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Fairmount Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the July 25, 2026 card

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Race Day Overview — Fairmount Park | Saturday, July 25, 2026

Fairmount Park returns to action on a Saturday afternoon card featuring nine races across a variety of conditions, from maiden special weight debuts to optional claiming events with purses reaching $39,000. The card presents a mix of local staples and horses testing new conditions, offering both straightforward plays and compelling exotic opportunities for sharp bettors.

The headline races on today's card are Race 4 and Race 8, both carrying $39,000-plus purses in optional claiming format. Race 4 is an optional claimer at $20,000 for fillies and mares that draws the heavily favored Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) under the Rivelli barn, one of the more prominent stables represented today. Race 8, the richest event at $39,000 for one win allowance horses, features Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) as the morning line favorite and a wide-open field that should produce excellent exotic returns.

Steve Manley's barn is well-represented across the card, saddling horses in Races 1, 2, and 8. Fernando Bahena enters runners in Races 2, 3, 6, and 8. The Essenpreis stable has a two-pronged attack in Race 4 and also sends out Frankie P (POST 5) in Race 7. James Watkins deploys two horses in Race 7 alongside his Race 1 entrant. Larry Rivelli, a name familiar to Midwest racing fans with strong statewide statistics, shows up in Race 4 with what appears to be a live single.

The recent TDN note regarding Kilwin's successful seasonal debut at Ellis Park in the Twin Bridges Stakes is a reminder that the Midwest circuit is active and competitive heading into late July. The broader breeding and stallion landscape, including Curlin's continuing distaff influence, is reflected even at this level through the pedigrees of several entrants today.

Weather and Track Conditions — Fairmount Park, July 25, 2026

Fairmount Park sits in the American Bottom region of the Metro East, just outside Collinsville, Illinois. Mid-to-late July in this region brings heat, humidity, and the constant threat of afternoon thunderstorms. The St. Louis metro area forecast for July 25, 2026 calls for partly cloudy skies through the early afternoon with temperatures climbing into the low-to-mid 90s Fahrenheit. Heat index values could push well above 100 degrees by mid-afternoon, which may affect horses running in the later races and their ability to recover between efforts.

Fairmount Park's main track is a one-mile dirt oval. The surface has historically been sensitive to weather patterns, with recent hot stretches tending to bake the strip into a firm, fast surface that rewards early speed and rail-hugging closers. If any overnight or morning shower activity occurs — always possible in this geography during July — expect the track to seal up quickly under the heat and sun, maintaining a fast rating by post time.

Track surface conditions as of this writing are listed as fast for the dirt. The stretch of dry, hot weather in the St. Louis area through mid-to-late July 2026 suggests the surface should remain firm and consistent throughout the card. No significant track maintenance issues have been reported.

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis — Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park's one-mile oval presents a unique set of biases that any serious handicapper must account for. The track plays with a distinct early speed bias when the surface is fast and firm. Horses that can establish position quickly and settle on or near the lead through the first turn tend to have a significant tactical advantage. Closers struggle at Fairmount when the pace is honest and the rail is intact, as the track's tight turns make it difficult to generate enough momentum from far back.

Post position analysis at Fairmount favors the inside posts in sprint distances, particularly in the six-furlong (1320f) events that dominate today's card. Posts 1 through 3 statistically outperform the field in sprints, particularly when a horse has natural early speed or a rider willing to angle in quickly. The slight disadvantage to outside posts in sprints is meaningful in six-horse or seven-horse fields, where a horse like POST 7 in a sprint must use more energy to establish a favorable position.

In route distances, the bias shifts somewhat. Fairmount's routes give outside posts a chance to find coverage through the first turn without suffering the extreme early-speed premium seen in the sprints. The 1830-furlong race in Race 5 is the lone true route on today's card, and here post position is less determinative than overall class and pace fitness.

At sprint distances, jockeys who can grab the fence early and maintain rail position through the clubhouse turn have a demonstrable edge. Reynier Arrieta and Alexander Bendezu have historically been adept at maximizing inside post positions at this venue. For outside draws in sprints, Brody Martinez and Javier Tavares tend to navigate post position challenges better than most.

The rail at Fairmount today is set at the normal position with no announced movement. Speed on the inside should be rewarded throughout the card.

RACE 1 — Post 2:30 — 1100f | Dirt | Straight | Md Sp Wt | AON | Purse $18,000

This is a straight-course maiden special weight event at 1100 feet — a distance that favors horses with pure gate speed and the ability to break cleanly and maintain acceleration through a short run to the wire. With no turns involved on the straight course, post position bias is minimal and early speed becomes the dominant factor. Seven runners enter, none of whom have won a race, making raw talent evaluation and workout analysis the primary tools.

Race 1

Pace Analysis

Seven horses in a straight maiden sprint almost guarantees a contentious early pace scenario. Multiple horses on this card figure to press for the lead immediately, including Ten Mile House (POST 2) as the morning line favorite and Mormoneytostart (POST 5) at 4-1. Get Hot Stay Hot (POST 7) on the outside also projects as a pace factor based on trainer patterns. If two or more horses clash for the lead from the gate, there may be an opportunity for a stalker to catch the spent leaders in the final furlongs. The straight course does not punish speed the way a two-turn route does, however, and pure pace often wins at 1100f.

Key Contenders

Ten Mile House (POST 2) opens at 2-1 morning line, immediately identifying it as the consensus choice among the morning line makers. Trainer James Watkins has been active at Fairmount this meet, and the 2-1 tab suggests recent works or a debut pedigree that inspires confidence. Jockey T. Wales takes the mount, a serviceable rider at this level who does his best work on horses with natural speed. The inside post is ideal for this straight course, where TEN MILE HOUSE should be able to find the lead without interference and dictate the pace.

Mormoneytostart (POST 5) is trained by Terry Burdess, who also saddles Serene Empress (POST 4), a two-pronged attack suggesting the barn genuinely likes both runners. Alvin Ortiz rides MORMONEYTOSTART at 4-1, and the mid-post draw on a straight course presents no real disadvantage. Burdess runners tend to arrive ready at Fairmount, and a debut horse at 4-1 from an active barn warrants serious attention.

Secondary Choices

Poki Loki (POST 1) opens at 5-1 and runs for trainer Steve Manley with Brody Martinez in the irons. Manley has multiple runners today, suggesting barn confidence in the overall stable. POST 1 on a straight is a clean, unobstructed path, and Martinez is one of the more capable riders on this circuit. POKI LOKI is worth including in exotics as a live runner at a price.

Serene Empress (POST 4) at 5-1 is the stablemate of Mormoneytostart (POST 5) under the Burdess barn. Trainer Burdess appears to have a strong first call preference for Ortiz on the Mormoneytostart (POST 5) side, suggesting some hierarchy between the two entries, but Serene Empress (POST 4) with A.O. Stanley can never be entirely dismissed at 5-1 in a maiden race.

Get Hot Stay Hot (POST 7) at 6-1 for Dawn Martin and Reynier Arrieta is a horse that deserves respect. Arrieta is one of the better jockeys at this meet and can handle the outside draw on a straight. Martin's barn operates quietly but effectively at Fairmount.

Longshots

Midnight Minister (POST 3) at 12-1 is the second Manley runner in the race, suggesting the barn splits support between Poki Loki (POST 1) and Midnight Minister (POST 3) with Martinez opting for the shorter price. Alexander Bendezu rides, and while he is a capable jockey, the 12-1 tab on the second stringer from a barn is typically accurate. Pass on the win but keep in wide exotics.

Schwarz (POST 6) at 8-1 for Fernando Bahena and Javier Tavares is the fifth-longest price in the field. Bahena is active on today's card with multiple runners. Tavares can produce occasional upsets, but in a straight maiden at this price, Schwarz (POST 6) is a deep inclusion at best.

Wagering Strategy

The morning line sets up Ten Mile House (POST 2) as the clear favorite in what is essentially a wide-open maiden sprint. The Burdess double entry with Mormoneytostart (POST 5) and Serene Empress (POST 4) represents a real threat. The best strategy here is to key Ten Mile House (POST 2) on top in the exacta against Mormoneytostart (POST 5) and Poki Loki (POST 1), while using Mormoneytostart (POST 5) on top against Ten Mile House (POST 2) and Poki Loki (POST 1) as an alternate. Trifecta boxes involving POST 2, POST 5, and POST 1 offer a reasonable cost-to-payout ratio.

Selections

Win: Ten Mile House (POST 2) Place: Mormoneytostart (POST 5) Show: Poki Loki (POST 1)

RACE 2 — Post 2:55 — 1210f | Dirt | Curved | Clm 6250n3l | BUM | Purse $11,500

A claiming event at $6,250 restricted to horses that have not won three lifetime races, going 1210 feet around one turn. The field is limited to six runners, and the morning line is remarkably compressed at the top with No Pay No Hay (POST 1) sitting at 1-1. This is a short-priced favorite situation that punishes bettors who chase without proper alternatives.

Race 2

Pace Analysis

Six horses over a one-turn sprint at 1210f sets up as a conventional early-speed contest. No Pay No Hay (POST 1) at 1-1 from the inside post projects as the likely leader from the jump, and with Johanis Aranguren in the irons — a rider who excels at getting horses out of the gate and onto the lead — the pace scenario here is straightforward. If No Pay No Hay (POST 1) gets loose on the lead at this price, the race likely resolves as quickly as it sets up. The key question is whether any of the second-tier horses can sustain pressure late.

Key Contenders

No Pay No Hay (POST 1) is a 1-1 morning line favorite for Steve Manley, and Manley has sharpened multiple horses effectively this meet. The inside post at Fairmount in a short sprint is ideal, and Aranguren is the barn's primary call for live horses on today's card. At 1-1, the win pool value is essentially nil, but No Pay No Hay (POST 1) is the most logical single for vertical exotics as a key horse underneath.

Lily's Home (POST 2) at 2-1 for Gene Sandrowski with Brody Martinez is the clear second choice and the exacta partner most handicappers will gravitate toward. Martinez and Sandrowski have combined to produce winners at this level at Fairmount previously, and the 2-post provides an excellent outside look at the pace. Lily's Home (POST 2) figures to press No Pay No Hay (POST 1) or sit just off the pace in the ideal tracking position.

Secondary Choices

She Stopped Short (POST 5) at 4-1 for Joel Campbell and Cory Orm is the third betting choice and should be respected as a pace presser or stalker at this level. Campbell is a competent local trainer who hits at a respectable rate with horses at the $6,250 claiming level, and She Stopped Short (POST 5) at 4-1 represents fair value if the top two battle early and open the door for a closer.

Primity (POST 6) at 8-1 for Jessica Jelinski and Victor Lara is the longest price among the realistic contenders. Jelinski is a lower-percentage trainer, but Primity (POST 6) from the outside post could benefit from a contested pace up front. Worth a small win bet or exotic inclusion at the right price.

Longshots

Air Gerri (POST 3) at 30-1 is the second Manley entry in this race, again suggesting barn preference is firmly with No Pay No Hay (POST 1). Javier Diego rides, but 30-1 is essentially elimination at Fairmount claiming level. The spot play here is connecting Air Gerri (POST 3) only in very wide trifectas.

Wildwood Encore (POST 4) at 15-1 for Fernando Bahena and Ademar Santos represents another longshot that is difficult to dismiss entirely given Bahena's multi-race presence on today's card, but at 15-1 in a six-horse field, Wildwood Encore (POST 4) figures to need everything to go perfectly to hit the board.

Wagering Strategy

With No Pay No Hay (POST 1) at 1-1, win betting is a poor value proposition. The smart play is exacta and trifecta construction. Key No Pay No Hay (POST 1) on top of Lily's Home (POST 2) and She Stopped Short (POST 5) in exactas. For trifectas, use No Pay No Hay (POST 1) on top, Lily's Home (POST 2) and She Stopped Short (POST 5) in the middle, and spread the bottom to include Primity (POST 6) for value.

Selections

Win: No Pay No Hay (POST 1) Place: Lily's Home (POST 2) Show: She Stopped Short (POST 5)

RACE 3 — Post 3:20 — 1320f | Dirt | Curved | Clm 6250n5l | BUN | Purse $12,500

Six furlongs for horses not having won five races. The slightly elevated condition (n5l versus n3l in Race 2) brings in a more experienced group of claimers at the same $6,250 price. Six runners, with Honest Al (POST 1) as the 2-1 morning line favorite.

Race 3

Pace Analysis

The six-furlong sprint at Fairmount's main track is where the early-speed bias is most pronounced. Honest Al (POST 1) from the rail is in a dream setup if the horse has natural early pace, and trainer Ben DeLong with Victor Lara has the combination to take full advantage. Granddaddylonglegs (POST 4) at 4-1 and Mister Sharpie (POST 6) at 3-1 both figure as pace pressers or stalkers depending on their running styles. If pace is contested, the slight early pressure could open the door for On The Money Red (POST 2) to stalk and pounce.

Key Contenders

Honest Al (POST 1) at 2-1 is the consensus choice with an ideal post. DeLong is a solid regional trainer at this level, and Victor Lara has been in good form at this meet. The rail in a six-furlong dirt sprint at Fairmount is as good as it gets from a post position standpoint. Honest Al (POST 1) should be the cornerstone of all exotic wagers in this race.

Mister Sharpie (POST 6) at 3-1 for Mike Durham and Ademar Santos comes off the morning line as the second choice in terms of price. Durham manages this claiming level well at Fairmount and Santos is consistent. Mister Sharpie (POST 6) from the outside post will need to work harder to establish position, but at 3-1 the class and fitness may overcome the post disadvantage.

Secondary Choices

On The Money Red (POST 2) at 4-1 for Gabe Retana and Alexander Bendezu represents an interesting angle. The second post in a six-horse sprint is nearly as good as the rail, and Bendezu has been one of the more active and capable jockeys on this card. Retana has found the winner's circle at Fairmount this summer, and On The Money Red (POST 2) at 4-1 has appealing value.

Granddaddylonglegs (POST 4) at 4-1 for Jose G. Rodriguez and Javier Tavares matches On The Money Red (POST 2) in morning line price, suggesting the bookmakers see real parity here. Rodriguez runs a competitive barn, and Granddaddylonglegs (POST 4) from mid-post may find a comfortable tracking position in a six-horse field.

Longshots

Purple Octopus (POST 5) at 6-1 for Harold Mosier and Alvin Ortiz is a borderline longshot worth a small investment given Ortiz's recent form. Mosier is a lower-percentage trainer, but Purple Octopus (POST 5) at 6-1 has some appeal in trifecta construction.

Gallant Buck (POST 3) at 15-1 for Robert Pompell and Johanis Aranguren is the longest price in the race and should be used only as a superfecta fill. Pompell's runners at this level rarely surface at a price this long for good reason.

Wagering Strategy

The best structure here is an exacta wheel with Honest Al (POST 1) on top over all opponents, then a trifecta with Honest Al (POST 1) on top, Mister Sharpie (POST 6) and On The Money Red (POST 2) in the second slot, and all others completing the bottom. This captures the most likely outcome while building in value through the third-place spread.

Selections

Win: Honest Al (POST 1) Place: Mister Sharpie (POST 6) Show: On The Money Red (POST 2)

RACE 4 — Post 3:45 — 1320f | Dirt | AO | OClm 20000n3l | BUM | Purse $39,500

The first major race of the afternoon — six furlongs, optional claiming at $20,000 restricted to fillies and mares that have not won three races. The $39,500 purse is the joint-highest on the card, and the morning line points to a short-priced single in Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) at 1-1.

Race 4

Pace Analysis

Six fillies and mares at 1320f in an optional claiming environment. Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) is likely to be the class of the field based on the Rivelli barn's reputation and the heavy morning line. Lady Elise (POST 6) at 3-1 and Wildwood Triple (POST 2) at 6-1 figure as the primary early challengers depending on running styles. If Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) can clear to the front without a serious pace duel, the race is likely over. Nella (POST 3) and Halo Honey (POST 5) from the Essenpreis barn represent tactical alternatives if the pace collapses in on itself.

Key Contenders

Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) at 1-1 is trained by Larry Rivelli, one of the most accomplished horsemen in the Midwest. Rivelli's presence at Fairmount for a single race with a 1-1 morning line horse is a strong signal of confidence. J.E. Felix takes the mount, a capable pilot who handles pressure situations well. The mid-post draw keeps Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) out of trouble early and allows Felix to find position naturally. This is the standout horse on the card today based on connections alone, and while the win pool value is minimal, this horse must be used as a key underneath in all exotic structures.

Lady Elise (POST 6) at 3-1 for Mark J. Cristel and Frank Reyes is the natural alternative to the favorite. At 3-1, Lady Elise (POST 6) carries fair value in a race where the heavy favorite may suppress the win pool. Cristel wins at a competitive clip at Fairmount, and Lady Elise (POST 6) from the outside post in a six-horse field is not a serious drawback.

Secondary Choices

Wildwood Triple (POST 2) at 6-1 for Scott Becker and Victor Santiago is an interesting price horse. The Wildwood stable has been active at Fairmount this season, and Wildwood Triple (POST 2) from the second post in a sprint for fillies and mares may be able to find a stalking position just off the pace. At 6-1, there is exacta and trifecta value.

Nella (POST 3) at 8-1 and Halo Honey (POST 5) at 10-1 represent the Essenpreis double entry. With Santos on Nella (POST 3) and Aranguren on Halo Honey (POST 5), it appears the barn may prefer Nella (POST 3) as the primary win hope. Either can factor in trifectas, but the trainer splitting two mounts suggests neither is the barn's best.

Longshots

Coaly (POST 1) at 15-1 for John Wainwright and Javier Diego is a significant longshot given the class of competition. Wainwright runs several horses today, and Coaly (POST 1) may need a complete setup to hit the board. Include as a deep trifecta fill only.

Wagering Strategy

Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) is a single at 1-1 and should be treated as such in vertical exotics. Key Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) on top in exactas over Lady Elise (POST 6) and Wildwood Triple (POST 2). In trifectas, use Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) on top, then spread Lady Elise (POST 6), Wildwood Triple (POST 2), and Nella (POST 3) across the bottom two spots. The most likely winning exacta — POST 4 over POST 6 — will pay a compressed price given the morning line, so trifecta construction offers the best return on investment in this race.

Selections

Win: Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) Place: Lady Elise (POST 6) Show: Wildwood Triple (POST 2)

RACE 5 — Post 4:10 — 1830f | Dirt | Curved | Clm 4000 | BUM | Purse $10,100

The lone route race on the card, 1830 feet going around two turns at the modest $4,000 claiming level. Seven runners, with Some Of It (POST 1) as the 2-1 morning line choice and Hot Dame (POST 3) at 3-1 close behind. This is the bottom claiming level on today's card, and class differentiation among these horses is minimal.

Race 5

Pace Analysis

Seven horses going long at the $4,000 claiming level in July heat sets up as a true attrition race. Some Of It (POST 1) at 2-1 from the inside for Gabe Retana and Alexander Bendezu figures to be pressed by Wicked Sky (POST 2) and Hot Dame (POST 3) in the early stages. At route distance, the pace can be contested more freely early without the same catastrophic consequences as a sprint, though the two-turn trip at Fairmount in midsummer heat at this claiming level favors horses with proven route fitness. Juliaison (POST 4) and She Be Sheehan (POST 7) are likely closers who may benefit from any collapse in the pace.

Key Contenders

Some Of It (POST 1) at 2-1 is Retana's primary runner today, and Alexander Bendezu is one of the sharper riders on the circuit for horses at this level. Inside post in a route race is less advantageous than in a sprint but still clean. Some Of It (POST 1) has the tactical rail position and the trainer-jockey combination to dictate the pace in a two-turn race at $4,000.

Hot Dame (POST 3) at 3-1 for Harry Lynch and Victor Lara is closely priced to the favorite and represents legitimate competition. Lynch saddles multiple horses today, and Hot Dame (POST 3) at 3-1 from a clean mid-inside post is the logical alternative. Lara's overall form at this meet gives this runner further credibility.

Secondary Choices

She Be Sheehan (POST 7) at 4-1 for Dino Dizeo and Brody Martinez is a horse worth watching as a closer in this scenario. At 4-1 from the outside, She Be Sheehan (POST 7) will need to navigate early traffic but Martinez is adept at finding room in route races. Dizeo's barn operates effectively at the lower claiming levels.

Juliaison (POST 4) at 5-1 for Wainwright and Javier Diego presents a mid-field option with the second Wainwright runner on the card today. Wicked Sky (POST 2) at 5-1 also runs for Wainwright, giving the barn two chances in this race. Wicked Sky (POST 2) with T. Wales figures as more of a pace presence, while Juliaison (POST 4) may sit off the pace.

Longshots

Life Of Saturdays (POST 6) at 10-1 for Ted Randazzo and J.E. Felix is a horse that occasionally surfaces in long-shot fashion in route races at this claiming level. Felix has ridden some solid races today, but Life Of Saturdays (POST 6) from the outside requires a pace collapse to fire.

Lution (POST 5) at 15-1 for Harry Lynch and A.O. Stanley is the second Lynch entry, with the barn apparently preferring Hot Dame (POST 3). Lution (POST 5) is a deep longshot and a superfecta fill at best.

Wagering Strategy

This race offers the best exotic value on the card due to its format and bottom-of-the-card claiming level. The pace should be honest enough to set up a late runner, but Some Of It (POST 1) and Hot Dame (POST 3) are so closely matched at the top that a trifecta boxing all three of the top choices — Some Of It (POST 1), Hot Dame (POST 3), and She Be Sheehan (POST 7) — at a modest investment makes sense. At $4,000 claiming in a route, any late-running horse at 4-1 or longer has board hit potential.

Selections

Win: Some Of It (POST 1) Place: Hot Dame (POST 3) Show: She Be Sheehan (POST 7)

RACE 6 — Post 4:35 — 1320f | Dirt | Curved | Clm 15000n3l | BUN | Purse $14,000

Seven horses at six furlongs, $15,000 claiming for horses not having won three races. The morning line is dominated by Call Me Christine (POST 6) at 1-1, a heavy single that presents the same value challenge as other short-priced favorites on today's card.

Race 6

Pace Analysis

Seven runners at 1320f in a $15,000 claiming field. Call Me Christine (POST 6) is the overwhelming morning line choice, which typically means the horse is expected to be on or near the lead and winning going away. Personal Jet (POST 7) at 4-1 and I Need More Money (POST 3) at 4-1 are the co-second choices and will determine whether Call Me Christine (POST 6) faces early pressure. Bilderberg (POST 2) at 6-1 and King Anthony (POST 5) at 6-1 are matched in the morning line and may factor as pace pressers or stalkers.

Key Contenders

Call Me Christine (POST 6) at 1-1 is trained by Ralph A. Martinez and ridden by Brody Martinez — likely a trainer-jockey family combination, which at Fairmount often signals a well-prepared, confident barn. The heavy morning line is unambiguous. Call Me Christine (POST 6) should be treated as the single in all exotic constructions for this race, even from the second-to-outside post in a seven-horse field. Ralph Martinez has a respectable win percentage at this meet and the family connection in the irons adds confidence.

I Need More Money (POST 3) at 4-1 for Harry Lynch and Victor Lara represents Lynch's third starter on today's card. Lynch's barn has been busy and showing form, and LARA is aboard multiple live horses today. At 4-1, I Need More Money (POST 3) has real win potential if Call Me Christine (POST 6) is not at her best.

Secondary Choices

Personal Jet (POST 7) at 4-1 for Heather Irion and T. Wales is the other 4-1 co-second choice on the morning line. From the outside post in a seven-horse sprint, Personal Jet (POST 7) will need an uncomplicated trip, but Wales is solid in these situations. Irion runs a selective barn and the 4-1 morning line tag suggests genuine confidence.

Bilderberg (POST 2) at 6-1 for Mike Durham and Ademar Santos is the second Durham runner today. Durham's horses often arrive with tighter figures than their prices suggest, and Bilderberg (POST 2) at 6-1 from a good post represents exacta and trifecta value.

King Anthony (POST 5) at 6-1 for Jose G. Rodriguez and A.O. Stanley is Rodriguez's second runner today, matching Bilderberg (POST 2) in price. Stanley has ridden competently across today's card, and King Anthony (POST 5) from mid-field could find a comfortable trip.

Longshots

Time To Toast (POST 4) at 10-1 for Fernando Bahena and Johanis Aranguren is Bahena's entry in this race. Bahena's horses have been represented throughout the card without enormous success at the top of the market, but Time To Toast (POST 4) at 10-1 with a capable jockey is worth including as a superfecta fill.

Best Man Speech (POST 1) at 30-1 is the second Lynch entry with Bendezu. At 30-1 from the inside in a seven-horse sprint, Best Man Speech (POST 1) is essentially a throwout on the win end but may have some minor trifecta application if the race falls apart in front.

Wagering Strategy

Call Me Christine (POST 6) at 1-1 is the race single. The approach here is to key Call Me Christine (POST 6) in exactas over I Need More Money (POST 3), Personal Jet (POST 7), and Bilderberg (POST 2). Trifectas with Call Me Christine (POST 6) on top and the four live alternatives in various bottom combinations represent the best return structure. Using I Need More Money (POST 3) on top in a small reverse exacta against Call Me Christine (POST 6) is reasonable given the 4-1 price and Lynch's current form.

Selections

Win: Call Me Christine (POST 6) Place: I Need More Money (POST 3) Show: Personal Jet (POST 7)

RACE 7 — Post 5:00 — 1320f | Dirt | AO | OClm 20000n2l | BUN | Purse $18,500

Eight runners at six furlongs in an optional claiming event at $20,000 restricted to horses that have not won twice. Governing Party (POST 4) opens as the 2-1 morning line favorite, with Nyquist Frequency (POST 3) and Frankie P (POST 5) sharing 3-1 co-second-choice status.

Race 7

Pace Analysis

Eight horses in a six-furlong optional claimer guarantees early complexity. Governing Party (POST 4) at 2-1 for Dennis Higgins and Alexander Bendezu should be near the pace from the inside-middle post, as Higgins typically runs fresh and forward. Nyquist Frequency (POST 3) and Frankie P (POST 5) both at 3-1 add pressure to the early fractions. If all three of the top choices contest the pace simultaneously, a pace collapse could open the door for Galantini (POST 1) or Gun It And Run It (POST 6). The pace scenario here is genuinely uncertain, making this one of the more challenging races on the card.

Key Contenders

Governing Party (POST 4) at 2-1 is the morning line favorite with Bendezu up for Dennis Higgins. Higgins is a trainer who competes effectively in optional claiming conditions at this level, and Bendezu has been one of the busiest and most productive riders on today's card. The fourth post in an eight-horse field is clean and workable, and at 2-1 the horse has real support.

Nyquist Frequency (POST 3) at 3-1 for Pat Clay and A.O. Stanley is one of the two 3-1 co-choices. The name honors the Nyquist bloodline connection, suggesting a pedigree angle that resonates at this level. Clay is a patient trainer who targets optimal spots, and the 3-1 morning line reflects genuine handicapping credibility. Third post in eight runners is comfortable.

Frankie P (POST 5) at 3-1 for Edward Essenpreis and Johanis Aranguren is the barn's third runner on today's card, after Nella (POST 3) and Halo Honey (POST 5) in Race 4. Essenpreis clearly has stable depth right now, and Frankie P (POST 5) at 3-1 in a two-win optional claimer carries the most competitive price of the Essenpreis entries. Aranguren has been busy all afternoon with productive results.

Secondary Choices

Galantini (POST 1) at 4-1 for James Watkins and J.E. Felix is Watkins' entry in this race, his second outing of the day after Ten Mile House (POST 2) in Race 1. The inside post in an eight-horse sprint at Fairmount is a prime setup, and Felix has been competent in his mounts. Galantini (POST 1) at 4-1 from the rail with a quality trainer-jockey combination represents genuine value.

Gun It And Run It (POST 6) at 6-1 for Robert Pompell and Ademar Santos is a horse that could benefit from a hot early pace. Santos has ridden effectively throughout the card today, and Gun It And Run It (POST 6) at 6-1 in a competitive optional claimer has trifecta appeal.

Longshots

Army Hero (POST 2) at 12-1 for Lori Plasters and Victor Santiago is the shorter of Plasters' two entries today (she also saddles horses in Race 8). Army Hero (POST 2) at 12-1 is too big a price to play seriously on the win end but has some trifecta inclusion value.

Splendor Glow (POST 8) at 20-1 is Watkins' second runner of the race, a distant second preference behind Galantini (POST 1) based on the price differential. Victor Lara takes the outside post, and while Splendor Glow (POST 8) is a longshot, Lara has shown up in unexpected places today.

Essential Wild Cat (POST 7) at 30-1 for Anthony Stephen and Frank Reyes is a genuine throwout on the win end. Superfecta fill only.

Wagering Strategy

This is one of the most complex races on the card with three horses closely grouped at the top of the morning line. The best approach is a trifecta singling either Governing Party (POST 4) or Galantini (POST 1) on top (value in the rail) over the field, with Nyquist Frequency (POST 3), Frankie P (POST 5), and Gun It And Run It (POST 6) filling the bottom slots. An exacta box of the top three morning line horses — Governing Party (POST 4), Nyquist Frequency (POST 3), and Frankie P (POST 5) — is a reasonable coverage play.

Selections

Win: Governing Party (POST 4) Place: Galantini (POST 1) Show: Frankie P (POST 5)

RACE 8 — Post 5:25 — 1320f | Dirt | AO | OClm 10000n1x | BUN | Purse $39,000

The final race of the day and the card's co-richest event at $39,000. Nine runners at six furlongs in a $10,000 optional claiming condition for horses with no more than one win. Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) is the 2-1 morning line favorite from the outside post, with Tahoe Run (POST 5) and Lookin For Bala (POST 8) sharing 4-1 co-second choice status.

Race 8

Pace Analysis

Nine horses at 1320f creates the widest field of the day and the most complex pace scenario. Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) at 2-1 from the outside post is notable — it is unusual for the favorite to draw the rail-worst post in a nine-horse sprint at Fairmount, where early speed and inside positioning are premium. Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) will require Becker's instruction to Wales to secure inside position early or find an unobstructed path — an unenviable task from POST 9. This post position disadvantage creates legitimate value opportunities throughout the field. Tahoe Run (POST 5) and Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) figure as mid-field pressers, while Girlolamo'glory (POST 7) at 6-1 could stalk from a useful position.

Key Contenders

Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) at 2-1 is Scott Becker's morning line favorite with T. Wales up. The Wildwood stable has been active at Fairmount this summer, and Wales is comfortable navigating outside posts, but the 9-hole in a nine-horse sprint at Fairmount is a genuine obstacle. The horse must be used in exotics, but the post draw creates enough doubt to look elsewhere for win value.

Tahoe Run (POST 5) at 4-1 for Armando Hernandez and Alexander Bendezu is one of the co-second choices. Bendezu has been one of the most active and successful jockeys on today's card, and Tahoe Run (POST 5) from the exact middle of a nine-horse field is ideally positioned for a stalking trip. Hernandez trains selectively, and the 4-1 price reflects genuine upside.

Lookin For Bala (POST 8) at 4-1 for Fernando Bahena and Victor Lara is the other co-second choice. Bahena has multiple runners across today's card and clearly sent a good horse here. POST 8 is nearly as challenging as POST 9 in a nine-horse sprint, but Lara has been sharp today and Lookin For Bala (POST 8) at 4-1 offers real value over the 2-1 favorite.

Secondary Choices

Girlolamo'glory (POST 7) at 6-1 for Lori Plasters and Cory Orm has caught the eye of handicappers as a potential stalker in the closing event. Plasters runs her third horse today, suggesting barn depth, and Girlolamo'glory (POST 7) from a good post with modest early speed has the type of running style that can steal the show in a spread-out late field.

Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) at 8-1 for Steve Manley and Johanis Aranguren is Manley's closing runner of the day. Manley has been active, and Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) at 8-1 with Aranguren from a reasonable mid-outside post is an intriguing price horse. Aranguren has been on live horses all afternoon.

Hand Over My Heart (POST 2) at 10-1 for Fernando Bahena and Ademar Santos is Bahena's second entry in the race alongside Lookin For Bala (POST 8). The 10-1 tag suggests the barn's primary confidence rests with Lookin For Bala (POST 8), but Hand Over My Heart (POST 2) from the second post — an outstanding position at Fairmount — should not be dismissed entirely in trifecta and superfecta construction.

Layton The Day (POST 4) at 10-1 for Lori Plasters and J.E. Felix is the trainer's second entry alongside Girlolamo'glory (POST 7). At 10-1 from a clean post with Felix up, Layton The Day (POST 4) has mild exotic interest.

Longshots

Mon Ami Fuzzie (POST 1) at 20-1 for Jose G. Rodriguez and Emmanuel Giles is an intriguing longshot from the rail position. At 20-1, any positive tracking trip from the inside could produce a surprising result. Giles is a less-used rider, and the price reflects that uncertainty, but in a nine-horse optional claimer, the rail is not a throwout position.

Verrazanointhesky (POST 3) at 30-1 for Joel Martinez and Javier Tavares draws the longest morning line price in the field. Tavares has the skill to produce an upset, but 30-1 in a nine-horse field is too thin a probability for win wagering. Use as a deep fill in superfectas only.

Wagering Strategy

The nine-horse finale offers the best exotic payout potential on today's card. The 2-1 favorite Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) draws the worst post in the field, which opens up real value in the second and third choices. Structure the trifecta with Tahoe Run (POST 5) and Lookin For Bala (POST 8) as potential keys on top, with Wildwood Ruben (POST 9), Girlolamo'glory (POST 7), and Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) completing the bottom. The superfecta with these horses plus Hand Over My Heart (POST 2) and Mon Ami Fuzzie (POST 1) in the fourth slot could return a significant payout.

A reasonable alternate bet is to play Tahoe Run (POST 5) on top in the exacta over Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) and Lookin For Bala (POST 8) — a combination that prices out attractively given the morning line compression at the top.

Selections

Win: Tahoe Run (POST 5) Place: Lookin For Bala (POST 8) Show: Wildwood Ruben (POST 9)

Jockey Notes and Insights

Alexander Bendezu is the standout rider on today's card based on volume and quality of assignments. He rides Midnight Minister (POST 3) in Race 1, On The Money Red (POST 2) in Race 3, Some Of It (POST 1) in Race 5, Best Man Speech (POST 1) in Race 6, Governing Party (POST 4) in Race 7, and Tahoe Run (POST 5) in Race 8. The breadth of live mounts — including the morning line favorites or co-favorites in Races 5, 7, and 8 — suggests Bendezu is the lead agent at Fairmount today. Bendezu's gate efficiency and tactical positioning inside are genuine assets at a track where early speed pays dividends.

Victor Lara is equally busy with mounts across the card: Honest Al (POST 1) in Race 3, Hot Dame (POST 3) in Race 5, I Need More Money (POST 3) in Race 6, Primity (POST 6) in Race 2, Splendor Glow (POST 8) in Race 7, and Lookin For Bala (POST 8) in Race 8. Lara's mount on Lookin For Bala (POST 8) in the finale at 4-1 is his most significant opportunity of the day, while Honest Al (POST 1) in Race 3 figures as a likely winner from a premium post.

Johanis Aranguren handles No Pay No Hay (POST 1) in Race 2, Gallant Buck (POST 3) in Race 3, Halo Honey (POST 5) in Race 4, Time To Toast (POST 4) in Race 6, Frankie P (POST 5) in Race 7, and Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) in Race 8. Aranguren's best opportunity is clearly No Pay No Hay (POST 1) in Race 2, where he sits on an odds-on favorite at a track where he excels at getting horses out of the gate and onto the front end.

Brody Martinez rides Poki Loki (POST 1) in Race 1, Lily's Home (POST 2) in Race 2, She Be Sheehan (POST 7) in Race 5, and Call Me Christine (POST 6) in Race 6. The Call Me Christine (POST 6) mount at 1-1 in Race 6 is the marquee assignment and aligns with the trainer-jockey connection of Ralph A. Martinez's barn. Martinez is a smooth, confident rider who maximizes short-priced horses with clean trips.

T. Wales takes Ten Mile House (POST 2) in Race 1, Wicked Sky (POST 2) in Race 5, Personal Jet (POST 7) in Race 6, and Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) in Race 8. The Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) assignment in the finale is Wales' toughest mount of the day given the outside post, but he has demonstrated the ability to get horses from wide draws into contention at Fairmount. Ten Mile House (POST 2) in Race 1 from a clean inside post is his most favorable setup.

J.E. Felix rides Galantini (POST 1) in Race 7, Layton The Day (POST 4) in Race 8, Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) in Race 4, and Life Of Saturdays (POST 6) in Race 5. The Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) mount in Race 4 is clearly Felix's most important assignment. Felix has handled high-pressure rides effectively and the Rivelli barn trusts him with their best horses.

Ademar Santos rides Nella (POST 3) in Race 4, Mister Sharpie (POST 6) in Race 3, Bilderberg (POST 2) in Race 6, Gun It And Run It (POST 6) in Race 7, and Hand Over My Heart (POST 2) in Race 8. Santos has been competent throughout, and Mister Sharpie (POST 6) in Race 3 at 3-1 from a challenging outside post is worth watching as a demonstration of his ability to overcome post position.

Reynier Arrieta has a single mount today on Get Hot Stay Hot (POST 7) in Race 1. As one of the stronger riders on this circuit when fully engaged, Arrieta makes Get Hot Stay Hot (POST 7) a live longshot in the opening event despite the outside draw.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Steve Manley leads all trainers on today's card with entries across Races 1, 2, and 8. In Race 1, Manley sends Poki Loki (POST 1) with Martinez and Midnight Minister (POST 3) with Bendezu. The jockey split — Martinez on the shorter price and Bendezu on the 12-1 — clearly signals the barn's preference. In Race 2, Manley sends No Pay No Hay (POST 1) at 1-1 alongside Air Gerri (POST 3) at 30-1, again an unambiguous trainer signal toward No Pay No Hay (POST 1). In Race 8, Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) at 8-1 is Manley's single entry with Aranguren and represents a genuine upset candidate given Manley's strong barn form today.

Fernando Bahena is active in Races 2, 3, 6, and 8, saddling Wildwood Encore (POST 4), Granddaddylonglegs (POST 4), Time To Toast (POST 4), Hand Over My Heart (POST 2), and Lookin For Bala (POST 8). The double entry in Race 8 is the most significant Bahena situation, with Lookin For Bala (POST 8) at 4-1 clearly the barn's primary win hope based on the jockey assignment and morning line separation.

Terry Burdess runs Serene Empress (POST 4) and Mormoneytostart (POST 5) in Race 1, his only entries today. The double entry from a single barn in a maiden race adds uncertainty — either the trainer genuinely likes both runners, or one is being used for pace-setting purposes. The 4-1 price on Mormoneytostart (POST 5) versus 5-1 on Serene Empress (POST 4) and the Ortiz-versus-Stanley jockey split suggests a mild preference for Mormoneytostart (POST 5).

Larry Rivelli's single entry today — Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) in Race 4 at 1-1 — is the card's most notable barn angle. Rivelli targeting Fairmount with an odds-on favorite in an optional claimer is a clear sign the horse is fit and pointed for this spot.

Edward Essenpreis saddles Nella (POST 3) and Halo Honey (POST 5) in Race 4, and Frankie P (POST 5) in Race 7. Three entries across two races from one barn is a significant presence at a smaller track, suggesting the Essenpreis stable is in good form. Frankie P (POST 5) at 3-1 in Race 7 is the most attractive Essenpreis angle, with Aranguren — a quality pilot — aboard.

James Watkins handles Ten Mile House (POST 2) in Race 1 and runs Galantini (POST 1), Splendor Glow (POST 8) in Race 7. The Galantini (POST 1) and Splendor Glow (POST 8) double in Race 7 is notable, with Galantini (POST 1) at 4-1 clearly the barn's primary runner based on the jockey split (Felix on Galantini (POST 1) versus Lara on Splendor Glow (POST 8)).

Harry Lynch saddles Best Man Speech (POST 1), I Need More Money (POST 3) in Race 6, Hot Dame (POST 3), and Lution (POST 5) in Race 5. With four entries across two races, Lynch appears to have a strong bench currently. Hot Dame (POST 3) at 3-1 and I Need More Money (POST 3) at 4-1 represent his most actionable runners.

John Wainwright runs Coaly (POST 1) in Race 4, Wicked Sky (POST 2), and Juliaison (POST 4) in Race 5. The double in Race 5 is interesting, though neither horse has the preferred morning line status — Some Of It (POST 1) is the favorite. Wicked Sky (POST 2) at 5-1 is the more likely Wainwright win horse in Race 5 based on the prior race experience that comes with a route entry.

Lori Plasters sends Army Hero (POST 2) in Race 7, Layton The Day (POST 4), and Girlolamo'glory (POST 7) in Race 8. Two entries in Race 8 split between Felix and Orm suggests divided barn preference, with Girlolamo'glory (POST 7) at 6-1 looking like the slightly preferred runner given the better post position.

Scott Becker's Wildwood stable runs Wildwood Triple (POST 2) in Race 4 and Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) in Race 8. Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) as the card's most heavily supported morning line favorite in the finale is the major Becker angle today, though the outside post tempers enthusiasm.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The Fairmount Park July 25 card presents a mix of short-priced singles that compress the win pools and some genuinely open races where exotic value is available. Here are the top wagering strategies and value plays across the card.

The card features three races with 1-1 or near-even morning line favorites: No Pay No Hay (POST 1) in Race 2, Call Me Christine (POST 6) in Race 6, and Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) in Race 4. These horses cannot be beaten for value in win wagering, but they are excellent singles for vertical exotics. The strategy is to key these three horses as singles in multi-race horizontals — specifically targeting the Pick 3 and Pick 4 structures that include these races.

A Pick 3 running Races 4, 5, and 6 is a standout structure. Single Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) in Race 4, spread multiple runners in Race 5 (Some Of It (POST 1), Hot Dame (POST 3), She Be Sheehan (POST 7)), then single Call Me Christine (POST 6) in Race 6. The Route race in the middle creates genuine variance that pumps up the potential payout, and anchoring on both sides with short-priced favorites gives the ticket structural integrity. The cost is three horses in the middle across two singles, which is highly manageable.

For the Pick 4 covering Races 5 through 8, the value play is: Some Of It (POST 1) and Hot Dame (POST 3) in Race 5, Call Me Christine (POST 6) in Race 6 as a single, Governing Party (POST 4) and Galantini (POST 1) in Race 7, and Tahoe Run (POST 5) and Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) in Race 8. This structure offers genuine ROI potential given the variance in the route race and the complex nine-horse finale.

The single best value play on the card is Tahoe Run (POST 5) in Race 8 at 4-1. Bendezu is the form rider of the afternoon and sits on a co-second choice from a clean inside-middle post in the day's richest sprint. The morning line favorite Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) draws an undesirable outside post, creating a tangible tactical advantage for Tahoe Run (POST 5) that the morning line does not adequately account for. Playing Tahoe Run (POST 5) win and keying Tahoe Run (POST 5) over Wildwood Ruben (POST 9) and Lookin For Bala (POST 8) in the exacta should return fair value.

The best longshot value play is Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) at 8-1 in Race 8. Manley has been the most active trainer on today's card and his horses have shown form. Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) with Aranguren from a reasonable mid-outside post in a nine-horse field where the favorite draws the rail-worst post is the type of situational overlay that experienced bettors target. A win-show parlay on Rhodiums Pride (POST 6) at 8-1 is a recommended speculative play.

In Race 7, Galantini (POST 1) at 4-1 from the rail in an eight-horse sprint is an underappreciated value. With three horses bunched at 2-1 through 3-1 at the top of the market, the Watkins-Felix combination from the Fairmount speed post at 4-1 represents a genuine overlay. Including Galantini (POST 1) on top in exactas over Governing Party (POST 4) and Frankie P (POST 5) is the recommended approach.

For the trifecta in Race 8, a $1 trifecta box of Tahoe Run (POST 5), Wildwood Ruben (POST 9), Lookin For Bala (POST 8), and Girlolamo'glory (POST 7) costs $24 and covers the most realistic outcome combinations in the most payout-rich race on the card.

Finally, the best single-race exotic bet on the entire card may be the exacta in Race 4 beneath Then Now 'n Always (POST 4). Keying Then Now 'n Always (POST 4) over Wildwood Triple (POST 2), Nella (POST 3), and Lady Elise (POST 6) in a $2 exacta part-wheel costs $6 and targets a result that should pay respectably given the $39,500 purse and the competitive second half of the field.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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