Mountaineer Picks & Analysis for July 25

Sunday's card at Mountaineer includes 8 races that offer some excellent betting opportunities. As usual, our turf-man has you covered, including a "spotlight" race of the day.

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country on Sunday, be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 2: Mercedes Machen #8, 3/1):

In these MSW turf sprints, you want to look for a runner who can break well and contest the lead. Sometimes coming from the back of a field is difficult, and traffic troubles ensue. This filly out of Machen had a poor outing last time, finishing 7th, but that doesn’t mean she cannot get back on track here. Her prior race wasn’t half bad, and I am thinking she will be an outstanding bet here. The break for her will be key … jockey Charle Oliveros has experience in this department, and I am sure trainer/owner John Baird is banking on just that.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #8

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Grazed My Biscuits #4, 10/1):

Here is a Cal bred that has made his way to the mountains of West Virginia. He actually has a fine-looking record, 12 starts and 4 wins to his name. Stepping into this spot for trainer/owner Burt Sipp should not be as big an issue as some might think. I like his chances with Jose Leon in the saddle. There doesn’t look to be a ton of speed signed on in here, so we shall see how this plays out. I would recommend getting on the engine, and trying to hold fast … that is the play. I doubt that I am the only one who will be jumping on this one. 10/1 probably will not be in our future on the tote.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 5½F, AOC17.5k, 3+):

The “feature” on this Sunday is a little AOC event that has a half dozen drawn in. By the looks of things, Tizway’s Wild Son #5 will probably rake in most of the “win” pool money enroute to favoritism atop the tote. The 5-yr-old gelding, who is trained by Joe Pizzurro, won last out, and posted a nice, big speed numeral that most would kill for. His overall record is impressive as well (24/8-5-2). That means he is in the money most of the time. The former Keeneland grad should have no trouble repeating that last effort, but one other might stand in his way. Take a look at Aaron West’s Flat Out Prize #1. This is also a gelding, and the Flat Out son is a rising star for owner-breeder Bill Anderson. I like the fact he is well-rested, and is coming back to a track he has had a measure of success running on. His price will be much better than the prohibitive favorite I previously mentioned, and playing them off of one another could make for a nice score, as they go hoof-to-hoof on the dirt in the sprint.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 1 w 5

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Enjoy a Mountaineer Sunday! Best of Luck on another run in West Virginia!