Ohio is renowned for hosting a plethora of significant races for both Thoroughbreds and standardbreds. Among them, the Steel Valley Sprint stands out as the most prominent event for those covering less than a mile. This $300,000 stakes race for 3-year-olds over six furlongs is set to take place on Monday at Mahoning Valley Race Course. Even with the morning-line favorite Book’em Danno eyeing the Cigar Mile Handicap (G2) 12 days later, the field is exceptionally deep.

Program-Favorite World Record

World Record has inherited the mantle of the program favorite after an impressive allowance win at Keeneland. Given the 1-3 odds against seven overmatched rivals, it was expected that he would emerge victorious. His Amsterdam Stakes win was truly remarkable, and the talented jockey Flavien Prat, who is a contender for the Eclipse Award, has made the journey to the Youngstown, Ohio, area for this race. These are the positive aspects. However, the negative is that he is now likely to be a much shorter price. Although his Amsterdam performance is likely to secure this win, neither of his previous two races justify such a short price. I am determined to try and beat him.

Valentine Candy - A Stakes Winner with Potential

Like World Record, Valentine Candy is a stakes winner who made the transition to the allowance ranks in his last race and emerged victorious. Pace-wise, he has the ability to track World Record. Brisnet late-pace ratings suggest that he can kick on even after a fast pace. Based on these factors, Valentine Candy emerges as the top pick.

Epic Ride - A Comeback with Promise

Epic Ride was outstanding in the Perryville race, which was his first back after competing in the Kentucky Derby and fading to 14th. The 15-1 odds he received last time seem more favorable compared to the 4-1 morning line for this race. With the scratch of Book’em Danno, the odds are likely to shorten further. I have a preference for Epic Ride over World Record, which presents an opportunity in this race.There is an all-stakes Pick 5 finale with the Steel Valley Sprint, and it would be thrilling to witness both Epic Ride and Valentine Candy in action. This race is set to be a thrilling encounter between these talented horses, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.