Get more in-depth analysis for all races and enjoy many other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!
Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!
Fairmount Park presents an eight-race Saturday afternoon card featuring competitive maiden special weight events and claiming races ranging from $4,000 to $25,000. The track celebrates Miracle Family Day with ideal racing conditions expected throughout the afternoon.
WEATHER AND TRACK CONDITIONS
Current conditions show cloudy skies with temperatures at 53°F, calm winds, and 71% humidity. The forecast calls for continued cloudy conditions with no precipitation expected, creating optimal racing conditions for both horses and jockeys. The dirt track should be rated fast with excellent racing surfaces across all distance configurations.
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight
5 1/2 Furlongs – $15,000 Purse – 2-Year-Olds
Key Contenders: W W Star from the Scott Becker barn draws significant attention with Carlos Herrera aboard. The Becker stable has been the leading trainer at the current meet, making this colt an automatic contender despite limited experience. Time to Toast represents Terry Burdess and could benefit from the short sprint distance with Ademar Santos riding.
Secondary Choices: Ladies Legacy from Shane Childers brings proven trainer-jockey combinations with Reynier Arrieta. Chief Gross represents the same Childers barn and could provide value at longer odds with Alvin Ortiz riding.
Longshot Consideration: Turnin Up Aces from John Rednour Jr. draws the rail with Alexander Bendezu, a combination that has been successful recently at Fairmount Park. The rail position could prove advantageous in this short sprint.
Pace Analysis: The 5 1/2 furlong distance favors early speed, with several horses showing potential gate speed. Expect a contested early pace that should set up tactical runners.
Key Angles: The Scott Becker stable connection stands out with his leading trainer status. Recent results show Becker horses performing well at all levels of competition.
Race 2 – Claiming
6 Furlongs – $8,000 Purse – $4,000 Claiming
Key Contenders: Spanish Doubloon from James Watkins represents proven trainer experience with Alvin Ortiz riding. The Watkins-Ortiz combination brings stakes-level experience to this claiming level. Call Me Drossel from the same Watkins barn provides stable depth.
Secondary Choices: After My Brother brings consistent form with Ademar Santos aboard for Gene Sandrowski. The Santos rider has been among the leading jockeys at the current meet.
Longshot Consideration: Shady McGee brings international breeding (IRE) with Victor Santiago riding for Rhonda Thurman, potentially offering value at longer odds.
Pace Analysis: The six-furlong distance should produce moderate early fractions with tactical positioning becoming crucial in the stretch drive.
Key Angles: The James Watkins stable double provides the strongest angle with both Spanish Doubloon and Call Me Drossel representing proven connections.
Race 3 – Maiden Claiming
1 Mile – $9,000 Purse – $6,250 Claiming
Key Contenders: Helen of C’ville from Scott Becker draws significant support with Ademar Santos riding. The Becker-Santos combination has been highly successful at the current meet. Zipadeedooda represents Ben Delong with Javier Tavares aboard.
Secondary Choices: Alternative Grace brings fresh form with Victor Santiago for Duane Wells. Skip to Bali represents proven connections with Alvin Ortiz riding for Robert Pompell.
Longshot Consideration: Distracted from Scott Becker provides stable depth with Alexander Bendezu riding, offering potential value as a second Becker runner.
Pace Analysis: The mile distance allows for tactical positioning with moderate early fractions expected.
Key Angles: Scott Becker’s double entry provides multiple chances with proven jockey partnerships.
Race 4 – Claiming
1 Mile 70 Yards – $9,000 Purse – $5,000 Claiming
Key Contenders: Gold Jerry from Ben Delong draws morning line favoritism with Javier Tavares riding. Recent form suggests improvement with the distance stretch. Pete’s Legacy represents Eddie Essenpreis with Ademar Santos aboard.
Secondary Choices: Get Me One Too from Duane Wells brings tactical speed with Victor Santiago. Cutaday from Harry Lynch could benefit from the extended distance.
Longshot Consideration: Electric Charge brings veteran experience with Alexander Bendezu for Maximino Quinonez.
Pace Analysis: The extended distance should produce tactical racing with positioning crucial through the final turn.
Key Angles: The Ben Delong-Javier Tavares combination has shown consistency at this claiming level.
Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight (Illinois-bred)
6 Furlongs – $25,000 Purse – Illinois-bred
This Illinois-bred restricted maiden special weight race represents the highest purse on today’s card at $25,000, indicating the quality depth expected in this competitive field.
TOP CONTENDER
PLAYGROUND WARRIOR (Post 4) – 5/2 Morning Line Favorite
Playground Warrior emerges as the standout choice based on consistent recent form and the proven Santos-Plasters combination. Ademar Santos guided this three-year-old colt to a solid second-place finish on October 11th at Fairmount Park in similar conditions, showing significant improvement in his most recent start.
The colt’s form line reads 434332, indicating consistent placing efforts with four placings from his last ten starts. His recent second-place finish demonstrated tactical speed and the ability to sustain his effort through the six-furlong distance. Santos maintains leading rider status at the current meet, with multiple wins in recent cards showing excellent timing and horse management skills.
Trainer Lori Plasters has positioned this horse perfectly for today’s spot, with the Illinois-bred restriction potentially eliminating some stronger out-of-state competition. The combination of consistent recent form, proven jockey partnership, and optimal race placement makes Playground Warrior the logical favorite.
STRONG SECONDARY CHOICE
LORD BLOCK (Post 2) – 7/2 Second Choice
Lord Block brings veteran experience as a four-year-old gelding, carrying 126 pounds with Reynier Arrieta aboard. Recent form shows a second-place finish in a previous maiden special weight at Fairmount Park, demonstrating competitive ability at this level.
The Arrieta-Alonso combination has shown effectiveness at Fairmount Park, with Arrieta’s tactical riding style well-suited to the six-furlong distance. The extra maturity and experience as an older horse could prove advantageous in a field of younger competitors. His recent chart shows good positioning throughout the race with sustained effort in the stretch drive.
BECKER STABLE ENTRIES
ONTHEWAYJIMMY (Post 3) – 9/2
SENOR RUBEN (Post 8) – 6/1
Scott Becker deploys a powerful stable entry with two legitimate contenders representing different tactical approaches. Onthewayjimmy draws Harold Joseph Ortega, while Senor Ruben pairs with Carlos Herrera.
Becker’s leading trainer status at the current meet provides significant confidence in both entries. The stable’s recent success across all race conditions suggests these horses have been properly prepared for today’s competitive assignment. Senor Ruben shows interesting breeding by Ghaaleb out of Cannetella, potentially providing late-running ability suitable for the six-furlong distance.
The dual entry strategy allows Becker to cover different pace scenarios, with tactical flexibility depending on how the early fractions develop. Both horses carry identical 120-pound weights as three-year-olds, providing fair weight distribution.
VALUE CONSIDERATIONS
CHEF RAY WILEY (Post 5) – 8/1
This four-year-old gelding from John Rednour Jr. represents potential value with Alexander Bendezu riding. The Rednour-Bendezu combination has shown recent success at Fairmount Park, making this horse worthy of exotic play consideration.
HARLEY’SRUNAWAYKID (Post 1) – 10/1
Drawing the rail position with Alvin Ortiz provides tactical advantages in the six-furlong sprint. Harry Lynch’s training and the inside post could create value opportunities if early pace develops favorably.
PACE ANALYSIS
The six-furlong distance should produce moderate early fractions with tactical positioning becoming crucial through the far turn. Playground Warrior’s recent form suggests tactical speed, while Lord Block brings proven staying ability. The Becker entries provide pace versatility depending on rider instructions.
Expected early pace: Moderate to contested, with several horses showing gate speed capabilities. The final quarter-mile should determine the outcome with horses showing sustained effort in recent starts having advantages.
KEY ANGLES
- Santos-Plasters Partnership: Ademar Santos continues leading rider form with proven success aboard Playground Warrior in recent starts.
- Illinois-Bred Restriction: Creates different competitive dynamics with specialized breeding considerations limiting field strength compared to open company.
- Purse Significance: The $25,000 purse represents the day’s highest, attracting connections’ best Illinois-bred maidens.
- Becker Stable Depth: Multiple entries from the meet’s leading trainer provide excellent wagering angles for exacta and trifecta combinations.
WAGERING STRATEGY
Win Play: Playground Warrior represents the strongest single race investment with proven recent form and jockey partnership.
Place/Show: Lord Block provides solid place value with veteran experience and tactical riding from Arrieta.
Exacta: Focus on Playground Warrior over Lord Block, with Becker entries (Onthewayjimmy, Senor Ruben) underneath for value.
Trifecta: Key Playground Warrior on top, using Lord Block, Onthewayjimmy, and Senor Ruben in second and third positions.
Value Play: Chef Ray Wiley at 8/1 odds with Bendezu provides longshot consideration for exotic play combinations.
FINAL SELECTION
Win: Playground Warrior
Place: Lord Block
Show: Onthewayjimmy
The combination of consistent recent form, proven jockey partnership, and optimal race positioning makes Playground Warrior the logical choice in this competitive Illinois-bred maiden special weight event.
Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming
1 Mile 70 Yards – $17,500 Purse – $12,500 Optional Claiming
This allowance optional claiming race represents the second-highest purse on today’s card, attracting horses that have never won races other than maiden, claiming, starter, or state-bred competitions, or have never won four races. The $12,500 optional claiming price creates additional competitive dynamics.
TOP CONTENDER
SWISS GUARD (Post 1) – 9/2 Morning Line
Swiss Guard emerges as the standout selection following his impressive victory at Fairmount Park on October 4th, where he won a starter allowance race paying $13.40 to the dollar. That performance demonstrated significant improvement and tactical versatility at the one-mile distance.
The five-year-old American Pharoah gelding brings proven form at this track and distance, with trainer Steve Manley positioning him perfectly for this allowance optional claiming spot. His recent form line shows consistent competitive efforts, including multiple placings at this level of competition.
Ademar Santos continues his leading rider form at the current meet, making this combination particularly attractive. Santos guided Swiss Guard to victory in their most recent partnership, demonstrating excellent tactical awareness and finishing ability. The 126-pound assignment reflects the horse’s recent success but should not compromise his chances given his proven ability to carry weight effectively.
STRONG SECONDARY CHOICES
GET THROUGH (Post 2) – 10/1 Value Selection
Get Through presents excellent value potential with Victor Santiago aboard for trainer Lori Plasters. This six-year-old gelding shows consistent competitive form with multiple placings at Fairmount Park in 2025, including third-place finishes in similar company.
Recent form analysis reveals solid efforts across multiple distances, with the gelding showing particular effectiveness at the mile distance. His last race at 1 mile in November 2024 resulted in a third-place finish behind Wicked Gus, demonstrating competitive ability against today’s field.
The Santiago-Plasters combination brings proven success at Fairmount Park, with the jockey’s tactical riding style well-suited to the extended distance. The 124-pound weight assignment provides a two-pound allowance, potentially creating additional competitive advantage.
D DAY REUNION (Post 4) – 12/1 Longshot Value
D Day Reunion brings recent success from Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a victory on May 22nd that demonstrates current competitive form. The four-year-old Omaha Beach gelding shows tactical speed and proven ability to win at this level of competition.
Trainer Shannon McGovern has positioned this horse strategically, with the gelding showing consistent efforts in his recent starts. Recent form includes a strong second-place finish on July 24th, indicating continued competitive sharpness.
Julio Felix takes the riding assignment, bringing tactical expertise and proven success at claiming and allowance levels. The 126-pound weight assignment reflects recent competitive efforts but should not compromise chances given the horse’s demonstrated ability.
MIDDLE-TIER CONSIDERATIONS
GOLD SMOKE (Post 7) – 8/1
This six-year-old gelding from Eddie Essenpreis represents solid trainer-jockey partnerships with Reynier Arrieta riding. The Essenpreis stable has shown consistent performance throughout the current meet, making this horse worthy of exotic consideration.
CUTLASS KING (Post 3) – 15/1
The three-year-old from Harry Lynch brings youth and potential weight advantages with only 118 pounds assigned. Javier Tavares provides tactical riding experience, creating potential value opportunities in exotic wagering combinations.
PACE ANALYSIS
The 1 mile 70 yards distance allows for tactical development with moderate early fractions expected. Swiss Guard has shown both early speed and tactical ability, while Get Through typically employs patient tactics. D Day Reunion brings proven gate speed that could impact early positioning.
Expected pace scenario: Moderate early fractions with tactical positioning through the far turn becoming crucial. The extended distance favors horses with proven stamina and tactical speed, giving advantages to Swiss Guard and Get Through.
KEY ANGLES
- Recent Winner Advantage: Swiss Guard’s October 4th victory at Fairmount Park provides significant form advantage and demonstrates current competitive sharpness.
- Distance Suitability: The 1 mile 70 yards distance favors horses with proven tactical speed and stamina, particularly Swiss Guard and Get Through who have shown effectiveness at similar distances.
- Track Bias Considerations: Fairmount Park’s configuration typically favors tactical speed over pure early pace, benefiting horses like Swiss Guard who can position tactically early and sustain effort.
- Weight Distribution: The allowance conditions create competitive weight assignments with younger horses receiving beneficial allowances while older horses carry appropriate weight for class.
TRAINER INSIGHTS
Steve Manley: Brings proven success with Swiss Guard, demonstrating ability to place horses strategically for optimal competitive advantage. Recent victory shows effective conditioning and race placement.
Lori Plasters: Maintains consistent performance with Get Through, showing tactical training approach suited to allowance competition. Recent form demonstrates effective horse management and strategic race selection.
Shannon McGovern: Shows tactical expertise with D Day Reunion’s recent success at Horseshoe Indianapolis, demonstrating ability to condition horses for competitive efforts across different tracks.
JOCKEY ANALYSIS
Ademar Santos: Continues exceptional form with multiple victories in recent cards. His partnership with Swiss Guard produced victory in their most recent collaboration, showing excellent communication and tactical awareness.
Victor Santiago: Brings tactical expertise particularly effective on patient, late-running types like Get Through. Recent partnerships with Plasters-trained horses show continued effectiveness.
Julio Felix: Provides versatile riding style suitable for D Day Reunion’s tactical approach, with proven success at claiming and allowance levels throughout the current meet.
WAGERING STRATEGY
Win Play: Swiss Guard represents the strongest win investment based on recent victory and proven form at this track and distance.
Value Consideration: Get Through at 10/1 morning line odds provides excellent place/show value with consistent competitive form.
Exacta Strategy: Key Swiss Guard over Get Through and D Day Reunion for primary exacta combinations, with reverse exacta potential given Get Through’s value odds.
Trifecta: Focus on Swiss Guard, Get Through, and D Day Reunion in various combinations, using Gold Smoke and Cutlass King as value underneath selections.
Longshot Consideration: D Day Reunion at 12/1 provides potential upset value given recent success at Horseshoe Indianapolis and tactical speed ability.
FINAL SELECTIONS
Win: Swiss Guard
Place: Get Through
Show: D Day Reunion
Recommended Exotic Play: $2 Exacta Box Swiss Guard/Get Through/D Day Reunion
Swiss Guard’s recent victory at Fairmount Park combined with proven Santos partnership creates the strongest win probability in this competitive allowance optional claiming event. Get Through provides excellent place value, while D Day Reunion offers upset potential based on recent success at comparable levels.
Race 7 – Claiming
5 1/2 Furlongs – $8,500 Purse – $4,000 Claiming
Key Contenders: Winging Ways from Maximino Quinonez brings sprint speed with Alexander Bendezu riding. Recent form at this distance shows promise. Tapit Sam from Frank Randazzo Jr. provides veteran experience.
Secondary Choices: Sarah’s Boy Blue from Pat Clay brings proven recent form with Carlos Herrera. Good Scout from Fernando Bahena could offer value with Ademar Santos riding.
Longshot Consideration: Sand Mountain with weight allowances could provide value with Israel Hernandez riding.
Pace Analysis: The short sprint distance creates speed-favoring conditions with early positioning crucial.
Key Angles: The Quinonez-Bendezu combination has shown effectiveness at this claiming level.
Race 8 – Claiming (Fillies and Mares)
6 Furlongs – $9,000 Purse – $5,000 Claiming
Key Contenders: Allabouttheimage from Anthony Blea III draws strong support with Javour Simpson riding. Recent form suggests improvement potential. Blaze Beauty represents Eddie Essenpreis with Ademar Santos aboard.
Secondary Choices: Go Stormin Girl from Hugo Rodriguez brings veteran experience with Alexander Bendezu. Miss Dutton from Kevin Wilborn could provide value with Emmanuel Giles riding.
Longshot Consideration: Morning Line News from Fernando Alonso offers potential value with Javier Tavares riding.
Pace Analysis: The six-furlong distance for fillies and mares should produce moderate early fractions with tactical positioning important.
Key Angles: The Essenpreis-Santos combination brings proven success at this claiming level.
Jockey Analysis
Ademar Santos continues leading rider form with multiple wins in recent cards. His partnership with Scott Becker horses has been particularly effective, showing strong communication and tactical awareness.
Alexander Bendezu maintains consistent performance with multiple winning partnerships, particularly effective on Becker and Quinonez-trained horses. Recent victories demonstrate adaptability across different race conditions.
Alvin Ortiz brings tactical expertise with proven success at claiming levels. Recent partnerships with established trainers show continued effectiveness.
Carlos Herrera, Victor Santiago, and Javier Tavares round out the competitive jockey colony with proven partnerships and tactical abilities suited to Fairmount Park’s configuration.
Trainer Insights
Scott Becker maintains leading trainer status with consistent performance across all race conditions. His stable’s depth provides multiple opportunities throughout the card.
John Rednour Jr. brings proven experience with strategic horse placement and effective jockey partnerships.
Eddie Essenpreis continues strong meet performance with tactical training approach suited to Fairmount Park conditions.
James Watkins, Ben Delong, and Harry Lynch provide veteran training expertise with proven success at various claiming levels.
Wagering Strategy
Best Single Race Play: Race 5 Playground Warrior represents the strongest single race investment with Santos riding for connections showing consistent improvement.
Value Opportunities: Race 1 Turnin Up Aces provides rail position value with proven jockey-trainer combination at potential longer odds.
Exotic Plays: Focus on races with Becker multiple entries (Races 1, 3, 5) for exacta and trifecta opportunities using stable depth.
Daily Double Strategy: Race 4-5 combination targeting Gold Jerry to Playground Warrior provides solid value potential with proven connections.
