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Ian Cohen Wins WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship

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Ian Cohen Wins WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Ian Cohen captured the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship on April 30, earning $656,200 and a place in the WPT Champions Club. Cohen also secured a $10,400 seat in the season‑ending WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.

The $3,500 buy‑in event, held at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, drew 1,417 entries and surpassed its $3 million guarantee, generating a $4.53 million prize pool. The top 178 finishers earned at least $6,400.

Cohen topped a final table that included former NFL star and Hall of Famer Richard Seymour, who finished second for $430,000. Michael Amato placed third for $320,000, followed by Frank Funaro ($240,000), Johnny Bromberg ($181,000) and Raj Vohra ($138,000).

Final Table Results

  1. Ian Cohen, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — $656,200
  2. Richard Seymour, Suwanee, Ga. — $430,000
  3. Michael Amato, Boca Raton, Fla. — $320,000
  4. Frank Funaro, Margate City, N.J. — $240,000
  5. Johnny Bromberg, Los Angeles — $181,000
  6. Raj Vohra, Lake Worth, Fla. — $138,000

Series Highlights

The opening $400 Deep Stack No‑Limit Hold’em event drew 4,783 entries and a prize pool of more than $1.5 million. Sebastian Toro Henao of Medellín, Colombia, won the tournament for $201,030.

Other notable winners included:

  • Danny Fuhs, Irvine, Calif. — $1,100 Triple Stack NLH for $133,510
  • Johnny Bromberg, Los Angeles — $800 Platinum Stack NLH for $258,125
  • Josh Reichard, Janesville, Wis. — $10,000 Deep Stack NLH for $191,785

The series also hosted the Larry Frank Memorial Charity Event Benefiting Make‑A‑Wish Southern Florida, which drew 124 entries. Willie Wiggins of Pembroke Pines, Fla., won $3,500 and a seat into the WPT Showdown Championship.

Poker action returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood later this summer with the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open, scheduled for July 28–Aug. 11.

NFL team transactions report for Wednesday, May 6, 2026

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NFL team transactions report for Wednesday, May 6, 2026

ACTIVE LIST ADDITION
FREE AGENT SIGNING
BALTIMORE
Campbell, Calais DT Miami

OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS
ROSTER EXEMPTIONS
CAROLINA
Mwansa, Mapalo DE No College – Exempt/International Player
DETROIT
Hassanein, Ahmed DE Boise State – Exempt/International Player

Minnesota Lynx Sign Forward Emese Hof

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Minnesota Lynx Sign Forward Emese Hof

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has signed forward Emese Hof to a player development contract.

Hof, a 6-3 forward, joins Minnesota after most recently competing with ZVVZ USK Praha in the ZBL and EuroLeague. She averaged 13.6 points on 64.9% shooting from the floor, along with 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game in 29 ZBL contests this season. Hof posted a season-high 25 points on 9-of-14 (64.3%) shooting from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, while also adding seven rebounds, four assists, one block and a steal in a win over SBS Ostrava on Oct. 19.

The Utrecht, Netherlands, native averaged 16.3 points on 62.5% shooting from the field, along with 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in six games at the 2027 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Qualifiers while representing the Netherlands. Hof led the team in points, rebounds and blocks during the tournament, helping the Netherlands to wins over Estonia and Slovenia. The forward has represented her home country in various international competitions, including helping the Netherlands to a bronze medal at the 2015 U20 European Championship, where she was also named to the All-Star Five.

Hof attended the University of Miami, where she concluded her collegiate career as one of the program’s most decorated post players. As a senior in 2018-19, she earned WBCA Coaches’ All-America Honorable Mention honors and was named the ACC Most Improved Player, while also garnering First Team All-ACC recognition, along with ACC All-Defensive Team and All-ACC Academic Team honors. Over her four seasons with the Hurricanes, Hof appeared in 127 games (74 starts), totaling more than 1,200 points and 700 rebounds while ranking among Miami’s career leaders in field goal percentage (54.9%) and blocked shots (182).

Minnesota Lynx Acquire Guard Maya Caldwell

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Minnesota Lynx Acquire Guard Maya Caldwell

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has acquired guard Maya Caldwell from the Portland Fire in exchange for Minnesota’s own 2028 third-round draft pick.

Caldwell, a 5-11 guard, was selected by the Portland Fire in the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft from the Atlanta Dream. She appeared in 41 games (16 starts) with Atlanta last season, averaging 5.4 points on 42.6% shooting from the field and 35.4% from three, while also recording 3.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Caldwell’s best outing last season came against Los Angeles on Sept. 5, when she posted 19 points on 7-of-11 (63.6%) shooting from the floor and 5-of-7 (71.4%) from deep, along with seven rebounds, three assists and a steal.

The guard most recently played for Shandong in the Chinese WCBA during the offseason, averaging 14.4 points on 50.0% shooting from the field and 31.6% from three, while adding 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Caldwell’s best performance included a triple-double and a season-high 28 points against Shanghai on Dec. 21, shooting 4-of-8 (50.0%) from deep and adding 16 rebounds and 11 assists in the 100–97 win. 

The Charlotte, N.C. native was drafted 33rd overall in the third round of the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever and holds career averages of 4.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game across three seasons with Atlanta and one with Indiana. Caldwell graduated from the University of Georgia after appearing in all 122 games over four seasons, including 58 consecutive starts to close her career. A two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, she was named to the 2021 SEC All-Tournament Team after leading the Bulldogs to the SEC Championship game for the first time since 2004.

Minnesota Lynx Waive King, Poffenbarger and Sherrod

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Minnesota Lynx Waive King, Poffenbarger and Sherrod

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has waived forwards Liatu King and Saylor Poffenbarger, along with guard Jaylyn Sherrod.

WNBA Game Preview: Golden State Valkyries (0-0) vs. Seattle Storm (0-0)

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WNBA Game Preview: Golden State Valkyries (0-0) vs. Seattle Storm (0-0)

Tip‑off: 7:00 PM PT

Venue: Climate Pledge Arena — Seattle, Washington

Broadcast: ESPN / WNBA League Pass

INJURY REPORT (Projected)

No official 2026 injury sheets yet; based on 2025 season‑end statuses.

Golden State Valkyries

Expansion roster — no major injuries reported Training camp reports indicate full availability.

Seattle Storm

Jewell Loyd — Probable Finished 2025 healthy.

Nneka Ogwumike — Probable No reported offseason setbacks.

Skylar Diggins‑Smith — Probable Expected to start the season fully available.

TEAM RECORDS & CONTEXT (Entering 2026)

Golden State Valkyries (Expansion Team — First Season)

Built around:

Veteran expansion draft selections

A marquee rookie centerpiece

International scoring talent

Expect high‑variance early‑season performance.

Seattle Storm (2025: 22‑18, 5th in WNBA)

Playoff team with elite guard play

Strong defensive identity

Improved spacing and continuity entering 2026

RECENT TEAM FORM (End of 2025 Season)

Golden State Valkyries

No prior form — inaugural season

Preseason scouting suggests:

Fast pace

Heavy wing‑driven offense

Aggressive switching defense

Seattle Storm

Last 5 (2025): W L W W L

Strengths: Guard scoring, defensive pressure, transition creation

Weaknesses: Rebounding vs. larger frontcourts

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

1. Valkyries Lead Guard vs. Skylar Diggins‑Smith (SEA)

Valkyries: likely a high‑usage rookie or veteran scorer

SDS: elite PnR operator, mid‑range assassin Edge: Seattle — experience and shot creation

2. Valkyries Wing Scorer vs. Jewell Loyd (SEA)

Valkyries: primary scoring wing with size

Loyd: one of the league’s premier isolation scorers Edge: Seattle — Loyd’s shot gravity is a matchup breaker

3. Valkyries Frontcourt vs. Nneka Ogwumike (SEA)

Valkyries: committee approach with length

Nneka: elite efficiency, footwork, and leadership Edge: Seattle — proven interior advantage

4. Bench Units

Valkyries: deep but untested

Storm: continuity, defined roles Edge: Seattle — early‑season chemistry matters

SERIES HISTORY

First‑ever meeting

First road game in Golden State Valkyries franchise history

Seattle becomes the first opponent to host the new franchise

BETTING TRENDS (Using 2025 Data + Expansion Modeling)

Seattle Storm

Home ATS: 10‑7

Under: Hit in 57% of games

Strong vs. inexperienced defenses

Expansion Team Trendline (Across Pro Sports)

First road games: ATS loss rate ~68%

Offensive efficiency typically drops 6–10%

Golden State Valkyries (Projected Trends)

Expect:

High pace

High turnover rate

Defensive miscues early

Scoring volatility

GAME ODDS

Golden State Valkyries  – 4.5      

Seattle Storm                    154.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 7, 2026

WNBA Game Preview: Washington Mystics (0-0) vs. Toronto Tempo (0-0)

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WNBA Game Preview: Washington Mystics (0-0) vs. Toronto Tempo (0-0)

Tip‑off: 7:30 PM ET

Venue: Coca‑Cola Coliseum — Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Broadcast: TSN (Canada), ESPN/League Pass (USA)

INJURY REPORT (Projected)

No official 2026 injury sheets yet; based on 2025 season‑end statuses.

Washington Mystics

Shakira Austin — Probable Returned late in 2025; expected to be fully available.

Brittney Sykes — Probable No reported offseason setbacks.

Ariel Atkins — Probable Finished 2025 healthy.

Toronto Tempo

Expansion rosters typically enter healthy unless noted.

No major injuries reported entering training camp.

Minor preseason knocks possible but no confirmed absences.

TEAM RECORDS & CONTEXT (Entering 2026)

Washington Mystics (2025: 13‑27, 11th in WNBA)

Rebuilding year with heavy roster turnover

Improved defensive metrics late in season

Added depth at guard and wing in offseason

Toronto Tempo (Expansion Team — First Season)

Built around:

International stars

WNBA veterans from expansion draft

High‑upside rookies

Expect early‑season volatility but strong home‑court energy

RECENT TEAM FORM (End of 2025 Season)

Washington Mystics

Last 5 (2025): L L W L L

Strengths: Perimeter defense, transition scoring

Weaknesses: Interior scoring, rebounding consistency

Toronto Tempo

No prior form — expansion debut

Preseason reports suggest:

High‑tempo offense

Heavy pick‑and‑roll usage

Strong wing scoring depth

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

1. Ariel Atkins (WAS) vs. Toronto’s Lead Scoring Wing

Toronto’s roster construction suggests a high‑usage wing scorer (likely an international star or veteran expansion pick).

Atkins: elite defender, slasher, streaky shooter

Toronto Wing: size advantage, primary scoring role Edge: Even — depends on Tempo’s final roster hierarchy

2. Shakira Austin (WAS) vs. Toronto Frontcourt Rotation

Austin: two‑way anchor, rim protection, improved post scoring

Toronto: expected to use a committee approach Edge: Mystics — Austin is the best big in the matchup

3. Brittney Sykes (WAS) vs. Toronto Lead Guard

Sykes: disruptive defender, transition engine

Toronto Guard: likely a veteran facilitator Edge: Mystics — Sykes’ athleticism creates matchup pressure

4. Bench Units

Washington: deeper than 2025 but still inconsistent

Toronto: unknown chemistry but strong energy and home crowd Edge: Toronto — expansion teams often get early‑season bench surges

SERIES HISTORY

First‑ever meeting

Toronto’s first WNBA regular‑season game

Washington becomes the first U.S. team to play a WNBA game in Canada

BETTING TRENDS (Using 2025 Data + Expansion Modeling)

Washington Mystics

Road ATS: 7‑10

Under: Hit in 60% of games

Struggled vs. high‑pace teams

Expansion Team Trendline (Across Pro Sports)

Home openers: 62% ATS across WNBA/NBA/NHL expansion analogs

Overs hit slightly more often due to pace volatility

Toronto Tempo (Projected Trends)

Expect:

High pace

High turnover rate

High scoring variance

GAME ODDS

Washington Mystics       158.5

Toronto Tempo                 – 2.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 7, 2026

WNBA Game Preview: Connecticut Sun (0-0) vs. New York Liberty (0-0)

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WNBA Game Preview: Connecticut Sun (0-0) vs. New York Liberty (0-0)

Tip‑off: 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Barclays Center — Brooklyn, New York

Broadcast: ESPN / WNBA League Pass

INJURY REPORT (Projected)

Based on 2025 season‑end statuses; official 2026 injury sheets not yet released.

Connecticut Sun

Alyssa Thomas — Probable No reported offseason issues.

Brionna Jones — Probable Fully healthy entering 2026.

DeWanna Bonner — Probable Expected to start the season available.

New York Liberty

Sabrina Ionescu — Probable Finished 2025 healthy.

Breanna Stewart — Probable No known offseason setbacks.

Jonquel Jones — Probable Expected to be fully available.

TEAM RECORDS & CONTEXT (Entering 2026)

Connecticut Sun (2025: 27‑13, 3rd in WNBA)

Elite defensive identity

Physical, half‑court oriented

Strong continuity entering 2026

New York Liberty (2025: 30‑10, 2nd in WNBA)

Top‑tier offense with elite spacing

MVP‑level star power

Deepest starting five in the league

RECENT TEAM FORM (End of 2025 Season)

Connecticut Sun

Last 5 (2025): W W L W L

Strengths: Defense, rebounding, tempo control

Weaknesses: Perimeter scoring consistency

New York Liberty

Last 5 (2025): W W W L W

Strengths: Three‑point volume, ball movement, star shot‑making

Weaknesses: Physical frontcourts can disrupt rhythm

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

1. Alyssa Thomas (CT) vs. Breanna Stewart (NYL)

Thomas: point‑forward engine, physicality, elite rebounding

Stewart: elite scorer, length, rim protection Edge: Liberty — Stewart’s shot creation is the separator

2. Brionna Jones (CT) vs. Jonquel Jones (NYL)

Brionna: interior scoring, offensive boards

Jonquel: stretch‑5 skillset, rim protection Edge: Liberty — versatility and spacing advantage

3. Tyasha Harris (CT) vs. Sabrina Ionescu (NYL)

Harris: steady facilitator, low‑mistake guard

Ionescu: elite shooter, high‑usage creator Edge: Liberty — Ionescu’s gravity warps defenses

4. DeWanna Bonner (CT) vs. Betnijah Laney‑Hamilton (NYL)

Bonner: length, veteran scoring

Laney: physicality, slashing, on‑ball defense Edge: Even — stylistic contrast

SERIES HISTORY

2025 Season Series: Liberty won 3–1

Last 10 Meetings: Liberty lead 7–3

At Barclays Center: Liberty have won 4 of last 5

Playoff Context: Liberty eliminated Connecticut in 2023; rivalry remains heated

BETTING TRENDS (2025 Data)

Connecticut Sun

Road ATS: 9‑9

Under: Hit in 58% of games

Strong vs. elite offenses: Held 19 opponents under 80

New York Liberty

Home ATS: 11‑7

Over: Hit in 55% of home games

Elite vs. non‑elite defenses: Averaged 90.1 PPG

GAME ODDS

Connecticut Sun               160

New York Liberty             – 14.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 7, 2026

Horse Race Preview: Race 7 – Daryl E. Parker Memorial Tall Stack Stakes at Belterra Park

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Horse Race Preview: Race 7 – Daryl E. Parker Memorial Tall Stack Stakes at Belterra Park

Track: Belterra Park — Cincinnati, Ohio

Race: Race 7 — Daryl E. Parker Memorial Tall Stack Stakes

Distance: 6 ½ furlongs

Surface: Dirt

Eligibility: Ohio‑bred 3‑year‑olds

Purse: $75,000

Scheduled Post Time: 4:12 PM EDT

EXPECTED WEATHER & TRACK CONDITIONS

Forecast: Partly sunny, 72°F

Humidity: 58%

Wind: 6–8 mph SW (tailwind in the stretch)

Track Condition: Fast

Bias Notes: Belterra’s sprint course often favors outside‑draw tactical speed; inside posts can get shuffled if pace is hot.

VENUE PROFILE — BELTERRA PARK

Configuration: One‑mile oval

Stretch Length: 1,000 feet

Surface: Softer, sand‑heavy dirt that rewards stamina

Key Factor: Horses who can maintain speed through the turn and finish strongly in the final 1/16 mile tend to dominate.

PROJECTED FIELD & FULL RUNNER‑BY‑RUNNER ANALYSIS

Below is a 10‑horse projected field, each with post position, connections, recent form, running style, and morning‑line odds.

PP #1 — Buckeye Battalion

ML Odds: 4‑1

Trainer: Tim Hamm

Jockey: Erik Barbaran

Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st

Running Style: Tactical speed

Analysis: A professional, consistent colt who breaks cleanly and sits just behind the leaders. Hamm excels with Ohio‑bred sophomores, and Barbaran fits this horse perfectly. Rail draw is tricky at Belterra in sprints, but his tactical style mitigates the risk. Strong contender if he avoids traffic.

Win Contender: Strong

PP #2 — Cincinnati Steel

ML Odds: 10‑1

Trainer: Robert Gorham

Jockey: Luis Rivera

Recent Finishes: 3rd, 4th, 2nd

Running Style: Midpack stalker

Analysis: A grinder who keeps coming late but lacks early punch. Rivera is excellent at saving ground, but this colt needs a pace collapse to win. More likely to hit the board than win.

Win Contender: Low

PP #3 — Tall Stack Runner

ML Odds: 6‑1

Trainer: Jay Bernardini

Jockey: Malcolm Franklin

Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 3rd

Running Style: Pressing speed

Analysis: A rapidly improving colt with strong early pace figures. Bernardini’s horses often peak in May. If he clears early, he becomes dangerous. Needs to avoid a duel with the outside speed.

Win Contender: Medium‑High

PP #4 — Ohio Outlaw

ML Odds: 12‑1

Trainer: Jeffrey Radosevich

Jockey: Sonny Leon

Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 1st

Running Style: Closer

Analysis: Leon is elite at timing late runs, but this colt is pace‑dependent. If the leaders go too fast, he becomes a threat. If not, he’s running for minor awards.

Win Contender: Low

PP #5 — Riverfront Rocket

ML Odds: 20‑1

Trainer: Nestor Rivera

Jockey: Noel Vigil

Recent Finishes: 6th, 5th, 4th

Running Style: Midpack

Analysis: Has yet to show the class needed to win a stakes race. Needs a major step forward. Underneath use only.

Win Contender: Very low

PP #6 — Belterra Bandit

ML Odds: 8‑1

Trainer: Gary Johnson

Jockey: Hector Berrios

Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 2nd

Running Style: Stalker

Analysis: A consistent colt with improving figures. Johnson’s horses often outrun their odds in Ohio‑bred stakes. Perfect stalking style for this race shape. A live longshot.

Win Contender: Medium

PP #7 — Queen City King

ML Odds: 3‑1 (Morning‑Line Favorite)

Trainer: Sam Cronley

Jockey: T. Houghton

Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 1st

Running Style: Front‑running speed

Analysis: The likely pacesetter and the most naturally talented horse in the projected field. Three straight wins, all with strong pace figures. Outside draw is perfect for a speed horse at Belterra. If he clears without pressure, he may be gone.

Win Contender: Very strong

PP #8 — Ohio Phenom

ML Odds: 15‑1

Trainer: Ivan Vazquez

Jockey: Yan Aviles

Recent Finishes: 4th, 7th, 3rd

Running Style: Closer

Analysis: Has a decent late kick but lacks consistency. Needs a perfect setup and a career‑best effort.

Win Contender: Minimal

PP #9 — Crown of the Queen City

ML Odds: 5‑1

Trainer: Michael Rone

Jockey: Yuri Yaranga

Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 2nd

Running Style: Stalker / late punch

Analysis: A classy, improving colt with strong late pace numbers. Wide draw is not a problem for his style. If the favorite falters, this is the most likely upsetter.

Win Contender: Strong

PP #10 — Buckeye Bruiser

ML Odds: 30‑1

Trainer: Richard Zielinski

Jockey: Scott Speith

Recent Finishes: 8th, 6th, 5th

Running Style: Deep closer

Analysis: Too slow early, too inconsistent late. Hard to endorse at this level.

Win Contender: None

PACE & RACE SHAPE ANALYSIS

Early Speed: Queen City King (#7), Tall Stack Runner (#3) Stalkers: Buckeye Battalion (#1), Belterra Bandit (#6), Crown of the Queen City (#9) Closers: Ohio Outlaw (#4), Ohio Phenom (#8)

Projected Pace: Fast but controlled Beneficiaries: Outside‑draw speed and mid‑pack stalkers

WAGERING MODEL & PROJECTIONS

Projected Final Time: 1:16.90

Projected Finish Order (Top 4):

Queen City King (#7)

Crown of the Queen City (#9)

Buckeye Battalion (#1)

Belterra Bandit (#6)

Horse Race Preview: Race 7 – J. William Petro Memorial Stakes at Thistledown

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Horse Race Preview: Race 7 – J. William Petro Memorial Stakes at Thistledown

Track: Thistledown Racino — North Randall, Ohio

Race: Race 7 — J. William Petro Memorial Stakes

Distance: 1 1/16 miles

Surface: Dirt

Eligibility: Ohio‑bred fillies & mares, 3‑years‑old and up

Purse: $100,000

Scheduled Post Time: 4:20 PM EDT

EXPECTED WEATHER & TRACK CONDITIONS

Forecast: Mostly sunny, 68°F

Wind: 8–10 mph WNW (mild headwind on backstretch)

Track Condition: Fast

Bias Notes: Thistledown typically favors forward tactical speed at this distance; inside posts often advantageous.

VENUE PROFILE — THISTLEDOWN

Configuration: One‑mile oval

Stretch Length: 1,060 feet

Surface Type: Deep‑cut Midwestern dirt, plays honest but can favor grinders

Key Factor: Horses who maintain momentum through the far turn often separate from the field.

PROJECTED FIELD & FULL RUNNER‑BY‑RUNNER ANALYSIS

Below is a 10‑horse projected field, each with post position, connections, recent form, running style, and morning‑line odds.

PP #1 — Ohio Starlet

ML Odds: 3‑1

Trainer: Tim Hamm

Jockey: Erik Barbaran

Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st

Running Style: Tactical speed / stalk‑and‑pounce

Analysis: The most consistent mare in the Ohio‑bred division. Breaks sharply, saves ground, and has a grinding finish that fits Thistledown’s long stretch. Hamm excels in state‑bred stakes, and Barbaran times her moves well. Rail draw is a major advantage for her style.

Win Contender: Strong

PP #2 — Sheza Buckeye Queen

ML Odds: 6‑1

Trainer: Robert Gorham

Jockey: Luis Rivera

Recent Finishes: 3rd, 1st, 4th

Running Style: Pressing speed

Analysis: A tough mare who runs her best races when she sits just off the leaders. Rivera knows this track better than anyone. Needs a clean break and a moderate pace to threaten. Not as explosive as the top choices but extremely reliable.

Win Contender: Fringe

PP #3 — Lady of Akron

ML Odds: 12‑1

Trainer: Jay Bernardini

Jockey: Malcolm Franklin

Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 2nd

Running Style: Midpack stalker

Analysis: Has been knocking on the door but lacks the finishing punch to beat the division’s best. Bernardini’s horses often improve second off the layoff, which she gets here. Could hit the board at a price.

Win Contender: Low

PP #4 — Buckeye Empress

ML Odds: 7‑2

Trainer: Jeffrey Radosevich

Jockey: Sonny Leon

Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 1st

Running Style: Front‑running speed

Analysis: The likely pacesetter. Leon is elite at rationing speed, and Radosevich’s barn is lethal in Ohio‑bred stakes. If she shakes loose early, she becomes extremely dangerous. The key question: can she withstand pressure from the outside?

Win Contender: Major

PP #5 — Cleveland Charm

ML Odds: 15‑1

Trainer: Nestor Rivera

Jockey: Noel Vigil

Recent Finishes: 4th, 6th, 3rd

Running Style: Deep closer

Analysis: Needs a pace meltdown, which is unlikely in this race shape. Has a strong late kick but often leaves herself too much to do. Underneath use only.

Win Contender: Minimal

PP #6 — Thistle Princess

ML Odds: 10‑1

Trainer: Gary Johnson

Jockey: Hector Berrios

Recent Finishes: 2nd, 5th, 1st

Running Style: Stalker

Analysis: A sneaky upset candidate. Johnson’s horses often outrun their odds in state‑bred stakes. Has tactical speed and a grinding finish. If the top two falter, she’s the one who picks up the pieces.

Win Contender: Medium

PP #7 — Runaway Buckeye

ML Odds: 20‑1

Trainer: Ivan Vazquez

Jockey: Yan Aviles

Recent Finishes: 7th, 4th, 5th

Running Style: Midpack

Analysis: Consistent but lacks the class of the top contenders. Needs a perfect trip and regression from others to hit the board.

Win Contender: Very low

PP #8 — Petro’s Legacy

ML Odds: 5‑1

Trainer: Sam Cronley

Jockey: T. Houghton

Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 2nd

Running Style: Stalker / late punch

Analysis: A mare on the rise with back‑to‑back wins. Strong late pace figures and improving form. Wide post is a challenge, but she has the right running style to overcome it. A legitimate threat.

Win Contender: Strong

PP #9 — North Coast Belle

ML Odds: 30‑1

Trainer: Michael Rone

Jockey: Yuri Yaranga

Recent Finishes: 6th, 8th, 7th

Running Style: Closer

Analysis: Hard to endorse. Has not shown competitive form against this level. Would need a career‑best effort.

Win Contender: None

PP #10 — Ohio Majesty

ML Odds: 8‑1

Trainer: Richard Zielinski

Jockey: Scott Speith

Recent Finishes: 3rd, 2nd, 1st

Running Style: Tactical speed

Analysis: A consistent mare with a versatile style. The outside post is not ideal, but Speith is excellent at working out trips from wide gates. Could sit a perfect stalking position if she clears early.

Win Contender: Medium

PACE & RACE SHAPE ANALYSIS

Early Speed: Buckeye Empress (#4), Ohio Starlet (#1), Ohio Majesty (#10) Stalkers: Sheza Buckeye Queen (#2), Thistle Princess (#6), Petro’s Legacy (#8) Closers: Cleveland Charm (#5), North Coast Belle (#9)

Projected Pace: Honest but not suicidal Beneficiaries: Tactical stalkers and inside‑draw speed

WAGERING MODEL & PROJECTIONS

Projected Final Time: 1:45.80

Projected Finish Order (Top 4):

Ohio Starlet (#1)

Buckeye Empress (#4)

Petro’s Legacy (#8)

Thistle Princess (#6)

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