Turf Paradise Horse Racing Picks for February 24, 2026
Daily Racing Form expert handicapper and analyst Scott Ehlers provides insights and projected finishes for the Tuesday, February 24th racing card at Turf Paradise. Here’s a breakdown of his top picks for the day, including his best bet and analysis for each race.
Best Bet: Race 4 – Sparkley Barkley
Ehlers identifies Sparkley Barkley as the best bet of the day in the fourth race. Projected to finish 1st, with Earl’s Girl expected to come in 2nd and Joyriding in 3rd.
Race 4 Analysis
Sparkley Barkley ran adequately off a layoff and is anticipated to improve in her second start back. The filly is cutting back in distance by a half furlong, a move favored by her trainer. The application of Lasix for the second time is also considered a positive factor. A class drop further enhances her chances.
Earl’s Girl is out of a sire who has not produced a winner in five attempts. However, her dam had a successful record (5-1-0-0) and earned $12,000. Six of her eight siblings have won races, and her works are considered acceptable, potentially offering value in terms of odds.
Joyriding exits a key race where two of eight competitors went on to win, achieving figures of 43 and 29. Jockey Lopez is aboard, and has a 23% win rate for this barn.
Race-by-Race Picks
Race 1
- Av Tornadoe Warning
- Goodbye Tyme
- Corazon Stoli
This race features Quarter horses.
Race 2
- Mr. Matic
- Court of Appeal
- Saint Benji
Mr. Matic is a consistent winner with a versatile racing style. His second start at this track is a positive sign, and his recent work is sharp. Court of Appeal previously achieved a Beyer Speed Figure of 65 when winning his maiden race. His current attempt is a stretch-out, though connections appear to be keeping him focused on sprinting. Saint Benji consistently tries hard and is showing improving figures, though a poor break in his last race likely cost him the win. He draws the rail again.
Race 3
- Where’s the Loot
- Devil Among Us
- Desperate Man
Where’s the Loot is in good form and expected to benefit from a fast pace. He has hit the exacta in two of three starts at this distance, with a top Beyer Speed Figure of 78. Devil Among Us recently won his first start for trainer Diodoro, earning a Beyer of 76. Desperate Man has shown improvement and has hit the exacta in four of six starts on this dirt track.
Race 5
- Flyin By
- Smiling Lady
- Lula Bella
Flyin By previously won at this distance two races back and has a strong record in shorter sprints. A class drop and a half-furlong cutback are seen as favorable. Smiling Lady has speed and draws an outside post, and is second out for a recent barn. Lula Bella has a history of winning and is adding a half furlong to the distance. A jockey switch is noted.
Race 6
- Barbies Fury
- May Surprise
- Golden Midnight
Barbies Fury tried two turns and the turf for the first time off a layoff, but is now returning to a more familiar distance and surface. A class drop is expected to make a significant difference. May Surprise ran a little better in her last race and is dropping in class. Golden Midnight is trying a route for the first time, which could be a positive change.
Race 7
- Silver Dash
- Enos Slaughter
- Outofquemado
Silver Dash ran much better in his last race and has tactical speed with an outside post. He has cashed in 7 of 10 tries going this far. Enos Slaughter has performed well in three straight races and is second time on this dirt. Outofquemado is expected to save ground and has some pace to chase.
Race 8
- Sweet Beth
- Mini Again
- Screaming Virginia
Sweet Beth recently broke her maiden and may be poised to outperform her odds. Her trainer has a history of success with repeating winners. Mini Again finished well in her most recent race when trying winners for the first time. Screaming Virginia has the best figures and is dropping in class, making her the one to beat.
Source: Daily Racing Form expert handicapper and analyst Scott Ehlers