Get more in-depth analysis for all races and enjoy many other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!
Fairmount Park presents an eight-race card today featuring a mix of claiming and allowance races for fillies, mares, and older horses. The Illinois track continues its fall season with competitive fields across various class levels.
Weather and Track Conditions
Current conditions at Fairmount Park show fair weather with temperatures at 64°F and humidity at 90%. Winds are light from the southeast at 5 mph with a clear forecast expected throughout the racing day. The dirt track should be in good condition for racing with no precipitation anticipated.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – 2:30 PM – Claiming $5,000 – 1 1/16 Miles
This claiming race for three-year-olds and upward features six runners over the extended distance. Golden Buck brings consistent form at this level for trainer James Watkins and jockey Julio Felix. The four-year-old gelding has been competitive in similar company and handles the distance well.
Pete’s Legacy represents solid value with Ademar Santos aboard for trainer Eddie Essenpreis. The four-year-old has shown improvement in recent starts and the slight weight allowance could be beneficial.
Dapper Dude rounds out the top contenders as a five-year-old with experience at this claiming level under Alexander Bendezu.
Pick: Golden Buck to win, Pete’s Legacy to place
Race 2 – 2:55 PM – Claiming $4,000 – 1 Mile 70 Yards
The seven-horse field includes several veterans looking for their first win at a mile or over in 2025. My Bariley at 11 years old brings extensive experience for trainer George Leonard III and Alex Gonzalez. Despite advanced age, this gelding has shown competitiveness at this level.
Holcombe offers solid credentials with Israel Hernandez riding for Anthony Blea III. The five-year-old has the tactical speed to position well in this field.
Boldish represents an interesting option with Ademar Santos for trainer Pat Clay, showing recent form that suggests competitiveness.
Pick: My Bariley to win, Holcombe for exacta
Race 3 – 3:20 PM – Claiming $12,500 – 6 Furlongs
The fillies and mares sprint features six competitors with Racetothefinish bringing the highest level of experience. The eight-year-old mare for trainer Scott Becker has shown consistency at this claiming level.
Reba Attack and Freedom Attack both represent trainer Shane Childers in an interesting stable angle. These mares have shown form at comparable levels and could benefit from stable confidence.
Midnight’s Girl adds depth to the field with Javier Tavares riding for Frank Randazzo Jr.
Pick: Racetothefinish to win, Reba Attack for value
Race 4 – 3:45 PM – Allowance Optional Claiming $20,000 – 6 Furlongs
This stronger allowance race for Illinois-bred fillies and mares presents an interesting five-horse field. W W Grand Finale brings solid credentials as a four-year-old filly with Alexander Bendezu for Scott Becker.
Bikini Martini represents the three-year-old division with Alex Gonzalez riding for Eddie Essenpreis. The younger filly could have the speed to stay competitive against her elders.
I’m Interested adds depth with Carlos Herrera aboard for trainer Scott Becker in another stable representation.
Pick: W W Grand Finale to win, Bikini Martini for the exacta
Race 5 – 4:10 PM – Starter Optional Claiming $15,000 – 6 Furlongs
Six fillies and mares contest this starter optional claiming event. Summer of Mischief brings consistent form with Travis Wales riding for Scott Becker.
She’s Inthearmynow represents trainer Hugo Rodriguez with Israel Hernandez aboard, showing recent competitive efforts.
Ghaly Posse adds another Scott Becker trainee to the mix with Alexander Bendezu riding.
Pick: Summer of Mischief to win, She’s Inthearmynow for value
Race 6 – 4:35 PM – Allowance Optional Claiming $10,000 – 6 Furlongs
This allowance event features fillies and mares in a competitive six-horse field. Come On Lady brings experience with Alex Gonzalez for trainer Ben Delong.
Natalia’s Rap represents the three-year-old division with Alexander Bendezu riding for Scott Becker.
Cantoo adds veteran presence with Ademar Santos aboard for John Wainwright.
Pick: Come On Lady to win, Natalia’s Rap for place
Race 7 – 5:00 PM – Allowance Optional Claiming $20,000 – 1 Mile
Seven fillies and mares contest this allowance race over the route distance. Code of Conduct brings solid form with Alexander Bendezu for trainer Pat Clay.
Ballybay Beauty represents the three-year-old division with Santiago Gonzalez riding for Eduardo Rodriguez.
Fear the Queen adds veteran presence with Javier Tavares aboard for Teddy Randazzo.
Pick: Code of Conduct to win, Ballybay Beauty for exacta
Race 8 – 5:25 PM – Claiming $4,000 – 6 Furlongs
The finale features nine fillies and mares in a competitive claiming sprint. Chanel Point brings consistent form with Julio Felix for Teddy Randazzo.
Morning Line News represents solid value with Javier Tavares riding for Fernando Alonso.
A Real Hero adds depth with Ademar Santos aboard for James Watkins.
Pick: Chanel Point to win, Morning Line News for place
Jockey Notes and Insights
Alexander Bendezu has multiple mounts throughout the card and represents several Scott Becker trainees, suggesting stable confidence in his abilities. Ademar Santos also carries multiple assignments and has shown consistent form at Fairmount Park. Julio Felix brings experience to several key mounts and has demonstrated success at this venue.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Scott Becker has numerous entries across the card, indicating a strong presence at today’s meet. His stable appears well-positioned with multiple live chances. Eddie Essenpreis also sends out several runners and has shown consistent results at Fairmount Park. Teddy Randazzo represents multiple horses and brings extensive experience at this circuit.
Best Wagering Strategies
Consider exacta boxes in races with short fields where value can be found. The claiming races offer opportunities for longshot connections, particularly in the later races where field size increases betting value. Daily double opportunities exist between races with shorter fields and stronger favorites.
Focus on win betting in races 1-4 where field sizes are manageable, then consider exacta and trifecta plays in the larger fields of races 7-8.
