December 18, 2025

From the synthetic surfaces of Turfway Park to the dirt ovals of Fair Grounds and beyond, Thursday’s racing menu delivers premium action across eight tracks. Here’s your guide to the day’s most compelling contests.

Eastern Showcase

Fair Grounds – Race 7 (3:45 PM CT)

Allowance Optional Claiming $50,000 | 6 Furlongs Dirt | Purse: $60,000

This sprint showdown features trainer P. Lopez’s Save the Trees (PSR: 96) facing stiff competition from J.L. Ortiz’s Cultivate (PSR: 94). With projected win time of 1:10.12, expect these speedsters to light up the Fair Grounds stretch. Jockey M.J. Maker guides Save the Trees, while J. Sharp takes the reins on Cultivate. Also dangerous: Honky Tonk Highway for trainer A. Concepcion.

Gulfstream Park – Race 5 (2:24 PM ET)

Claiming $50,000 | 8 Furlongs Turf | Purse: $43,000

The grass course features E.J. Zayas aboard T.A. Pletcher’s Irish Gent (IRE) (PSR: 90) as the one to beat. However, Hammerstein, Irrelevant, and English Law all carry PSR ratings in the low-to-mid 80s, promising a competitive turf test. I. Ortiz Jr. pilots English Law for trainer M.E. Casse.

Midwest/Central Action

Turfway Park – Race 8 (9:25 PM ET)

Allowance Optional Claiming $62,500 | 6 Furlongs Synthetic | Purse: $106,000

The evening’s headline attraction features L. Machado’s powerhouse Arrest Me Red (PSR: 102) for trainer W.A. Ward. This synthetic specialist faces R.M. Hernandez’s Nobals (PSR: 101) in what should be a thrilling sprint duel. Also in the mix: Run Carson (PSR: 96) and Joe Shiesty (PSR: 95).

Mahoning Valley – Race 4 (1:39 PM ET)

Claiming $5,000 | 8.32 Furlongs Dirt | Purse: $14,000

An ultra-competitive claiming affair with the top four separated by just five PSR points. L. Negron’s Zimba Warrior (PSR: 76) gets the slight nod over Camp David (PSR: 75) and Washington’s Union (PSR: 73).

Stakes Spotlight

Mahoning Valley – Race 9 (3:59 PM ET)

Joshua Radosevich Memorial Stakes | 2YO | 6 Furlongs Dirt | Purse: $75,000

A juvenile stakes featuring Ohio-bred talent with Dunn’s River (PSR: 47) leading the morning line for trainer A. Crispin. Jockey R. Bailey pilots this promising youngster against a field of 14 two-year-olds.

Mahoning Valley – Race 10 (4:27 PM ET)

Bobbie Bricker Memorial Stakes | 3YO+ F&M | 8.32 Furlongs Dirt | Purse: $75,000

Co-favorites Drills Wild Brat and Parlay (both PSR: 68) headline this distaff stakes. L.R. Rivera trains Drills Wild Brat with J.A. Radosevich in the irons, while Parlay represents trainer R. Bowen with T.E. Hamm riding.

Western Front

Remington Park – Race 8 (9:16 PM CT)

Allowance | 5.5 Furlongs Dirt | Purse: $47,775

Evening entertainment from Oklahoma features E. Asmussen’s Innovator (PSR: 89), who towers over this field by 12 points. S.M. Asmussen guides this speed machine seeking an easy score in allowance company.

Turf Paradise – Race 5 (3:06 PM MT)

Allowance Optional Claiming $25,000 | About 8 Furlongs Turf | Purse: $18,500

The Arizona turf test showcases Gatlinburg (PSR: 80) for trainer G.W. Corbett against a tight field including Athens Moon (PSR: 79) and Uncharted (PSR: 78).

Southern Circuit

Delta Downs – Race 5 (6:39 PM CT)

Starter Allowance | 8 Furlongs Dirt | Purse: $30,000

J.E. Lopez’s Celtic Pride (PSR: 81) leads the Louisiana evening card in this competitive starter allowance. Projected to run 1:39.90, this race features tight competition with Gucci Boy (PSR: 78) lurking dangerously close.

Penn National – Race 5 (7:41 PM ET)

Claiming $25,000 | 6 Furlongs Dirt | Purse: $28,000

M. Chuan’s Quick Tempo (PSR: 90) stands head and shoulders above this claiming field. With jockey J. Ness in the saddle, this speedster projects to dominate the Penn sprint.

Betting Angles to Consider

• Turfway’s synthetic surface rewards gate speed and tactical position—watch for early pace scenarios

• Fair Grounds’ dirt track has been playing fair for all running styles this meet

• Gulfstream’s turf course favors closers when the pace gets hot

• Multi-race sequences: Fair Grounds offers a 20-cent Pick 6 starting in Race 4; Turfway features a 20-cent Single 6 Jackpot beginning in Race 5

Whether you’re chasing Pick 5 payouts or hunting single-race overlays, Thursday’s eight-track extravaganza offers something for every racing enthusiast. Good luck, and may your tickets cash!

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