Parx Racing Picks & Predictions — September 2, 2026

Chuck's Law is no throwaway at 5/2 with an 81.61 rating — second only to our top pick in this field. Dexter Haddock rides for Roberto J. Rosado, and while the 8% career win rate looks modest, the model's overall score reflects consistency that shows up in exactas and exotics. In a race where the favorite is a short-priced overlay, Chuck's Law makes a compelling place backup.

Hephepcutdownnets draws heavy public support at 8/5 as the morning line favorite, backed by a 54 average speed figure — best in this field — and a solid 78.26 rating. Trainer Robert Mosco pairs with Silvestre Gonzalez here, and while our model slots this horse third, the raw speed edges make it a dangerous closer. Include it in your exotics as the horse most likely to run them all down late.

Fifth of May is an intriguing price play at 6/1 with a 64.71 rating that doesn't scream standout but quietly represents the third-best score in the field. Trainer Jacinto Solis sends this one out — notably also saddling Mo Indian Lady in the same race — and Dexter Haddock provides reliable Parx experience in the irons. At double-digit fair value over the morning line number, Fifth of May belongs in exactas and trifectas.

Chiquita's Way gets significant public respect at 8/5 as the second choice, with Jorge A. Vargas, Jr. aboard for trainer Ernesto Padilla-Preciado — a combo that shows up multiple times on this card. The 54 average speed figure matches Relevate's, which explains the short price, but the 60.7 overall rating trails our top pick by a meaningful margin. Use this one defensively in show parlays and trifecta boxes.

Fluff the Pillow rates second in the field at 79.51 under trainer Joann Bertone, with Dalila A. Rivera taking the mount. The 11% career win rate tells a tale of a horse that competes consistently without always closing the deal, which is exactly the profile you want in a place horse — present at the wire. At 7/2, this one is a natural exacta partner with our top pick.

River's Gamble offers some intrigue at 5/1 with a 48.95 rating — not flashy, but enough to outrun the bottom half of this field. Trainer Martin Thompson puts Patrick Henry, Jr. aboard, and the 10% career win rate suggests this horse knows how to run competitively. At the price, River's Gamble is worth a slot in trifecta tickets as the horse most likely to hold third if the top two run their races.

Take Charge Boo is a fascinating piece of this puzzle — a 42% career win rate is exceptional for any level of claiming horse, and Angel Cruz rides for trainer Michelle Castillo. The 55 average speed figure is tied for best in the field, which means on raw pace alone this horse belongs near the top. The 73.23 rating puts Take Charge Boo second in our model, making the 6/1 morning line a genuine overlay worth attacking in the exacta.

Tiz Purple gives trainer Jamie Ness a second string in this race alongside Sunflower State, and the stable appears to be playing it aggressively. Mychel J. Sanchez takes the mount on the horse our model likes more between the two Ness runners, with a 68.08 rating and a 54 average speed figure. At 5/2 as the morning line second choice, Tiz Purple is a reliable show option and worthy of exacta inclusion.

Boys of Summer comes in at 66.19 on our model with Dexter Haddock up for trainer Miguel Penaloza. The 13% career win rate is consistent with a horse that competes well in this range, and at 4/1 on the morning line, this is a natural exacta play underneath Riley's Rockstar. The 51 average speed figure keeps Boys of Summer in the mix for the second spot if the pace collapses.

What It Tiz posts a 61.88 rating with Luis M. Ocasio aboard for trainer Alexander Martinez, landing as a sneaky third option at 9/2. The 13% career win rate mirrors Boys of Summer's, and the 51 average speed figure is right on pace with the middle of this field. In trifecta tickets, What It Tiz is worth a spot if you want to spread below the top two picks.

Freakazoid brings a 79.37 rating and an impressive 33% career win rate — one of the better win percentages among our active picks today. Andy Hernandez rides for Guadalupe Preciado, and the 54 average speed figure is tied for tops in this field. At 5/1, Freakazoid has the profile of a horse that could easily be the winner, making the place spot feel like a very safe landing.

No Way Carl rates third in the field at 72.55 with Jaime Rodriguez up for trainer Michael V. Pino. The 18% career win rate is strong for this level, and the 52 average speed figure keeps this one competitive with the pace of the group. At 7/2, No Way Carl is the kind of steady presence that sneaks into trifectas when the top two get too much attention from the public.

Grouch draws Paco Lopez for trainer Jose Lozano Sanchez, a combination that commands attention at any price. The 70.87 rating slots this horse second in our model, and the 54 average speed figure matches Mister Me's — which means these two could end up fighting it out in the stretch. At 7/2 on the morning line, Grouch is the most logical exacta partner and a serious threat to flip the top two.

Brother Energy is a legitimate price play at 8/1 with a 33% career win rate — actually higher than our top pick's mark — for trainer Juan Carlos Guerrero. Melvis Gonzalez picks up the mount, and while the 51 average speed figure is a tick below the leaders, at a mile and 70 yards a closer with a strong win history can find his way into the trifecta. The rating of 58.5 doesn't scream standout, but the career win percentage makes this horse a real wildcard worth including in multi-horse wagers.