Horse Racing picks for Parx race track on Wednesday, February 23: Plenty of buzz about Hard Sting

2:40 pm Parx (Race 6) – Crabs N Beer 11/4

Has performed well in recent times, finishing second in two of his last three starts. Prior to that, the Jamie Ness-trained runner had delivered a wide-margin victory in a maiden claiming contest over six furlongs at Delaware Park last October. The gelding finished off the board when seventh in the Maryland Juvenile Championship at Laurel on his penultimate start but delivered a good second in an allowance optional claimer here last month. He looks capable of doubling his career tally.

4:01 pm Parx (Race 9) – Hard Sting 9/2

Has finished on the board in each of his last nine starts with two victories in that run, including in a starter optional claiming event over a mile at this venue last week. Raced in fourth early on that day prior to leading in the straight and going on to finish nearly two lengths clear of his six rivals. Looks well placed here and with Frankie Pennington again in the saddle and the son of Hard Spun is selected to score.

4:55 pm Parx (Race 11) – Leader Of The Band 8/5

Demonstrated good form in stakes company last year including when taking out the Grade 3 Monmouth Oaks over a mile-and-one-sixteenth at Monmouth Par back in May. Has been absent since finishing sixth in the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes at this venue in September but she comes into this contest on the back of a number of solid works at Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida. Looks capable of delivering a victory dropping in grade for her seasonal reappearance.