Venue: Fonner Park, Grand Island, Nebraska (main track, dirt – 5/8-mile oval)
Distance: 6 furlongs
Purse: $25,000 added (includes $5,000 NTBDF; for Nebraska-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings)
Conditions: 122 lbs.; non-winners of three races -2 lbs., of two races -4 lbs., maidens -6 lbs.; high weights preferred
Scheduled Post Time: 3:00 PM CT (first post for the day: approximately 11:30 AM CT)

Expected Weather Conditions (Grand Island, NE):
Mild spring day with highs in the mid-60s°F (around 63–68°F by post time) and lows near 45–50°F overnight. Partly to mostly cloudy skies with light winds (5–15 mph from the southeast/south), and only a low chance (10–20%) of any isolated light showers. No significant precipitation expected during the racing card.

Expected Track Conditions: Fast dirt. The Fonner Park surface typically plays speed-favoring in the spring, and with dry conditions forecast after any overnight dew burns off, expect a quick, main-track bias that rewards horses with early or tactical speed. This is the 71st running of the Fonner Park Special Stakes (Colts & Geldings Division) – a traditional early-season Nebraska-bred stakes that often spotlights the best local 3-year-olds heading into the rest of the Fonner meet. The compact field of eight is well-matched on paper, with several having already shown competitive form in early 2026 allowance/maidens at Fonner or other regional tracks.

Morning-line favorite It’s Notmyproblem (8/5) towers on recent speed figures, but Weekend Gold (2/1) and the Jason Wise pair add depth. Expect an honest pace up front that could set up tactical runners or closers if the rail holds.

Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, and Trainers

PP	Horse	Age/Sex	Jockey	Trainer	ML Odds
1	Maximum Chambers (NE)	3/G	Alex Birzer	Jason Wise	9/2
2	Luck Be a Running (NE)	3/G	Victor Jadhir Bailon	Jesse Compton	20/1
3	Milele (NE)	3/G	Ronnie Huckaby	Jason Wise	15/1
4	It’s Notmyproblem (NE)	3/G	Jose Angel Medina	Mark N. Hibdon	8/5
5	P R Rocket Man (NE)	3/G	Chris Fackler	Jesse Compton	8/1
6	Captain Beerman (NE)	3/G	Alberto Pusac	Robert G. Hoffman	15/1
7	Keen Topic (NE)	3/G	Travis Cunningham	Marvin A. Johnson	6/1
8	Weekend Gold (NE)	3/G	Nathan Haar	Schuyler Condon	2/1

Analysis of Each Horse (including recent form via last-race speed figures where available, key notes, and race-specific angles):

PP 1 – Maximum Chambers (9/2, Alex Birzer, Jason Wise)
By Maximum Security. Last race speed figure: 76. Nebraska-bred with solid early-season placings at Fonner; the Wise barn is always dangerous in these restricted stakes. Birzer is a Fonner veteran who knows the biases. Rail post is a plus for his forward style—expect him to be prominent early. Live contender if he improves off his last effort.

bBy Court Vision. Last race speed figure: -1 (suggests a poor or debut effort). Longshot with limited upside shown so far; Compton trains a couple in here but this one looks overmatched on figures. Likely to be outrun early from post 2; best as a deep exotic filler at best.

PP 3 – Milele (15/1, Ronnie Huckaby, Jason Wise)
By Giant Expectations. Last race speed figure: 60. Second string for the hot Wise barn; has shown some promise but needs a big step forward to compete at this level. Huckaby can ride him into a mid-pack trip. Longshot who could improve with experience but figures to be up against it.

PP 4 – It’s Notmyproblem (8/5, Jose Angel Medina, Mark N. Hibdon)
By Wedding Party. Last race speed figure: 105 (highest in the field by a wide margin). Clear class edge and the morning-line favorite. Consistent performer with strong recent local form; Medina retains the mount and knows exactly how to ride him. Should sit a perfect stalking trip and be the one to beat—top selection on speed figures and consistency.

PP 5 – P R Rocket Man (8/1, Chris Fackler, Jesse Compton)
By Court Vision. Last race speed figure: 67. Blinkers go on for the first time—could sharpen him. Compton trainee with tactical speed; Fackler is capable locally. Mid-pack style should benefit if the pace is hot; live underneath play in exotics at a square price.

PP 6 – Captain Beerman (15/1, Alberto Pusac, Robert G. Hoffman)
By Echo Town. Last race speed figure: 60. Hoffman barn longshot with flashes of ability but yet to show stakes-level competitiveness. Pusac is a plus rider, but outside post may force a wide trip. Needs a career-best to factor; deep closer type.

PP 7 – Keen Topic (6/1, Travis Cunningham, Marvin A. Johnson)
By Keen Ice. Last race speed figure: 67. Johnson trainee showing steady local improvement; Cunningham knows the track well. Should be forwardly placed from post 7—dangerous if he gets an easy trip on the speed-favoring surface. Solid value exotic piece.

PP 8 – Weekend Gold (2/1, Nathan Haar, Schuyler Condon)
By Giant Expectations. Last race speed figure: 86. Second choice on the morning line and a logical contender. Condon is having a strong meet; Haar is a local leading rider. Expect him to be right on the early pace or stalking—prime candidate to press the favorite and potentially pull the upset if It’s Notmyproblem overperforms early.

Venue: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Charles Town, West Virginia (main track, dirt)
Distance: 4½ furlongs
Purse: $75,000 (for registered accredited West Virginia-bred fillies, 3-year-olds)
Conditions: 122 lbs. each; nominations closed April 15; entries closed April 22
Scheduled Post Time: 10:32 PM ET (first post for the day: 7:00 PM ET)

Expected Weather Conditions (Charles Town, WV):
Mild spring evening with scattered showers possible earlier in the day (mainly before 6 PM), tapering off by post time. Highs near 64–80°F during the day dropping to lows around 45–56°F overnight; light winds WNW 5–10 mph. Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy by race time with no heavy precipitation expected during the evening card.

Expected Track Conditions: Fast dirt. Any early-day moisture should dry out quickly on the Charles Town surface, setting up a typical speed-favoring sprint setup under the lights for this short dash. This is the first major stakes of the 2026 season for West Virginia-bred 3-year-old fillies at the local oval—a sharp 4½-furlong sprint that often highlights precocious local speed. The field of eight is compact and competitive, with several having already shown stakes form in early-season Charles Town races. The pace should be honest up front, favoring horses with tactical speed and proven local dirt sprint experience. Morning-line favorite Karina Anna (2/1) brings the strongest recent win streak into the race.

Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, and Trainers

PP	Horse	Age/Sex	Jockey	Trainer	ML Odds
1	Karina Anna (VA)	3/F	Reshawn Latchman	Stephen Murdock	2/1
2	God’s Pride (WV)	3/F	Joe Stokes	Timothy M. Collins	8/1
3	Truth and Justice (WV)	3/F	Sunday Diaz, Jr.	Cynthia E. McKee	9/2
4	Edy’s Flame (WV)	3/F	J. D. Acosta	Anthony Farrior	5/2
5	Maskedandmummed (WV)	3/F	Antonio Lopez	Ronald G. Sigler	6/1
6	Cappuccino Crunch (WV)	3/F	Juan Mauricio Nunez	Javier Contreras	10/1
7	Priority One (VA)	3/F	Arnaldo Bocachica	Anthony Farrior	10/1
8	My Girl Bridgit (WV)	3/F	Xavier Perez	Cynthia E. McKee	20/1

Analysis of Each Horse (including recent finishes where available, key form, and race-specific notes):

PP 1 – Karina Anna (2/1, Reshawn Latchman, Stephen Murdock)
By Golden Years out of Jungle Diamond. Recent form: Two wins in her last two starts (most recently a decisive score on April 17, 2026, followed by another victory March 25, 2026). Lightly raced but sharp 3YO with a win at Colonial Downs in 2025 and consistent stakes-level upside. Latchman knows the local circuit; inside post is a plus for her forward style. The clear morning-line favorite and top selection on class and current form. Expect her to stalk or press and finish strongly.

PP 2 – God’s Pride (8/1, Joe Stokes, Timothy M. Collins)
By Upstart out of Funny Pepper. Owner/trainer-bred and a local hopeful making her stakes debut. Limited public recent form available, but bred for speed and has shown promise in West Virginia-restricted company. Stokes is a reliable local rider. Likely to be forwardly placed from post 2; live longshot if she’s improved since her last outing.

PP 3 – Truth and Justice (9/2, Sunday Diaz, Jr., Cynthia E. McKee)
By Fiber Sonde out of Miss Construe. Beau Ridge Farm homebred with solid early 2026 form in allowance company at Charles Town. McKee is a perennial force with West Virginia-breds. Diaz, Jr. is riding well locally. Should sit a mid-pack trip and close into a fast pace; dangerous underneath at a square price.

PP 4 – Edy’s Flame (5/2, J. D. Acosta, Anthony Farrior)
By Flameaway out of Mission Good Karma. Recent finish: Strong 2nd in the Fancy Buckles Stakes (April 12, 2026) at Charles Town. Has two wins and a second in four 2026 starts with solid speed figures. Farrior is one of the top local trainers and knows how to have them ready for these sprints. Acosta retains the mount. Tactical speed from post 4 makes her a major threat to the favorite. Prime win candidate.

PP 5 – Maskedandmummed (6/1, Antonio Lopez, Ronald G. Sigler)
By Candygram out of Mummers Parade. Casey’s Legacy homebred showing steady improvement in 2026 maiden/allowance races. Lopez can get her into the race early. Mid-pack style suits the expected pace; best as an exotic play if the top choices falter.

PP 6 – Cappuccino Crunch (10/1, Juan Mauricio Nunez, Javier Contreras)
By Last Print out of Golden Parachute. Elysium Racing homebred with a couple of solid local placings but yet to win a stakes. Nunez is capable in sprints. Outside post may force a wide trip; needs a career-best effort to factor at this level.

PP 7 – Priority One (10/1, Arnaldo Bocachica, Anthony Farrior)
By Fiber Sonde out of Maryland’s Love. Also trained by the hot Farrior barn (same owner as Edy’s Flame). Recent stakes experience includes a placing in the Fancy Buckles field. Bocachica is a veteran local rider who knows the Charles Town biases. Late runner who will benefit if the pace heats up early; solid longshot value in exotics.

PP 8 – My Girl Bridgit (20/1, Xavier Perez, Cynthia E. McKee)
By Take Charge Indy out of Bridging the Gap. Another McKee trainee and homebred with the longest odds. Has shown flashes in allowance company but will need to step up significantly here. Perez can ride her for a share if the race falls apart up front; deepest closer in the field.

Venue: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky (main track, dirt)
Distance: 6 furlongs
Purse: $200,000 (includes $50,000 KTDF)
Conditions: For fillies and mares, 4 years old and upward
Scheduled Post Time: 5:46 PM ET (first post for the day: 12:45 PM ET)

Expected Weather Conditions (Louisville, KY):
Cloudy skies in the early morning with a low around 52°F and a 30% chance of isolated showers mainly between 7-8 AM, gradually clearing to mostly sunny by race time. High near 78°F, with calm winds becoming light north/northeast around 6 mph. No significant rain expected during the afternoon or evening.

Expected Track Conditions: Fast dirt. The forecast points to a dry track after any early-morning moisture burns off quickly, typical for opening day at Churchill Downs in late April. This is a competitive, well-matched field of eight older fillies and mares sprinting six furlongs on the main track to kick off Derby Week. Defending champion Zeitlos (2024 winner) returns to face Mink’s Palace (2025 winner), creating a marquee rematch. Speed figures and recent form suggest a contested pace up front, with stalkers and closers poised to benefit if the leaders tire. Morning-line favorite One Magic Philly (5/2) gets blinkers and returns to a venue where she has performed well.

Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, and Trainers

PP	Horse	Age/Sex	Jockey	Trainer	ML Odds
1	One Magic Philly (KY)	5/M	Tyler Gaffalione	Brendan P. Walsh	5/2
2	Jersey Pearl (KY)	6/M	Luan Machado	Darrin Miller	6/1
3	Mink’s Palace (KY)	5/M	Luis Saez	Eddie Kenneally	8/1
4	Lotsandlotsofcandy (KY)	5/M	Brian J. Hernandez, Jr.	Paul J. McGee	7/2
5	Lucille Ball (KY)	4/F	Axel Concepcion	Chris J. Englehart	15/1
6	Zeitlos (KY)	6/M	Jose L. Ortiz	Steve M. Asmussen	5/1
7	Vincey Girl (KY)	5/M	Irad Ortiz, Jr.	Jose F. D’Angelo	9/2
8	Asternia (KY)	5/M	Joel Rosario	Randy L. Morse	10/1

Analysis of Each Horse (including recent finishes, key form, and race-specific notes):

PP 1 – One Magic Philly (5/2, Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan P. Walsh)
Graded-stakes winner by Good Magic. Last out: 9th (speed figure 108) in the 2026 Inside Information (G2) at Gulfstream Park — an uncharacteristic dud after a strong 2025 campaign that included a solid 2nd in the Chilukki (G3) here at Churchill Downs. She gets blinkers on for the first time and has trained sharply at Churchill in preparation. Loves one-turn sprints and the Churchill surface; Gaffalione retains the mount. Expect her to sit a stalking trip from the rail and pounce. Strong top pick on class and venue affinity.

PP 2 – Jersey Pearl (6/1, Luan Machado, Darrin Miller)
6-year-old by Bee Jersey. Last out: 1st (115) in the 2025 Poinsettia (LS). Consistent router-turned-sprinter with good gate speed. Has multiple wins at Churchill but faces tougher company here. Machado is a capable local rider. Likely to be forwardly placed early but may lack the closing kick against this field. Live longshot with a pace advantage from post 2.

PP 3 – Mink’s Palace (8/1, Luis Saez, Eddie Kenneally)
Defending 2025 Roxelana winner by Palace Malice; also a four-time Churchill winner. Last out: 1st (115) in the 2025 Holiday Inaugural (LS). Making 2026 debut off a freshening. Saez is a perfect fit for her stalking style. Loves the Churchill strip and the six-furlong trip. Dangerous repeat threat at a square price if she’s fit and ready.

PP 4 – Lotsandlotsofcandy (7/2, Brian J. Hernandez, Jr., Paul J. McGee)
By Twirling Candy; very fast early. Last out: 4th (120) in the 2026 Mardi Gras (LS). Has been a consistent performer in stakes sprints and owns solid Churchill form. Hernandez knows her well and she should be right on the early pace. Prime candidate to set or press the fractions; dangerous if she doesn’t get hooked too early.

PP 5 – Lucille Ball (15/1, Axel Concepcion, Chris J. Englehart)
Youngest in the field (4/F) by Lord Nelson. Last out: 3rd (107) in the 2026 Correction (LS). Has upside but is stepping up in class and facing proven stakes performers. Concepcion is riding well locally. Likely mid-pack trip; needs a career-best effort to factor. Best as a underneath play in exotics.

PP 6 – Zeitlos (5/1, Jose L. Ortiz, Steve M. Asmussen)
2024 Roxelana winner by Curlin; four wins from seven Churchill starts and over $1.3 million in earnings. Last out: 4th (118) in the Matron (LS) at Oaklawn off a nearly five-month layoff. Asmussen and Ortiz team is always dangerous. Late runner who thrives when the pace is hot. Classic “bounce” candidate after the layoff but loves the track and distance. Major player.

PP 7 – Vincey Girl (9/2, Irad Ortiz, Jr., Jose F. D’Angelo)
By Race Day; excellent closer. Last out: 1st (113) in a Tampa Bay Downs allowance (3/27/2026) off a six-month break — smart seasonal debut. Also won a sprint stakes at Gulfstream last summer. Irad Ortiz is the perfect rider for her come-from-behind style. Loves a contested pace (which this race should provide) and has “hidden” high-class form. Excellent value and a top exotic contender.

PP 8 – Asternia (10/1, Joel Rosario, Randy L. Morse)
By Astern. Last out: 5th (105) in the Matron (LS). Has shown flashes of ability but is coming off a sub-par effort and draws the far outside. Rosario is a plus, but she may need the race or a perfect trip to contend. Longshot who could improve with a pace meltdown.

Track: Aqueduct Racetrack, Ozone Park, New York

Scheduled post: 2:40 PM ET (Race 4)

Surface/Distance: 1 mile, turf, one‑turn configuration

Purse: $150,000, 3‑year‑olds

Venue, course profile, and expected conditions

Course type: Flat, left‑handed, one‑turn turf mile using Aqueduct’s outer turf course.

Configuration: Long run down the backstretch into a sweeping far turn and a relatively long stretch—ideal for late kickers and horses who can relax early.

Typical late‑April conditions in NYC: Cool to mild (mid‑50s to mid‑60s °F), with turf usually firm to good unless rain intervenes.

Impact on race shape: One‑turn mile at Aqueduct often plays fairly—speed can carry if unpressured, but a genuine pace sets the table for stalkers and mid‑pack closers.

(No official race‑day forecast is published in the sources; weather notes are based on seasonal norms.)

Field overview and post positions

From the official entries and racecard:

Instability (IRE) – Lope de Vega (IRE)–Miss Katie Mae (IRE)

Post: 1

Connections: Trainer Chad C. Brown, jockey Flavien Prat, owner Klaravich Stables, Inc.

Casa Cielo – Caravaggio–Curlin’s Journey

Post: 2

Connections: Trainer J. Keith Desormeaux, jockey John R. Velazquez, owner Don’t Tell My Wife Stables

Teddy’s Rocket – Liam’s Map–Autonomous

Post: 3

Connections: Trainer Miguel Clement, jockey Manuel Franco, multiple‑owner partnership

Blackmail – Not This Time–Waving

Post: 4

Connections: Trainer Mark E. Casse, jockey Javier Castellano, owner Gary Barber

Blue Forty Two – Audible–Evasive Storm

Post: 5

Connections: Trainer Rachel Sells, jockey Christopher Elliott, owner Thomas L. Kolschowsky

Longshoreman – Twirling Candy–Lady Pauline

Post: 6

Connections: Trainer Wesley A. Ward, jockey Jaime Rodriguez, For the People Racing partnership

Blinging It Back – Volatile–Ima Three Blinger

Post: 7

Connections: Trainer Mark E. Casse, jockey Dylan Davis, owners Gary Barber & Peter Deutsch

Growth Equity (Also Eligible, main‑track only) – Nyquist–My Dear Venezuela

Post: 8 (AE)

Connections: Trainer Chad C. Brown, jockey Manuel Franco, owner Klaravich Stables, Inc.

Irishracing’s racecard notes eight declared for the 1‑mile Woodhaven, with Growth Equity rated as the one to beat if he draws in.

Likely top choices: Growth Equity, Teddy’s Rocket, Longshoreman, Instability

Mid‑range prices: Blinging It Back, Blackmail

Longer prices: Casa Cielo, Blue Forty Two

Horse‑by‑horse analysis

1. Instability (IRE) — Brown / Prat

Profile: Lope de Vega colt with European‑style turf pedigree; lightly raced.

Recent form: Irishracing lists him as a distance winner (d1) with a solid rating (89), suggesting he’s already handled a mile on turf successfully.

Running style: Likely stalker/mid‑pack, typical of Brown’s turf types—relax early, quicken late.

Post impact: Rail draw is ideal if he breaks cleanly; he can save ground and wait for a seam turning for home.

Trainer/Jockey: Brown–Prat is an elite turf combo; they’ll likely attract strong support.

Assessment: A major win candidate if he gets a clean trip; strong fit for a one‑turn Aqueduct mile.

2. Casa Cielo — Desormeaux / Velazquez

Profile: Caravaggio colt with turf influence on both sides.

Recent form: Finished 6th in the 2026 Black Gold Stakes (LS) last out, a turf stakes at Fair Grounds, per Horse Racing Nation.

Running style: Typically mid‑pack, but hasn’t yet shown a decisive turn of foot against stakes company.

Post impact: Inside‑middle draw (post 2) gives options—sit behind pace or tuck in on the rail.

Trainer/Jockey: Desormeaux ships selectively; Velazquez adds big‑race savvy.

Assessment: Needs a step forward to win; more logical as an underneath piece in exotics if the pace collapses.

3. Teddy’s Rocket — Clement / M. Franco

Profile: Liam’s Map colt with a high rating (101) on Irishracing—top in the field.

Recent form: 4th in the 2025 Summer Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine, a strong mile turf test for juveniles.

Running style: Versatile; can sit just off the pace and finish.

Post impact: Post 3 is perfect for a tactical trip—Franco can track the leaders and angle out in the lane.

Trainer: Miguel Clement (son of Christophe) has been winning graded turf stakes at Aqueduct, including the Pilgrim and Futurity.

Assessment: Genuine win threat and likely one of the shorter prices; proven against graded company and well‑drawn.

4. Blackmail — Casse / Castellano

Profile: Not This Time gelding with a solid turf rating (91).

Recent form: 7th in a Tampa allowance optional claimer on Feb. 14, 2026, per HRN—an even effort that doesn’t fully reflect his prior ability.

Running style: Typically stalking/pressing; can sit just behind the leaders.

Post impact: Post 4 is neutral‑good; he should secure a forward position without being hung wide.

Trainer/Jockey: Casse–Castellano is a seasoned stakes pairing; they know how to nurse improvement second off a layoff or after a subpar run.

Assessment: Needs to rebound from the Tampa effort, but his rating and connections make him a live value play for exotics.

5. Blue Forty Two — Sells / Elliott

Profile: Audible gelding, rated 91 on Irishracing, suggesting competitive ability at this level.

Recent form: 3rd in an Aqueduct allowance optional claimer on March 29, 2026—solid local prep over this circuit.

Running style: Likely pace‑adjacent, sitting just off the leaders.

Post impact: Post 5 gives him clear sightlines; he can either press or drop in behind.

Connections: Smaller barn, but familiarity with Aqueduct is a plus.

Assessment: More of a board‑hitter than a standout win candidate; fits well in trifectas and superfectas if he holds his form.

6. Longshoreman — Ward / J. Rodriguez

Profile: Twirling Candy colt with a strong turf rating (95).

Recent form: 2nd in the 2025 Futurity Stakes (G3T) at Aqueduct—key graded form over this course.

Running style: Typically forward‑placed, using tactical speed to secure position early.

Post impact: Post 6 is ideal for a speed‑leaning type—he can clear or sit just outside the leaders.

Trainer: Wesley Ward is renowned for turf speed and precocity; his runners are often dangerous when stretching out slightly with pace control.

Assessment: A major pace player and win candidate; if he controls or sits just off a moderate tempo, he’s very dangerous.

7. Blinging It Back — Casse / D. Davis

Profile: Volatile gelding, rated 92, with a good blend of speed and stamina.

Recent form: 3rd in the 2026 Cutler Bay Stakes (LS) at Gulfstream—solid stakes effort at a similar level.

Running style: Can sit mid‑pack and finish, not a need‑the‑lead type.

Post impact: Post 7 means he may be a bit wide into the turn, but his stalking style mitigates that.

Connections: Casse again, with Dylan Davis—strong local rider who knows how to time a run on the Aqueduct turf.

Assessment: A live upset candidate and strong inclusion in multi‑race wagers; fits the race shape if the pace is honest.

8. Growth Equity (AE, main‑track only) — Brown / M. Franco

Profile: Nyquist colt, rated 95 and highlighted by Irishracing’s Formscan as “the one to beat” off an impressive Aqueduct win.

Recent form: 2nd in a Gulfstream Park maiden special weight on Feb. 7, 2026, per HRN, plus a strong Aqueduct performance noted in Formscan.

Running style: Versatile; can sit close or mid‑pack and finish.

Entry note: Listed as also eligible (main track only)—he’ll need scratches and/or a surface switch to draw in.

Assessment: If he draws in—especially on dirt—he becomes a top‑tier contender and likely morning‑line favorite or co‑favorite.

Pace and tactical outlook

Probable pace sources: Longshoreman, Blackmail, Blue Forty Two.

Stalkers/pressers: Teddy’s Rocket, Instability, Blinging It Back.

Deeper closers: Casa Cielo, possibly Growth Equity if he runs on turf.

On a firm or good Aqueduct turf, a honest but not suicidal pace is likely. That scenario favors tactical stalkers—particularly Teddy’s Rocket, Instability, and Longshoreman—who can sit within 2–4 lengths of the lead and quicken in the lane.