Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Fairmount Park – Racing News and Analysis for October 17, 2026


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Pick Pony Handicapper Report — Fairmount Park | October 17, 2026

Rain and cool temperatures are expected, so a wet or drying dirt surface is possible throughout the day. Inside posts and tactical speed could be at a premium, particularly in the longer races. This is Fairmount's closing-day program, adding significance to the eight-race dirt card.

Race 1 — Claiming 1 1/8 Miles

Joyful Ghost (4) is the top selection at 5-1, positioned to capitalize if co-favorites Boogie Bode (3) and Sponge Bath (5) hook up early. As One Does (1) is a secondary option if the pace is slower than expected. Rocket Hotshot (6) at 8-1 is worth including in exotics as a stalker.

Race 2 — Claiming 1 1/8 Miles

Mystic Power (6) at 4-1 offers the cleanest projected trip and the best value among several horses at the same price. Nightwind (1) is the preferred secondary choice, able to save ground on the rail. Wicked Gus (3) at 8-1 is a useful underneath exotic selection.

Race 3 — Claiming 6 1/2 Furlongs

I Need More Money (2) is the best value play of the card at 12-1, dropping in class with a strong four-start record this year and a rail post that aids a ground-saving trip. Governing Party (3) is the 1-1 favorite to beat, with Big Walt (6) at 3-1 as a credible secondary threat. Use I Need More Money (2) on top in exactas over Governing Party (3), Big Walt (6), R U Joking (5), and King Anthony (7).

Race 4 — Optional Claiming 6 1/2 Furlongs

Fever Nation (6) at 4-1 is preferred over heavily favored Indyville (5) at 1-1, offering a cleaner outside trip if the pace becomes contested. Rhodiums Pride (1) and Sawyer Fox (3) are the best secondary options. Verrazanointhesky (2) at 20-1 is only for deep exotics.

Race 5 — Optional Claiming 1 1/8 Miles

Zee Fire (1) at 2-1 is the preferred play, able to save ground on the rail while favorite Tapinyourbluejeans (4) sets the pace. Somethintobelieven (6) at 4-1 is the best alternative if the race becomes tactical. Wayllen Richard (3) at 12-1 has a slim chance if the pace collapses.

Race 6 — Optional Claiming 6 Furlongs

Smoked (5) at 6-1 is the value selection in a short sprint where Nandina (2) and Chance Taker (3) may attract most of the money. Icy River (6) at 4-1 is a solid secondary choice with a stalking trip. Sally's Suprise (8) at 5-1 is worth a look if the wide post does not cost too much ground early.

Race 7 — Optional Claiming 6 1/2 Furlongs

Goodasiwonswas (4) at 2-1 is the top choice based on a superior post over co-favorite Honor Point (8), who must overcome a wide draw. Juilliard (3) at 7-1 is the best value in the race and should be used prominently in exactas underneath both favorites. Sweet La Crema (7) at 6-1 and More Than Destiny (1) at 10-1 round out the exotic coverage.

Race 8 — Claiming 6 1/2 Furlongs

Slink (3) at 3-1 is the preferred upset over 1-1 favorite Grace Met Cupid (6), able to save ground and strike if the favorite shows any vulnerability late. Frosted Warrior (8) at 8-1 is the top exotic pick, with Quality Storm (1) at 10-1 and Tuff Heart (9) at 15-1 worth including if the pace collapses. Use Grace Met Cupid (6) in saver exactas rather than as a straight win bet.

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


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