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Thistledown Race 2 - Race 2 - Claiming

SMOKIN JOE (3) resumes in a similar race to his last run eight months ago when he scored by 2.25 lengths. Has found the right race. AUTHENTIC COWTOWN (4) made it back-to-back wins when successful last start over 1207m at Mahoning Valley (Dirt), getting home by 0.8 lengths. Winning rider Erik Barbaran retains the mount. Going up a level this time but he deserves plenty of thought. SILENT DRILL (5) met with solid support last start over 1207m at Mahoning Valley (Dirt) when sixth, beaten 11 lengths. Great chance to atone. MERGER (7) returns from a layoff of six-and-a-half months. Worth noting he filled a minor placing when returning from a spell last time in work over 1106m at this track. Yet to win first up but generally runs well with two minor placings from three tries. Looks a strong top-three prospect.

Race Time:5:20 PM

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Track:Fast

Weather:Fine

Prize Money:$0.00

Distance:1207m

Color Bearer (1)7341423042

Trainer: Jeffrey Skerrett 12 mths 42: 4-9-8

Jockey: Jefferson Skerrett

Weight: 51.5kgs

6 yo Bay G

Sire: NATIONAL FLAG (USA)

Dam: BELLA TRELLA (USA)

Dam's Sire: Cherokee Run

Stats

Prize Money$248,821.00

Avg $$5,924.31

Win %9.52%

Place %50.00%

Career42: 4-9-8

Track26: 2-6-6

Distance33: 4-7-7

Tr / Dist19: 2-4-5

1st Up2: 0-2-0

2nd Up2: 0-0-0

Firm32: 3-8-6

Good0: 0-0-0

Soft0: 0-0-0

Heavy0: 0-0-0

Synthetic0: 0-0-0

Comments

Racing well recently. At the latest run 2nd in a small field at Mahoning Valley on March 30 over 1207m, 2.25 len behind Prosecutor carrying 54kg at $6.40. The run before that 4th of 8 at Mahoning Valley on March 23 over 1207m, 1.3 len behind Dark Vader with 54kg at $29.30. Has been racing well. Top prospects.

Last Starts 24 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Jockey	Weight	Race Time	In Run	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
2/6	30/03/2026	7	CLM 3U	$36,376.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	Fast	J Skerrett	54kg	1:12.06	4-3-2	5	1. Prosecutor 2. Color Bearer 3. Kinderhook	2.3L	$6.40
4/8	23/03/2026	26	CLM 3U	$34,129.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	J Skerrett	54kg	1:13.18	3-5-4	6	1. Dark Vader 2. Gunner Gabriel 3. Spirit Of Akron	1.3L	$29.30
10/11	25/02/2026	24	ALLOW 3U	$36,947.00	Mahoning Valley	1106m	M	J Skerrett	54kg	1:06.23	10-11-10	2	1. Brewing 2. Illini 3. Sneaky Sneaky	15.2L	$56.30
3/8	01/02/2026	44	CLM 3U	$36,376.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	SP	J Skerrett	54kg	1:11.82	3-5-3	4	1. Kinderhook 2. Oklahoma Joe 3. Color Bearer	3.3L	$7.20
2/7	19/12/2025	36	CLM 3U	$39,663.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	David J Haldar	56kg	1:13.24	6-3-2	1	1. Henry Mac 2. Color Bearer 3. Prosecutor	4.5L	$47.20
4/9	13/11/2025	16	CLM 3U	$39,542.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	David J Haldar	57kg	1:13.56	6-5-4	5	1. Roll On Big O 2. Eagle Nest 3. May Mayhem	0.9L	$56.10

Jim's River Runner (2)6273715425

Trainer: Stephani Norris 12 mths 28: 3-2-8

Jockey: Yuri Yaranga

Weight: 54kgs

6 yo Dark Bay/Brown G

Sire: RIVERS RUN DEEP (USA)

Dam: DELIGHTFUL DAISY (USA)

Dam's Sire: David Copperfield

Stats

Prize Money$111,939.00

Avg $$3,997.82

Win %10.71%

Place %46.43%

Career28: 3-2-8

Track2: 0-1-0

Distance20: 2-2-8

Tr / Dist1: 0-1-0

1st Up4: 1-0-0

2nd Up4: 0-1-1

Firm16: 1-0-6

Good0: 0-0-0

Soft0: 0-0-0

Heavy0: 0-0-0

Synthetic0: 0-0-0

Comments

At the latest run second last in a small field at Mahoning Valley on April 2 over 1207m, 10 len behind Paint The Town carrying 56kg at $6.50. The race before that 2nd of 7 at Mahoning Valley on March 23 over 1207m, 0.5 len behind Stormed Out with 56kg at $3. Will need to lift.

Last Starts 21 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Jockey	Weight	Race Time	In Run	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
5/6	02/04/2026	10	CLM 3U	$31,295.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Y Yaranga	56kg	1:12.39	2-6-5	4	1. Paint The Town 2. Mails Here 3. Man's Choice	10.8L	$6.50
2/7	23/03/2026	13	CLM 3U	$26,404.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Y Yaranga	56kg	1:13.90	7-5-2	1	1. Stormed Out 2. Jim's River Runner 3. Tahlequah Joe	0.5L	$3.00
4/8	10/03/2026	19	CLM 3U	$30,197.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	Fast	Y Yaranga	56kg	1:14.22	6-5-4	3	1. A Van On The Run 2. Knock Wood 3. Mails Here	3.0L	$24.90
5/8	19/02/2026	16	CLM 3U	$24,964.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Y Yaranga	57kg	1:14.11	7-3-5	3	1. Authentic Cowtown 2. Ollie's Folly 3. Sweet Lemon Drop	7.3L	$31.90
1/10	03/02/2026	54	CLM 3U	$27,817.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Y Yaranga	56kg	1:13.77	6-3-1	10	1. Jim's River Runner 2. Vecchi 3. Blazing Tony	0.8L	$32.50
7/7	11/12/2025	16	CLM 3U	$29,862.00	Mahoning Valley	1609m	Good	Luciano Hernandez	56kg	1:42.26	5-7-7	2	1. Man's Choice 2. Atlas Falls 3. Vecchi	27.3L	$24.70

Smokin Joe (3)13x533611x

Trainer: Mike L Rone 12 mths 9: 3-1-3

Jockey: Luis Raul Rivera

Weight: 54kgs

4 yo Dark Bay/Brown G

Sire: MOBIL (CAN)

Dam: NEVERGONNAHAPPEN (USA)

Dam's Sire: Elusive Quality

Stats

Prize Money$129,464.00

Avg $$14,384.89

Win %33.33%

Place %77.78%

Career9: 3-1-3

Track7: 3-1-2

Distance5: 2-0-1

Tr / Dist3: 2-0-0

1st Up2: 0-1-0

2nd Up2: 1-0-1

Firm6: 3-1-1

Good0: 0-0-0

Soft0: 0-0-0

Heavy0: 0-0-0

Synthetic0: 0-0-0

Comments

Is first-up after a break of eight months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last campaign by 2.25 len this track September 1 over 1207m defeating Sadie's Silver Kid with 54kg at $2.90. When resuming last campaign fifth of 7 at Mahoning Valley April 10 2025 over 1207m, 11 len behind Dusty Billy with 54kg at $2.20. Winning hope in a suitable contest.

Last Starts 234 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Jockey	Weight	Race Time	In Run	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
1/5	01/09/2025	21	CLM 3U	$48,930.00	Thistledown	1207m	Fast	Yan Aviles	54kg	1:11.86	3-2-1	4	1. Smokin Joe 2. Sadie's Silver Kid 3. Swayback Mobil	2.3L	$2.90
1/8	11/08/2025	47	ALLOW 3U	$55,504.00	Thistledown	1207m	Fast	Luis Raul Rivera	52.5kg	1:12.60	4-1-1	5	1. Smokin Joe 2. River Bye 3. Dixie's Memory	1.0L	$10.10
6/6	25/06/2025	21	ALLOW 3U	$55,677.00	Thistledown	1207m	Fast	Luis Raul Rivera	52.5kg	1:11.78	4-5-D3	2	1. Ronnis Second Wind 2. Strike Plate 3. Professor Nick	13.8L	$4.00
3/6	04/06/2025	35	ALLOW 3U	$55,677.00	Thistledown	1609m	Fast	Luis Raul Rivera	52.5kg	1:42.26	3-3-3	2	1. Red Chips 2. Dr George 3. Smokin Joe	1.4L	$2.50
3/7	30/04/2025	20	ALLOW 3U	$57,188.00	Thistledown	1106m	Fast	Luis Raul Rivera	52.5kg	1:06.08	5-4-3	6	1. Ovid 2. Soulless 3. Smokin Joe	3.0L	$5.20
5/7	10/04/2025	202	ALLOW 3U	$53,834.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	SP	Erik Barbaran	54kg	1:14.03	6-7-5	1	1. Dusty Billy 2. His Royal Highness 3. Vernon's Best	11.3L	$2.20

Authentic Cowtown (4)x5229x3211

Trainer: Marco Ibarra 12 mths 44: 9-13-8

Jockey: Erik Barbaran

Weight: 55kgs

9 yo Dark Bay/Brown G

Sire: COWTOWN CAT (USA)

Dam: ECHT (USA)

Dam's Sire: Fusaichi Pegasus

Stats

Prize Money$578,148.00

Avg $$13,139.73

Win %20.45%

Place %68.18%

Career44: 9-13-8

Track30: 6-9-5

Distance27: 4-10-7

Tr / Dist19: 2-8-5

1st Up10: 2-2-2

2nd Up9: 2-2-4

Firm33: 7-9-5

Good0: 0-0-0

Soft0: 0-0-0

Heavy0: 0-0-0

Synthetic0: 0-0-0

Comments

Recent form sound. Comes off a 40 day let-up. Last start ran on from midfield and won by 0.8 len at Mahoning Valley March 13 over 1207m defeating Ilikethat carrying 57kg at $1.60. The start before that ran on from midfield and won by 5 len at Mahoning Valley February 19 over 1207m defeating Ollie's Folly carrying 56kg at $2.30. Major player on recent form.

Last Starts 41 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Jockey	Weight	Race Time	In Run	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
1/7	13/03/2026	22	CLM 3U	$24,579.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	Good	Erik Barbaran	57kg	1:14.23	3-1-1	1	1. Authentic Cowtown 2. Ilikethat 3. Sweet Lemon Drop	0.8L	$1.60
1/8	19/02/2026	15	CLM 3U	$24,964.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Erik Barbaran	56kg	1:14.11	4-1-1	6	1. Authentic Cowtown 2. Ollie's Folly 3. Sweet Lemon Drop	4.8L	$2.30
2/8	04/02/2026	20	CLM 3U	$26,819.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Erik Barbaran	57kg	1:13.25	5-2-2	3	1. Hartstein 2. Authentic Cowtown 3. Stone Cold Cat	0.1L	$1.60
3/9	15/01/2026	97	CLM 3U	$32,138.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	Good	Erik Barbaran	56kg	1:11.14	3-3-3	4	1. Aint No Bandleader 2. Spirit Of Akron 3. Authentic Cowtown	1.3L	$9.00
9/9	10/10/2025	18	CLM 3U	$33,333.00	Thistledown	1207m	Fast	L A Batista	54kg	1:12.45	4-9-9	6	1. John Fitzgerald 2. Relish The Ride 3. Red Chips	18.0L	$3.60
2/7	22/09/2025	24	CLM 3U	$33,486.00	Thistledown	1207m	M	L A Batista	54kg	1:12.89	5-2-2	4	1. Thedayofthegrey 2. Authentic Cowtown 3. John Fitzgerald	3.3L	$3.30

Silent Drill (5)6411444236

Trainer: Craig Sweeting 12 mths 16: 3-2-1

Jockey: Angel I. Diaz

Weight: 54kgs

4 yo Dark Bay/Brown G

Sire: DRILL (USA)

Dam: ZARLANZ (USA)

Dam's Sire: Harlan'S Holiday

Stats

Prize Money$94,819.00

Avg $$5,926.19

Win %18.75%

Place %37.50%

Career16: 3-2-1

Track8: 2-1-0

Distance12: 2-0-1

Tr / Dist6: 2-0-0

1st Up1: 0-0-0

2nd Up1: 0-1-0

Firm8: 1-0-0

Good0: 0-0-0

Soft0: 0-0-0

Heavy0: 0-0-0

Synthetic0: 0-0-0

Comments

Last start ran last in a small field at Mahoning Valley on April 2 over 1207m, 11 len behind Paint The Town with 56kg at $2.30. Before that held ground to the line 3rd of 8 at Mahoning Valley on February 5 over 1207m, 7 len behind C V Jersey Bee carrying 56kg at $3.60. Can do much better.

Last Starts 21 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Jockey	Weight	Race Time	In Run	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
6/6	02/04/2026	56	CLM 3U	$31,295.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Angel I Diaz	56kg	1:12.39	1-5-6	5	1. Paint The Town 2. Mails Here 3. Man's Choice	11.8L	$2.30
3/8	05/02/2026	44	CLM 3U	$30,670.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Angel I Diaz	56kg	1:12.20	4-3-3	2	1. C V Jersey Bee 2. Man's Choice 3. Silent Drill	7.0L	$3.60
2/6	23/12/2025	20	CLM 3U	$32,925.00	Mahoning Valley	1106m	Heavy	Angel I Diaz	56kg	1:04.50	2-3-2	5	1. Cannon Man 2. Silent Drill 3. Stormed Out	5.3L	$4.10
4/8	03/12/2025	13	CLM 3U	$32,925.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	Angel I Diaz	56kg	1:13.61	7-5-4	2	1. Radio Silent 2. Tahlequah Joe 3. Orville B	2.8L	$2.20
4/5	20/11/2025	23	ALLOW 3U	$55,267.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	Good	Angel I Diaz	55.5kg	1:12.39	2-3-4	3	1. Romanian Prince 2. Fourdatesforhoco 3. Tempered Dream	5.8L	$24.30
4/7	28/10/2025	21	CLM 3U	$32,725.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	Fast	L A Batista	56kg	1:13.17	5-3-4	1	1. Color Bearer 2. Red Chips 3. Radio Silent	6.8L	$6.30

Sweet Lemon Drop (6)4x53643353

Trainer: Rey Juarez-Mendoza 12 mths 57: 8-8-10

Jockey: Alejandro Gomez

Weight: 54kgs

8 yo Bay G

Sire: MOBIL (CAN)

Dam: LEMONESQUE (USA)

Dam's Sire: Lemon Drop Kid

Stats

Prize Money$284,844.00

Avg $$4,997.26

Win %14.04%

Place %45.61%

Career57: 8-8-10

Track27: 3-4-5

Distance43: 4-6-9

Tr / Dist19: 0-2-4

1st Up6: 1-1-1

2nd Up6: 1-4-1

Firm38: 4-6-5

Good0: 0-0-0

Soft0: 0-0-0

Heavy0: 0-0-0

Synthetic0: 0-0-0

Comments

Last start 3rd in a small field at Mahoning Valley on April 10 over 1207m, 8 len behind Ilikethat carrying 56kg at $41.70. The start before that 5th of 7 at Mahoning Valley on March 27 over 1207m, 7 len behind Ollie's Folly carrying 56kg at $6.10. Fully tested under these conditions.

Last Starts 13 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Jockey	Weight	Race Time	In Run	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
3/6	10/04/2026	14	CLM 3U	$25,473.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	Fast	Alejandro Gomez	56kg	1:13.45	3-3-3	3	1. Ilikethat 2. Ironclad Alibi 3. Sweet Lemon Drop	8.0L	$41.70
5/7	27/03/2026	14	CLM 3U	$24,579.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	C Oliveros	56kg	1:14.09	3-6-5	7	1. Ollie's Folly 2. Nambiti 3. Ilikethat	7.3L	$6.10
3/7	13/03/2026	22	CLM 3U	$24,579.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	Good	C Oliveros	56kg	1:14.23	6-4-3	5	1. Authentic Cowtown 2. Ilikethat 3. Sweet Lemon Drop	3.3L	$31.90
3/8	19/02/2026	10	CLM 3U	$24,964.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	M	C Oliveros	56kg	1:14.11	8-5-3	1	1. Authentic Cowtown 2. Ollie's Folly 3. Sweet Lemon Drop	5.8L	$52.60
4/8	09/02/2026	19	CLM 3U	$26,248.00	Mahoning Valley	1106m	M	C Oliveros	56kg	1:05.77	7-6-4	5	1. Condemnation 2. Gapper 3. Party Pooper	5.8L	$30.00
6/8	21/01/2026	15	CLM 3U	$26,158.00	Mahoning Valley	1207m	SP	C Oliveros	56kg	1:12.60	7-7-6	4	1. Ollie's Folly 2. Hartstein, Stone Cold Cat	5.5L	$25.60

Merger (7)364521616x

Trainer: Timothy Hamm 12 mths 15: 3-3-1

Jockey: Rocco Bowen

Weight: 54kgs

4 yo Bay G

Sire: NATIONAL FLAG (USA)

Dam: LILLARD HALL (USA)

Dam's Sire: Tiznow

Stats

Prize Money$101,094.00

Avg $$6,739.60

Win %20.00%

Place %46.67%

Career15: 3-3-1

Track8: 1-1-1

Distance8: 2-0-0

Tr / Dist5: 1-0-0

1st Up3: 0-1-1

2nd Up3: 0-1-0

Firm11: 2-3-0

Good0: 0-0-0

Soft0: 0-0-0

Heavy0: 0-0-0

Synthetic0: 0-0-0

Comments

Gelding back from a spell of six-and-a-half months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation sixth of 9 at this track October 10 over 1207m, 11 len behind John Fitzgerald with 54kg at $19.40. Previously first up; third in a small field at this track April 30 over 1106m, 5 len behind His Royal Highness with 53.5kg at $4.60. Can figure in the finish.

Last Starts 195 days since last start

Place	Date	Days	Class	Prize	Track	Dist.	Cnd.	Jockey	Weight	Race Time	In Run	Gate	Result	Margin	Starting Price
6/9	10/10/2025	22	CLM 3U	$33,333.00	Thistledown	1207m	Fast	Laureano Sosa	54kg	1:12.45	1-7-6	7	1. John Fitzgerald 2. Relish The Ride 3. Red Chips	11.5L	$19.40
1/7	18/09/2025	24	ALLOW 3U	$34,862.00	Belterra Park	1207m	Fast	Laureano Sosa	54kg	1:13.10	1-3-1	5	1. Merger 2. Dynamic Gift 3. Guess Again	1.3L	$2.10
6/9	25/08/2025	18	CLM 3U	$33,178.00	Thistledown	1207m	Fast	Rocco Bowen	54kg	1:14.16	7-7-6	4	1. John Fitzgerald 2. Vecchi 3. Redden	5.5L	$3.00
1/10	07/08/2025	31	CLM 3U	$32,248.00	Thistledown	1207m	Fast	Rocco Bowen	54kg	1:12.76	1-3-1	10	1. Merger 2. Ghost Of Londyn 3. Mister Zazu	1.3L	$2.70
2/7	07/07/2025	12	CLM 3U	$31,804.00	Thistledown	1106m	Fast	Rocco Bowen	54kg	1:07.06	7-3-2	1	1. Gretchens Mane Man 2. Merger 3. Vernon's Best	1.0L	$7.00
5/6	25/06/2025	21	ALLOW 3U	$55,677.00	Thistledown	1207m	Fast	Rocco Bowen	54kg	1:12.15	4-5-5	1	1. Soulless 2. National Story 3. Last Minute Mikey	16.9L	$16.60