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The final day of Thistledown’s 2025 meet features an eight-race card highlighted by Ohio-bred allowance and claiming events on a challenging sloppy surface.
Track Overview & Weather Conditions
Thistledown’s dirt track is listed as sloppy following recent precipitation, with partly cloudy skies, temperatures at 61°F, and a steady north wind at 20 mph with 62% humidity. The off-track conditions will significantly impact race strategy, favoring horses with proven mud form and likely setting up pace scenarios that benefit closers over speed horses.
The sloppy surface conditions create tactical advantages for horses that can handle the shifting, deeper footing, while potentially compromising those that rely on firm ground for their best efforts.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Allowance (12:50 PM) – 1 Mile Dirt
Key Contenders:
Heza Pistol (#2) emerges as the Racing Dudes selection at 6-1 odds with Victor Fernandez aboard for trainer Robert Cline. The Robert Cline stable has shown recent form at the track, and Fernandez leads all riders with 37 wins from 239 starts this meet.
Turkodancer (#1) draws the rail for trainer Joshua Langley with apprentice Noel Vigil, offering potential value if the inside path proves advantageous in the slop.
Pace Analysis: The mile distance on a sloppy track should set up closing kicks, with early speed potentially compromised by the track conditions.
Wagering Angles: Consider exacta plays using Heza Pistol on top with longshots underneath, as sloppy conditions often produce upsets.
Race 2 – Claiming ($7,500) (1:20 PM) – 1 Mile Dirt
Key Contenders:
Divine Empire (#4) rates as the 3-1 morning line favorite for trainer Michael Rone with Erik Barbaran riding. The Rone stable has multiple entries on today’s card, suggesting confidence in stable form.
Cowboy Justice (#1) offers value with Victor Fernandez for Robert Gorham at higher odds.
Pace Analysis: Low-level claiming races often feature aggressive early tactics, but the sloppy surface may cause more reserved riding strategies.
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight (1:50 PM) – 6 Furlongs Dirt (Ohio-bred fillies)
Key Contenders:
Dark N Dirty (#6) garners Racing Dudes support at 3-1 odds for trainer Louis Ruberto with Mauro Cedillo. This Ohio Thoroughbred Race Fund event restricts eligibility to state-breds, creating a more level playing field.
One More Thing (#2) brings experience advantage as a 4-year-old mare making her debut.
Pace Analysis: Six furlongs on sloppy track conditions should favor tactical speed over pure early pace.
Race 4 – Claiming ($12,500) (2:20 PM) – 1 Mile Dirt
Key Contenders:
Roundball Rock (#3) receives expert backing at 4-1 odds with Luis Batista for Oscar Romero. Batista ranks second among leading riders with 28 victories from 203 mounts.
Secret Trouble (#1) and Boldness (#2) both train with Nestor Rivera, who has shown recent success at the track.
Pace Analysis: The claiming level and mile distance create opportunities for pace pressing tactics.
Race 5 – Claiming ($16,000) (2:50 PM) – 6 Furlongs Dirt (Ohio-bred fillies/mares)
Key Contenders:
Salute the Kid (#6) stands out as the 2-1 choice for trainer Richard Rettele with Anthony Rodriguez. The higher claiming level indicates better-class stock in this Ohio-bred event.
Angel I’m Not (#1) offers upset potential at longer odds with Jose Bracho riding.
Pace Analysis: Sprint distance on sloppy surface should create tactical battles in the stretch.
Race 6 – Claiming ($5,000) (3:20 PM) – 6 Furlongs Dirt
Key Contenders:
Taking Charge Desi (#1) merits favoritism at 5-2 odds with Anthony Rodriguez for Emily Szczepanski. The bottom-level claiming price suggests wide-open competition.
Remember Me (#4) and Tiz Independence (#5) provide alternative options in this competitive sprint.
Race 7 – Claiming ($7,500) (3:50 PM) – 6 Furlongs Dirt
Key Contenders:
Gamboling Ghost (#2) rates as the 2-1 morning line choice with Erik Barbaran for Jason DaCosta. The DaCosta stable has multiple entries suggesting strong stable confidence.
Finistere (#1) offers value potential with Fernando Salazar Becerra.
Pace Analysis: Mid-level claiming sprints often produce honest early fractions despite track conditions.
Race 8 – Claiming ($5,000) (4:20 PM) – 1 Mile Dirt
Key Contenders:
Pittsburgh (#5) closes the card as a 2-1 favorite for trainer Robert Cline with Victor Fernandez. The combination has shown consistent form throughout the meet.
Not Yet Charlie (#2) and Digital Footprint (#3) provide alternate options in the finale.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Victor R. Fernandez leads all riders with 37 wins from 239 starts, posting a solid 15% win rate. His mounts today include key contenders Heza Pistol (Race 1) and Pittsburgh (Race 8), both for trainer Robert Cline.
Luis Alberto Batista ranks second with 28 victories from 203 rides. His mount Roundball Rock in Race 4 represents one of today’s stronger plays.
Jose Bracho and Erik Barbaran have shown consistent form throughout the meet and handle multiple mounts on today’s card.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Robert C. Cline has demonstrated recent success, with multiple winners in the past week. His stable’s ability to condition horses for sloppy tracks makes his entries prime candidates today.
Jeffrey A. Radosevich has shown strong recent form and trains multiple contenders across today’s card. His horses often perform well under adverse track conditions.
Nestor Rivera brings multiple runners and has recorded recent victories at the track.
Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Best Bets:
- Race 1: Heza Pistol to win
- Race 4: Roundball Rock to place
- Race 7: Gamboling Ghost across the board
Value Plays:
The sloppy track conditions create opportunities for longshots, particularly in the claiming events where class levels are more compressed.
Multi-Race Wagers:
Consider Pick 3 combinations using Racing Dudes selections: Races 1-2-3 (Heza Pistol/Divine Empire/Dark N Dirty) and Races 6-7-8 (Taking Charge Desi/Gamboling Ghost/Pittsburgh).
Exacta Strategies:
Sloppy track conditions often produce wide-open finishes, making exacta wheels and boxes attractive in sprint races.
Previous Day Highlights – October 7, 2025
Monday’s card at Thistledown featured several noteworthy results that provide insight for today’s handicapping. Grey Market captured Race 7 at odds of 4-5, validating form for trainer Nestor Rivera. Social History won Race 8 as the 11-10 favorite, suggesting favorites held form despite track challenges.
