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Presque Isle Downs Picks & Predictions — August 25, 2026

August 25, 20268 racesAll Presque Isle Downs picks

This card ran on August 25, 2026.

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Best bets at Presque Isle Downs, August 25, 2026

Race 11Nicole's WillML 2/13:30 PM EDT

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It's a pleasant Tuesday at Presque Isle Downs — partly cloudy skies, 71°F, and the kind of late-summer afternoon where the dirt should be playing fast and honest. Eight races are on the card, all on the main track, and all run under claiming conditions, which means class angles and recent form are going to be front and center all day long.

Claiming cards like this one are a grinder's paradise. Horses are dropping in, horses are moving up, and trainers are quietly signaling their intentions through the conditions they enter. The key is knowing which moves are meaningful and which are noise — and that's exactly what our TrackWiz analysis is built to cut through.

Distances range from the sprints (6 furlongs to 6½) in the early going, to a trio of one-mile-and-70-yard routes closing out the card. Two distinct pace scenarios, eight opportunities to find value.

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Race 1

3:30 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

A tight top-two battle dominates this 6-furlong dirt claimer, with Nicole's Will and Cousin Ed virtually inseparable on ratings but separated by a wide gap from the rest of the field.

win1Nicole's WillML 2/1

Nicole's Will tops our TrackWiz ratings at 88.54 and draws the rail in what should be a speed-favoring sprint. The 2/1 morning line is honest — this horse rates out as the class of a thin field. Edwin Gonzalez gets the call, and with Cousin Ed likely to push from post 2, the pace scenario could set up perfectly for a closer to pounce, but Nicole's Will has the rating edge to handle that pressure.

place2Cousin EdML 9/5

Cousin Ed is the morning-line favorite at 9/5 and carries a TrackWiz rating of 86.42 — nearly identical to the top pick. The concern here is a career win rate of just 5%, which suggests this horse runs big figures without always converting. Gaddiel Martinez can be patient and let this one find its best stride, making it a solid place contender even if the win probability doesn't fully match the morning line.

show4Pancho Slips AwayML 4/1

Pancho Slips Away is our show selection at 4/1, posting the field's best average speed figure at 55 — one tick above the top two. Carlos Barbosa takes the mount, and from post 4 with a career win rate of 11%, this horse has enough tactical ability to grab a piece of the exotics. If the top two get into a contested pace duel, Pancho Slips Away could be rolling late.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 5 runners

Race 2: Free with an Account

Race 2

3:57 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 1/2 fur · Dirt

Shannonia looks like the class standout in this 6.5-furlong claimer, carrying a dominant TrackWiz rating over a field that's otherwise bunched in the mid-60s — but This Laughs On You and Chubs Rocket give the exotics some teeth.

win3ShannoniaML 3/1

Shannonia posts a field-best TrackWiz rating of 87.08 and an eye-catching 27% career win rate — that's a legitimate winner among claimers at this level. Carlos Barbosa takes the mount for trainer Michael Pappada, a barn that also saddles Bet On Bret here, suggesting Pappada is comfortable with this race distance and surface. At 3/1 on the morning line, Shannonia isn't offering much overlay, but the numbers strongly support making her the win selection.

place4This Laughs On YouML 5/2

This Laughs On You has a career win rate of 23% and a TrackWiz rating of 75.24 — the second-best number in the field by a comfortable margin. Walber Alencar gets the ride for trainer Randall Russell, and at 5/2 on the morning line, the public respects this one. The place slot makes sense as a hedge against any pace mischief, and Alencar has the experience to keep this horse positioned well around the turn.

show6Chubs RocketML 4/1

Chubs Rocket is worth a spot in your exotics at 4/1, matching a 16% career win rate and an average speed of 55 — on par with the field's best. Martina Rojas picks up the mount, and trainer Keith Dickey's runner looks capable of a minor placing in a race where the top two figure to take each other on early. At 4/1 in the show slot, there's reasonable value here for trifecta players.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

The first three races on the card are unlocked for every TrackWiz reader, and they make for a strong sample of what today's card has to offer. Nicole's Will opens the day in Race 1 as the morning-line favorite at 2/1, posting our top rating of 88.54 — the highest mark on the entire card. On a fast dirt track with no weather complications, horses with that kind of edge in a 6-furlong sprint tend to be reliable plays. In Race 2, Shannonia stretches out slightly to 6½ furlongs, drawing our second-highest rating at 87.08 at a generous morning line of 3/1 — that's a price worth noting. Shy Da Runner rounds out the free trio in Race 3, rated 86.35 and priced at 7/2, offering another layer of value in what looks like a competitive claiming sprint.

All three free picks are on the dirt, all in the sprint range, and all sit in that 86–89 rating band. If there's a bias developing on the track early, these first three races will tell you everything you need to know heading into the back half of the card.

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Full Card Analysis

Race 3

4:24 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

Shy Da Runner gets a chance to prove herself as the ratings leader in a 6-furlong dirt sprint where the top four are separated by only 13 points — a genuinely competitive race where pace scenario could decide it.

win2Shy Da RunnerML 7/2

Shy Da Runner carries an 86.35 TrackWiz rating and, crucially, posts the field's top average speed figure at 56 — a meaningful edge in a sprint where raw early pace matters. Martina Rojas takes the mount for trainer Murray Rojas, a family stable connection that often signals a horse that's well-prepared and familiar with its rider. At 7/2 on the morning line, there's a touch of value here against a morning-line second choice priced higher than many would expect.

place1Valentine BugML 9/2

Valentine Bug comes in with an 82.28 rating and a strong 21% career win rate, which is among the best in this field. Trainer Jay Bernardini puts Alex Gonzalez in the irons from post 1, and the rail draw in a sprint can be a weapon if this horse can establish position early. The place slot reflects a horse that's consistently competitive but may find Shy Da Runner a step too quick today.

show3Reeled InML 3/1

Reeled In is our show selection at 3/1 — actually the morning-line third choice — so this is more of a structural recommendation than a longshot angle. The 76.62 rating and 16% career win rate are respectable, and the 56 average speed ties the field's best. Gaddiel Martinez rides for trainer Randall Russell, and this one looks like a legitimate trifecta piece if the pace scenario shakes up the top two.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 5 runners

Race 4

4:51 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

Ibrim is the class standout in a wide-open 6-furlong claimer where several horses cluster in the 68-72 range — the top pick is a cut above, but there's a live longshot hiding at the bottom of the morning line.

win2IbrimML 4/1

Ibrim tops the TrackWiz ratings at 85.62 with a career win rate of 26% — genuinely elite numbers for a claimer at this level. Israel Rodriguez takes the mount for trainer Scooter Davis, and at 4/1 on the morning line, the public has Ibrim as a mid-range price despite his clear statistical edge over the field. The 55 average speed is on par with the leaders, and with six average horses to run past, Ibrim's combination of class and win rate makes him the most logical win selection.

place1DanefieldML 3/1

Danefield is the morning-line favorite at 3/1 with a 79.92 TrackWiz rating and a 16% career win rate. David Delgado handles the mount for trainer Carol Skawinski, and from post 1, Danefield has the option to dictate pace or settle just off the lead. The place slot is appropriate — this is a horse capable of winning, but Ibrim's rating advantage and superior win percentage make it worth dropping Danefield to the place position.

show5The Sinner Is YouML 8/1

The Sinner Is You is a compelling show play at 8/1 despite a TrackWiz rating of 71.83. The career win rate of 26% is identical to our win pick, which tells you this horse has a winning profile — the lower rating likely reflects recent form rather than ability. Martina Rojas gets the mount for trainer Murray Rojas, a combination that has shown up multiple times on this card. If Ibrim and Danefield get tangled up on the front end, The Sinner Is You could be the one to benefit at a generous price.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 5

5:18 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

Little Lamb Chop and A Case of You look like a two-horse race at the top of this 6-furlong dirt claimer, with the rest of the field carrying ratings well below the leading pair.

win2Little Lamb ChopML 5/2

Little Lamb Chop leads the field with an 87.81 TrackWiz rating and a 23% career win rate, pairing up with Addiel Ayala for trainer Kevin Rice. The 5/2 morning line is fair value given the rating edge, and an average speed of 55 — one tick better than our place pick — suggests this horse can control the tempo or track just off the pace. In a field where the third-best rating is 42.80, this is about as clear a top-two separation as you'll see on the card.

place1A Case of YouML 3/1

A Case of You counters with a 33% career win rate — the best on the entire card today — and an 83.70 TrackWiz rating. Rosario Montanez takes the mount for trainer Scooter Davis, who also saddles Ibrim in Race 4, and this barn has been active on the Presque Isle circuit. The 3/1 morning line makes A Case of You the favorite, which is defensible given the win rate, but the TrackWiz rating gap pushes Little Lamb Chop to the top of our analysis.

show6No Tappin OutML 4/1

No Tappin Out at 4/1 is a reasonable exotics inclusion despite a rating of 57.08 — well below the top two. The 15% career win rate is modest but workable, and David Delgado gets the mount for trainer Debbie Schaber. With the rest of the field showing ratings in the 34-42 range, No Tappin Out is essentially the only logical third option in trifectas, and 4/1 is a fair price for that role.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

Race 6

5:45 PM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi 70 yd · Dirt

Stretching to a mile and 70 yards, this claimer shapes up as a test of stamina where two horses — Via Della Spiga and Drunkle — have a clear rating edge over a field that's otherwise middle-of-the-road.

win7Via Della SpigaML 4/1

Via Della Spiga tops the TrackWiz ratings at 85.62 with an 18% career win rate and the field's best average speed of 54 — a meaningful edge at a distance where pace management over a route matters. Israel Rodriguez rides for trainer Adam Rice, and from post 7, this horse may need to be forwardly placed to avoid traffic. At 4/1 on the morning line, this is our best-value win selection of the race — the rating justifies a shorter price than the crowd is offering.

place6DrunkleML 9/2

Drunkle is right behind at an 84.32 rating and goes for trainer Kevin Rice with Carlos Barbosa in the irons. The 9/2 morning line looks generous given how close the ratings are between the top two. What keeps Drunkle in the place slot rather than the win slot is a 13% career win rate — solid but not eye-catching — suggesting this horse runs consistently without always sealing the deal in deep stretch.

show2R AdmiralML 6/1

R Admiral is our show selection at 6/1, posting a 67.71 TrackWiz rating and a 14% career win rate. Mike Allen takes the mount for trainer John Fennessy, a barn comfortable with routes, and the 53 average speed is in line with most of the field over this longer trip. At 6/1, R Admiral offers trifecta value in a race where the top two are likely to dominate but the show spot is genuinely up for grabs among several evenly matched horses.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 7

6:12 PM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi 70 yd · Dirt

Valiant Enya stands out as the class of a nine-horse field going a mile and 70 yards, but Naked Eye and Mo Sense are close enough on ratings to make this an interesting trifecta race with genuine depth.

win7Valiant EnyaML 4/1

Valiant Enya posts an 85.62 TrackWiz rating — the clear top mark in the field — and an outstanding 29% career win rate, which ranks among the best numbers we've seen all card. Mike Allen gets the mount for trainer John Fennessy, who also runs R Admiral in Race 6, suggesting the barn is comfortable with this route distance. At 4/1 on the morning line, Valiant Enya is a legitimate best-bet candidate with both the rating and the win percentage to back it up.

place3Naked EyeML 3/1

Naked Eye at 3/1 is a strong place contender with a 75.73 TrackWiz rating and a 27% career win rate — the second-best win percentage in the field. Huber Villa-Gomez rides for trainer Brandon Kulp, and the 55 average speed is tied for the field's best, suggesting Naked Eye can keep pace with the leaders through the early going over this route. If Valiant Enya hits any traffic trouble from post 7, Naked Eye has the profile to step up.

show5Mo SenseML 6/1

Mo Sense at 6/1 is our show selection with a 75.41 rating that nearly matches Naked Eye. Antonio Gallardo rides for trainer William Martin, and the 15% career win rate is modest — but in a nine-horse field going a route, Mo Sense's consistent speed figures (52 average) suggest a horse that grinds through the stretch without folding. The 6/1 morning line offers real trifecta value if you're structuring your bets around the top two.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 9 runners

Race 8

6:39 PM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi 70 yd · Dirt

Del Rayo has the top rating in a wide-open mile-and-70-yard claimer, but City Leader's public support at 5/2 makes this a legitimate two-horse race at the top — with a field below them that's hard to trust.

win3Del RayoML 7/2

Del Rayo brings an 86.35 TrackWiz rating to the table — comfortably the best number in this field — and goes for trainer John Fennessy, who also saddles Partner Tours here and has been consistently active on this card. Walber Alencar gets the mount, and at 7/2 on the morning line, Del Rayo offers a touch of overlay given the clear rating advantage. A 13% career win rate is the one concern, but the quality of the speed figures suggests this horse is capable of converting when it all clicks.

place7City LeaderML 5/2

City Leader is the morning-line second choice at 5/2, backed by an 80.68 TrackWiz rating and a 12% career win rate. Ciera Pruitt rides for trainer Ron Potts, and the consistent 53 average speed suggests a horse that knows how to handle route distances. The public clearly respects City Leader, and the place position is well-suited to a horse that runs reliable figures without necessarily dominating.

show4Partner ToursML 9/2

Partner Tours rounds out our selections at 9/2 with a 60.39 TrackWiz rating and a 9% career win rate — modest numbers, but this is Mike Allen teaming up with trainer John Fennessy, who also runs Del Rayo in this same race. When a barn doubles up in a race, it sometimes signals confidence in the conditions, and Partner Tours could be a quiet beneficiary if Del Rayo sets a pressured pace and leaves something for the stable companion late.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 8 runners

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A clean late-summer day, a consistent all-dirt card, and some genuine value scattered across eight races — Presque Isle Downs is worth your attention today. Nicole's Will, Shannonia, and Shy Da Runner headline our free analysis, while Little Lamb Chop and Del Rayo are among the names we're watching closely in the premium races. Dig into the free picks to get your footing, and let the full TrackWiz card breakdown do the heavy lifting from there. Good luck at the windows.

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