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The Pick Pony Handicapper’s Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts and are generally more accurate.

Today marks the final day of the 2025 Finger Lakes racing season, closing out what has been the 64th season of Thoroughbred action at the historic Farmington, New York facility. The track hosted approximately 91 racing days from April 28 through today’s finale. The nine-race card features a mix of allowance and claiming races, with purses ranging from $13,500 to $26,900. First post time is scheduled for 12:10 PM Eastern.​

The card consists predominantly of sprint races at 5 1/2 and 6 furlongs, with two route races at 1 mile 70 yards and 1 1/4 miles. Notable races include the seventh race, a New York-bred allowance that features promising 3-year-old Blamicker, who brings a 60% win rate into the season finale.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the card. The morning forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-50s with a 70% chance of rain showers, with conditions expected to worsen as a sharp cold front crosses the region during the afternoon. Southwest winds will ramp up quickly behind the front, with widespread gusts of 40-50 mph possible and isolated 55 mph gusts in downslope zones.​

The main track was listed as fast for Tuesday’s card, and early morning conditions should be similar. However, given the forecasted precipitation, the track surface may transition from fast to muddy or sloppy as racing progresses, particularly affecting later races on the card. Handicappers should monitor real-time track condition updates, especially for races scheduled after 2:00 PM.​

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis

Finger Lakes exhibits a pronounced early-speed bias, particularly at sprint distances. At 5 1/2 furlongs, approximately 50% of winners go wire-to-wire, with inside posts (rail and positions 2-3) producing the highest number of winners. The track’s configuration features a 960-foot stretch run, which provides ample opportunity for front-runners to maintain their advantage while offering limited real estate for closers.​

At 6 furlongs, the wire-to-wire percentage drops to approximately 32%, and pressing types become more competitive. Middle-to-outside posts show slightly better results over this distance. 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.​

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Race 1 – Allowance, 5 1/2 Furlongs

Post Time: 12:10 PM

This six-horse fillies and mares allowance features runners who have never won three races. The field contains a mix of pace styles that should create an honest early tempo.

Pace Analysis

Catchphrase ships in from the NYRA circuit and shows slower early-speed tendencies, while Zhen Lou and Happy’s Smile both bring mid-pack stalking styles. Redwineandwhiskey is the fastest closer in the field. The lack of true front-running types suggests the pace may be moderate, which could favor those who can secure early position without exerting maximum effort.

Key Contenders

Redwineandwhiskey has been consistently knocking at the door in this condition, finishing in the money in 62% of career starts. The 4-year-old filly brings a fastest closer style that could capitalize if any early pace materializes. Trainer Linda Dixon has a 20% win rate at the meet, and Luis E. Perez is among the leading riders.​

Catchphrase represents the highest-profile entry, shipping from Belmont at the Big A. While the mare finished 10th in her last at Aqueduct, she has shown upside and could appreciate the drop in competition. Reylu Gutierrez takes the mount, providing excellent local jockey support.​

Happy’s Smile won back-to-back races at this track in mid-October and has hit the board in 57% of career starts. The mid-pack leader style fits the expected pace scenario, and trainer Charlton Baker has been red-hot with a 32% win rate this meet.​

Secondary Choices

Zhen Lou won here on October 13 and has been competitive in recent outings, placing second in her last start at this distance. The mid-pack leads style should allow her to secure a favorable position early.

Queens Over Threes has been consistent with 38% in-the-money finishes despite only two wins. The mare could outrun her morning line odds if the pace develops favorably.

Selections

Win: Redwineandwhiskey

Place: Happy’s Smile

Show: Catchphrase

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Race 2 – Claiming ($11,000), 5 1/2 Furlongs

Post Time: 12:38 PM

A seven-horse field of fillies and mares who have never won two races contests this claiming sprint.

Pace Analysis

Inflammabelle brings the fastest leads style from her turf and NYRA experience. Big Advantage and T D Magee also show early-speed tendencies, suggesting the pace could be contested. Lady Banker displays mid-pack leader characteristics that could benefit from any early speed duel.

Key Contenders

Inflammabelle enters as the probable favorite at 8/5, shipping from the NYRA circuit where she has faced much tougher competition. The M. Anthony Ferraro trainee gets Keiber J. Coa in the irons, who maintains a 19% win rate at the meet. Her fastest leads style aligns well with the track bias at sprint distances.​

Big Advantage has been close in recent outings with a 67% in-the-money rate from six career starts. Trained by Paul Barrow, who recently recorded his 1,000th career victory, the 4-year-old filly gets Jeremias Flores, who has been riding at a 19% clip.​

Secondary Choices

Julita exits a competitive effort and fits on figures for trainer Ralph D’Alessandro, who maintains a 21% win rate. The mare could improve with the cutback to sprint distance.

Mia Nipotina breaks from the rail and has hit the board in 50% of career starts despite only one win. Joel Cruz provides solid guidance for trainer Rachel Sells.

Lady Banker has finished second in two of her last three starts and offers value at 6/1 with her mid-pack leader style.

Longshots

T D Magee won here on October 22 and could wake up at a price, though the slowest leads style may struggle against faster early types.

Selections

Win: Inflammabelle

Place: Big Advantage

Show: Mia Nipotina

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Race 3 – Allowance, 1 Mile 70 Yards

Post Time: 1:06 PM

This route race for three-year-olds and upward who have never won two races features seven geldings stretching out in distance.

Pace Analysis

Sanzio and I’m Solo N in Love project as the likely pace factors in this route. Rockinmoney shows some early tendencies but is making his first career route attempt. The pace should be honest without being suicidal, potentially setting up for stalkers and closers at this two-turn distance where the track shows only 25% wire-to-wire winners.

Key Contenders

Sanzio is the consensus favorite at 5/2 and represents a very logical play against these rivals. Trainer Michael S. Ferraro has been among the leading conditioners at the meet, and Reylu Gutierrez’s presence in the irons provides confidence. The gelding should appreciate the stretch to route distance.​

Rockinmoney tries his first career route after breaking his maiden over the sprint trip. The move up in distance is the question mark, but the potential upside makes him a serious player. M. Anthony Ferraro trainee gets Keiber J. Coa.​

I’m Solo N in Love has been close against similar rivals and fits on recent form. Joel Cruz has guided this gelding consistently, and the route distance should suit.​

Secondary Choices

Jake’s Orchard brings experience at the distance and has faced better in the past. Oscar Gomez takes the mount for trainer Stacy Torelli.

Well Suited rounds out the contenders with a logical profile for the distance, though the 6/1 odds suggest he’s an underneath player.

Longshots

Trinity River and Allofasuddenlee are both listed at 10/1 and represent potential value plays if the favorites falter.

Selections

Win: Sanzio

Place: Rockinmoney

Show: I’m Solo N in Love

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Race 4 – Claiming ($5,000), 6 Furlongs

Post Time: 1:34 PM

An eight-horse field of geldings who have not won since May 26 or have never won four races contests this six-furlong sprint.

Pace Analysis

Ribbons and Medals brings the fastest leader style and should look to establish early control. Don Antonio also shows fast leads tendencies, suggesting the early pace could be contested. Paint the Line displays mid-pack stalker characteristics that could benefit if the early speeds compromise each other. At 6 furlongs, the track shows only 32% wire-to-wire winners, making this a playable race for pressing types.

Key Contenders

Paint the Line enters in excellent form with consecutive wins in his last two starts. The Timothy Murphy trainee has won 17% of career starts and gets Emanuel De Diego, who has been riding well. The mid-pack stalker style should allow him to sit a tactical trip behind the speed.​

Civil Service has finished in the money in 65% of career starts and is clearly at the mercy of early pace. Reylu Gutierrez takes the mount for Michael S. Ferraro, and if the pace is honest, this gelding could close strongly.​

Irie Man has the highest winning profile prediction among the field and should appreciate the extra half-furlong compared to recent sprints. Trainer Charlton Baker maintains a strong 21% win rate.​

Secondary Choices

Ribbons and Medals is a likely pace factor with Joel Cruz in the irons. The veteran campaigner has accumulated over $241,000 in career earnings and could prove stubborn on the lead.

Seventh Race Shake exits a poor effort at route distance but could improve cutting back to sprints where he finished second two starts back.

Longshots

Rockible finished second in his last start and represents a potential price play at 12/1. The stretch out to 6 furlongs could suit.

Selections

Win: Paint the Line

Place: Civil Service

Show: Irie Man

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Race 5 – Claiming ($5,000), 6 Furlongs

Post Time: 2:02 PM

A large field of 12 fillies and mares who have never won two races contests this six-furlong sprint. Note that Positively and Ring of the Rise are listed as Also Eligibles.

Pace Analysis

Sugar Ride brings fast leads tendencies, while Unwoke shows fastest stalker capabilities. Honey in the Bank and Esther’s Salad also project to show early speed. With multiple speed types entered, the pace could be contested, potentially benefiting stalkers and closers.

Key Contenders

Esther’s Salad comes right back off an impressive victory on November 17 and should be considered against these foes. Luis E. Perez takes the mount for trainer Jose M. Jimenez. The mid-pack leads style should secure a favorable trip.​

Sugar Ride has hit the board in 80% of career starts (4 for 5) and represents a logical play for trainer John Grabowski, who has a 23% win rate. The fast leads style aligns well with the track bias.​

Unwoke won here on September 9 and has shown consistent form. The fastest stalker style should position her well to capitalize on any pace pressure up front.​

Secondary Choices

Bounty Killah enters in proper condition this time after being scratched from a starter optional claiming race. The mare has faced tougher at Delaware and could wake up.

Going for Glory has shown closing ability and could benefit if the pace collapses.

Longshots

Honey in the Bank has shown ability with a 45% in-the-money rate and represents value at 8/1 with her fast leader style.

Selections

Win: Esther’s Salad

Place: Sugar Ride

Show: Unwoke

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Race 6 – Starter Optional Claiming ($8,000), 1 1/4 Miles

Post Time: 2:30 PM

The longest race on the card features a competitive field of nine geldings (and one colt) at the marathon distance. This starter optional claiming event offers a $20,000 purse.

Pace Analysis

Allure of Money brings the fastest leads style and should look to control early fractions. Finalist also shows fast leads tendencies, suggesting the pace could be contested early. Wild Banker displays fast stalker characteristics that could prove advantageous at this two-turn distance. At route distances, the track shows only 25% wire-to-wire winners, making stalkers and closers more viable.

Key Contenders

Wild Banker has faced better in the past with over $553,000 in career earnings, including a recent win at the 1 1/4 mile distance. Trainer David Oyola has been effective, and the gelding carries top weight at 126 pounds reflecting his class edge. Kevin Navarro takes the mount.​

Allure of Money is a former stakes winner who must be respected despite recent below-par efforts. The fastest leads style could prove advantageous if he can establish clear control. The 29% career win rate speaks to his quality.​

Brother Jeremiah drops off a second-place finish and has hit the board in 68% of career starts. Joel Cruz provides reliable guidance, and the fast stalker style fits the expected pace scenario.​

Secondary Choices

Finalist won his last start at 1 1/16 miles and has an 18% win rate from 38 career starts. Heman K. Harkie takes the mount for trainer Nirka Huertas.

Our Man Mike has excellent tactical versatility and gets Keiber J. Coa for Michael S. Ferraro. The fast deep style could prove effective at this distance.

Longshots

Brown Don’t Stop exits a win at the one-mile distance and stretches out here with Reylu Gutierrez aboard. The slowest closer style could benefit if the early pace is contested.

Selections

Win: Wild Banker

Place: Allure of Money

Show: Brother Jeremiah

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Race 7 – Allowance (New York-Bred), 5 1/2 Furlongs

Post Time: 2:58 PM

The featured race of the day brings together New York-bred three-year-olds and upward who have not won a state-bred race other than maiden, claiming, or starter. This $24,500 allowance showcases the track’s local talent.

Pace Analysis

Blamicker brings the fastest leader style as the clear pace factor. Crescendo’s Rein also shows fastest leader tendencies, which could create an interesting pace duel up front. If these two hook up early, it could benefit the stalkers and closers in the field.

Key Contenders

Blamicker is the consensus favorite and is really difficult to go past in this spot. The 3-year-old Blame colt has won 60% of his career starts and was an impressive winner of the Tin Cup Chalice Stakes last year for trainer Chris Englehart, who maintains a dominant 35% win rate at the meet. Andre Worrie takes the mount. This talented colt has shown the ability to win wire-to-wire and represents the class of the field.​

Crescendo’s Rein is possibly the main threat to the top choice. The 4-year-old gelding has won two of three career starts with a perfect 100% in-the-money rate. Reylu Gutierrez takes the mount for red-hot trainer Charlton Baker (32% win rate). The fastest leader style could create an interesting pace scenario.​

Secondary Choices

Skyler’s Starship has been competitive in recent outings with a 55% in-the-money rate. Keiber J. Coa takes the mount for M. Anthony Ferraro, and the slower closer style could benefit if the early speed types tire.

Stars N Stones returns to sprints after a failed route attempt and has hit the board in 80% of career starts. Joel Cruz provides reliable guidance.

Longshots

This Time Yes has won three of 20 career starts including a recent victory at 6 furlongs. The mid-pack stalker style could prove effective if the favorites duel.

Selections

Win: Blamicker

Place: Crescendo’s Rein

Show: Stars N Stones

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Race 8 – Allowance (New York-Bred), 5 1/2 Furlongs

Post Time: 3:26 PM

A competitive field of 10 New York-bred fillies and mares contests this allowance sprint with a $24,500 purse.

Pace Analysis

Meraviglioso brings the fastest leads style, while Twirling Lulu, Thin Legs, and Miss Stones all show early-speed tendencies. With multiple speed types entered, the pace should be honest to quick, potentially benefiting stalkers and closers.

Key Contenders

Twirling Lulu is eligible for easier but should handle these. The Bruce N. Levine trainee ships from the NYRA circuit with a win at Belmont and gets Lane J. Luzzi in the irons. The fast leads style aligns with the track bias, and at 3/1, she offers value.​

Unicorn Cake’s best effort defeats this field. The Jeremiah C. Englehart trainee has a 59% in-the-money rate and gets Andre Worrie. The fast leads style should secure early position.​

Miss Stones has an impressive 50% win rate from 16 career starts and gets Oscar Gomez for trainer Paul Barrow. The fast leader style fits the track configuration.​

Secondary Choices

Meraviglioso has been a solid runner with the apprentice weight allowance all season, carrying only 115 pounds with Yalexamarie Cintron aboard. The fastest leads style could prove advantageous.

Thin Legs has a 28% win rate and fits on figures with Michael A. Davila Jr. aboard.

My Royal Vow won her last start and represents value at 10/1 for trainer Paul Barrow.

Longshots

Troubled Luck exits a win at 1 1/16 miles and cuts back in distance here. The fast stalker style could prove effective if the speed types tire.

Selections

Win: Twirling Lulu

Place: Unicorn Cake

Show: Miss Stones

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Race 9 – Maiden Claiming ($5,000), 5 1/2 Furlongs

Post Time: 3:54 PM

The season finale features nine maidens looking to break through in this sprint for fillies and mares.

Pace Analysis

Starship Kit Kat and Candy Is Dandy both show fastest leads tendencies, while Sweet Carol James brings a fast leader style. The pace should be honest with multiple speed types, potentially setting up for stalkers if the leaders tire.

Key Contenders

Sweet Carol James gets a slight edge in this wide open season finale. The mare has shown consistent form with recent in-the-money finishes and fits on figures. Heman K. Harkie takes the mount for trainer Richard Shaffer.​

Candy Is Dandy drops off route races where she has finished second and third recently. The stretch back to sprints could prove beneficial, and Keiber J. Coa provides strong jockey support for trainer John Grabowski (23% win rate).​

Starship Kit Kat has hit the board in 36% of career starts and shows consistent form with three second-place finishes. Yalexamarie Cintron takes the mount for M. Anthony Ferraro.​

Secondary Choices

Tafaany represents trainer Dana Saul, who has a 24% win rate at the meet. Steven Fret takes the mount on this filly who is still seeking her maiden victory.

Crystal has seven second-place finishes from 25 career starts and could finally break through at the right price.

Longshots

I’m Pretty Good is a longshot chance to wake up and add value. Lisa A. Reed trains, and Oscar Gomez takes the mount.​

Selections

Win: Sweet Carol James

Place: Candy Is Dandy

Show: Starship Kit Kat

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Jockey Notes and Insights

Reylu Gutierrez remains the most prominent rider on the card with mounts in multiple races including Catchphrase (Race 1), Civil Service (Race 4), Brown Don’t Stop (Race 6), and Crescendo’s Rein (Race 7). The native of Rochester, New York, earned his first career victory at Finger Lakes in 2017 and was named an Eclipse Award finalist for Outstanding Apprentice in 2018. His father Luis trained horses at Finger Lakes, and his uncle Jose was a long-time jockey at the track.​

Keiber J. Coa has maintained a 19% win rate at the meet and has important mounts including Inflammabelle (Race 2), Rockinmoney (Race 3), Candy Is Dandy (Race 9), and Skyler’s Starship (Race 7). His aggressive riding style suits the track’s early-speed bias.​

Luis E. Perez rides Redwineandwhiskey (Race 1), Esther’s Salad (Race 5), and Rock Star Rebel (Race 7). He has been among the leading riders at the meet with a 16% win rate from 164 starts.​

Jeremias Flores, one of the higher-percentage local riders at 19%, has key mounts including Big Advantage (Race 2). Flores was aboard all three winners when trainer Paul Barrow recorded his historic 1,000th career victory in September.​

Joel Cruz maintains a 13% win rate with over 120 starts this meet and has mounts in multiple races including Mia Nipotina (Race 2), I’m Solo N in Love (Race 3), Ribbons and Medals (Race 4), and Brother Jeremiah (Race 6).​

Andre Worrie rides for top trainer Chris Englehart on Blamicker (Race 7), a partnership that has proven successful. Worrie has also been a consistent presence in the jockey colony throughout the meet.​

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Trainer Notes and Insights

Chris Englehart continues his dominance of the Finger Lakes trainer standings, having won his 10th consecutive title and 12th overall heading into today’s finale. His 35% win rate at the meet is the highest among leading conditioners. Blamicker in Race 7 represents his best chance on the card.​

Paul Barrow achieved his 1,000th career victory at Finger Lakes on September 9, completing a hat trick that day with jockey Jeremias Flores aboard all three winners. The veteran trainer has been a fixture at Finger Lakes since 1985, initially working under Chris Englehart before embarking on his own training journey in 1991. He maintains an 18% win rate with 114 starts this meet and has entries including Miss Stones (Race 8) and My Royal Vow (Race 8).​

Charlton Baker has been red-hot with a 32% win rate at the meet and saddles Happy’s Smile (Race 1), Irie Man (Race 4), and Crescendo’s Rein (Race 7). His runners should be respected throughout the card.​

Michael S. Ferraro and M. Anthony Ferraro (father and son) have combined for strong numbers this meet. Michael S. Ferraro has a 36% win rate with important runners including Sanzio (Race 3) and Civil Service (Race 4), while M. Anthony Ferraro saddles Inflammabelle (Race 2) and Skyler’s Starship (Race 7).​

Ralph D’Alessandro maintains a 21% win rate and saddles multiple entries including T D Magee (Race 2), Julita (Race 2), and Bobby the Tank (Race 7).​

Timothy Murphy has been competitive with a 19% win rate and enters Paint the Line (Race 4), Ice Time (Race 6), Allure of Money (Race 6), and Crystal (Race 9).​

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Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Best Bet of the Day: Blamicker (Race 7) represents the strongest single play on the card. The 3-year-old colt brings a 60% win rate into a field where he has clear class superiority. Chris Englehart trains at a 35% clip, and the fastest leader style aligns perfectly with the track’s early-speed bias at sprint distances. While the morning line of 2/1 may be short, the horse should still offer value as a win play and as a key in exotic wagers.​

Live Longshot: I’m Pretty Good (Race 9) at 8/1 offers value in the season finale. The mare has shown improvement and could wake up in her final start of the season. Local picks suggest longshot potential, making her a viable candidate for underneath exotic positions.​

Exotic Wagering Strategy: The track’s consistent bias toward early speed at sprint distances makes identifying pace scenarios crucial. In races with multiple speed types (Races 2, 5, 7, 8), consider keying stalkers in exactas and trifectas. In races with a single dominant speed type (Race 7), key that horse on top of exotic wagers.

Pick 3 Suggestions: The late Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) offers an excellent wagering opportunity. Key Blamicker in Race 7 over multiple horses in Races 8 and 9 for a solid return.

Weather-Related Angles: Monitor track conditions closely throughout the card. If the track deteriorates to sloppy or muddy conditions, horses with proven wet-track form gain additional value. At route distances (Races 3 and 6), muddy conditions typically favor stalkers and closers even more than fast track conditions.

Daily Double Suggestion: The opening Daily Double (Races 1-2) offers a strong opportunity. Keying Redwineandwhiskey over Inflammabelle and Big Advantage could yield a solid return.

Value Plays to Watch:

• My Royal Vow (Race 8) at 10/1 exits a victory and offers value for trainer Paul Barrow
• Brown Don’t Stop (Race 6) at 5/1 exits a win and stretches out with Reylu Gutierrez
• Stars N Stones (Race 7) at 10/1 has an 80% in-the-money rate and returns to sprints