Mahoning ValleyTue, December 30, 2025

THE SHOE LADY (8) ran below expectations last time at Finger Lakes (Dirt) over 1m, finishing sixth and beaten 22 lengths. Has good early toe so she should be handy in the run. Expected to be in the finish. SACRED CONNECTION (6) is close to breaking through after three consecutive placings, the latest coming when third over 1m1/4f at this track (Dirt) after she came with a powerful finish. Best figures measure up. Sure to run well. SHIELDMEWITHPRAYER (3) has scored at her last two starts, most recently by 2. 25 lengths over 1m1/4f at this track (Dirt) as favourite. That continued the solid form this campaign, with four wins and three minor placings from 10 runs. Solid top-three chance. MALICED (1) really dug deep to get the prize by half a length three runs back at Thistledown (Dirt) before filling a minor placing at her last two starts. Should be poised just off the lead. One of the better hopes.