Daily Picks

Parx Racing Picks & Predictions — July 18, 2026

Saturday, July 18, 202612 racesParx Racing

Parx Racing rolls out a full 12-race card on Saturday, July 18, and it's a big one. Four stakes races anchor the afternoon, giving horseplayers plenty of high-quality action to sink their teeth into alongside a mix of claiming and allowance bouts that carry their own intrigue.

The skies are cloudy and temps are sitting at a comfortable 83°F — not the kind of oppressive heat that wears horses down, which should mean competitive efforts from start to finish. All racing is on the main dirt track, so pace scenarios and surface bias will be consistent themes throughout the card.

Whether you're firing at the opener or building toward those late stakes races, TrackWiz has you covered. Three races are fully open for everyone, and our premium subscribers get the complete picture on all 12.

Best Bets

Race 1

4:40 PM EDT

Claiming · 7 fur · Dirt

One horse stands well clear of the field on TrackWiz ratings in this 7-furlong dirt claimer — but the mid-pack has enough overlap in speed to make the underneath spots interesting.

win4Disco RhodesML 5/1

Disco Rhodes is the clear class of this field with a TrackWiz rating of 84.17 — more than 17 points clear of the next-best horse. That kind of separation in a claiming field is significant, and a 33% career win rate tells you this horse knows how to finish the job. Trainer Elliott Soto-Martinez has him set up well, and with Yan Rodriguez in the irons, expect this one to be a factor from the jump. At 5/1 on the morning line, there's still some value here if the odds hold.

place2Ten Plus TenML 6/1

Ten Plus Ten rates second in the field at 67.21 and brings a solid average speed figure of 53, matching the top tier of this group. The 6/1 morning line price makes him an attractive place ticket underneath Disco Rhodes, and trainer Gustavo Chacon has a knack for placing horses where they can compete. Andy Hernandez picks up the mount and should have him in a good spot stalking early pace.

show1Up the KingdomML 9/2

Up the Kingdom opens at 9/2 — actually one of the shorter morning lines in the field despite rating third at 59.89. A 14% career win rate is modest but respectable in a field like this, and the 53 average speed figure keeps him competitive. He's worth anchoring your exotics if you're playing trifectas.

Race 2

5:07 PM EDT

Maiden Special Weight · 6 1/2 fur · Dirt

A wide-open maiden special weight at 6½ furlongs where three horses are bunched near the top of the TrackWiz ratings — making this a prime race for exacta and trifecta plays rather than a single-horse bet.

win6Gus' TenML 3/1

Gus' Ten sits atop the TrackWiz ratings at 87.08 in a field where all entrants are winless, and that top mark is backed by the highest average speed figure in the race at 54. Trainer Gustavo Chacon sends him out at 3/1 on the morning line, which is right about where you'd expect given the form edge. Andy Hernandez is a reliable hand in these situations, and if Gus' Ten fires his best effort, the rest of the field will have a hard time keeping up.

place4OnceinawhileML 5/2

Onceinawhile is right on Gus' Ten's heels at a 84.11 rating and also carries a 53 average speed figure into this race. The 5/2 morning line suggests the connections have confidence, and trainer David Dotolo has Joezer Rangel up — a workmanlike combination that should keep this one close throughout. In a maiden race where anything can happen, he's a strong play to land second.

show7Aussie's HeirML 5/1

Aussie's Heir rounds out the top three in ratings at 83.80, essentially a photo finish on the numbers with the top two. What makes him intriguing at 5/1 is that he's priced as if the market hasn't fully recognized his form — trainer John T. Kirby and jockey Frankie Pennington is a combination worth noting in these Parx maiden races. A show ticket here gives you plenty of coverage in what shapes up as a three-horse race at the top.

Race 3

5:34 PM EDT

Maiden Special Weight · 4 1/2 fur · Dirt

All first-time starters and inexperienced runners in this 4½-furlong dirt maiden, and the ratings are tightly clustered — expect pace and post position to be major factors in a sprint this short.

win5Miss NovieML 5/2

Miss Novie tops the TrackWiz ratings at 57.50 in a race where every runner carries a 0% career win rate — so it's all about projecting potential. She's trained by Robert E. Reid, Jr., one of the more respected barns in the Parx condition book, and Frankie Pennington is a savvy pick for a first-timer at this sprint distance. At 5/2, she's the public choice for a reason, and we agree she's the one to beat.

place1GinsterML 3/1

Ginster rates just a tick below Miss Novie at 56.67 and also comes from the Reid barn — interesting that Reid runs two horses in the same maiden, which can signal confidence in the stable overall. Mychel J. Sanchez gets the call here, and at 3/1 on the morning line, Ginster offers a fair price as the main rival to the top pick. In a short sprint, the rail post position could be an asset if he breaks cleanly.

show7Down the FarmML 9/2

Down the Farm rates third in the field at 54.17 and opens at a reasonable 9/2 on the morning line. Trainer Bobbi Anne Hawthorne sends out Magglio Sanchez, and while we have less public form to lean on, the rating differential in this race is tight enough that the third slot is genuinely up for grabs. A show ticket or trifecta inclusion at this price makes sense given how compressed the field is.

Our three free races give you a solid foundation to start the day. In Race 1, Disco Rhodes (5/1 morning line, TrackWiz rating 84.17) looks like a live price in a seven-furlong claiming sprint — the kind of race where pace can get honest and closers get chances. Race 2 shifts to maiden special weight company at 6½ furlongs, and Gus' Ten earns our top rating of 87.08 at a workable 3/1 on the morning line. When you see a maiden with that kind of rating edge, it tends to mean a clear class or form advantage over the field. Then in Race 3, Miss Novie takes on the short 4½-furlong maiden sprint — this distance is raw and early speed rules, so her 5/2 morning line reflects what figures to be a forward-running trip.

One thread to watch across the free races: all three are on the dirt and all project as speed-favoring distances. If the dirt surface plays true to form early in the card, take note — that pace bias could carry through the afternoon and inform how you structure tickets in the premium races.

Full Card Analysis

Race 4

6:01 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 1/2 fur · Dirt

The morning-line favorite isn't the top-rated horse in this 6½-furlong dirt claimer — Sister Eve holds that distinction at 9/2, setting up a scenario where the public money and the TrackWiz numbers are pointing in different directions.

win6Sister EveML 9/2

Sister Eve owns the highest TrackWiz rating in this field at 84.90, and at 9/2 on the morning line she represents genuine value against a morning-line favorite in Snappy Ride who rates more than 25 points lower. A 14% career win rate is steady for a claimer, and trainer Michael V. Pino puts Mychel J. Sanchez up — one of the more accomplished riders at this meet. The numbers say she's the one to beat, and the price makes her the best value on the ticket.

place5Et's Moon MaidenML 5/1

Et's Moon Maiden rates second in the field at 72.40 and carries one of the better average speed figures in the race at 54. Trainer Gustavo Chacon has her going at 5/1, which looks fair given her form edge over the lower half of the field. Andy Hernandez has been sharp at Parx, and if Sister Eve gets challenged up front, Et's Moon Maiden could be sitting pretty in the stretch.

show7Miss JonesML 5/1

Miss Jones brings a 23% career win rate — the second-highest among runners with meaningful race records — and rates third in the field at 68.94. Jorge A. Vargas, Jr. picks up the mount for trainer Ernesto Padilla-Preciado, a combo that has shown the ability to place horses in contested claiming races. At 5/1, she's a logical show play if the top two draw clear.

Race 5

6:28 PM EDT

Allowance · 6 1/2 fur · Dirt

A deep 12-horse allowance field at 6½ furlongs where the top-rated horses are spread across a range of morning lines — there's legitimate value underneath the public picks, and the wide field could set up for closers.

win2Divine SeekerML 5/1

Divine Seeker leads our ratings in this race at 80.55 and brings a standout 40% career win rate — that's elite-level for an allowance runner at any track. She's trained by Robert E. Reid, Jr., whose barn has multiple runners on the card today and is clearly live, and Mychel J. Sanchez gives her a top pilot. At 5/1 on the morning line, that combination of top rating, high win rate, and fair price makes her our top selection.

place8PersuasiveML 8/1

Persuasive is right behind Divine Seeker in the ratings at 79.79 and brings an even more eye-catching 42% career win rate — the highest in the field. Trainer Jamie Ness is a volume conditioner who knows how to spot his horses, and Martin Chuan gets the mount. At 8/1 on the morning line, she's potentially the best value in the race — if you're thinking exotic plays, she absolutely needs to be in your picks.

show1Maximus AngelicusML 3/1

Maximus Angelicus opens at 3/1 — the shortest price in the field — and rates third among our selections at 67.43. A 13% career win rate is modest, but trainer Robert E. Reid, Jr. clearly has confidence placing him here, and Yan Rodriguez is a capable pilot. He's the likeliest horse to be prominent throughout the race given the public support, which makes him a solid show anchor in trifectas.

Race 6

6:55 PM EDT

Claiming · 7 fur · Dirt

Golden Chakra is a big favorite at 6/5 in this 7-furlong dirt claimer, and the TrackWiz rating backs it up — the real question is who fills out the exacta behind a potential wire-to-wire winner.

win1Golden ChakraML 6/5

Golden Chakra is simply in a different tier from this field — a TrackWiz rating of 89.71 against a second-best of 69.54 is a massive edge in a claiming race. A 16% career win rate is respectable, and trainer Robert Mosco sends him out with Frankie Pennington aboard, a reliable combination at this level. Yes, the 6/5 morning line means minimal win value, but this is the kind of dominant number advantage that demands respect — bet accordingly and focus on the exacta.

place3Craving CarbsML 9/2

Craving Carbs rates second in the field at 69.54 and brings the best career win percentage in the field at 25% — a horse that knows how to close out races. Trainer Michael V. Pino puts Emanuel Rosario up at 9/2, which looks like solid value for a place ticket. If Golden Chakra dominates up front, Craving Carbs looks well-positioned to be the best of the rest.

show4ExtrasexyzqteepeyeML 7/2

Extrasexyzqteepeye — yes, that's the name — rates third in the field at 58.14 and opens at 7/2, making her a reasonable show option. Trainer Susan L. Crowell has Abner Adorno in the irons, and while the career win rate of 10% is modest, the morning-line price is short enough to suggest the connections view this as a race she can hit the board in. A place/show ticket here covers the bottom of the exotic combinations nicely.

Race 7

7:22 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 1/2 fur · Dirt

Get Set is the overwhelming favorite in this 6½-furlong dirt claimer, carrying a 6/5 morning line and TrackWiz's top rating by a wide margin — the main betting interest is who joins him on the ticket.

win4Get SetML 6/5

Get Set posts a 89.71 TrackWiz rating — the highest in the field by a comfortable margin — and his 19% career win rate is solid for the claiming ranks. Trainer Ernesto Padilla-Preciado places him at 6/5, and Silvestre Gonzalez is a strong choice to navigate a six-horse field efficiently. At 6½ furlongs on dirt, this setup looks tailor-made for a horse with his profile, and we see no reason to look past him.

place6Malibu WarriorML 6/1

Malibu Warrior rates a distant but clear second in this field at 62.95, and his 28% career win rate is the strongest among the horses chasing Get Set. Trainer Jack Abrams uses Melvis Gonzalez here, and at 6/1 on the morning line there's real value in placing him on your ticket. If Get Set pulls away, Malibu Warrior looks like the logical bridesmaid.

show2Big Boys AnswerML 9/2

Big Boys Answer brings a 25% career win rate — tied for the best in the field — and rates third at 49.77 despite a 9/2 morning line. Trainer Susan L. Crowell's runner gets Jean Aguilar in the saddle, and with a 53 average speed figure he can run with this group. He's a sensible show play and trifecta piece in what figures to be a three-horse race.

Race 8

7:49 PM EDT

Stakes · 6 fur · Dirt

Stakes company at 6 furlongs and three horses are tightly bunched at the top of the ratings — this shapes up as a competitive sprint where pace and trip could be the difference between winning and just missing.

win3Maximus MeridiusML 7/2

Maximus Meridius tops the TrackWiz ratings at 86.35 and backs it up with a 36% career win rate, showing he's a winner at this level. An average speed figure of 55 is the second-highest in the field, and trainer Robert E. Reid, Jr. — having a big card today at Parx — sends out Mychel J. Sanchez, one of the sharper pilots at this meet. At 7/2 on the morning line, he's priced fairly and gets our top nod in a competitive stakes field.

place2Twisted RideML 5/2

Twisted Ride rates 82.19 and matches Maximus Meridius stride for stride in terms of average speed at 56 — the highest figure in the field. Trainer Michael M. Moore puts Andy Hernandez up at 5/2, which is the shortest price in the race, suggesting the public is leaning his way. A horse with a 28% win rate and the best raw speed in the race is clearly dangerous, and he's a must-use in exactas.

show1Houghton ShuffleML 5/1

Houghton Shuffle rates third at 76.81 and brings a 38% career win rate — the highest in this field — which speaks to a horse that tends to fire when the conditions are right. Trainer Bruce M. Kravets puts Yabriel O. Ramos up at 5/1, and with the highest average speed figure in the race at 56 matched by Twisted Ride, this horse has legitimate punch. He's a strong show play and deserves to be included in trifecta combinations.

Race 9

8:16 PM EDT

Stakes · 1 mi 70 yd · Dirt

A compelling stakes battle going a mile and 70 yards with Robert E. Reid, Jr. saddling three horses and the field featuring a cluster of top-rated runners — this one should come down to the stretch.

win1Ponder and DreamML 3/1

Ponder and Dream tops the TrackWiz ratings at 87.08 and brings a 25% career win rate into stakes company, which is a respectable mark. Trainer Robert E. Reid, Jr. gives him to Mychel J. Sanchez — arguably the sharpest rider-trainer combo at this Parx meet — and the 3/1 morning line reflects appropriate confidence. At a route distance where pace setup matters, having a top jockey to manage the trip is a significant edge.

place4Mister MeML 6/1

Mister Me rates 81.06 and posts the best average speed figure in this race at 55 — that raw pace figure is meaningful over this distance where late kick matters. Trainer T. Bernard Houghton — a name you'll see multiple times on today's card — puts Frankie Pennington up at 6/1, which looks like solid value. A 33% career win rate in what appears to be a smaller sample also commands respect.

show6Our NotionML 9/2

Our Notion rates third among our selections at 80.08 but carries just a 9% career win rate, suggesting he's competitive without often sealing the deal — which makes him a fitting show play. Trainer Jamie Ness runs him at 9/2 with Martin Chuan up, and Ness is sharp enough to have him ready on a big Parx card. The rating is strong enough to justify a show ticket and trifecta inclusion.

Race 10

8:43 PM EDT

Stakes · 1 mi 70 yd · Dirt

The morning-line favorite Bartlett at 8/5 isn't the top-rated horse in this stakes mile — Quasi Warrior holds that edge, setting up what could be a value play against the chalk in a small but loaded field.

win5Quasi WarriorML 5/1

Quasi Warrior tops the TrackWiz ratings at 84.17 and owns a staggering 62% career win rate — by far the most impressive record in this field. Trainer Brandon L. Kulp sends him out with Angel R. Rodriguez at 5/1 on the morning line, giving bettors legitimate overlay potential against the heavily backed Bartlett. When a horse with that kind of win percentage is priced at more than three times the favorite, that's exactly the value situation TrackWiz analysis is designed to find.

place6BartlettML 8/5

Bartlett rates 76.73 and brings a 42% career win rate — second only to Quasi Warrior in this field — and it's easy to see why trainer John C. Servis has him at 8/5. Frankie Pennington is a strong rider, and this horse has the profile of a consistent performer who will be near the front throughout. Even if he doesn't win, his credentials make him a near-lock for the place spot.

show2Gordian KnotML 9/2

Gordian Knot rates 74.46 and carries the second-highest average speed figure in the race at 55, trailing only Bartlett. Trainer Jamie Ness has Martin Chuan aboard at 9/2, and a 30% career win rate is solid stakes credentials. He's the logical third wheel in an exotic structure here — a show ticket or trifecta box with the top two covers this race well.

Race 11

9:10 PM EDT

Stakes · 7 fur · Dirt

Carmelina is the clear public choice and ratings leader in this stakes sprint, but at 2/1 the value is in finding the horses who can keep her honest — a deep field with multiple 50%+ win-rate runners makes this a fascinating exotic race.

win9CarmelinaML 2/1

Carmelina leads the TrackWiz ratings at 88.54 and backs it up with a 36% career win rate and a 55 average speed figure — among the best in this competitive stakes field. Trainer Robert E. Reid, Jr. loads up with multiple horses on the card today, but Carmelina gets Mychel J. Sanchez, suggesting she's the top of the barn's priority list. At 2/1, the win price is tight, but when the numbers are this clear, you trust them — she's our best bet of the late stakes races.

place7PachelbelML 5/1

Pachelbel rates 80.32 and brings a 25% career win rate into this seven-furlong trip, with an average speed figure of 54 keeping him competitive with the field's fastest. Trainer Michael M. Moore turns to Jorge A. Vargas, Jr. at 5/1, and that morning line looks like real value given his rating. He's a strong place play and needs to be in your exactas if you're betting the top two.

show8Icona MamaML 10/1

Icona Mama rates 74.18 with a 23% career win rate and an average speed figure of 55 — matching the top tier of this field on raw pace. Trainer Flint W. Stites sends her out at 10/1 with Andrew Wolfsont up, and that double-digit price on a horse with legitimate speed figures is exactly the kind of value that makes exotic wagering worthwhile. She's our show pick and the best price to include in trifecta boxes.

Race 12

9:37 PM EDT

Allowance · 6 1/2 fur · Dirt

Connor's Crew enters this 12-horse allowance finale as a dominant ratings favorite at 5/2, but the deep field and multiple horses with high career win rates makes the underneath positions genuinely competitive.

win4Connor's CrewML 5/2

Connor's Crew tops the TrackWiz ratings at 87.81 in a crowded field and draws Mychel J. Sanchez for trainer Robert E. Reid, Jr. — the most productive combo at Parx on this card. A 20% career win rate is steady, and his 54 average speed figure matches the cluster of quality runners in this allowance group. At 5/2, this is a case where the favorite and the best bet happen to be the same horse — we're comfortable going to the window with Connor's Crew on top.

place10Cool MillionML 9/2

Cool Million rates 66.71 — well clear of most of the field — and opens at 9/2 with a 21% career win rate and Eliseo Ruiz up for trainer Michael M. Moore. His average speed figure of 52 is slightly off the pace leaders, but his overall rating and experience at this level make him the clear second choice in our analysis. He's a natural place play in an allowance field this size.

show1CarentanML 6/1

Carentan rates 65.10 and carries an 18% career win rate with Angel R. Rodriguez up for trainer Steve Klesaris at 6/1 on the morning line. His 54 average speed figure is right in line with the top horses in the field, and Klesaris is a capable conditioner who doesn't miss spots. At 6/1, he gives you solid show value and is worth including in trifecta structures behind the top two.

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Saturday at Parx has everything you want in a day at the races — competitive maiden sprints to kick things off, a deep claiming card in the middle, and four stakes races to close it out strong. Our top plays span the whole card: Gus' Ten leads the free picks at 87.08, while Carmelina, Golden Chakra, and Get Set headline the premium action. Good luck out there — and remember, full analysis, pace projections, and exotic ticket strategies for all 12 races are waiting for subscribers at TrackWiz Premium.

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