How to bet Mahoning's $343,877 mandatory-payout Pick 6 carryover

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March 29th, 2021

Who’s up for chasing a six-figure Pick 6 carryover?

The racing week at Mahoning Valley kicks off with a bang on Monday. A $343,877 jackpot carryover in the Buckeye Pick 6 is scheduled for a mandatory dispersal, so all winning bettors will split the prize equally—no unique winning ticket required.

With just 50 betting interests in the sequence before scratches, nabbing a share of the jackpot should be attainable on a small budget. Let’s go over the Pick 6 in race-by-race fashion, then put together a $48 play:

Race 3: $10,000 Maiden Claiming (5 1/2 furlongs)

The speedy #2 Crimson Ride (2-1) hasn’t missed the trifecta in her last three starts over slightly longer distances. She brings competitive Brisnet Speed ratings to the mix and should be tough to catch while cutting back to 5 1/2 furlongs. Keep in mind, 40% of 5 1/2-furlong sprints at Mahoning are won in gate-to-wire fashion.

Race 4: Maiden Special Weight (one mile)

#2 Grand Deal (7-2) has cracked the trifecta in three straight races over this track and distance, though his 0-for-12 lifetime record indicates he’s tough to trust on the win end. The sprinter #1 Kulp (9-2) is eligible to secure an ideal forwardly placed trip in his route debut, stamping the son of Munnings as a live alternative.

Race 5: $15,000 Claiming (5 1/2 furlongs)

#1 Jlo Can Dance (10-1) and #2 Tourrista (7-2) have been running well against tougher company at Mahoning Valley, stamping them as logical contenders while dropping down to the $15,000 claiming level. But #3 Magic Credit (15-1) and #9 Lucky Quarters (3-1) have been posting similar Brisnet Speed ratings, so we’ll use them all for Pick 6 purposes.

Race 6: $8,000 Claiming (one mile and 70 yards)

The lack of pace entered in this race is astounding—there isn’t a single obvious speed horse in the field. #7 Little Matilda (3-1) has a bit more tactical foot than most and might wind up setting the pace, but she’s far from a standout. We’ll back her up with #3 Backsplash (8-1) and the coupled entrymates #1 Colorincolonel (7-5) and #1A Grats Road (7-5).

Race 7: Allowance (six furlongs)

The stakes-placed #2 Penny Shots (5-2) is an obvious choice, but she’s cutting back sharply in distance and running for the first time since August, suggesting she isn’t a lock to win. #8 Cacki (6-1), a gate-to-wire allowance winner over this track and distance earlier this month, is a viable alternative for high-percentage trainer James McDonald, who strikes at a 37% rate with last-out winners.

Race 8: $4,000 Claiming (5 1/2 furlongs)

Based on current form, past form, or human connections, you can make a case for most of the nine fillies and mares in this low-level sprint. We’ll narrow down our options with #1 Immaculate Heart (8-1), #5 Lady Kim (10-1), #7 Jilly From Jersey (5-1), #8 Sun Dress (2-1), and #9 Miss Surprise (3-1).