Mahoning's Pick 6 jackpot surpasses $200,000; here's how to play it on Mar. 16

(Coady Photo/Churchill Downs)

The Buckeye Pick 6 carryover at Mahoning Valley continues to grow, just like the consolation payoffs for the 20-cent, jackpot-style wager.

Monday’s Pick 6 was fairly straightforward, producing three winning favorites plus three mild upsets in the 9-2 to 5-1 range. Yet the 20-cent wager ultimately returned a solid $1,266.60, higher than the $1,100.22 payoff generated by a theoretical $2 win parlay across the six winners.

Since multiple winning tickets were sold on Monday, the carryover for Tuesday has climbed to $208,268. The growing jackpot has led to an increase in the daily pool size, which in turn opens for the door for larger consolation payoffs on a day-to-day basis.

Speed horses continue to fare well at Mahoning, though with the right setup, talented late runners can also reach the winner’s circle. Keeping this track profile in mind, let’s review Tuesday’s Buckeye Pick 6 in race-by-race fashion and assemble a ticket on a ~$20 budget:

Race 3: Allowance (one mile and 70 yards)

#8 Honor the D (3-1) has some tactical speed and was beaten just a neck over this track and class level on Feb. 10. He figures to enjoy a clean trip stalking trip and can vie for victory in the Pick 6 opener, with the similarly tactical claimer #5 Spendaree (7-2) looming as Honor the D’s main opposition.

Race 4: $5,000 Starter Allowance (five furlongs)

There’s a ton of speed in this seven-horse field, and none of the entrants appear completely overmatched. Hitting the “ALL” button may be necessary to survive the Pick 6.

Race 5: Maiden Special Weight (5 1/2 furlongs)

As we outlined in our Picks and Plays for Tuesday, #9 Makescentstous (2-1) is a standout in terms of Brisnet Speed ratings and a deserving favorite for leading jockey Sonny Leon and hot trainer Eric Reed. We’ll make the daughter of Goldencents a short-priced single.

Race 6: Allowance (5 1/2 furlongs)

Eric Reed holds a strong hand here with the coupled entrymates #1 Vintage Ready and #1A Curlinesque (8-5), though since Sonny Leon is named to ride them both, it appears only one will start. The consistent allowance competitors #5 Well Spent (2-1) and #2 Mrs. Robinson (8-1) are the other main players.

Race 7: $5,000 Claiming (six furlongs)

#4 Riding in the Wind (8-5) has the edge from a Brisnet Speed rating perspective, but he disappointed in his most recent effort against tougher company. If he falters again, the improving #2B Flint Corn (12-1) can steal the show, as we noted in our Picks and Plays for Tuesday. #1A Obsessionoptimist (3-1), close runner-up for a $5,000 tag two weeks ago, is also worth including.

Race 8: $5,000 Claiming (5 1/2 furlongs)

#7 Natalia’s Temple (5-1) has been beaten a nose and a neck in her last two starts over this track and class level. She has plenty of tactical speed, but isn’t a standout in terms of Brisnet Speed ratings, so we’ll spread deep with #1 Lemon Water (2-1), #3 Dogwood Queen (8-1), #4 Bella Basora (6-1), #5 Aznavour (9-2), and #8 Azlynn’s Dreamer (12-1).