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Finger Lakes presents a typical Tuesday afternoon program with first post at 12:10 PM EST. The scratch watch shows several notable withdrawals including Nurse Bunny from Race 3, Seams Like Destiny from Race 4, Tumbles and Violent Vixen from Race 5, Chioke from Race 6, Isle Storm from Race 7, Datesfreedom from Race 8, and Z Wildcat from Race 9. These scratches will significantly impact the complexion of several races and create opportunities for bettors who adjust their strategies accordingly.
The card features a mix of sprint and route races, with distances ranging from 5.5 furlongs to 1 mile 70 yards. The claiming levels vary from $5,000 to $11,000, indicating the track’s bread-and-butter racing class. Race 4 stands out as the feature, a New York-bred allowance contest at 1 1/16 miles with a purse of $24,500. Race 6 provides the only maiden special weight opportunity for two-year-olds with a substantial $32,600 purse.
Weather and Track Conditions
Current weather conditions at Finger Lakes show cloudy skies with a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind is coming from the west at 9 mph with humidity at 67 percent. The forecast calls for morning clouds giving way to afternoon sun. The track surface is listed as good on the dirt, though conditions from earlier in the meet showed muddy racing.
The relatively cool temperature and cloudy conditions should maintain consistent racing conditions throughout the card. With the forecast showing clearing skies, the track should remain consistent without significant deterioration. Horsemen should expect a fair but potentially tiring surface given the sandy loam base that characterizes Finger Lakes.
Finger Lakes demonstrates a pronounced early speed bias, particularly in sprint races under six furlongs where 66 percent of winners go wire-to-wire. The one-mile oval features a 960-foot stretch, and inside post positions provide significant advantages on the sandy loam surface. The track tends to favor speed over late closers, especially when moisture is present.
Post position analysis reveals that stalls four and five produce the highest number of winners over shorter distances. Position five accounts for 20.1 percent of winners while position four produces 18.4 percent. The inside post generates 13 percent of winners, with stalls 6-9 producing fewer winners. This bias toward the middle posts reflects the need to balance saving ground with avoiding traffic on the tight turns.
Race 1
Post Time
12:10 PM EST – Claiming $11,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards
Pace Analysis
This six-horse claiming route should develop into a moderate pace scenario. Three Point Strut typically shows tactical speed and may contest the early lead from post five. Skippy Town has demonstrated forward placement ability and should be within striking distance from post two. The extended distance should allow for tactical maneuvering, though the track’s speed bias suggests horses positioning themselves early will have advantages.
Key Contenders
Three Point Strut enters as a logical contender for trainer Jeremiah Englehart with Andre Worrie aboard. The four-year-old gelding drops in claiming price and benefits from the weight break at 122 pounds. Worrie’s success rate at Finger Lakes combined with the Englehart stable’s consistency makes this combination formidable. The gelding’s ability to press or control pace provides tactical flexibility.
Tony O represents trainer Katlynn Gutterson with Oscar Gomez in the irons. Gomez maintains strong statistics at Finger Lakes with demonstrated ability in route races. The five-year-old gelding carries 122 pounds and has shown sufficient stamina for the distance. The middle post position allows for saving ground while maintaining tactical options.
Secondary Choices
Prophetic brings trainer Jonathan Buckley’s expertise to this spot with Kevin Navarro riding. The four-year-old gelding has experience at the claiming level and should be forwardly placed from post three. Navarro’s experience at Finger Lakes provides confidence in navigation of the one-turn route.
Brown Don’t Stop completes the analysis from post six with Reylu Gutierrez aboard. The four-year-old gelding receives a significant weight break at 118 pounds, which could prove beneficial in the latter stages of the route. The outside post presents challenges but also allows for a clear run if pace collapses.
Betting Strategy
Consider using Three Point Strut in the win position with exacta combinations including Tony O and Prophetic. A trifecta box of Three Point Strut, Tony O, and Prophetic provides coverage of the most logical outcome while maintaining value. Rolling doubles beginning with this race offers opportunities to build bankroll early in the card.
Selections
Win: Three Point Strut
Place: Tony O
Show: Prophetic
Race 2
Post Time
12:38 PM EST – Maiden Claiming $5,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards
Pace Analysis
This maiden claiming route presents an intriguing pace scenario with several first-time starters and horses seeking their initial victory. Dignified Response should show tactical speed from the rail, potentially establishing position without significant pressure. The pace may develop moderately, allowing closers to remain within striking distance. The one-turn configuration favors horses with early speed and tactical positioning.
Key Contenders
Dignified Response gets the rail for trainer Jonathan Buckley with Kevin Navarro riding. The three-year-old gelding’s breeding suggests sufficient stamina for the route, and the rail post provides significant advantages for saving ground on the one-turn mile. Navarro’s experience navigating traffic from inside posts makes this combination attractive.
Ex Machina brings the most experience as a four-year-old gelding for trainer Lisa Reed. Oscar Gomez takes the mount from post five, providing tactical flexibility. The gelding’s maturity and experience advantage in a maiden claiming field could prove decisive, particularly if the pace becomes contested early.
Secondary Choices
King of the World represents trainer James Acquilano with Reylu Gutierrez aboard from the outside post. The three-year-old gelding faces the challenge of the widest draw but benefits from a clean trip if able to secure position. Ananias rounds out consideration from post four with Luis Pena riding for trainer Julius Ashley. The three-year-old gelding’s breeding suggests route ability.
Betting Strategy
Use Dignified Response and Ex Machina in vertical exotic combinations. Consider a two-horse rolling exacta using both horses over the field in the place position. A pick three beginning with this race through Race 4 offers value given the competitive nature of upcoming contests.
Selections
Win: Dignified Response
Place: Ex Machina
Show: King of the World
Race 3
Post Time
1:06 PM EST – Claiming $11,000, 5.5 Furlongs (Fillies and Mares)
Pace Analysis
This sprint for fillies and mares should produce honest early fractions with multiple horses showing speed from the gate. Tale of the Tail from the rail typically breaks alertly, while Zhen Lou has demonstrated gate speed in previous efforts. The 5.5-furlong distance at Finger Lakes produces the strongest early speed bias on the circuit, with 66 percent of winners going wire-to-wire. Expect a contested pace that will test stamina in the final furlong.
Key Contenders
Zhen Lou enters as a primary contender for trainer Ralph D’Alessandro with Emanuel De Diego riding. The four-year-old filly carries top weight at 124 pounds but possesses the class and tactical speed to overcome the assignment. De Diego’s tactical abilities should allow the filly to secure favorable position from post five while avoiding early pace pressure.
Marilyn’s Ny Pride represents trainer William Bartlett with Oscar Gomez in the irons from post three. The three-year-old filly receives a weight break and benefits from the favorable middle post position. Gomez’s statistics at Finger Lakes support this combination, particularly in sprint races where his positioning skills prove valuable.
Secondary Choices
Goodys Girl completes the top analysis from the outside post with Andre Worrie riding for trainer Chris Englehart. The three-year-old filly receives a weight advantage at 119 pounds, which could prove significant in the final furlong. Worrie’s success rate at Finger Lakes combined with the weight concession makes this filly a legitimate threat.
Tale of the Tail represents a speed angle from the rail with Jeremias Flores aboard. The three-year-old filly’s ability to break sharply could prove advantageous given the track’s pronounced speed bias.
Betting Strategy
Focus on exacta and trifecta combinations using Zhen Lou and Marilyn’s Ny Pride with Goodys Girl. A three-horse trifecta box provides coverage while maintaining value. Consider using this race as a single in pick three and pick four sequences given the competitive nature.
Selections
Win: Zhen Lou
Place: Marilyn’s Ny Pride
Show: Goodys Girl
Race 4
Post Time
1:34 PM EST – NY-Bred Allowance, 1 1/16 Miles
Pace Analysis
This New York-bred allowance route should unfold with moderate early fractions. Stars N Stones and Seams Like Destiny typically show tactical speed and may contest the early lead. However, with Seams Like Destiny scratched, the pace dynamics shift significantly. The race may develop more conservatively, potentially favoring horses with finishing kick. The 1 1/16-mile distance allows for tactical maneuvering, though the one-turn configuration still rewards horses positioned within striking distance.
Key Contenders
Berning Beauty stands as the horse to beat carrying top weight at 124 pounds for trainer Charlton Baker with Luis Perez aboard. The four-year-old gelding has demonstrated consistent form and class advantage over this field. Perez ranks among the top riders at Finger Lakes with strong route race statistics, making this combination formidable.
Stars N Stones represents trainer M Anthony Ferraro with Joel Cruz riding from post two. The four-year-old gelding’s tactical speed should allow for securing favorable position without excessive pressure. Cruz maintains solid statistics at Finger Lakes, particularly in route races where tactical positioning proves crucial.
Secondary Choices
Skyler’s Starship completes primary analysis from post five with Keiber Coa aboard for the Ferraro stable. The four-year-old gelding receives a weight break at 122 pounds and should be forwardly placed throughout. Coa’s strong win percentage at Finger Lakes supports this combination.
Eric From Miami brings closing ability for trainer Timothy Murphy with Emanuel De Diego riding from the outside post. The four-year-old gelding’s running style could prove advantageous if the pace becomes contested early.
Betting Strategy
Use Berning Beauty in the win position with exacta combinations including Stars N Stones and Skyler’s Starship. A trifecta box of these three horses provides coverage while maintaining value. Consider using this race as a key leg in pick three sequences.
Selections
Win: Berning Beauty
Place: Stars N Stones
Show: Skyler’s Starship
Race 5
Post Time
2:02 PM EST – Claiming $11,000, 5.5 Furlongs (Fillies and Mares)
Pace Analysis
This competitive sprint for fillies and mares should produce contested early fractions with several horses showing speed. With both Tumbles and Violent Vixen scratched, the pace scenario changes significantly. Bayou Melody typically shows gate speed and may establish early position from post four. The 5.5-furlong distance favors early speed, with the pronounced wire-to-wire bias suggesting horses securing position early hold significant advantages.
Key Contenders
Bayou Melody enters as a logical choice for trainer Jonathan Buckley with Kevin Navarro riding. The six-year-old mare carries top weight at 124 pounds but possesses the class and tactical speed to overcome the assignment. Navarro’s ability to rate speed while maintaining position should prove valuable from the favorable middle post.
Princess Cairo represents trainer Chris Englehart with Reylu Gutierrez aboard from post seven. The five-year-old mare carries 124 pounds and has demonstrated consistency at this claiming level. The outside post presents challenges but allows for a clean beginning if the mare breaks alertly.
Secondary Choices
Play Good Pay Good completes the top tier from post three with Andre Worrie riding for the Englehart stable. The four-year-old filly carries 122 pounds and benefits from the favorable middle post position. Worrie’s statistics at Finger Lakes support this combination, particularly in sprint races.
Laughter rounds out analysis from post six with Joel Cruz aboard for trainer Jonathan Buckley. The six-year-old mare’s experience and Cruz’s tactical abilities make this combination worth including in exotic wagers.
Betting Strategy
Focus on exacta and trifecta combinations using Bayou Melody and Princess Cairo with Play Good Pay Good. Consider a three-horse trifecta box while using Bayou Melody in the win position for vertical exotics. Rolling doubles from this race into Race 6 offer value given the maiden special weight nature of the next contest.
Selections
Win: Bayou Melody
Place: Princess Cairo
Show: Play Good Pay Good
Race 6
Post Time
2:30 PM EST – Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs (Two-Year-Olds)
Pace Analysis
This maiden special weight for two-year-olds should produce honest early fractions with several horses showing speed from the gate. With Chioke scratched, the pace dynamics shift. Connect and Cruise and Ride Share both show breeding that suggests early speed capability. The six-furlong distance allows for tactical positioning while still rewarding horses with tactical speed on Finger Lakes’ speed-favoring surface.
Key Contenders
Connect and Cruise represents trainer Charlton Baker with Luis Perez riding from post five. The two-year-old colt’s breeding suggests sufficient speed for the distance, and Perez’s experience navigating juvenile races provides confidence. The middle post position offers tactical flexibility while avoiding potential traffic issues.
Ride Share gets a favorable post two assignment for trainer Jonathan Buckley with Kevin Navarro aboard. The two-year-old colt’s connections suggest readiness for debut, and Navarro’s expertise with first-time starters makes this combination attractive. The inside post allows for saving ground while maintaining striking position.
Secondary Choices
Spanimax completes primary analysis from the outside post with Andre Worrie riding for trainer Chris Englehart. The two-year-old colt faces the widest draw but benefits from Worrie’s tactical skills. The colt’s breeding suggests he should handle the six-furlong distance.
Minister of Magic represents trainer Rachel Sells with Michael Davila Jr. aboard from post seven. The two-year-old gelding’s connections indicate competitive ability in this maiden special weight field.
Betting Strategy
Use Connect and Cruise and Ride Share in exacta boxes while including Spanimax in trifecta combinations. A three-horse trifecta box provides coverage of the most logical outcome. Consider using multiple horses in pick three and pick four sequences given the uncertainty inherent in juvenile maiden races.
Selections
Win: Connect and Cruise
Place: Ride Share
Show: Spanimax
Race 7
Post Time
2:58 PM EST – Claiming $5,000, 6 Furlongs (Fillies and Mares)
Pace Analysis
This claiming sprint for fillies and mares should develop with moderate early fractions. With Isle Storm scratched, the pace scenario changes. Gringotts typically shows tactical speed and may establish position from post three. The six-furlong distance on Finger Lakes’ speed-biased surface suggests horses securing early position hold advantages.
Key Contenders
Gringotts enters as a standout selection based on recent winning form. The eight-year-old mare demonstrated sharp condition in her last start and benefits from favorable post position at three. Heman Harkie takes the mount, and his statistics at Finger Lakes support this combination. The mare carries top weight at 124 pounds but possesses the class to overcome the assignment.
Tekila represents trainer Jonathan Buckley with Luis Perez riding from post four. The seven-year-old mare receives a weight break at 122 pounds and should be forwardly placed throughout. Perez’s tactical skills combined with the favorable post position make this mare a primary threat.
Secondary Choices
Lincolnville Beach completes the top tier from post two with Reylu Gutierrez aboard for trainer Chris Englehart. The six-year-old mare’s consistency at this claiming level combined with the inside post position makes her a legitimate contender.
Jackson Avenue rounds out analysis from post six with Oscar Gomez riding. The six-year-old mare demonstrated winning form in her last start and should factor in the outcome.
Betting Strategy
Focus on exacta combinations using Gringotts and Tekila with Lincolnville Beach. A three-horse trifecta box provides coverage while maintaining value. Consider using Gringotts as a single in pick three sequences given her sharp recent form.
Selections
Win: Gringotts
Place: Tekila
Show: Lincolnville Beach
Race 8
Post Time
3:26 PM EST – Claiming $5,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards
Pace Analysis
This claiming route should develop with moderate early fractions. With Datesfreedom scratched, the pace dynamics shift significantly. Coach Bahe typically shows tactical speed and may establish position from post five. Mad Magic demonstrates closing ability and should benefit from any contested pace scenario. The one-turn mile configuration rewards horses positioned within striking distance.
Key Contenders
Mad Magic enters as the morning line favorite at 2-1 odds. The six-year-old gelding possesses the best closing kick in the field and should benefit from any pace pressure. Luis Pena takes the mount for trainer Michael Ferraro, a combination with strong statistics at Finger Lakes. The gelding carries 122 pounds and should be positioned for a late run.
Coach Bahe represents trainer Jonathan Buckley with Kevin Navarro riding from post five. The eight-year-old gelding carries top weight at 124 pounds but possesses tactical speed to control the pace. Navarro’s experience with route races at Finger Lakes provides confidence in tactical execution.
Secondary Choices
Trappe the Dream completes primary analysis from post three with Andre Worrie aboard. The seven-year-old gelding receives a weight break at 122 pounds and should be forwardly placed throughout. Worrie’s statistics at Finger Lakes support this combination.
Big Rich rounds out consideration from post four with Keiber Coa riding for trainer Timothy Murphy. The four-year-old gelding carries top weight but possesses sufficient class for this claiming level.
Betting Strategy
Use Mad Magic and Coach Bahe in exacta combinations while including Trappe the Dream in trifecta wagers. A three-horse trifecta box provides coverage of the most logical outcome. Consider using this race in pick three sequences leading into the finale.
Selections
Win: Mad Magic
Place: Coach Bahe
Show: Trappe the Dream
Race 9
Post Time
3:54 PM EST – Maiden Claiming $5,000, 5.5 Furlongs
Pace Analysis
This maiden claiming sprint should produce honest early fractions with several horses seeking their initial victory. With Z Wildcat scratched, the field loses a potential speed factor. Captain Bonnet and Probably Flattery both show breeding that suggests tactical speed capability. The 5.5-furlong distance favors early speed, with the pronounced wire-to-wire bias suggesting horses breaking alertly hold significant advantages.
Key Contenders
Probably Flattery enters as a logical choice for trainer M Anthony Ferraro with Luis Perez aboard from post three. The three-year-old colt’s breeding suggests speed capability, and Perez’s experience with maiden claimers provides confidence. The middle post position allows for tactical flexibility while avoiding inside traffic.
Captain Bonnet represents trainer Paul Barrow with Kevin Navarro riding from post four. The three-year-old gelding benefits from Navarro’s expertise navigating maiden races at Finger Lakes. The favorable middle post position combined with Navarro’s tactical skills makes this combination attractive.
Secondary Choices
A Few Choice Words completes the top tier from post seven with Jeremias Flores riding for the Barrow stable. The three-year-old gelding faces the challenge of an outside post but benefits from Flores’ ability to secure position quickly.
Cada Dia Mejor rounds out analysis from the outside post with Oscar Gomez aboard for trainer Ralph D’Alessandro. The three-year-old gelding’s breeding suggests sprint ability, and Gomez’s statistics at Finger Lakes support this combination.
Betting Strategy
Focus on exacta combinations using Probably Flattery and Captain Bonnet with A Few Choice Words. A three-horse trifecta box provides coverage while maintaining value. Consider using multiple horses in the finale given the uncertainty inherent in maiden claiming races.
Selections
Win: Probably Flattery
Place: Captain Bonnet
Show: A Few Choice Words
Jockey Notes and Insights
Luis Perez stands out as one of the top riders at Finger Lakes with a 20 percent win rate and 54 percent in-the-money percentage. Perez demonstrates particular effectiveness in route races where tactical positioning proves crucial. His mounts in Races 4, 6, and 9 deserve special attention given his consistent success at the meet.
Kevin Navarro maintains a 21 percent win rate with 36 percent in-the-money percentage. Navarro excels at navigating traffic from inside post positions and demonstrates strong tactical awareness in route races. His mounts in Races 1, 2, 5, and 8 benefit from his experience and positioning skills.
Andre Worrie brings versatility to his assignments with demonstrated ability in both sprints and routes. Worrie’s partnership with the Englehart stable has proven particularly successful, making their combinations worth noting throughout the card.
Oscar Gomez shows a 26 percent win rate with 52 percent in-the-money percentage, ranking among the elite riders at the current meet. Gomez demonstrates particular effectiveness from middle post positions where he can save ground while maintaining tactical flexibility.
Keiber Coa maintains a 15 percent win rate with 54 percent in-the-money percentage, showing consistency across various race types. His partnership with the Ferraro stable has produced strong results, particularly in claiming races.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jonathan Buckley operates a large stable at Finger Lakes with a 30 percent win rate and 50 percent in-the-money percentage. Buckley demonstrates particular effectiveness in route races and with horses dropping in class. His multiple entries throughout the card deserve respect given his consistent success at the meet.
Chris Englehart maintains a 25 percent win rate with strong in-the-money percentages. The Englehart stable excels with fillies and mares, particularly in sprint races where tactical speed proves advantageous. His partnership with Andre Worrie has proven particularly effective.
Michael Ferraro runs both a claiming and stakes-level operation with an 18 percent win rate and 57 percent in-the-money percentage. Ferraro demonstrates effectiveness across various claiming levels and shows particular skill with geldings in route races.
Ralph D’Alessandro maintains an 18 percent win rate with 48 percent in-the-money percentage at Finger Lakes. The stable shows consistency across claiming levels and benefits from strong jockey partnerships, particularly with Emanuel De Diego and Oscar Gomez.
Charlton Baker demonstrates effectiveness with allowance-level horses and shows a solid record at the current meet. Baker’s horses typically arrive ready to compete, making them worth including in exotic wagers.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The early pick five beginning with Race 1 offers value given the competitive nature of the card. Consider spreading in maiden races while singling logical favorites in claiming events. A conservative approach uses Three Point Strut in Race 1, spreads Races 2 and 3, singles Berning Beauty in Race 4, and spreads Race 5 to maintain multiple tickets alive.
The late pick four starting with Race 6 provides excellent value potential. The maiden special weight allows for spreading multiple contenders while the subsequent claiming races offer opportunities to narrow selections. A ticket using Connect and Cruise and Ride Share in Race 6, singling Gringotts in Race 7, boxing Mad Magic and Coach Bahe in Race 8, and spreading the finale creates multiple winning opportunities.
Rolling doubles throughout the card offer consistent value, particularly connecting claiming races where form cycles prove predictable. Focus on trainers showing sharp recent form and jockeys demonstrating current consistency. The Buckley and Ferraro stables warrant extra attention given their strong statistics at the meet.
Exacta and trifecta boxes in sprint races provide value given the competitive nature and speed bias. Races 3, 5, and 9 offer particular opportunities for three-horse boxes using logical contenders. The relatively low claiming levels suggest competitive races where longshots can factor in exotic payoffs.
Place and show wagering on logical favorites in route races offers consistent returns. Races 1, 4, and 8 feature horses with class advantages that should finish in the money despite potentially short win prices. Combining show wagers on favorites with exacta and trifecta boxes using those horses on top provides balanced risk-reward opportunities.
