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The Pick Pony Handicapper’s Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. The report is prepared by one of our Pick Pony analysts, so selections may differ from Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all analysts.

Finger Lakes presents an eight-race card featuring a mix of claiming races, maiden special weight contests, and an allowance optional claiming event. The track is experiencing clear skies with temperatures around 54°F and 53% humidity with northeast winds at 4 mph, creating ideal racing conditions. The track surface is expected to be fast for all dirt races with no turf racing scheduled.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Current conditions show clear skies with a temperature of 63°F (high) and 54°F (low) with no precipitation expected. The fast track conditions will favor speed horses and those capable of establishing early position, particularly beneficial for the shorter sprint races that dominate today’s card.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – $14,000 Claiming (6 Furlongs)

Key Contenders: Follow Your Arrow drops in class and represents solid value in the opener. Isle Storm enters off a confidence-building win at the $4,000 level and should be competitive. Jackson Avenue can secure a piece of the purse against these rivals.​

Pace Analysis: This appears to be a moderate pace scenario with several horses capable of pressing early. The six-furlong distance favors horses with tactical speed.

Race 2 – $18,100 Claiming (1 Mile)

Key Contenders: Ma Mi Jo Dreams drops to a more realistic level after facing stronger competition. Oh Mrs. Maisel must be considered when dropping back for a tag. Miss LAO found herself overmatched in recent starts but fits better here.​

Pace Analysis: The mile distance allows for more tactical maneuvering, with the pace likely to develop honestly.

Race 3 – $32,600 Maiden Special Weight (5½ Furlongs)

This maiden special weight contest over 5½ furlongs represents the day’s most valuable race with a $32,600 purse. The field of six presents an intriguing mix of experience levels and breeding backgrounds, with several runners showing signs of improvement in recent efforts.

Detailed Contender Analysis

1 Redhotnotbothered (3-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Kevin Navarro | Trainer: Jonathan B. Buckley

The 2/1 morning line favorite brings impressive credentials with professional analysis noting he “has shown consistency with two runner-up finishes in similar races and looks the one to beat.” This Flameaway gelding out of Savasana enters with strong form fundamentals and ideal tactical positioning from the rail draw.

2 Change Your Name (4-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez | Trainer: Devon Dougherty

Listed at 4/1 odds, this Blame gelding brings intrigue as he “resumes after a 10 week spell and finished a neck back from the leader last start at Monmouth Park.” The four-year-old possesses physical maturity advantages over younger rivals.

3 Baracudabobbi (4-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Christian J. Navarro | Trainer: Lisa A. Reed

At 8/1 morning line odds, this Snow Trouble gelding out of Smart Eyes faces a challenging assignment against more proven rivals.

4 Magic Beach (4-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Joel Cruz | Trainer: Debra A. Breed

The 5/2 second choice brings solid credentials as an Omaha Beach gelding out of Magic Mischief. Professional analysis indicates he “has been knocking on the door” and represents legitimate contention in this competitive renewal.

5 Coco Sun (4-year-old gelding)
Jockey: John C. Berrios | Trainer: Nirka Huertas

The longest shot at 12/1 odds faces significant challenges against these more proven competitors.

6 Valiant Warrior (3-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Oscar Gomez | Trainer: Debra A. Breed

Listed at 7/2 odds as the third choice, this War Dancer gelding out of Valuable Lady represents trainer Debra Breed’s second entry.

Selections

Win Selection: Redhotnotbothered (1) – Best combination of proven form, ideal connections, and tactical advantage from rail position

Place Selection: Magic Beach (4) – Quality breeding and improving form pattern

Show Selection: Change Your Name (2) – Maturity advantage and recent competitive effort at Monmouth Park

Race 4 – $18,100 Claiming (6 Furlongs)

Key Contenders: The Institute has faced better horses previously and drops in class. Saratoga Banker endured an early duel and still managed second. Doc Advantage presents a significant threat with the class drop.​

Pace Analysis: Multiple speed horses suggest a contested early pace, potentially favoring closers.

Race 5 – $17,500 Claiming (5½ Furlongs)

Key Contenders: Two Thirty A.M. is spotted for action at first-time claiming price. Profitability offers solid chance for Ferraro exacta potential. Connect the Brocks is often close but rarely wins.​

Pace Analysis: Short sprint with early speed emphasis crucial for positioning.

Race 6 – $32,600 Maiden Special Weight (1 Mile 70 Yards)

This maiden special weight contest for fillies and mares over 1 mile 70 yards carries a $32,600 purse. The extended distance creates opportunities for horses with stamina and tactical speed rather than pure early pace, making it an intriguing spot for fillies making their route debuts or showing improvement over distance.​

Detailed Contender Analysis

1 La Gran Artesana (3-year-old filly)
Jockey: Juan J. Diaz | Trainer: Thalia Areche

Limited information available on this runner from outside connections. At 9/2 morning line odds, she represents an unknown quantity in this competitive field.

2 Canary Storm (3-year-old filly)
Jockey: Luis Pena | Trainer: Michael S. Ferraro

Speed figures show modest ratings (54, 44, 3, 3) but trainer Michael S. Ferraro has been among the leading trainers at the Finger Lakes meet. The stable’s consistent performance provides credibility for this maiden runner at 7/2 odds.​

3 Staged Conflict (3-year-old filly)
Jockey: Yalexamarie Cintron | Trainer: Linda K. Dixon

Professional analysis shows concerning form with speed figures of 42, 77, 62, 77. The significant weight allowance to 114 pounds suggests connections are making adjustments to find a winning spot. At 12/1 odds, she appears outclassed.​

4 Katie King (3-year-old filly)
Jockey: Luis R. Rivera Jr. | Trainer: Gregory D. Sacco

This New York-bred filly represents significant class with trainer Gregory Sacco showing a 38% win rate. Professional speed figures of 54, 24, 48, 84 indicate quality, particularly her highest lifetime figure of 84. The combination with Luis Rivera Jr., who has solid credentials at major tracks, creates appeal at 5/2 odds.​

5 Ashdale (4-year-old filly)
Jockey: Keiber J. Coa | Trainer: Kevin Bond

Speed figures show 45, 47, 51, 63 with main track only restriction. The four-year-old brings physical maturity advantages over younger rivals. At 8/1 odds, she represents potential value with improvement expected.​

6 Isle Blue (3-year-old filly)
Jockey: Romero Ramsay Maragh | Trainer: Miguel Clement

The standout on figures with impressive ratings of 67, 91, 91, 91 showing consistent high-level performance. Romero Ramsay Maragh brings elite credentials with extensive experience at Saratoga and major tracks, showing 30% trainer compatibility. Her debut performance “took money and ran well for second” creates significant appeal as the 6/5 morning line favorite.​

7 Kittridge (3-year-old filly)
Jockey: Emanuel De Diego | Trainer: Ralph D’Alessandro

Speed figures of 18, 6, 23, 40 suggest limited ability in this competitive field. At 20/1 odds, she appears overmatched against stronger opposition.​

8 Sky Runner (4-year-old filly)
Jockey: Luis E. Perez | Trainer: Charlton Baker

Professional analysis indicates trainer Charlton Baker “has been winning with over 40% of his starters at Finger Lakes in the last two months”. Speed figures show 53, 60, 60, 74 with steady improvement patterns. At 4/1 odds, she represents legitimate contention with local track success.​

Pace Analysis

The 1 mile 70-yard distance typically develops with moderate early fractions, allowing tactical positioning and closing moves. This extended maiden distance favors horses with stamina influences and tactical speed over pure early pace. The fast track conditions create opportunities for horses positioned behind early pace to make sustained moves.​

Key Handicapping Angles

• Speed Figure Advantage: Isle Blue shows superior figures across multiple starts
• Elite Jockey: Romero Maragh’s credentials provide significant tactical advantage
• Class Edge: Katie King represents graded stakes trainer with quality bloodlines
• Local Success: Sky Runner benefits from trainer’s exceptional Finger Lakes record
• Route Debut: Several horses attempting distance for first time

Selections and Wagering Strategy

Win Selection: Isle Blue (6) – Superior speed figures and elite jockey combination

Place Selection: Katie King (4) – Class advantage with proven trainer/jockey team

Show Selection: Sky Runner (8) – Local trainer success and improving form pattern

Exacta Strategy:

• Primary: 6-4 (Isle Blue over Katie King)
• Value: 6-8 (Isle Blue over Sky Runner)
• Backup: 4-6 (Katie King over Isle Blue)

Trifecta Strategy: Key Isle Blue and Katie King in top two positions with Sky Runner and Canary Storm for third

Longshot Consideration: Ashdale (5) – Four-year-old maturity at generous 8/1 odds

This competitive maiden contest projects as a battle between the classy Isle Blue with superior figures and the well-bred Katie King making her local debut. The extended distance allows for tactical maneuvering and creates value opportunities for improving fillies.

Race 7 – $26,000 Allowance Optional Claiming (6 Furlongs)

This New York-bred allowance optional claiming contest over six furlongs carries a $26,000 purse. The race restricts entries to horses foaled in New York State and approved by the New York State-Bred Registry, creating a specialized competitive field for state-bred horses.​

Detailed Contender Analysis

1 Scocciatore (8-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Kevin Navarro | Trainer: Jonathan B. Buckley

The 3/1 morning line favorite brings impressive recent credentials as a Central Banker gelding out of Our Miss Jones. Professional analysis notes he “won twice at Saratoga recently and could bounce back from a poor last run”. His Saratoga success represents superior class credentials over this field, and the return to six furlongs should benefit his tactical speed. The seasoned campaigner carries a rating of 102, indicating quality at this level.​

2 Hay Hay Harry (4-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Andre Shivnarine Worrie | Trainer: Timothy P. Murphy

Listed at 7/2 odds, this Bustin Stones gelding out of Big N Toasty shows “strong C&D form” (course and distance) according to professional handicappers. He carries a rating of 94 and represents solid recent form patterns at Finger Lakes. Career earnings and consistent in-the-money finishes suggest reliability in competitive allowance company.​

3 Crypto Causeway (6-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Jeremias Flores | Trainer: Donna Bireta

At 10/1 morning line odds, this First Samurai gelding out of I’m Authorized carries a rating of 89. Recent stakes placement shows he can compete at higher levels, including his performance in the Leon Reed Memorial Stakes where he finished second by half a length. The class drop to allowance company could benefit his chances despite longer odds.​

4 He Has It All (4-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Heman K. Harkie | Trainer: Joseph E. Marino

Listed at 8/1 odds, this Laoban gelding out of Zamquick carries a rating of 84. Professional statistics show career earnings and competitive ability in similar company. The recent form suggests he fits well at this level of competition.​

5 Lady’s Golden Guy (8-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Nazario Alvarado | Trainer: Debra A. Breed

The longest shot at 12/1 odds, this Golden Ticket gelding out of Valuable Lady carries a rating of 83. Career statistics show 51 starts with 12-11-11 record and $315,000 in earnings, indicating consistency over time. However, recent form suggests limited upside against stronger competition.​

6 Tacony Road (5-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Emanuel De Diego | Trainer: Timothy P. Murphy

At 6/1 odds, trainer Timothy P. Murphy sends out his second runner in this competitive field. The dual entry suggests barn confidence in the race setup and tactical options.

7 Bustin Away (4-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Joel Cruz | Trainer: M. Anthony Ferraro

Listed at 5/1 odds, this Bustin Stones gelding represents the Ferraro stable’s first entry. Professional analysis indicates solid recent form and competitive ability in allowance company.

8 Pompous Prince (5-year-old gelding)
Jockey: Keiber J. Coa | Trainer: M. Anthony Ferraro

The 4/1 second choice represents trainer M. Anthony Ferraro’s second entry. Professional commentary notes he “won last time and is another to consider” in this competitive renewal. The Palace gelding brings recent success and tactical speed advantages.​

Pace Analysis

The six-furlong distance typically develops with moderate early fractions over the fast track surface. Multiple horses show tactical speed capabilities, suggesting an honest pace that could benefit closers. The New York-bred restriction creates tactical advantages for horses familiar with local conditions.

Key Handicapping Angles

• Class Edge: Scocciatore’s Saratoga success represents superior credentials
• Course Specialists: Hay Hay Harry shows strong Finger Lakes form patterns
• Stable Confidence: Both Murphy and Ferraro send dual entries
• Recent Success: Pompous Prince enters off victory in similar company
• Distance Suitability: Six furlongs favors tactical early speed

Trainer Analysis

M. Anthony Ferraro enters two horses (Bustin Away, Pompous Prince), indicating strong barn confidence and potential exacta opportunities. Timothy P. Murphy also saddles two runners (Hay Hay Harry, Tacony Road), creating tactical flexibility in race development.

Selections and Wagering Strategy

Win Selection: Scocciatore (1) – Superior class from Saratoga success and tactical advantage

Place Selection: Pompous Prince (8) – Recent winner with trainer confidence

Show Selection: Hay Hay Harry (2) – Strong local form and course/distance credentials

Exacta Strategy:

• Primary: 1-8 (Scocciatore over Pompous Prince)
• Value: 8-1 (Pompous Prince over Scocciatore)
• Backup: 1-2 (Scocciatore over Hay Hay Harry)

Trifecta Strategy: Key Scocciatore on top with Pompous Prince and Hay Hay Harry in second, including Bustin Away for third

Longshot Consideration: Crypto Causeway (3) – Stakes experience at generous 10/1 odds

This competitive New York-bred allowance should develop with honest early pace, creating opportunities for tactical positioning and late moves. The state-bred restriction adds value for handicappers familiar with local breeding patterns and form cycles.

Race 8 – $14,000 Claiming (1 1/16 Miles)

Key Contenders: Teca holds a slight edge in this wide-open finale. Love Thyself runs well but tends to find trouble. In Traffic offers value at a big price as the live longshot of the day.​

Pace Analysis: Route distance with pace developing over time, favoring tactical speed.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Joel Cruz: Consistent performer with multiple mounts today, particularly strong aboard Ma Mi Jo Dreams and Magic Beach. Excellent tactical rider in claiming company.​

Oscar Gomez: Veteran presence with good feel for pace scenarios, especially effective on closers and stalkers.​

Kevin Navarro: Solid journeyman with good strike rate at Finger Lakes, handles both speed and closing types effectively.​

Trainer Notes and Insights

Michael S. Ferraro: Leading trainer at the meet with multiple runners today. Strong with both claimers and allowance horses.​

Jonathan B. Buckley: Consistent operation with horses that typically show up ready, particularly effective with maiden and allowance horses.​

Paul W. Barrow: Veteran trainer who excels with claiming horses and drops in class.​

Best Wagering Strategies

Best Bet: Race 3 – Redhotnotbothered (1) from ideal rail position​

Live Longshot: Race 8 – In Traffic (6) at projected big odds​

Exacta Plays:

• Race 2: Ma Mi Jo Dreams over Oh Mrs. Maisel
• Race 6: Isle Blue over Katie King

Pick 3 Strategy (Races 6-7-8): Isle Blue/Scocciatore/Teca as banker sequence

Value Plays: Focus on class drops and horses returning from layoffs, particularly in the claiming ranks where form can be deceptive.​