Party should be forward. Cherokee Sunrise (if drawing in/running) has speed but is listed with multiple vet scratches recently (Nov 1, Dec 4).
Key Contenders
Vestes (1)
Steve Asmussen/Erik Asmussen. The horse to beat. Draws the rail and should use tactical speed to save ground and kick clear. The barn’s dominance in route races is notable.
Out to Party (2)
Tristan Ashford trains (30% win rate); David Cabrera rides. A very dangerous combination. This horse has been running well and fits the conditions perfectly.
Secondary Choices
Kitty Code (7)
Joe Offolter/Walter De La Cruz. Offolter is having a great meet (21% wins). This horse will be running late.
Send Off (3)
Mario Fuentes rides. A steady check-earner who could hit the board.
Longshots
Cherokee Sunrise (6)
Talented but fragile (two recent vet scratches). If he runs, he is a contender, but the health risk makes him a “play against” at short odds.
Betting Strategy: Exacta Box 1-2.
Selections
Win: Vestes (1)
Place: Out to Party (2)
Show: Kitty Code (7)
Jockey Notes and Insights
- Erik Asmussen: Currently riding in top form, especially for his father’s barn. When he is on an Asmussen “A” entry (like Vestes in R9 or Risk It in R7), they are winning at a high clip (approx. 28%).
- David Cabrera: Sitting second in the standings. He is the “go-to” rider for Austin Gustafson (Roman Eagle R1, Choice Not Chance R3) and Tristan Ashford (Out to Party R9). Look for him to be aggressive early.
- Stewart Elliott: A veteran who excels at route races. His ride on Courtinbymoonlight (R2) is one to watch; he is a master at saving ground.
- Floyd Wethey Jr.: teaming up well with Scott Young and Dick Cappellucci. Chivalrous (R7) is a live mount for him.
Trainer Notes and Insights
- Steve Asmussen: Domination is the word. Leading the meet with 60+ wins and a 26% win rate. In Maiden Special Weights (R2 Gloryibee, R4 Stormforged) and Allowances, his horses are often much the best.
- Austin Gustafson: Hitting at 22%. His horses are live in sprints. Roman Eagle (R1) is a strong play.
- Tristan Ashford: A smaller barn but highly efficient (30% win rate). When he enters a horse like Out to Party (R9), it is usually meant to win.
- Dick Cappellucci: Another high-percentage trainer (29%). Chivalrous (R7) deserves major respect based on barn form alone.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
- Best Bet of the Day: Race 6 – Connors Outlaw (5). The speed of the speed in a 5-furlong dash is a potent angle at Remington.
- Best Value Play: Race 7 – Chivalrous (3). If the favorite Risk It is not 100% after the illness scratch, Chivalrous is the prime upsetter at decent odds.
- Daily Double (Races 1-2): 2,3 / 2. (Cost: Low).
- Late Pick 3 (Races 7-9): 3,4 / 1,3,4,7 / 1,2. (Focus on Asmussen and Ashford runners).
