February 20, 2026 | 13-Track Spectacular

By the Aces and Races Handicapping Desk

Friday delivers one of the biggest multi-track cards of the winter season, stretching from Santa Anita in the west to Charles Town in the east and everywhere in between. We’ve combed through the full slate and pulled out the races, runners, and wagers most worth your attention. Saddle up.

Aqueduct — New York

The Big A kicks off in the afternoon and offers some of the sharpest top-end talent in the Northeast today.

Race 1 — Maiden Special Weight, 8 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 1:10 PM ET

This filly and mare maiden opener has a clear standout. Raghba (PP 5) breaks from post five with the field’s most favorable profile and a morning line of 1-1. Trainer Todd Pletcher sends her with Miguel Franco aboard — a powerful combination. Behind her, Trango Tower (PP 1) at 4-1 is a legitimate threat for a piece, and Dimensionality (PP 2) at 3-1 offers value for those wanting to stretch the exotic pools. First-time starter Inefficiency (PP 3) is worth watching in the paddock before dismissing entirely.

Bet: Win/Place on Raghba. Exacta: 5 over 1, 2.

Race 4 — Claiming $10,000, 9 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 2:42 PM ET

A tight claiming affair, but Laughing Boy (PP 5) and Flat On (PP 3) both come in holding strong profiles with identical Factors scores of 5 — which is notable in a field at this level. Laughing Boy carries the top projection and opens at 1-1, while Flat On checks in at 7-5 with Franco up. The gap to the rest of the field is substantial.

Bet: Exacta Box: 5 and 3. Daily Double into Race 5.

Race 7 — Starter Allowance, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Fillies & Mares, Statebred | Post: 4:13 PM ET

The projection gap here is striking. Undergrad (PP 4) sits well clear of the field at the top of the projected order, opening at 2-1 with Lezcano riding for the powerful Lacey Rice barn. I’m Kidding (PP 7) and Graceful Rose (PP 1) are the logical exacta partners.

Bet: Win on Undergrad. Exacta: 4 over 7, 1.

Oaklawn Park — Hot Springs, Arkansas

One of the premier winter meet tracks, Oaklawn always delivers, and today’s card is particularly loaded with stakes action at the top end.

Race 4 — Claiming $50,000, 6 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 2:03 PM CT

This is a legitimate field at a serious price point, and the race sets up beautifully. Goodasiwonswas (PP 6) and Molly’s Town (PP 5) are separated by just a single point at the top of the order — both with strong supporting Factors of 5 apiece — making this a genuine battle. Lundberg (PP 3) at 4-1 with a top jock looms as the value play, and Lunar Module (PP 1) with Lukas Saez in the irons at 5-2 is never to be dismissed. This is a race built for exacta and trifecta play.

Bet: Exacta Box: 6, 5, 3. Trifecta: 6/5/3, 1 in multiple combinations.

Race 7 — Allowance, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Fillies & Mares | Post: 3:35 PM CT — $125,000 Purse

With $125,000 on the line, this stakes-quality allowance features Shanett (PP 9) at the top of the order, backed by a Factors score of 6 and Lukas Saez in the saddle. She opens at 2-1. Miss Elle (PP 7) at 4-1 is second in the projected order and offers strong place value.

Bet: Win on Shanett. Exacta: 9 over 7, 1.

Race 8 — Downthedustyroad Breeders’ Stakes, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Fillies & Mares, Statebred | Post: 4:07 PM CT — $150,000 Purse

The marquee race of the Oaklawn card. Haulin Ice (PP 8) is one of the most dominant top-of-the-order profiles on the entire 13-track slate today, posting a Factors score of 12 — the highest of any horse we’ve examined across all tracks. She opens at a prohibitive 1-2. Trainer Steve Asmussen’s stable sends Hush It Honey (PP 2) as the logical main challenger at 3-1 with Bejarano up. Caliente Star (PP 5) at 12-1 is a distant but possible trifecta piece.

Bet: Win on Haulin Ice (small, given the odds). Exacta: 8 over 2. Trifecta: 8/2/5.

Turfway Park — Florence, Kentucky

Turfway’s synthetic surface races under the lights in the evening, and tonight’s card culminates with two standout stakes events.

Race 8 — Allowance Optional Claiming $40,000, 10 Furlongs, Synthetic | Post: 9:25 PM ET — $104,000 Purse

This is one of the most fascinating races of the evening. The field is deep, but Tickled Quist (PP 1) and Siesta Key (PP 9) share the top projected spot identically, and both come from the Cox barn — trainer Brad Cox sending a stable entry here is worth noting. Time for Trouble (PP 11) sits just behind with a Factors of 6 and offers potential overlay value at 15-1. Mutaawid (PP 10) with Mike Maker’s operation and Hernandez up at 4-1 is a strong contender for a piece.

Bet: Exacta Box: 1 and 9 (stable entry). Trifecta: 1, 9 / 1, 9 / 11, 10, 6.

Race 9 — Cincinnati Trophy Stakes, 8 Furlongs, Synthetic, 3-Year-Old Fillies | Post: 9:55 PM ET — $175,000 Purse

This is the race of the night. Map of the Moon (PP 10) tops the projected order with a Factors of 3, opening at 3-1 for trainer Kenny Danner. Coco Connect (PP 3) at 7-2 with Achard aboard is razor close. Resist (PP 11) at 10-1 carries a competitive number and could be the trifecta bomb. Dame Laura (PP 8) at 2-1 is the public’s choice and is legitimate — trainer Brian Walsh sends her with Eduardo Morales up.

Bet: Exacta Box: 10, 3, 8. Trifecta key: 10 over 3, 8, 11.

Gulfstream Park — Hallandale Beach, Florida

Gulfstream’s winter meet runs deep into the afternoon and features mixed-surface racing including turf and the synthetic Tapeta.

Race 5 — Claiming $17,500, 8 Furlongs, Turf | Post: 2:20 PM ET

A solid turf claiming field led by Conquering King (PP 1) at 3-1 for trainer Barboza with Ruiz up, backed by the top Factors of 6. Nate the Great (PP 2) at 5-1 is just behind with Velazquez — always a dangerous combination on turf.

Bet: Exacta: 1 over 2, 3. Win on Conquering King.

Race 8 — Allowance Optional Claiming $25,000, 5 Furlongs, Turf, Fillies & Mares | Post: 3:50 PM ET — $86,000 Purse

A nicely stacked AOC on the short turf. Thankfully (PP 1) at 6-1 tops the order for trainer Gary Weaver with Zayas up. The odds are fair for a horse sitting atop this field. Sod Siren (FR) (PP 7) and Capturing (PP 11) round out the top three.

Bet: Exacta: 1 over 7, 11. Consider a small Win play on Thankfully at the 6-1 price.

Fair Grounds — New Orleans, Louisiana

The winter’s premier meet in the South serves up eight solid races today, including a sharp 3-year-old sprint.

Race 6 — Allowance Optional Claiming $125,000, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, 3-Year-Olds | Post: 3:15 PM CT

Stop everything. Knock It Off (PP 2) is one of the most dominant projections on the board today across any track, opening at 3-5. Trainer Steve Asmussen sends this 3-year-old out with Jose Ortiz on board. The Factors of 5 here are backed by a projection that clears the field by a massive margin. This is a “grin and bet it” situation, even at the short price.

Bet: Win on Knock It Off. Use as a single in multi-race sequences (Pick 3, Pick 4). Exacta: 2 over 3, 5 for a modest return.

Race 5 — Claiming $20,000, 8 Furlongs, Turf, Fillies & Mares | Post: 2:45 PM CT

A wide-open turf claiming affair with real overlay potential. Turf Rocket (PP 2) sits atop the projections at 8-1 with the field’s top Factors of 8 — a significant edge. Miss River Rat (PP 11) is second at 9-5 and is the crowd’s choice, but the numbers suggest the public may be underestimating Turf Rocket.

Bet: Win on Turf Rocket (value play at 8-1). Exacta: 2 over 11, 8. Trifecta: 2/11/8, 7.

Delta Downs — Vinton, Louisiana

Delta serves up a loaded 10-race evening card with two Appreciation Overnight Stakes offering $75,000 purses.

Race 7 — Delta Downs Colts and Geldings Appreciation Overnight Stakes, 7 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 7:33 PM CT — $75,000 Purse

One of the most intriguing top projections of the day — Saint Gabriel (PP 3) and Chad’s Flashy Ways (PP 2) are knotted at the exact same projected number. Both carry matching Factors of 2. Sweet Fantasy (PP 4) is right on their heels with a Factors of 3 and a fair 8-1 price. This is a race made for exotics.

Bet: Exacta Box: 3, 2, 4. Trifecta: 3, 2 / 3, 2, 4 / 4, 9, 7.

Race 9 — Delta Downs Colts and Geldings Appreciation Overnight Stakes, 7 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 8:29 PM CT — $75,000 Purse

The companion stakes race features American Know How (PP 9) leading the way with a standout Factors of 7 at 3-1. The Donegal Clan (PP 5) is solid underneath at 7-2. These two are the ones to beat.

Bet: Exacta: 9 over 5, 1. Win on American Know How.

Santa Anita Park — Arcadia, California

The jewel of the West Coast card offers sharp 3-year-old sprint action today.

Race 7 — Waiver Optional Claiming $62,500, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, 3-Year-Olds | Post: 3:33 PM PT

Sharons Beach (PP 2) is an eye-catcher — a Factors score of 9 and a projected number that clears the field by a wide margin. Opening at 3-2 for trainer Jerry Thomas with Anthony Fresu, this looks like one of the strongest win plays on the West Coast today.

Bet: Win on Sharons Beach. Exacta: 2 over 1, 5.

Race 9 — Allowance Optional Claiming $20,000, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Statebred | Post: 4:33 PM PT — $70,000 Purse

A very tight top tier. Mr. Machupicchu (PP 2) and Coach Cronin (PP 7) along with Special Club (PP 4) all project within two points of each other at the top. Mr. Machupicchu at 6-1 offers the most value of the trio. Trainer Jonathan Bonde sends him out with Kyle Frey up.

Bet: Exacta Box: 2, 7, 4. Trifecta: 2, 7, 4 in all combinations.

Laurel Park — Laurel, Maryland

The Maryland oval fires up early with a seven-race card led by a terrific allowance feature.

Race 2 — Allowance Optional Claiming $55,000, 5.5 Furlongs, Dirt, Fillies & Mares | Post: 12:29 PM ET

Dwelling Legacy (PP 5) is a standout on this card, opening at 6-5 for trainer Gino Capuano with apprentice Hayley Hazlewood taking the call. The projected lead over the field is substantial. Top Gun Girl (PP 1) at 5-1 is a solid place play.

Bet: Win on Dwelling Legacy. Exacta: 5 over 1, 3. Use as a single in early multi-race bets.

Race 6 — Allowance, 7 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 2:27 PM ET — $49,000 Purse

Prado Road (PP 5) carries the top projection by a comfortable margin, backed by a Factors of 7 and trainer Bret Russell’s operation. He opens at 7-5. Crab Daddy (PP 3) and Winning Trip (PP 4) are the logical exacta partners.

Bet: Win on Prado Road. Exacta: 5 over 3, 4.

Tampa Bay Downs — Oldsmar, Florida

Tampa’s afternoon card is highlighted by turf action and a strong allowance feature.

Race 4 — Starter Optional Claiming $12,500, 8.5 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 2:06 PM ET

El Chispazo (PP 3) and The Best Distance (PP 8) are deadlocked at the top, separated by a single point. Both carry strong supporting Factors (6 and 5 respectively), and both open at fair prices — 2-1 and 9-5. Embrace My Uncle (PP 5) at 4-1 is a legitimate contender for the trifecta.

Bet: Exacta Box: 3 and 8. Trifecta: 3, 8 / 3, 8 / 5, 7.

Race 5 — Starter Allowance, 8 Furlongs, Turf | Post: 2:37 PM ET

Eldest Son (PP 4) is the standout here — a Factors score of 9 is the highest on the Tampa card, and the projection clears the field. Noble Factor (PP 6) and Crumlin Lad (PP 5) are the main threats.

Bet: Win on Eldest Son. Exacta: 4 over 6, 5.

Sam Houston Race Park — Houston, Texas

Houston’s card features some sharp spots in the evening.

Race 9 — Restricted Handicap, 8 Furlongs, Turf | Post: 9:58 PM CT

Excaping the Blues (PP 7) tops the projection at 3-1 with Factors of 6 for trainer Frank Bravo. Brucelea (PP 2) at 10-1 sits just one point back — a potential value overlay. Illustrator (PP 8) at 2-1 is the public choice and legitimate.

Bet: Exacta Box: 7, 2, 8. Trifecta: 7 over 2, 8, 4.

Charles Town Races — Charles Town, West Virginia

The late-night card at Charles Town runs until nearly 11 PM ET and features an excellent allowance lineup.

Race 4 — Allowance, 4.5 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 8:32 PM ET

Pork Chop Pete (PP 1) is one of the more dominant top projections we’ve seen at this meet — a Factors score of 6 and a projection that clears the field cleanly. He opens at 7-5 for trainer Jose Contreras with Angel Bocachica up. Moonlit Notion (PP 6) is the main challenger at 8-5.

Bet: Win on Pork Chop Pete. Exacta: 1 over 6, 2.

Race 7 — Allowance, 6.5 Furlongs, Dirt, Fillies & Mares | Post: 10:02 PM ET

Maggie’s Girl (PP 5) carries a Factors of 7 — the best on the Charles Town card — and opens at 7-5 for trainer Tim Grams with Lorenzo Reynolds up. She has a clear projection edge over the field. Serenade Me (PP 4) at 3-1 is the second-order play.

Bet: Win on Maggie’s Girl. Exacta: 5 over 4, 6.

Penn National — Grantville, Pennsylvania

Penn’s evening card features an excellent allowance sprint in Race 5.

Race 5 — Allowance, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Fillies & Mares, Statebred | Post: 7:41 PM ET — $41,000 Purse

Night Quest (PP 3) leads the order for trainer Carl Lynch with Anthony Cruz up, opening at 3-1. Up N Runnin (PP 5) at 2-1 is the crowd’s choice but projects a step behind. The gap between these two and the rest of the field is meaningful.

Bet: Exacta: 3 over 5, 7. Consider a small Win on Night Quest at 3-1.

Mahoning Valley Race Course — Youngstown, Ohio

Mahoning Valley wraps up its afternoon card with a nice feature allowance.

Race 7 — Allowance, 8 Furlongs, Dirt | Post: 3:03 PM ET

An honest field where Dr Ruben M (PP 6) tops the projection at 8-5. The Chalk (PP 3) at 5-2 and Oklahoma Joe (PP 4) at 8-1 are both within striking distance. Note that the top projected figure in this race (87) is actually a par-projection; the field is closely grouped, making this a prime race for exotics.

Bet: Exacta Box: 6, 3, 4. Trifecta: 6/3, 4/3, 4, 1.

Best Bets of the Day — Aces and Races Selections

Here are our top five single plays to highlight from today’s full slate:

Best Bet No. 1 — Knock It Off, Fair Grounds Race 6 — Dominant profile, elite jockey-trainer combination, massive margin over the field. Even at short odds, this is the most confident play on the card.

Best Bet No. 2 — Haulin Ice, Oaklawn Race 8 (Downthedustyroad Breeders’ Stakes) — Factors of 12 is the highest on the entire 13-track slate. Exacta play over Hush It Honey is the wager.

Best Bet No. 3 — Sharons Beach, Santa Anita Race 7 — Factors of 9 and a commanding projection at a workable 3-2 price for a 3-year-old.

Best Bet No. 4 — Dwelling Legacy, Laurel Park Race 2 — Standout at 6-5, sharp trainer-jockey combo, significant projection edge in an allowance sprint.

Best Bet No. 5 — Map of the Moon, Turfway Race 9 (Cincinnati Trophy Stakes) — Top projected filly in a $175,000 stakes at a fair 3-1 morning line price.

Multi-Race Sequence Suggestion — Pick 5 at Oaklawn (Races 6–10)

• Race 6: What’s Her Number, Silent Strike (top two in the order, tight race)

• Race 7: Shanett (single)

• Race 8: Haulin Ice (single — Breeders’ Stakes)

• Race 9: She Called, Bold Boss, Bachelor Party

• Race 10: Willy Cuts, Markansas, Gray Taps

Good luck at the windows. Bet responsibly, stay within your bankroll, and enjoy the races.

Aces and Races — February 20, 2026

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