Mahoning Valley spot plays for October 31

A big 10-race card will be hosted by Mahoning Valley on Saturday, with the final five events being stakes tilts for Ohio-bred runners.

Race 5 -- Starter Allowance

A field of 10 will contest the 5-furlong dash, and I feel that #2 Sweetnessncharm (15-1) is a must-use at a big price. Speedy son of Cowtown Cat has prior stakes experience from his juvenile campaign, and he has rolled home to facile wins in two straight while back in good form. Gelded gray will face a lot of early pressure on Saturday, but he is a prime contender if Machado can carve out a sensible trip atop the sophomore.

Race 6 -- Juvenile S.

#3 Buckeye Magic (8-1) was a smart maiden winner from off the pace going short most recently, and I envision him thriving on the stretch out in his stakes and route debut. Tom Drury trainee faces a talented bunch on Saturday, but the son of Trappe Shot should have a solid pace to rally into with John McKee retaining the ride.

Race 8 -- Ohio Sprint S.

The 6-furlong test attracted a big field of 11, and defending champ #7 Altissimo (5-2) looks imposing for trainer Richard Zielinski. The 18-time winner likes the surface, exits a pair of races when earning robust 104 and 101 Brisnet Speed figures, and can run from on or off the pace. T.D. Houghton has the assignment aboard the son of Noble Causeway.

Race 10 -- Best of Ohio Endurance S.

Finale attracted 10 who will go 1 1/4 miles. #8 I Wanna Win (6-1) ran his best race to date when traveling this distance in a stakes run in August, and I will side with the gelding. Son of I Want Revenge has fine form while finishing first or second in six straight races, and I love his recent prep race when runner-up in a 6-furlong allowance dash last out. Luis Rivera will be up.