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Thistledown concludes its 2025 racing season today with an eight-race card featuring competitive Ohio-bred action and claiming contests across various levels. The North Randall, Ohio facility wraps up a season that has raised safety concerns with eight equine fatalities since opening day on April 21st.
Track Conditions and Weather Forecast
Current weather at Thistledown shows cloudy skies, with temperatures at 58°F, north winds at 14 mph, and 75% humidity. The forecast predicts morning showers, but the dirt track remains rated fast, providing ideal racing conditions for today’s card starting at 12:50 PM ET. The moderate temperature and manageable winds should foster favorable conditions for strong speed figures across all distances from 5 furlongs to 1 mile.
Race 1 – Allowance $40,100 (12:50 PM)
Key Contenders
Toastmaster (#4) emerges as Racing Dudes’ selection at 8-1 odds with Rocco Bowen riding for Timothy E. Hamm. This 3-year-old filly carries only 115 pounds due to weight allowances in this restricted allowance for Ohio-bred fillies and mares that have never won three races other than maiden, claiming, optional, or starter conditions. The light weight assignment provides significant advantages in this 1-mile contest.
Belle Bottoms (#1) represents trainer Nestor R. Rivera with Alexander Chavez aboard at 115 pounds. Her connections show consistent success at this allowance level, though scratch watch indicates veterinarian concerns from her September 25th race at Thistledown.
Secondary Choices
Goosebumps (#2) offers competitive credentials with Angel I. Diaz riding for Timothy E. Hamm at 115 pounds. The Hamm stable’s double entry suggests confidence in both runners’ current form. Miesha (#5) brings 4-year-old experience under Luis Raul Rivera for Michael L. Rone at 119 pounds.
Pace Analysis
This allowance field creates opportunities for fillies seeking victories under specific restrictions. The 1-mile distance favors tactical positioning over pure early speed. Weight allowances for non-winners at a mile or over since specific dates provide competitive advantages throughout the field.
Selections: Win: Toastmaster (#4), Place: Miesha (#5), Show: Goosebumps (#2)
Race 2 – Maiden Special Weight $33,900 (1:20 PM)
Key Contenders
Echo Valley (#10) draws Racing Dudes’ selection at 2-1 odds with Erik Barbaran riding for Robert M. Gorham. This 2-year-old filly represents proven connections in a competitive maiden special weight field restricted to Ohio-bred fillies. The outside post position allows tactical flexibility in this 5 1/2-furlong sprint.
No Napping (#1) opens from the rail with Angel I. Diaz aboard for Jay P. Bernardini. Her inside draw provides tactical advantages for positioning in this competitive maiden field. Mshawish’girl (#2) offers solid credentials with Fernando Salazar Becerra riding for Robert C. Cline.
Secondary Choices
Catpuccino (#3) represents trainer David Wolochuk with Mauro Cedillo aboard. Lances Romance (#4) draws post 4 with Alexander Chavez riding for Jason DaCosta, creating another viable option in this maiden special weight opportunity.
Longshot Analysis
Electric Eden (#7) trains with Alejandro Olais Mendieta and carries David J. Haldar, while Mo Thunder (#9) represents the Robert C. Cline stable with Victor R. Fernandez aboard, both offering potential value at longer odds.
Selections: Win: Echo Valley (#10), Place: No Napping (#1), Show: Catpuccino (#3)
Race 3 – Allowance $28,000 (1:50 PM)
Key Contenders
Big Lucky (#5) receives Racing Dudes’ selection at 2-1 odds with Alexander Chavez riding for Nestor R. Rivera. This 3-year-old colt carries 119 pounds in a field for horses that have never won two races. The Chavez/Rivera combination brings tactical expertise to this 1-mile allowance contest.
Biscotti (#3) offers competitive credentials at 115 pounds with Yan Aviles riding for Krista Nicole Hetrick. The 3-year-old gelding receives weight allowances that create significant advantages in this restricted allowance field.
Secondary Choices
El Faite (#1) represents Richard L. Genovese with Christian P. Pilares aboard at 115 pounds. Predecessor (#2) draws the rail with Joam S. Toledo riding for Emily Szczepanski, bringing tactical positioning opportunities.
Pace Analysis
This allowance field excludes claiming races for specific amounts in weight allowances, creating competitive dynamics. The 1-mile distance favors tactical speed over pure sprinters. Weight allowances for non-winners at a mile or over since specific dates benefit several runners.
Selections: Win: Big Lucky (#5), Place: Biscotti (#3), Show: El Faite (#1)
Race 4 – Maiden Claiming $18,900 (2:20 PM)
Key Contenders
Pupil (#4) draws Racing Dudes’ selection at 2-1 odds with Alexander Chavez riding for Nestor R. Rivera. This 2-year-old colt represents proven connections in a maiden claiming field for $25,000. The Rivera stable shows consistent success with juvenile runners.
King of Swords (#2) offers competitive credentials with Rocco Bowen riding for Timothy E. Hamm at 119 pounds. Thirty Thirty (#3) carries a “b” designation and represents Hutch Holsapple with Erik Barbaran aboard, though trainer scratch concerns exist from his September 13th race at Belterra Park.
Secondary Choices
Strike Breaker (#5) enters as the lone filly in this field at 116 pounds with Anthony Rodriguez riding for Richard J. Rettele. Her recent veterinarian scratch from October 3rd at Thistledown creates uncertainty about her current condition.
Pace Analysis
This maiden claiming field for $25,000 creates opportunities for 2-year-olds seeking breakthrough victories. The 5-furlong distance favors early speed over tactical positioning. Several runners show equipment changes or recent scratch concerns.
Selections: Win: Pupil (#4), Place: King of Swords (#2), Show: Shukran (#7)
Race 5 – Claiming $21,400 (2:50 PM)
Key Contenders
Kettle Kiss (#8) receives Racing Dudes’ selection at 4-1 odds with Erik Barbaran riding for Jeffrey A. Radosevich. This 5-year-old mare represents value in a claiming field for Ohio-bred fillies and mares that have not won two races since October 15, 2024. The Radosevich stable shows consistent success at this claiming level.
Express Fashion (#3) offers solid credentials with Alexander Chavez riding for Shane Meyers at 119 pounds. The Kid’s Prayer (#5) brings competitive form with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard for Richard J. Rettele.
Secondary Choices
High Fire (#2) carries 121 pounds with Anthony Rodriguez riding for Gary L. Johnson, though stewards’ scratch concerns exist from her September 26th race. Lady Jasper (#4) represents the Jeffrey A. Radosevich stable with Jose A. Bracho aboard.
Pace Analysis
This claiming field for $16,000 creates opportunities for older fillies and mares seeking victories under specific conditions. The 1-mile distance favors tactical positioning. Weight allowances for non-winners at a mile or over since specific dates provide competitive advantages.
Selections: Win: Kettle Kiss (#8), Place: Express Fashion (#3), Show: The Kid’s Prayer (#5)
Race 6 – Maiden Claiming $18,900 (3:20 PM)
Key Contenders
Drill Em (#7) draws Racing Dudes’ selection at 8-5 odds with Erik Barbaran riding for Robert M. Gorham. This 3-year-old gelding represents proven connections in a maiden claiming field for $12,500. The Barbaran/Gorham combination shows consistent tactical expertise at this claiming level.
My Buddy Micah (#2) offers veteran experience as a 5-year-old gelding with T.D. Houghton riding for Julie A. Pappada at 123 pounds. Bold Windsor (#3) carries competitive credentials with Mauro Cedillo aboard for Jacinto Lopez, though veterinarian scratch concerns exist from his September 17th race.
Secondary Choices
Bank On Frank (#4) represents trainer Johanna Urieta with Roberto A. Perez riding at 119 pounds. Lucky Kater (#5) brings 4-year-old experience with Miguel L. Martinez aboard for Tina Casalinova.
Pace Analysis
This maiden claiming field for Ohio-bred horses creates opportunities for runners seeking breakthrough victories. The 5 1/2-furlong distance favors early speed over tactical positioning. Several runners show recent scratch concerns that may affect current condition.
Selections: Win: Drill Em (#7), Place: My Buddy Micah (#2), Show: Bold Windsor (#3)
Race 7 – Allowance $35,800 (3:50 PM)
This restricted allowance contest for Ohio-bred fillies and mares three years old and upward represents one of the day’s most competitive races. The field of seven runners battles over 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt for fillies and mares that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, optional, or starter conditions, or have never won two races.
Morning Line Odds and Expert Analysis
Current morning line odds position Parlay Charlie as the 2-1 favorite, followed by Flashy N at 3-1, Saltmakeshersweet at 4-1, Sunny Lion at 5-1, Secret Valentine at 6-1, Credit Check at 8-1, and Wild Mariah at 15-1. Expert analysis confirms “PARLAY CHARLIE looks well-placed to build on a strong runner-up effort last time out. Flashy N has shown good form at this level and could challenge. Sunny Lion is another with claims after a solid second in tougher company”.
Key Contenders Analysis
Parlay Charlie (#4) – 2-1 Favorite
Parlay Charlie emerges as the logical choice based on current form and tactical advantages. This 4-year-old filly by Mr. Z carries 119 pounds with Ricardo Feliciano aboard for trainer Shane Meyers. Her recent form shows consistent improvement, including a victory on September 24th at Thistledown where she won by comfortable margins as the 4-6 favorite, earning a 59 speed rating.
Her September 9th second-place finish to Flashy N demonstrates competitive ability at this level, where she carried 4-1 odds and earned a 55 rating. The August 21st third-place effort behind Instigation and Flashy N at 5-1 odds shows tactical positioning ability over 6 furlongs, earning a 56 rating. Expert analysis notes she “thrives over sprint trips” and is “a four-time winner with proven speed” who “nearly scored last time and looks poised” for victory.
Flashy N (#5) – 3-1 Second Choice
Flashy N represents significant danger as the 3-1 second choice with Alexander Chavez riding for Nestor R. Rivera. This 3-year-old filly by Promises Fulfilled carries only 115 pounds due to weight allowances. Her September 9th victory at Thistledown demonstrates current form, winning as the 4-7 favorite while earning a 68 speed rating – the highest in this field’s recent performances.
The August 21st second-place finish to Instigation shows competitive ability at allowance level, earning a 66 rating while carrying 9-4 odds. Her maiden victory on August 28th, 2024, defeating future contender Belle Bottoms, established her credentials. The form line with Parlay Charlie from September 9th creates compelling angles, where Flashy N prevailed by narrow margins.
Credit Check (#3) – 8-1 Value Play
Credit Check offers potential value at 8-1 odds with Fernando Salazar Becerra aboard for Robert M. Gorham. This 3-year-old filly by Goldencents carries 115 pounds. Her recent form includes a second-place finish to Flashy N on September 9th, earning a strong 70 speed rating while carrying 5-2 odds.
The October 1st third-place effort behind Holidays Army Brat and Parlay Charlie earned another 70 rating, demonstrating consistency at this level. The Gorham stable brings proven expertise with Ohio-bred allowance runners, creating tactical advantages in this competitive field.
Secondary Choices and Longshots
Saltmakeshersweet (#6) – 4-1
Saltmakeshersweet carries 119 pounds with Yan Aviles riding for Gary L. Johnson. Her October 1st fourth-place finish behind Holidays Army Brat earned a 66 rating at 7-2 odds. Previous efforts show tactical ability, though recent performances suggest she may need improvement to compete with the top choices.
Sunny Lion (#2) – 5-1
Sunny Lion represents competitive credentials with Victor R. Fernandez aboard for Robert C. Cline at 115 pounds. Expert analysis notes she has “claims after a solid second in tougher company,” though specific recent form details are limited.
Secret Valentine (#1) – 6-1
Secret Valentine opens from the rail with Rocco Bowen riding for Timothy E. Hamm at 115 pounds. The scratch watch indicates veterinarian concerns from her September 9th race, creating uncertainty about current condition. Her breeding by Global Campaign out of Betrothed suggests competitive ability if health issues are resolved.
Wild Mariah (#7) – 15-1 Longshot
Wild Mariah represents the longest price at 15-1 odds with Anthony Rodriguez aboard for Gary L. Johnson at 119 pounds. While her odds suggest minimal expectations, the Johnson stable’s double entry with Saltmakeshersweet creates potential tactical dynamics.
Pace Analysis and Race Shape
The 5 1/2-furlong distance favors horses with tactical speed and early positioning ability. Parlay Charlie’s proven sprint credentials and tactical positioning create pace advantages, while Flashy N’s demonstrated ability to rate and finish strongly provides tactical options. Credit Check’s consistent speed ratings suggest she can maintain competitive positioning throughout.
The weight allowances favor 3-year-old fillies carrying 115 pounds versus older mares at 119 pounds, providing Flashy N, Credit Check, Sunny Lion, and Secret Valentine with tactical advantages. The allowance conditions excluding claiming races for $12,500 or less create competitive opportunities for proven allowance performers.
Track and Equipment Considerations
Current fast track conditions favor horses with proven form over the Thistledown surface. Parlay Charlie’s multiple course victories provide significant advantages in surface familiarity and proven ability at the distance. Flashy N’s recent course victory demonstrates current form and track adaptation.
Wagering Strategy and Selections
Win Selection: Parlay Charlie (#4) at 2-1 odds represents the logical choice based on current form, tactical positioning, and proven course success.
Place/Show Value: Credit Check (#3) at 8-1 odds offers excellent value for place and show wagering based on consistent speed ratings and competitive recent efforts.
Exacta Strategy: Key Parlay Charlie (#4) on top with Credit Check (#3) and Flashy N (#5) underneath, or box the top three choices for broader coverage.
Trifecta Value: Use Parlay Charlie (#4), Flashy N (#5), and Credit Check (#3) as the foundation, adding Sunny Lion (#2) for coverage at reasonable costs.
The combination of current form, weight advantages, tactical positioning, and expert consensus strongly favors Parlay Charlie while Credit Check provides exceptional value opportunities in exotic wagering combinations.
Race 8 – Claiming $12,600 (4:20 PM)
Key Contenders
Maliced (#1) draws Racing Dudes’ selection at 2-1 odds with Deshawn L. Parker riding for Johanna Urieta. This 8-year-old mare brings veteran experience to a claiming field for $5,000. Her tactical positioning from the rail provides advantages in this 1-mile season finale.
Special Beach (#2) offers competitive credentials with Jose A. Bracho riding for Joseph P. Mahan at 119 pounds. Calendula (#3) represents potential value with Luis Antonio Gonzalez aboard for Enrique Lopez Jr., though gate scratch concerns exist from her September 17th race.
Secondary Choices
Thelma Lucille (#4) brings competitive form with David J. Haldar riding for Ivan Vazquez. Battle Tested (#5) represents a 4-year-old filly with Angel I. Diaz aboard for Jevon D. Crumley.
Pace Analysis
This claiming field for $5,000 creates opportunities for fillies and mares that have not won three races since October 15, 2024. The 1-mile distance favors tactical positioning over pure speed. Weight allowances for non-winners at a mile or over since specific dates provide competitive dynamics.
Selections: Win: Maliced (#1), Place: Special Beach (#2), Show: Battle Tested (#5)
Jockey Analysis
Alexander Chavez brings multiple opportunities with mounts on Toastmaster (#4) in Race 1, Lances Romance (#4) in Race 2, Big Lucky (#5) in Race 3, Pupil (#4) in Race 4, Express Fashion (#3) in Race 5, Flashy N (#5) in Race 7, and Gormley Girl (#8) in Race 8. His seven mounts create potential multi-race wagering strategies and demonstrate confidence from multiple trainers.
Erik Barbaran rides Echo Valley (#10) in Race 2, Thirty Thirty (#3) in Race 4, Kettle Kiss (#8) in Race 5, and Drill Em (#7) in Race 6. His tactical expertise and course familiarity provide advantages across multiple claiming and allowance contests.
Luis Raul Rivera pairs with proven trainers on Miesha (#5) in Race 1 and Seyval Blanc (#8) in Race 2. His ability to rate horses effectively creates competitive opportunities in both allowance and maiden contests.
Trainer Insights
Nestor R. Rivera saddles multiple runners including Belle Bottoms (#1) in Race 1, Big Lucky (#5) in Race 3, Pupil (#4) in Race 4, Star Ella (#6) in Race 4, and Flashy N (#5) in Race 7. The stable’s five entries across the card suggest strategic placement and current form confidence.
Timothy E. Hamm enters Goosebumps (#2) and Toastmaster (#4) in Race 1, King of Swords (#2) in Race 4, and Secret Valentine (#1) in Race 7. The multiple entries indicate stable confidence in current form and race placement strategies.
Robert M. Gorham trains Echo Valley (#10) in Race 2, Credit Check (#3) in Race 7, and Drill Em (#7) in Race 6. His tactical approach and consistent success at Thistledown create reliable wagering angles.
Michael L. Rone saddles Miesha (#5) in Race 1, Thebeesenvyme (#5) in Race 2, Shanghai Delight (#7) in Race 1, and Seyval Blanc (#8) in Race 2. The stable’s four entries demonstrate confidence in multiple divisions.
Wagering Strategy
The Racing Dudes selections provide proven wagering foundations with their documented success showing $76,535.20 in year-to-date winnings. Focus on multi-race sequences using their systematic approach across the eight-race card.
Best Bet Opportunities
Late Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8): Use Drill Em (#7), Flashy N (#5), and Maliced (#1) as anchors with secondary choices for coverage. The sequence provides manageable costs with competitive fields offering payoff potential.
Daily Double Values: The Race 7-8 combination featuring Flashy N (#5) at 3-1 and Maliced (#1) at 2-1 offers solid value with proven connections in both contests.
Exotic Wagering
Exacta Focus: Race 1 provides excellent exacta opportunities using Toastmaster (#4) at 8-1 odds in combination with shorter-priced alternatives. The allowance field creates competitive dynamics with attractive payoff potential.
Trifecta Values: Race 2’s maiden special weight offers trifecta value using Echo Valley (#10), No Napping (#1), and Catpuccino (#3) in various combinations. The competitive maiden field creates reasonable costs with solid payoff opportunities.
Monitor scratch reports closely throughout the card, as several horses show veterinarian or gate concerns from recent races. The season finale atmosphere and Ohio-bred restrictions create unique handicapping opportunities across all eight contests.
