Mahoning Valley Tuesday Picks — January 28, 2025 | Best Bets & Handicapping

A group of horses with jockeys in colorful silks racing on a dirt track with spectators in the background.

The only thing colder than a Midwest winter was the Conductor’s picks Monday. 0/3 and we weren’t even close. The outside posts were where you wanted to be and Mr. Ductor’s horses were running on the inside. That’s the danger of submitting picks early on dirt. Pay close attention to the track passengers, and always be willing to adapt if you see a trend. Bounce back Tuesday, Let’s Ride.

Race 2: 5½ Furlongs. Clm 5000n3L

#6 Wild Time (5/1) – Throw out this geldings last try in the slop. His numbers fit with this group on a fast dirt track. He looks to get an ideal outside stalking trip today and he will have pace to run at. The Conductor is hoping the favorites duel each other into submission early.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 10000n1y

#5 Half Birthday (8/1) – This mare has run many speed figures that can beat this group on synthetic. She hasn’t been able to translate them to dirt, but she moved into a much improved barn last time. Now making making her 2nd start off the bench, the Conductor thinks she bucks that trend today. Trainer Valerie Shanyfelt is winning a 29% clip with a ridiculous +$5.72 ROI with horses making their 2nd start. The Conductor likes the confidence they have to bump Half Birthday up in class after last time too.

Race 6: 5½ Furlongs. Clm 5000n2y

#6 Monterey Peninsula (5/1) – This gelding dropped to this level last time and ran a decent 3rd in the slop. He was claimed out that race and the Conductor thinks that was a smart move. Monterey Peninsula will face the weakest level of competition he ever has today on a fast dirt track. He isn’t a mudder and will like the return to his preferred surface.

Don’t be stupid passengers, always play Mahoning Valley with Iron Bets to get the best wager rewards.

Mahoning Valley Monday Picks — January 27, 2025 | Best Bets & Analysis

A group of racehorses competing on a dirt track at Mahoning Valley Race Course during a race.

After the Pegasus weekend, all the fair-weather fans put their fancy clothes away and don’t think about horse racing until the first Saturday in May. The true grinders and passengers show up and punch the clock on Monday in Youngstown, OH. If they’re smart they use Iron Bets too. Skip.

Race 4: 1 Mile. F.Clm 7500n3L

#4 Queen Lexi (8/1) – This filly ran well sprinting last time, closing into a slow pace while being in the parking lot on the turn. Now with two sprints under her belt, she stretches out to a route in her 3rd start off a short break. Trainer Tommy short is 19% with a +$0.57 ROI this year with this training pattern. The Conductor would love over 5/1 in this wide open race.

Race 5: 1 Mile. Clm 15000

#2 Rose’s Pepino (9/2) – This gelding runs monstrous late pace figures every time. He had no chance last time being far back early behind a tepid pace. If this field stays in tact, he should get a much more favorable pace scenario today. He will be flying late.

Race 6: 1 Mile. Clm 4000n2y

#3 Endless Sunset (15/1) – This gelding moved into a much improved barn last start and showed more early speed in the slop vs tougher. Now he drops in class and gets back to fast dirt track for the first time in ages. His last start on fast dirt was good enough to win this race. Endless Sunset is the Conductor’s favorite longshot on the card.

Mahoning Valley Thursday Picks — January 16, 2025 | Best Bets & Handicapping

A group of horses racing at Mahoning Valley with jockeys in colorful attire.

0/3 Wednesday for the Conductor at Mahoning Valley. That’s not what we like to see. However, with the 15% takeout on pick 3/4/5’s, the Conductor has taken a liking to the track. Any track that reduces takeout, or ADW that actually gives you rewards (Iron Bets), the Conductor will support. Now shut up Conductor and get back to giving us winners. Skip.

Race 1: 1 Mile. Clm 5000n2y

#6 Tiz Speedy (8/1) – This gelding was no factor last time, but that was in the slop vs tougher. Now he drops in class and gets back to a fast dirt track. The last lime he faced similar competition under these circumstances, he won by 5 lengths. Now making his 2nd start for a new and improved barn, the Conductor is expecting a massive step forward.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. OC 40000n2y

#2 Atlantic Firestorm (15/1) – This gelding ran a solid closing 2nd in the slop last time after being on the bench for over a year. That race impressed the Conductor and Atlantic Firestorm should improve off that effort. He has some races to run back to in 2023 that make him a contender in here. He’ll be facing a very salty field with solid favorites, but he can inject value in the vertical wagers even if he doesn’t win. He should outrun his odds.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. Mdn 24.3k

#1 Vdaytothetenacious (7/5) – The Conductor is still frustrated he gave out a short priced loser yesterday. Unacceptable. The Conductor believes this colt will redeem him and finish off your horizontal bets in the finale. He should leave this group in the dust. Gate to wire.

Mahoning Valley Wednesday Picks — January 15, 2025 | Best Bets & Analysis

A thoroughbred racehorse galloping at high speed during a horse race, showcasing athleticism and competitive spirit.

They canceled racing on us at Mahoning Valley Tuesday. Many people were saying that they were scared of the Conductor scooping their pools. Rightfully so, but their tactics didn’t work. The train stays in OH until every last spec of coal is mined. Let’s Ride at Iron Bets. Skip.

Race 3: 5½ Furlongs. F.S.Clm 5000

#1 Bay Magic (20/1) – This is a very weak group of state-bred claimers and this mare has upside at a big price. She enters this race off a lengthy layoff, but is working well for a new barn. Trainer Marco Ibarra is 22% with a +2.53 ROI this year with runners off 90+ day breaks, and is 31% 1st off the claim. This mare looks ready to fire her best shot and that makes her competitive in here. The Conductor sees her outrunning her odds.

Race 5: 5½ Furlongs. Clm 4000n1y

#10 Quantum Theory (8/5) – This gelding won’t be a big price, but the Conductor thinks he’s a favorite you can rely on in the horizontal wagers. He lays over this field and looks to get an ideal outside stalking trip.

Race 6: 5½ Furlongs. F.Clm 15000

#3 Tiz Independence (8/1) – The Conductor doesn’t usually like horses cutting back from a mile all the way to 5 1/2 furlongs, but he’ll make an exception for this mare. She ran well vs tougher last time and was up close to a very quick pace for the distance. She’ll be finishing best in this race, the Conductor is just hoping that she won’t be too far back early. If she’s within striking distance as they turn for home, Tiz Wonderful is very dangerous today.

Mahoning Valley Tuesday Picks — January 14, 2025 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

A racehorse galloping towards the finish line with a jockey in pink attire during a sunset at a horse racing event.

2 for 5 Monday with 9/2 ad 8/5 winners is a good appetizer to start the week. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The train will spend Tuesday in Youngstown, Ohio and the Conductor will be mining for coal. Let’s Sign up at Iron Bets and ride together. Skip.

Race 4: 1m70yds. F.OC 25000n3x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #6 Literary (8/1) – This mare has been facing much tougher in her last two races off a layoff. Her races vs similar competition at Indiana this summer make her a serious contender in here. Switching back to the dirt in her 3rd race off the bench, the Conductor sees her firing a top effort today.

Race 6: 1 Mile. Clm 7500n4L

#7 Money Room (6/1) – This gelding was bumped at the break last time and made a nice middle move before flattening. Now making his 3rd start off a layoff for top connections, the Conductor sees him firing his best effort. His A race would be good enough to put him in the winners’ circle.

#1 Devils Gotta Go (20/1) – The Conductor thinks this bomb is intriguing as well. He came back off the bench at Turfway last time and ran a decent figure on the synthetic. Now shipping to Mahoning and switching back to dirt, he picks up a high % rider in Angel Diaz. It is very interesting that Diaz hops aboard for a low % barn. The Devils Gotta outrun his odds 2nd off a layoff.

Race 7: 1 Mile. Clm 4000n2y

#1 Krug (6/1) – There isn’t much early speed in this race and the Conductor sees Krug repeating his last victory. They sent him to the front and he finished off his race nicely after controlling the pace. Gate to wire.

Race 10: 6 Furlongs. Alw 25900n2L

#5 Main Line Cipher (8/5) – Nothing creative in the finale for the Conductor. This horse will be the heavy chalk, but the Conductor thinks he’s a cinch. You can lock up all your horizontal bets with Main Line Cipher in the finale.

Mahoning Valley Monday Picks — January 13, 2025 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

A thrilling horse racing scene featuring multiple horses and jockeys in colorful attire racing on a dirt track at Mahoning Valley.

Well, the Conductor’s coal supply is dwindling. The winter is in full swing and this is not the time to be draining resources. Let’s start the week off hot, and do so at Iron Bets for the most player friendly rewards in horse racing. Mohoning Valley also has player friendly 15% takeout on their pick 3/4/5’s. Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 5000

#7 Team Hot Line (9/2) – This mare set a scorching pace in the slop last time going 1 mile. Now she gets back to a fast dirt track and cuts back in distance. She looks to get an ideal trip, and has many past performances that can beat this group. 3/1 or better is a square price.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. F.S.Clm 15000

#6 Go Girl (8/1) – This mare made a nice middle move into a quick pace over a sloppy track last time. The Conductor likes to see improving early pace figures as a sign of returning to form. She drops to the lowest level of competition she’s faced to date and looks primed to run her best. The favorites look weak in this race.

Race 4: 6 Furlongs. Clm 5000n3L

#7 Markhamian (4/1) – This horse has a major early pace edge over this group. He coughed up the lead in the slop last time, but he has done his best running on a fast dirt track. He gets back to fast dirt today and has past races that would obliterate this field. The Conductor will swing that that he takes them gate to wire at 3/1 or better.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. S.Alw 40900nc

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Henry Mac (6/1) – There is plenty of early speed in this race. The pace looks to set it up perfectly for this gelding. Henry Mac ran a strong closing 2nd cutting back in distance off the bench last time. Now 2nd off the layoff with more pace to run at, the Conductor sees him getting his picture taken. 4/1 or better would be a treat.

Race 7: 1 Mile. Clm 5000n1y

#3 Ubiquitous (4/1) – This gelding was favored dropping to this level for the first time last race. He ran 2nd closing into a slow pace in the mud, and now stretches out to a mile. He’s only had one try at this distance and it wasn’t good, but that was against much tougher. The Conductor doesn’t think the distance will be a problem. He has a class edge over this group and should be a square price.

Race 10: 6 Furlongs. Mdn 24.3k

#1 Mr. Frederickson (6/1) – This colt debuted vs much tougher at Turfway and didn’t stack up. Now he ships into Mahoning Valley adds Lasix and gets the blinkers off. This trainer has a +ROI on the year and is tremendous with 2nd time starters. With 26 2nd timers this year, Israel Acevedo is winning at a 31% clip with a +$0.90 ROI.

Mahoning Valley Monday Picks — January 6, 2025 | Best Bets & Analysis

A thoroughbred horse racing at high speed with jockeys in colorful silks during a race event, showcasing athleticism and competition.

Happy Monday passengers. That means if you wager $250 or more on Mahoning Valley at Iron Bets, you get a FREE $20 wager. Mahoning Valley also has player friendly 15% takeout on their pick 3/4/5’s. Let’s start the week off right. Skip.

Race 3: 1 Mile. MC 5000

#1 Convert (6/1) – This lightly raced gelding ran some decent efforts close to par for this level this fall. He has since moved into the Khadeem Galloway barn and is making his return today. Galloway is 19% with a +$0.24 ROI with starters 1st off the claim this year, and his runners fire with this spacing. With horses entering off a 46-90day day break, he’s 26% with a +$1.74 ROI.

Race 6: 1m70yds. Alw 26400n3L

#3 Secret Trouble (5/1) – This race should have a scorching pace with the #1 and #2 vying for the early lead. Secret Trouble is a little light on numbers, but looks to get an ideal stalking trip, and faces his weakest competition to date. He adds blinkers for the first time and gets a rider upgrade today. The Conductor sees him running a career best effort here.

Trachea Kick Tuesday: The Conductor’s Plays at Mahoning Valley

Two horses racing at Mahoning Valley Race Course with a gaming facility in the background.

This is a big week in the Conductor’s life. A very big week. The Conductor and the Bat will arrive in Vegas tomorrow night. Yikes, Mahoning Valley time, Let’s Ride.

Mahoning Valley

Race 1: 5 1/2 Furlongs. Mdn 22.1k

#7 Double Take (4/1) – As soon as the tote opened, the boy took money. They know.

Race 2: 1m70yds. Clm 75000n4L

#3 Flying Ghost (5/2) – He won nicely last start, closing into a slow pace.  He looks to get a perfect trip today with lots of speed signed on.

Race 3: 1 Mile. Clm 4000n3L

#6 Replay (4/1) – He’s coming into the race in good form at Mahoning Valley and looks poised to run his best today.

Race 4: 6 Furlongs. F.OC 25000n3x

#2 Fionetta (7/2) – 2nd off the layoff, she’ll get back to a fast track today.  She loves to win races.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. F.S.Mdn 29.6k

#12 Wafflesorpancakes (9/2) – She ran a good 2nd at this level last start in a race with a very fast pace.  She gets a rider upgrade today.

Race 6: 5 1/2 Furlongs. F.Clm 5000n2x

#3 She’s a City Gal (15/1) – This jockey/trainer combo has connected with some bombs recently and this race is wide open.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. S.Clm 7500n2L

*Never a Doubt Bracket Bankroll Lock of the Day #5 Love Strut (5/2) – A heavy favorite last start, he got cooked in a hot pace.  He wont have that trouble today and will struuuuuuuttttttt his way to victory.

Mahoning Valley

Race 8: 5 1/2 Furlongs. F.Clm 5000n3L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Adale (4/1) – 2nd off the layoff, she pressed a really hot pace last time.  She’ll step forward today and is the best bet on the card for the Conductor if her price stays above 7/2.

Mahoning Valley

Moon Shot Monday: The Conductor’s Plays at Mahoning Valley

Entrance of Hollywood Gaming with a prominent sign featuring the words 'Hollywood' and 'Gaming'.

The Conductor strung 4 winners in a row yesterday, highlighted by a 6/1 winner. It was also St Patrick’s Day, so he doesn’t remember much else.  The Conductor needs to tighten it up a little bit again. Wait a minute, he’s taking the train with the Bat to Vegas for March Madness this week? Yikes, that’s going to get extra leaky. We’re going to have to build our bankroll at Mahoning Valley.  Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 1m70yds. Clm 5000n1y

#5 Colony Classic (15/1) – Its tough to take a 8 year old off a long layoff, but that’s why he’s the Conductor, he’s never scared. If this gelding is even remotely himself he can surprise at a big number.

Race 2: 1 Mile. F.Clm 4000n3y

*Never a Doubt Work Week Starter Lock of the Day 1/1A Entry (8/5) – Both these girls have good early speed in a race devoid of pace.

Mahoning Valley

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. S.Alw 33100n1x

#7 Lunar Heat (2/1) – Drawn well to the outside, she’ll control the race.

Race 4: 1 Mile. Alw 23500n2L

#5 Chairman (5/1) – His speed figures at Mahoning Valley fit against this group.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. Clm 4000n1y

#4 Dazzling Debuty (15/1) – This gelding contested a hot pace last time and faded late.  Without much other speed signed on here, she’ll get a more favorable trip today.

Race 6: 5 ½ Furlongs. F.S.Clm 7500n3L

#1 Even on the Run (8/1) – She stepped up in a big way last start. Another step forward gives her every chance.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 5000n2L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #9 Let’er Eat (5/1) – She ran a good closing 3rd vs tougher last start. She’s hungry today.

Mahoning Valley

Race 8: 5 ½ Furlongs. Clm 4000n1y

#8 Drinkinatthebar (8/1) – Speed kills.

Trachea Kick Tuesday: The Conductor’s Plays at Mahoning Valley

American Pharoah, a thoroughbred racehorse, running on a dirt track with a jockey in blue and yellow silks.

Lock winner along with another short price and a few longer prices running 2nd made it an ok start to the week for the Conductor.  Not good, not bad, we’ll keep the train at Mahoning Valley for another day, Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 5 ½ Furlongs. F.MC 7500

#1 Solar System (5/1) – 1st off the claim, she’s plunging in class and has shown good speed vs tougher.  That may be all it takes today.

Race 2: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 15000

#4 Ryoan (6/1) – Hopefully low % connections keep her price high.  She’s coming into the race in the best form.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. Mdn 22.1k

#1/1A Entry (5/1) – Both these colts are working like they’re the real deal and this is a weak field.

Race 4: 1m70yds. F.MC 5000

#2 Forevor Thankful (6/1) – Stretching out in her 3rd start off the layoff, she improved last race and has past figures on turf that give her every chance today. She’s untested on dirt.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. Alw 23500n2L

*Never a Doubt New Driver Lock of the Day #1 Island Vice (2/1) – This gelding just missed at this level last start and that horse came back to win again.  Gat to wire from the rail.

Mahoning Valley

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. F.Clm 7500n2L

#1 Granderalla (3/1) – Dropping in class for solid connections, she’s steadily progressing.

Race 7: 1m70yds. F.Clm 4000n2y

*Gullet Shot of the Day #9 Vaughn (6/1) – She’s stepping up in class at Mahoning Valley, but her last race beats this field.  This jockey/trainer combo is also red hot.

Mahoning Valley

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. MC 10000

#7 Wemadeittofifty (4/1) – No chance the Conductor makes it that long.