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The final week of Finger Lakes’ 2025 meet continues with a nine-race card featuring claiming races at various levels, a maiden special weight for two-year-old fillies, and an allowance optional claiming event for New York-breds. With rain expected to develop during the afternoon hours, track conditions could shift from fast to sloppy or muddy as the card progresses, which may favor certain running styles and impact late-race outcomes.
Race Day Overview
Today’s card at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack includes nine races with post times beginning at 12:10 PM EST. The meet, which runs from late April through late November, has seen consistent competition among leading trainers M. Anthony Ferraro and Jonathan B. Buckley, while Joel Cruz leads the jockey standings. The card features primarily claiming races ranging from $4,000 to $11,000 in value, with Race 5 offering a $32,600 maiden special weight and Race 7 presenting the day’s feature, a $25,000 allowance optional claiming event for New York-breds.
Racing at Finger Lakes takes place exclusively on the dirt surface, a 5,280-foot one-mile oval with 960 feet between the final turn and the finish line. The track typically conducts afternoon racing with gates opening at 11:30 AM, and today’s racing wraps up the week before the Wednesday finale ahead of Thanksgiving.
Weather and Track Conditions
Current conditions at Farmington, NY show fair skies with temperatures around 40°F at race time, though significant weather changes are expected as the afternoon progresses. The forecast calls for cloudy skies early with rain developing around 1:00 PM EST, meaning the first two or three races should run on a fast surface before moisture affects the track.
Expected conditions by race time:
Race 1-2 (12:10-12:38 PM): Fast track, partly cloudy, temperatures in the mid-40s
Race 3-5 (1:06-2:02 PM): Light rain developing, track likely transitioning to good or sloppy
Race 6-9 (2:30-3:54 PM): Heavier rain periods (88-90% chance), sloppy to muddy conditions probable
Winds will remain manageable at 5-10 mph from the south-southeast, with gusts potentially reaching 35 mph later in the day. Temperatures will peak around 52°F before slowly declining through the later races.
Horseplayers should note that Finger Lakes has experienced weather-related cancellations this month, including the November 11 card which was rescheduled due to adverse conditions. Today’s racing appears set to proceed, but monitor track condition updates throughout the afternoon.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Finger Lakes exhibits a pronounced early-speed bias, particularly at sprint distances where wire-to-wire winners dominate the statistics.
At 5 1/2 furlongs, early speed proves crucial with 50% of winners leading at every call. Inside posts (rail and positions 2-3) have produced the highest number of winners at this distance. The track configuration, with its 960-foot stretch run, provides ample opportunity for front-runners to maintain their advantage while offering limited real estate for closers to make up ground.
At 6 furlongs, the wire-to-wire percentage drops to 32%, and pressing types (P style) become more competitive. Middle-to-outside posts show slightly better results over this distance, allowing horses to find clear running room through the turn.
At route distances (1 mile and beyond), only 25% of winners go wire-to-wire, making pace-pressing and stalking styles more viable. Inside posts regain their advantage at longer distances, with post position one showing a 21.4% win rate in routes, while outside posts (8-9) have been virtually unproductive.
When the track surface deteriorates to sloppy conditions, which appears likely for the later races today, front-runners may lose some of their advantage as the deeper surface favors horses that can sustain their efforts through slower going. However, inside posts remain valuable regardless of track condition.
Race 1 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 12:10 PM EST
5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, Purse $14,000. Three year olds and upward. Claiming Price $5,000. Field of 7.
Pace Analysis
This sprint features several horses with early speed, setting up for a contested pace scenario. Sutton Breeze is classified as the “Fastest Leader” in the field with a 35% career win rate and strong recent form showing a runner-up finish at 6 furlongs. Max Foster prefers to be forwardly placed early and recently won at this distance. Paschal Moon typically settles mid-pack and stalks the pace, while Captainofmyheart comes from deep in the field, having won back-to-back races recently despite his late-running style.
The pace should be honest but not suicidal, with Sutton Breeze and Max Foster likely contesting early fractions. This setup could benefit Paschal Moon if the leaders tire, though the track bias still favors early positioning at this distance.
Key Contenders
Sutton Breeze draws from the advantageous post 2 position and brings the highest win rate profile in the field (35% lifetime, 77% in-the-money rate). The 6-year-old gelding finished second in his most recent start over 6 furlongs and has shown consistency throughout the meet. Trainer Arcadio Lopez has had success with this horse throughout the season, and the assignment to Heman Harkie provides capable handling. Handicappers favor this one as the horse most likely to control the pace from the inside and take the opener.
Max Foster merits strong consideration after a fourth-place finish in his latest and a victory two starts back at today’s distance. Trainer David Oyola has been hitting at a 25% win clip, and Kevin Navarro brings a 22% meet win percentage to the mount. The 5-year-old gelding is classified as “Slower Leads” suggesting he may settle just off the main pace-setter, which could position him to capitalize if Sutton Breeze tires late.
Secondary Choices
Paschal Moon has been competitive when running for this claiming price, finishing third most recently at 5 1/2 furlongs. The horse may prefer a dry surface according to handicapper analysis, which could be in play for this first race. Trainer Dana Saul has been running at a 24% win rate, and if the pace develops hot, Paschal Moon’s stalking style could prove beneficial. This one offers fair value at projected 6-1 odds.
Breaking Stones comes from off the pace and recently finished sixth, though two starts back he won at 6 furlongs. The 7-year-old gelding has 50% lifetime in-the-money consistency and Jeremias Flores (19% win rate) provides reliable handling. The mid-pack closer style may struggle against the track bias, but Breaking Stones figures to at least hit the board.
Longshots
Captainofmyheart enters on a two-race winning streak but moves up in class and draws an outside post that historically underperforms at this distance. The deep closer has shown improvement for trainer Linda Dixon, but the track bias works against horses that run from behind. At 8-1, this one offers value if the pace collapses, but the most likely scenario has Captainofmyheart finishing third or fourth.
G Munning won last out at 6 furlongs but that came at a higher claiming level and the form may not transfer down. The 10-1 morning line reflects appropriate concern about consistency.
Selections
Win: Sutton Breeze (2)
Place: Max Foster (3)
Show: Paschal Moon (6)
Race 2 – Claiming $11,000
Post Time: 12:38 PM EST
6 Furlongs Dirt, Purse $18,100. Three year olds and upward. Claiming Price $11,000 with allowances. Field of 6.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario sets up favorably for closers in this spot, as three horses prefer to be near the lead. D’ont Lose Cruz, Scocciatore, and Almendro all show “Fast Leader” running styles, which could produce a taxing early pace at this longer sprint distance. The Institute, classified as “Fastest Deep,” may benefit from this potential pace meltdown, while Old Man Winter stalks from mid-pack and could inherit the race if the leaders tire.
At 6 furlongs, Finger Lakes shows only 32% wire-to-wire winners, making this a playable race for pressing types and stalkers.
Key Contenders
Scocciatore has tangled with tougher competition and brings impressive credentials, winning 25% of career starts with a 50% in-the-money rate. The 8-year-old gelding finished fifth most recently but had previously been second at this distance. Trainer Jonathan Buckley leads the standings with 60 wins at the meet, and Kevin Navarro provides a potent jockey connection. Handicappers mark this one as the favorite, though some note he may prefer a dry surface.
D’ont Lose Cruz has faced much tougher competition and drops into a winnable spot here. The 5-year-old gelding has $492,420 in career earnings and a 19% win rate lifetime. Coming off a fourth-place finish, the Buckley trainee appears well-placed to capitalize on his class advantage. The “Fast Leader” style aligns with the early-speed bias, though the contested pace could compromise his chances.
The Institute won easily when running for this claiming price two starts back and brings solid recent form. Trainer Michael S. Ferraro has a 36% win rate at the meet, and Luis E. Perez provides capable handling. The “Fastest Deep” running style may benefit from the expected contested pace, and this 6-year-old gelding warrants serious consideration.
Secondary Choices
Old Man Winter has been sharp at this level, winning last out and showing a strong 27% career win rate. The “Mid Pack Stalker” style could prove advantageous if the speedsters tire, and the veteran 8-year-old knows where the wire is with 67% lifetime in-the-money consistency.
Almendro offers back class having raced at higher levels and shows competitive recent form with consecutive second and third-place finishes.
Longshots
Mister J T returns off a runner-up finish and brings experience with 40 career starts. The “Slowest Closer” style typically struggles at Finger Lakes, but the apprentice weight allowance (118 lbs) could provide a needed edge.
Selections
Win: Scocciatore (3)
Place: D’ont Lose Cruz (2)
Show: The Institute (1)
Race 3 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 1:06 PM EST
1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt, Purse $14,000. Three year olds and upward. Claiming Price $5,000. Field of 7.
Pace Analysis
This route race features several horses with different running styles, creating an interesting tactical puzzle. Mad Magic is classified as “Fastest Closer” and has shown a preference for the two-turn route, stretching out to his preferred distance today. Beta typically stalks the pace and has strong figures, while Fiery Heart closes from behind. October Bliss prefers to lead and may set the early pace as the lone front-runner in the field.
At route distances, Finger Lakes shows only 25% wire-to-wire winners, favoring stalkers and closers. This race may also see the track transitioning to sloppy conditions as rain is expected around post time.
Key Contenders
Beta brings the strongest speed figures and a 31% career win rate, making him the most likely winner on paper. The 8-year-old gelding finished third most recently at the mile distance and has Reylu Gutierrez in the irons, who wins at a 25% clip. Trainer Michael S. Ferraro has positioned this horse well, and the “Fast Stalker” style should allow Beta to track the pace and strike late. Handicappers identify this one as the top selection.
Mad Magic stretches out to his preferred distance today after a third-place sprint finish. The horse has won at 1 1/4 miles and shows “Fastest Closer” tendencies that could prove valuable if the pace develops honestly. Trainer Michael S. Ferraro has two main chances in this race, and Luis E. Perez provides strong handling. The 7-2 morning line offers fair value.
Fiery Heart has been sharp at this level and must be considered despite recent scratch watch status. The 26-race veteran has won 35% of starts and finished first last out at the mile. The “Slower Closer” style aligns with the route distance where the track bias is less pronounced.
Secondary Choices
October Bliss won impressively last out at 1 1/16 miles and may appreciate the longer distance. The “Mid Pack Leader” style could prove advantageous on a deteriorating track surface, and the 5-1 odds provide value if the favorites falter.
Longshots
America’s Justice has class from competing at higher levels but has been inconsistent recently. At 8-1, this one could surprise with a better pace setup.
Henrythethird and Mr. Einstein both struggle with consistency and draw outside posts that historically underperform at route distances.
Selections
Win: Beta (1)
Place: Mad Magic (7)
Show: Fiery Heart (5)
Race 4 – Claiming $4,000
Post Time: 1:34 PM EST
5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, Purse $11,200. Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward. Claiming Price $4,000. Field of 8.
Pace Analysis
This fillies and mares sprint features Love Thyself as the likely pace-setter with her “Fast Leads” style and early speed credentials. Sweet Invasion shows “Fastest Deep” tendencies and Flyin By displays “Fastest Stalker” capabilities, meaning the pace could develop honestly with Love Thyself pressing early. Rubys Mission comes from off the pace as a “Fast Closer” and could benefit if the leader tires.
The track may be transitioning to sloppy conditions by this race, which could impact the early-speed bias typically seen at sprint distances.
Key Contenders
Love Thyself is the consensus favorite after a loss as the betting choice last time. The 4-year-old filly has shown improvement and Trainer Dana Saul (24% win rate) has positioned her well in this spot. Jose Baez provides reliable handling, and the “Fast Leads” style aligns with the track’s preference for early speed. Handicappers mark this one as the primary selection.
Rubys Mission takes a significant drop in class that should improve her competitive outlook. The mare has $212,121 in career earnings and brings back class that could prove too much for this field. Reylu Gutierrez (25% win rate) picks up the mount, and the “Fast Closer” style may benefit if the track has become sloppy by post time. The drop in value should trigger improvement.
Sweet Invasion receives board consideration from handicappers and could hit the frame with her best effort. Trainer James Acquilano and Kevin Navarro have teamed up successfully at the meet.
Secondary Choices
Flyin By has shown consistency as a stalker type and brings experience at this level. The 6-year-old mare may benefit from any pace-compromising scenarios that develop.
Longshots
Wedontbelieveher has scratched multiple times recently per the scratch watch and may not be in peak form despite a 32% career win rate.
Sweet Tooth Sue and Reiterate appear overmatched at current form.
Selections
Win: Love Thyself (2)
Place: Rubys Mission (6)
Show: Sweet Invasion (7)
Race 5 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 2:02 PM EST
5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, Purse $32,600. Maidens, Fillies Two Years Old. Weight 122 lbs. Field of 12.
Pace Analysis
This large maiden field features several first-time starters and horses with early-speed capabilities. Scarlett Queen shows “Fastest Leads” style and has hit the board in all three career starts. Back to Khali displays “Fast Leads” tendencies and recently finished second over a longer distance. The pace should be contested with multiple speed types, potentially favoring stalkers if the leaders tire.
Note that several horses are adding blinkers for the first time (Gabe the Babe, Adamiscashingin, Peruvian Princess, Back to Khali), which often signals trainer intent to improve focus and forward placement.
Key Contenders
Scarlett Queen may need to draw in from the also-eligible list but looks like the class of this field if she runs. The filly has hit the board in all three starts, including a strong runner-up effort over course and distance last out. Trainer John Grabowski has been hitting at a 21% clip, and the “Fastest Leads” style should allow Scarlett Queen to control the pace from the outset. If she draws in, this one represents the most likely winner.
Back to Khali finished second most recently over a longer distance and cuts back to the sprint, which may better suit her “Fast Leads” style. Trainer Chris J. Englehart (35% win rate, 20-time Finger Lakes champion) provides an excellent connection, and Reylu Gutierrez has been riding with confidence. The first-time blinkers could spark improvement.
Signal Chat woke up with a second-place finish at double-digit odds last time and may be improving. The filly has shown mid-pack deep tendencies that could prove valuable in a pace-meltdown scenario.
Secondary Choices
Felix’s Flower has hit the board in 40% of starts and receives support from some handicappers at 8-1 odds. Trainer Rachel Sells has two chances in this race, and the “Fast Stalker” style could benefit from any contested pace.
Gabe the Babe adds blinkers and has placed previously at this distance. The 5-1 morning line reflects fair value.
Longshots
Along Memory Lane debuts for Trainer Chris J. Englehart and J.M. Rohena, who has been riding at a 20% win rate. First-time starters from this barn deserve respect, and the 6-1 morning line suggests some overnight money is expected.
Queen Sally and Peruvian Princess offer modest chances at double-digit odds.
Selections
Win: Scarlett Queen (11)
Place: Back to Khali (3)
Show: Signal Chat (10)
Race 6 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 2:30 PM EST
1 1/16 Miles Dirt, Purse $13,700. Three Year Olds and Upward. Claiming Price $5,000. Field of 7 (plus 1 AE).
Pace Analysis
This route race features Percy as the “Fastest Leader” who may press for the early lead. Kings and Queens shows “Fast Leads” style and could contest early fractions. High Water Mark prefers to close from mid-pack, which could prove valuable at this two-turn distance where the track shows only 25% wire-to-wire winners.
The track will likely be sloppy or muddy by post time, potentially benefiting horses that can handle off-going and sustain their efforts through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Kings and Queens is the consensus selection as the “Play of the Day” from handicappers. The 3-year-old gelding drops in class and should find this field easier than recent competition. Trainer James Acquilano has positioned this one well, and Emanuel De Diego provides capable handling. The “Fast Leads” style should allow Kings and Queens to establish good position early and maintain it through the stretch.
Percy has been running consistently with second and third-place finishes at this distance. The “Fastest Leader” style means Percy may contest the early pace with Kings and Queens, which could set up a stretch duel between these two. Luis E. Perez has been riding Percy competently, and Trainer M. Anthony Ferraro knows how to place his horses advantageously.
High Water Mark won last out at the mile and shows “Mid Pack Closer” tendencies that could prove valuable if the pace develops too fast. Joel Cruz provides strong handling, and this 3-year-old gelding has the talent to compete at this level.
Secondary Choices
Yoheda Money Maker drops in class and won two starts back at 1 1/16 miles. The class relief helps his chances, and trainer Luis Gutierrez has been hitting at a 50% win rate with a small sample size.
Longshots
Hoppertunity Wu won earlier in the meet at the mile but has been struggling since. At 12-1, this one offers value if the main contenders compromise each other.
Selections
Win: Kings and Queens (6)
Place: Percy (5)
Show: High Water Mark (7)
Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 2:58 PM EST
6 Furlongs Dirt, Purse $25,000. New York State-Bred Three Year Olds and Upward. Claiming Price $10,000 optional. Field of 7.
Pace Analysis
The day’s feature race sets up with East Coast Girl as the likely pace-setter, having won her last three starts going wire-to-wire. Puckish and Prince of Truth both show early-speed capabilities, meaning the pace could develop honestly or even hot. Bustin Away prefers to stalk mid-pack and may benefit from any pace duel.
At 6 furlongs, the track shows only 32% wire-to-wire winners, making this a playable race for stalking types.
Key Contenders
East Coast Girl enters on a three-race winning streak and has been dominating at this level. The 5-year-old ridgling (39% career win rate, 72% in-the-money) shows “Fastest Leader” style and should control the early pace from post 4. Trainer Katlynn Gutterson has this mare in peak form, and John C. Berrios provides reliable handling. This one looks very tough to beat despite expected odds of 5-2.
Bustin Away offers the most value among the main contenders with a 50% career win rate from 14 starts. The 4-year-old gelding finished sixth last out after a rough trip, and a clean journey could see significant improvement. Trainer M. Anthony Ferraro (meet leader with 68 wins) brings experience, and Keiber Coa provides strong handling. The “Mid Pack Stalker” style should allow Bustin Away to track East Coast Girl and pounce late if she tires. Handicappers identify this one as a key player.
Puckish has won 40% of career starts and enters off a victory at 5 1/2 furlongs. The step up in distance to 6 furlongs is manageable, and Joel Cruz (meet-leading jockey) provides excellent handling. Trainer Jonathan Buckley has been hitting at a 16% clip. This one figures to press the early pace and could inherit the lead if East Coast Girl falters.
Secondary Choices
Prince of Truth has won two of his last three starts and brings back class from competing at higher levels. The 5-1 morning line offers fair value.
He Has It All won two starts back at 6 furlongs and shows “Mid Pack Deep” tendencies.
Longshots
Raw Courage won most recently at the mile but stretches out in distance today. The 12-1 morning line reflects appropriate concern about the distance question.
Selections
Win: East Coast Girl (4)
Place: Bustin Away (3)
Show: Puckish (6)
Race 8 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 3:26 PM EST
1 Mile 70 Yards Dirt, Purse $13,800. Three Year Olds and Upward. Claiming Price $5,000. Field of 10.
Pace Analysis
This wide-open route race features Good as He Gets as the “Fastest Leads” type who should control early fractions. Neptune Beach and Break the Fall both show “Fast Stalker” styles and may press from mid-pack. The pace should develop honestly, potentially favoring closers at this two-turn distance.
The track will likely be muddy by this late race, which could impact running styles significantly.
Key Contenders
Good as He Gets has earned $231,995 career and brings the strongest credentials in this field. The 4-year-old gelding shows “Fastest Leads” style and should control the pace from the outset. Trainer Dana Saul (24% win rate) and Reylu Gutierrez (25% win rate) provide an excellent connection. Some handicappers note this one didn’t run as well on an off-track last time, which could be a concern given expected conditions.
Neptune Beach receives the slight edge from some handicappers in this wide-open affair. The 4-year-old gelding shows “Fast Stalker” style that could prove valuable at this distance. The 5-1 morning line offers value.
Four Eyes is the designated “Big Splash” selection as a potential longshot upset candidate. The horse could surprise with a stretch-out to routing distance, though recent form has been modest.
Secondary Choices
John the Baptist finished first last out at the mile and shows consistent form. The “Slowest Stalker” style may struggle with the expected muddy conditions.
Manny Penny shows “Mid Pack Closer” tendencies and trains well for M. Anthony Ferraro.
Longshots
It’s Not Over Yet has won 20% of starts and receives weight relief with 119 lbs. At 15-1, this one offers significant value.
Selections
Win: Good as He Gets (7)
Place: Neptune Beach (5)
Show: Manny Penny (9)
Race 9 – Claiming $5,000
Post Time: 3:54 PM EST
5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, Purse $14,000. Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward. Claiming Price $5,000. Field of 10.
Pace Analysis
The finale features Ma Mi Jo Dreams dropping off a win and showing “Fast Stalker” capabilities that should position her well. Trade Secret displays “Fastest Stalker” tendencies, while Who Asked You prefers to lead. Ouch That Hurt shows “Mid Pack Leads” style. The pace should be honest with multiple speed types, potentially benefiting stalkers if the leaders tire.
The track will likely be muddy or sloppy for this final race, which could impact running styles.
Key Contenders
Ma Mi Jo Dreams drops off a convincing win at the mile and should appreciate the shorter distance today. Trainer Jonathan Buckley (60 wins at meet) has positioned this mare well, and Joel Cruz provides strong handling. The “Fast Stalker” style should allow Ma Mi Jo Dreams to track the pace and strike late. This one looks well-placed to score in the finale.
Rumint won last out at the mile and shows competitive form. Trainer Michael S. Ferraro and Reylu Gutierrez provide an excellent connection, and the 4-1 morning line offers fair value. The “Mid Pack Stalker” style should prove beneficial at this sprint distance.
La Grotte finished second last out at today’s distance and shows “Slower Deep” tendencies. The mare may benefit if the pace develops hot and the leaders tire.
Secondary Choices
Trade Secret shows “Fastest Stalker” capabilities and has experience at this level. The drop off the claim could trigger improvement.
Who Asked You has won at 6 furlongs and shows consistency. The 8-1 morning line offers value for trifecta and superfecta consideration.
Longshots
Ouch That Hurt has won 37% of career starts and hit the board 74% of the time. The 8-1 odds offer value.
Light Thoughts won last out at 6 furlongs and could surprise at 12-1.
Selections
Win: Ma Mi Jo Dreams (8)
Place: Rumint (3)
Show: Trade Secret (4)
Jockey Notes and Insights
Joel Cruz leads the jockey standings with 60 wins at the current meet and has been riding with confidence throughout the season. Cruz has six mounts today including Captainofmyheart (Race 1), Almendro (Race 2), America’s Justice (Race 3), Dolcezza (Race 5), Puckish (Race 7), and Ma Mi Jo Dreams (Race 9). His late-meet form has been particularly sharp, and the finale aboard Ma Mi Jo Dreams represents one of his best winning opportunities.
Kevin Navarro ranks second with 57 wins and a strong 22% win rate at the meet. Navarro has mounts in six races today including Max Foster (Race 1), Scocciatore (Race 2), Fiery Heart (Race 3), Sweet Invasion (Race 4), Playingon Broadway (Race 5), and Hoppertunity Wu (Race 6). The Race 2 assignment aboard Scocciatore represents his strongest chance.
Reylu Gutierrez brings a 25% win rate and roots in the Finger Lakes region, having earned his first career victory at this track in 2017. A Rochester native, Gutierrez graduated from SUNY Cortland with an exercise science degree before becoming an Eclipse Award finalist in 2018. He has three mounts today: Beta (Race 3), Rubys Mission (Race 4), and Good as He Gets (Race 8). The Beta assignment in Race 3 may be his best chance for a win.
Jeremias Flores has 46 wins at the meet with a 19% win rate and has six mounts scheduled today. His Race 1 assignment aboard Breaking Stones figures to hit the board, while Peruvian Princess (Race 5) and Ouch That Hurt (Race 9) offer upset potential.
Luis E. Perez has been riding consistently and picks up the mount on several live contenders including The Institute (Race 2), Mad Magic (Race 3), Percy (Race 6), and Who Asked You (Race 9).
Trainer Notes and Insights
M. Anthony Ferraro leads the trainer standings with 68 wins and has been a dominant force at Finger Lakes for decades. The son of legendary trainer Michael S. Ferraro (“The Godfather” with 3,367+ career wins), M. Anthony has over 2,100 career victories and spends winters training at Tampa Bay Downs before returning to his Finger Lakes base each spring. Today he saddles Bustin Away (Race 7), Fast Amendment (Race 8), and Manny Penny (Race 8), with Bustin Away representing his best winning chance.
Jonathan B. Buckley has 60 wins at the meet and has been particularly effective with New York-breds. Buckley saddles several contenders today including Scocciatore (Race 2), D’ont Lose Cruz (Race 2), Fiery Heart (Race 3), Playingon Broadway (Race 5), Puckish (Race 7), and Ma Mi Jo Dreams (Race 9). The Race 7 assignment with Puckish and Race 9 with Ma Mi Jo Dreams represent his strongest opportunities.
Chris J. Englehart has won a remarkable 20 training titles at Finger Lakes and has over 4,000 career victories. The Englehart family has deep roots in racing, with son Jeremiah winning at the Breeders’ Cup level. Chris has two chances today: Back to Khali (Race 5) and Along Memory Lane (Race 5), both in the maiden special weight. Back to Khali appears well-meant with first-time blinkers and the assignment of Reylu Gutierrez.
Michael S. Ferraro (“The Godfather”) continues training actively at age 83+ with 3,367+ career victories. He has two strong chances today: Beta (Race 3) and Mad Magic (Race 3), plus Rumint (Race 9). The Beta assignment looks particularly strong.
Dana Saul has been hitting at a 24% win rate and saddles two favorites today: Love Thyself (Race 4) and Good as He Gets (Race 8).
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The day’s best betting value centers on Race 6, where Kings and Queens receives “Play of the Day” designation from handicappers. The 3-year-old gelding drops in class and faces a field that should allow him to secure good early position. At projected 2-1 odds, this one may not offer significant win price value, but including Kings and Queens as a key horse in exactas and trifectas should prove profitable. Consider Kings and Queens over Percy and High Water Mark in exactas.
Race 8 presents the “Big Splash” opportunity with Four Eyes at projected 15-1 odds. The stretch-out to routing distance could spark improvement, and at generous odds, a small win wager with place coverage makes sense. More conservatively, use Four Eyes underneath Good as He Gets and Neptune Beach in exactas.
For multi-race wagers, the Pick 3 from Races 6-8 offers a reasonable opportunity. A ticket using Kings and Queens (6), East Coast Girl and Bustin Away (7), and Good as He Gets and Neptune Beach (8) should cover the likely outcomes while providing some value.
The Pick 4 from Races 6-9 can be structured with Kings and Queens as a single in Race 6, spreading in Race 7 with East Coast Girl, Bustin Away, and Puckish, using Good as He Gets and Neptune Beach in Race 8, and keying Ma Mi Jo Dreams in Race 9.
For the early card, Race 1 through Race 3 Pick 3 wagers can be structured using Sutton Breeze (1), Scocciatore and D’ont Lose Cruz (2), and Beta and Mad Magic (3). This approach keeps the cost manageable while covering the most likely winners.
Watch track condition updates throughout the afternoon, as rain is expected to impact the later races. Horses with proven off-track form may gain an advantage as conditions deteriorate. Good as He Gets has been noted as potentially struggling on off-tracks, which could open opportunities for Neptune Beach and others at longer odds in Race 8.
