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Delaware Park Picks & Predictions — July 16, 2026

July 16, 20269 racesAll Delaware Park picks

This card ran on July 16, 2026.

Best bets at Delaware Park, July 16, 2026

Race 15Siena BelleML 7/510:20 AM EDT

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It's a beautiful Thursday at Delaware Park — clear skies, 84°F, and a 9-race card that gives us plenty to work with. The turf course figures to be running firm under these conditions, which is great news for horses with proven grass form, and the dirt looks fast and fair all day long.

The card spans maidens to allowances, with a nice mix of sprints and routes on both surfaces. Three of today's races are highlighted as our free best bets, giving everyone a taste of TrackWiz analysis before the full card unlocks for subscribers.

Best Bets

Race 1

10:20 AM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 5 fur · Dirt

A maiden claimer full of first-timers and lightly raced types makes this opener tricky to unpack, but one horse stands clearly above the field on TrackWiz ratings.

win5Siena BelleML 7/5

Siena Belle (#5) checks in as the morning-line favorite at 7/5 and carries the top TrackWiz rating in the field at 59.33 — a meaningful edge over the competition. Trained by George Weaver, who consistently sends his debut runners ready to fire, this filly figures to be forwardly placed from the gate in a short 5-furlong sprint. With several rivals either unrated or posting minimal speed figures, Siena Belle's numbers suggest she's operating in a different tier entirely. Lay the modest chalk here and move on.

place1Great DestinyML 7/2

Great Destiny (#1) posts an average speed figure of 55 — one of only two horses in this field with any published speed data — and comes in at a workable 7/2 on the morning line. Trainer Nesvil Hernan Bailon also saddles First Blush in this spot, suggesting stable confidence in the barn's runners today. At that price, Great Destiny looks like a solid ticket-saver underneath the favorite in exactas and quinellas.

show2Maxie's MunnyML 6/1

Maxie's Munny (#2) draws attention as one of three horses sharing a 51.67 TrackWiz rating and goes postward at 6/1. Trainer Daniel G. Eubanks runs a pair in this field, which can sometimes indicate a stable with inside knowledge about which horse is peaking. Kevin Gomez in the irons adds a competent hand, and at 6/1 in a wide-open maiden field, a show ticket here has real value as a safety net in exotic wagers.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 2: Free with an Account

Race 2

10:48 AM EDT

Maiden Special Weight · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

The top of this maiden special weight is tightly bunched on ratings, setting up a fascinating three-way battle at the top while the rest of the field tries to keep up.

win1No No MiloML 9/5

No No Milo (#1) tops the TrackWiz ratings at 58.67 and draws the rail in a field of first-time starters, which is a cleaner scenario than it might sound at 5.5 furlongs where the gate position is less punishing. Trainer Edward T. Allard is a steady presence at Delaware Park, and Carol Cedeno in the irons gives this entry a polished, experienced hand from the break. The morning line of 9/5 reflects genuine market confidence — this one has been talked about, and our analysis backs it up.

place7NazeerML 5/2

Nazeer (#7) is the second-best rated horse in the field at 57.50 and draws the outside post, which at 5.5 furlongs on dirt can actually work in a closer's favor — room to settle and find a clean run. Trainer Gregory D. Sacco knows how to have a first-starter ready, and the 5/2 morning line suggests the market isn't sleeping on this one either. He's a natural underneath play if No No Milo gets the lead and is challenged late.

show6Sound CheckML 7/2

Sound Check (#6) slots in third on our ratings at 55.83 and goes as the third choice at 7/2 — a logical price for a horse in this position. Trainer Michael E. Gorham has the horse pointed at a competitive maiden special weight, which signals some belief in this horse's ability to hold its own. In a field where several runners have zero public speed data, Sound Check's rating suggests enough underlying form to hit the board.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Our three free races cover a solid cross-section of today's card. In Race 1, maiden claimer Siena Belle draws our attention as the 7/5 morning-line favorite going 5 furlongs on dirt — she earns our top rating at 59.33 in what shapes up as a fairly open field. Race 2 steps up to maiden special weight company at 5½ furlongs, where No No Milo (9/5 ML) is the horse to beat. Then Race 3 shifts things to the turf for a 7½-furlong maiden claimer — and that's where the real standout sits.

Aqua Blaze catches the eye in a big way, carrying an 85.62 TrackWiz rating into Race 3 at a juicy 4/1 morning line. When a horse has that kind of rating gap over the field and the odds still reflect value, that's the kind of spot we circle. The firm turf under today's sunny conditions plays right into it.

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Full Card Analysis

Race 3

11:16 AM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 7 1/2 fur · Turf

A full, sprawling 14-horse maiden claimer on the turf — with field size this large and a wide range of ratings, the top two selections stand out dramatically while chaos lurks behind them.

win7Aqua BlazeML 4/1

Aqua Blaze (#7) carries the top TrackWiz rating in the entire field at 85.62 — a substantial margin over the second-best horse — and goes postward at a fair 4/1 off the morning line. Trained by Michael J. Trombetta, who has a strong record placing horses in the right spots at Delaware Park, this runner posted an average speed figure of 52 with room to grow. The turf at 7.5 furlongs sets up ideally for a horse with tactical pace, and Angel R. Rodriguez is a sharp booking for a horse the connections believe in.

place10Crab MentalityML 4/1

Crab Mentality (#10) is no slouch either, rating 79.87 on our scale and posting an average speed figure of 55 — actually the highest in the field among horses with published numbers. Trainer Keri Brion excels on the grass at mid-Atlantic tracks, and at 4/1 on the morning line, this horse could easily reverse the order with a clean trip in a field this large. A natural exacta play with Aqua Blaze, and don't overlook the possibility Crab Mentality outright wins this.

show3Tiz ComplexML 3/1

Tiz Complex (#3) rates 71.99 — third-best in the field — and is the short morning-line price at 3/1, reflecting legitimate public support. Trainer Cathal A. Lynch has a knack for turf routing, and Julio A. Hernandez gives this horse a capable pilot in the two-turn setup at 7.5 furlongs. In a race this full, a horse rated this well is almost certain to hit the board, making Tiz Complex a key show wheel and a must-use in trifectas.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 14 runners

Race 4

11:44 AM EDT

Claiming · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

This 5.5-furlong dirt claimer is headlined by two horses — one a class-backed standout, the other a proven winner — setting up a compelling top-two battle with some separation from the rest of the field.

win1ParalegalML 2/1

Paralegal (#1) leads all horses in TrackWiz ratings at 88.54 and goes to the gate at 2/1, a price that's absolutely fair given the numbers. Trainer Maxine Correa sends this horse out with a 20% career win rate in the connections, and Martin Chuan takes the call — a rider who knows how to position horses in short sprints. The average speed figure of 53 is respectable in this company, and the overall rating edge suggests Paralegal is operating at a higher class ceiling than today's field demands.

place2The WolfmanML 8/5

The Wolfman (#2) is the morning-line favorite at 8/5 and enters with a career win rate of 27% — the strongest win percentage in the field and a number that commands respect. Trainer Kieron Magee keeps horses sharp between starts, and Angel R. Rodriguez is one of the better tactical riders at this meet. The slight rating deficit to Paralegal (79.84 vs 88.54) is real, but a 27% career win rate is hard to dismiss — The Wolfman is a strong underneath play and a live threat to win outright.

show4Speedy AlexML 3/1

Speedy Alex (#4) rates 66.73 and posts an average speed figure of 52 with a 13% career win rate — a modest but honest profile that gives this horse a puncher's chance on the show end. Trainer Jose Corrales works this horse at the claiming level with regularity, and Jorge F. Hernandez is a competent hand who can save ground from the four-hole. At 3/1, Speedy Alex isn't a value in the win pool, but he's a sensible trifecta inclusion to complete the top three.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 5

12:12 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 1 mi 70 yd · Turf

A sprawling 16-horse starter optional claiming field on the turf at over a mile — with this much chaos, pace shape and class are paramount, and three horses clearly separate themselves from the rest.

win15Imperial SpyML 6/1

Imperial Spy (#15) holds the top rating among our three selections at 78.42 and draws a manageable post with Paco Lopez — one of the most experienced turf riders on the circuit — in the saddle. The horse's career win rate of 5% might look modest, but in a 16-horse starter field at a route distance, raw win percentage matters less than form quality and pace scenario. TrackWiz analysis shows Imperial Spy's profile aligns strongly with today's conditions, and at 6/1 on the morning line, this is genuine overlay territory.

place16Freedom GliderML 5/1

Freedom Glider (#16) rates 73.62 with a 7% career win rate and draws the outermost post in what shapes up as a contentious pace scenario — a position that could allow trainer John E. Salzman Jr. to have this horse relax early and come running late. Joseph Rocco Jr. is a smart booking for a horse that wants to close, as he's adept at finding pockets in large fields. At 5/1, Freedom Glider represents terrific value underneath Imperial Spy in exactas, and this could easily be a win horse on the right trip.

show14BrightyML 10/1

Brighty (#14) is the real value play in this race, rating 68.73 at a generous 10/1 morning line with Julio A. Hernandez in the irons. The 4% career win rate is light, but in a starter optional claimer with this many entrants, low win percentages are common — what matters is that Brighty's rating is significantly higher than most of the field. Trainer Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon appears to have this horse at a level where it can compete, and as a 10/1 show play, the payout potential in exotic wagers is enticing.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 16 runners

Race 6

12:40 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

A compact seven-horse starter optional claimer on dirt at 6 furlongs, where pace figures to be fast early — the horse with the best speed and the biggest motor wins this one.

win5Take Charge BooML 7/2

Take Charge Boo (#5) is our top selection and checks in with the best TrackWiz rating in the field at 77.71, backed by a jaw-dropping 50% career win rate — meaning this horse wins half its races, which is elite at any level. Trainer Michelle Castillo has this runner primed, and Wesley Ho keeps the mount. The average speed figure of 55 is also the top number among the entire field, suggesting Take Charge Boo has both the class and the raw pace to go to the front and dare this field to catch her. Definitely the horse to beat.

place6RozzyrooML 6/1

Rozzyroo (#6) rates 71.01 with a 16% career win rate and an average speed of 54, both solid markers for this level. Trainer Andrew L. Simoff is consistent at Delaware Park's starter claiming level, and Julio A. Hernandez will have the horse in a good tracking spot off the expected pace. At 6/1, Rozzyroo has genuine place value and makes for an excellent exacta partner underneath the top selection.

show7Stylish GemML 15/1

Stylish Gem (#7) is the surprise package here — rated 69.58, which actually places it third in this field, yet goes postward at 15/1 on the morning line. Trainer Jeffrey A. Poole has a horse whose rating dramatically outpaces its public perception, and Ajhari Williams will be looking to exploit whatever pace pressure develops in the first half-mile. That gap between a 69.58 rating and a 15/1 price is where value lives, and show tickets here should be a priority in your exotic plays.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 7

1:08 PM EDT

Allowance · 1 mi 70 yd · Turf

A quality turf allowance going a mile and 70 yards features a fascinating overlay opportunity near the top of the market, with our top pick going off at a morning-line price that doesn't match her underlying numbers.

win2Racey RubyML 8/1

Racey Ruby (#2) checks in with the highest TrackWiz rating in the entire field at 79.79 and carries a stellar 33% career win rate — meaning she hits the board at a high frequency at this class level. Trainer Michael L. Catalano Jr. is sharp with turf routing types, and Jose A. Batista gets the call. The morning line of 8/1 is a genuine head-scratcher given those numbers — that's typically not how a 79.79-rated horse with a 33% win rate gets bet. Our analysis says take the overlay and play her hard.

place6High ViewML 6/1

High View (#6) rates 70.49 and brings a 28% career win rate to the table — both numbers suggesting a horse that competes at a consistent, professional level. Trainer Tim Woolley is patient with turf horses, allowing them to find their best trips, and Charlie Marquez gives this horse a smart hand for a route on the lawn. At 6/1, High View is a natural exacta and trifecta play underneath our top pick.

show3Starship AthenaML 4/1

Starship Athena (#3) holds a 25% career win rate and rates 67.85 in a field where that puts her firmly in the mix. Trainer Michelle Nevin places this type well at this level, and Angel R. Rodriguez — who also rides Aqua Blaze earlier in the card — is sharp on the turf. The 4/1 morning line is honest for a horse with this win percentage, and she's a reliable show and trifecta anchor in what shapes up as a competitive race at the top.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 12 runners

Race 8

1:36 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

A short six-horse field in the starter optional claimer on dirt, but don't let the small field fool you — there's a dominant top two here, and figuring out who runs third is the puzzle.

win3Glows in the DarkML 8/5

Glows in the Dark (#3) is simply outstanding on paper — a TrackWiz rating of 89.12 (tops in the field by a clear margin) and an extraordinary 62% career win rate that borders on unreal for a claiming-level horse. Trainer Christopher Seale and jockey Jose A. Batista are a strong combo at Delaware Park, and an average speed figure of 54 gives this horse legitimate running ability to match its dominant numbers. At 8/5 on the morning line, this is as close to a confident play as racing allows — back it up in exactas and trifectas.

place5Chelsea WallML 3/2

Chelsea Wall (#5) is no pushover at 83.58 on TrackWiz ratings and a 31% career win rate — those are the marks of a quality horse that consistently hits the board. Trainer Jamie Ness is one of the better claiming trainers in the mid-Atlantic region, and Martin Chuan rides in what figures to be a stalking position behind the speed. The 3/2 morning line is tight, but with a 31% win rate, Chelsea Wall is live to reverse the order at distance — an intriguing single-race exacta play.

show1BraquetML 5/1

Braquet (#1) brings a 21% career win rate and a 77.44 rating to the table — solid credentials that make this a logical third in a field dominated by two superior horses. Trainer Bruce M. Kravets has two runners in today's card (also Gentle Breeze in Race 9), suggesting an active and engaged barn, and Ricardo Chiappe has the experience to rate this horse efficiently over a one-mile route. At 5/1, Braquet is a must-use in trifectas and offers some show overlay value.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

Race 9

2:04 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

The closing starter optional claimer on the dirt goes 6 furlongs with a clear ratings standout who the morning line has significantly underestimated — prime overlay territory to end the card.

win2Float OnML 6/1

Float On (#2) is the TrackWiz top selection with a rating of 82.71 — the best mark in the six-horse field by a wide margin — yet goes postward at 6/1 on the morning line, well above what that rating typically commands. A 19% career win rate is solid, and the average speed figure of 54 shows this horse can run. Trainer Pedro Nazario has Float On pointed right, and Wesley Ho stays patient enough to work a six-horse field without burning fuel early. This is the type of overlay that separates sharp bettors from the crowd — don't ignore it.

place1Gentle BreezeML 7/2

Gentle Breeze (#1) draws the rail and posts the highest average speed figure in the entire field at 56 — a number that suggests this horse will be pressing or setting the pace from the drop of the gate. Trainer Bruce M. Kravets also saddles Braquet in Race 8, and Ricardo Chiappe is entrusted with Gentle Breeze here — a confident rider booking. A 19% career win rate matches Float On's, and if the pace gets hot, a presser like Gentle Breeze has a real shot to hang on for the place.

show6LeonidsML 5/2

Leonids (#6) rates 63.21 with a 21% career win rate — actually the highest win percentage in the field — and goes at 5/2 on the morning line. Trainer Freya Gerlach keeps this horse competitive at the starter claiming level, and Shirley Esther Yancapallo Gomocio is in the saddle. In a small, competitive six-horse field where the pace could get honest, a horse with a 21% win rate and a solid rating is a natural trifecta leg and a show play worth including in your final card wagers.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

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Bottom line: Aqua Blaze is the standout value among the free picks, and Glows in the Dark is our top-rated horse on the entire card. It's a clean, beautiful day at Delaware Park with surfaces that should reward horses that fit the conditions. Head over to your TrackWiz subscription — available at /pricing — to unlock the full Race 4 through Race 9 breakdown and get in on our exotic ticket strategies before post time.

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