Mahoning Valley: Horse racing pick of the day for Dec. 15

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Tuesday, Dec. 15

Mahoning Valley: Race 1: Maiden special weight (6 furlongs, 12:45 p.m. ET)

#1 Fricka (3-5 on the morning line) is a heavy favorite for trainer Jeffrey Radosevich, a 27% winner at Mahoning Valley. The daughter of Mobil ran well at this class level and distance at Mahoning last month, when she set the pace over a sloppy track and settled for second, with a 57 Brisnet Speed rating.

But #7 Lucky Double D’s (6-1) posted a similar 56 rating, when she rallied belatedly to finish fourth in a 5 1/2-furlong dash at Mahoning last month. She’ll add blinkers for Tuesday’s test, which should sharpen her speed and get her into the race sooner. It’s worth noting trainer Larry Smith strikes at a 31% rate when adding blinkers, and he has been on fire at Mahoning, with a 9-for-20 (45%) record to start the meet.

Since Lucky Double D’s is a significantly higher price than Fricka on the morning line, we’ll favor Lucky Double D’s with win and exacta wagers.

$20 to win on #7 Lucky Double D’s
$10 exacta: 7 with 1
Total: $30

Good luck!