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Today’s nine-race card at Finger Lakes features a solid mix of allowance, claiming, and maiden races with purses ranging from $13,500 to $32,600. The track has been reporting fast conditions recently, although weather forecasts predict light rain with temperatures in the mid-40s and a 75% chance of precipitation. The unpredictable weather may affect the racing surface as the day progresses, potentially favoring early speed even more than usual at this track.

Weather and Track Conditions

Current conditions show fast dirt with temperatures around 48°F and southwest winds at 15 mph. However, afternoon rain is expected, with temperatures dropping into the mid-40s, raising the likelihood of the track becoming sloppy or muddy as the card unfolds. Humidity remains at 63%, with scattered showers forecasted throughout the racing program. These conditions typically favor horses with early tactical speed and those who have demonstrated previous form on off tracks.

Track Bias Analysis

Finger Lakes demonstrates a strong early speed bias, particularly in shorter distances. In races under 6 furlongs, 66% of winners go wire-to-wire, making early positioning crucial. The one-mile oval features a 960-foot stretch, and inside post positions provide significant advantages. The sandy loam surface tends to favor speed over late closers, especially when moisture is present.​

Race 1 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1 Mile 70 Yards)

This allowance optional claiming race for $30,000 features six older geldings in a competitive spot. The distance and conditions set up well for horses with proven route experience.

Key contenders include More Vino, who has shown versatility at various distances and gets the services of Andre Worrie, a 23.6% winner at this track. Rhymes Like Dimes brings class from trainer Timothy Murphy, who has been active with multiple runners on recent cards. Philharmonic represents Nicholas Zito, a trainer with extensive Finger Lakes experience who has shown recent form with route horses.​

The pace appears moderate with several horses capable of pressing early fractions. Philharmonic’s Zito connection provides veteran training, while More Vino’s tactical speed should work well if the surface becomes compromised. Legal Deal represents value as a closer who could benefit if early pace develops.

Selections: More Vino to win, Philharmonic to place, Legal Deal for value

Race 2 – Claiming ($5,000, 1 Mile)

This claiming race for fillies and mares features seven runners with limited recent success. The mile distance on a potentially compromised surface favors those with early tactical speed.

Digital Currency and Lucky and Gorgeous were both scratched according to recent reports, leaving a competitive field of five. Banker Murray brings youth at three years old with Keiber Coa aboard, a jockey showing solid recent form. I Am Ev represents value with Emanuel De Diego, while Soho Nights could benefit from the outside post in route races.​

The pace setup appears moderate with several need-to-lead types. Track conditions will be crucial as this race falls early on the card before significant rain accumulates.

Selections: Banker Murray to win, I Am Ev for value, Soho Nights as backup

Race 3 – New York-Bred Allowance (1 Mile)

This restricted allowance for New York-breds offers solid purse value at $24,500. The field of seven includes several horses dropping in class or making tactical moves.

Stop the Spread brings consistent form with Michael Davila aboard, while Eric From Miami represents the hot Murphy barn with Keiber Coa. Coinage shows an interesting trainer move and gets the rail, which could prove advantageous in route races at this track.​

Berning Beauty represents solid form from the Baker barn, while This Time Yes could benefit from the class relief. The pace appears honest with several horses capable of pressing early fractions.

Selections: Eric From Miami to win, Stop the Spread to place, Coinage for value

Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight Fillies (5.5 Furlongs)

The fourth race at Finger Lakes presents a competitive maiden special weight for two-year-old fillies at 5.5 furlongs with a substantial $32,600 purse. This sprint distance on the dirt surface typically favors early speed, especially with potential weather conditions affecting the track as the day progresses.​

Key Contenders

Gabe the Babe emerges as the standout contender based on recent form, having finished a close second over this exact course and distance in her most recent start. Trainer John Grabowski has positioned her well for improvement, and jockey Luis Pena provides solid tactical skills for sprint races. Her previous effort suggests she understands the game and should be ready to graduate at this level.​

Dancinwiththeboys represents the hot Michael Ferraro stable with leading jockey Keiber Coa aboard. The combination has shown excellent results throughout the meet, and Coa’s 23.6% win rate at Finger Lakes makes any mount dangerous. As a first-time starter from an active stable, she brings breeding appeal and professional connections that suggest readiness for debut success.​

Photo I D comes from the reliable Jonathan Buckley barn with Kevin Navarro in the saddle. Buckley has shown consistent results with two-year-olds, and the tactical jockey change to Navarro suggests confidence in the filly’s ability to compete at this level. Early odds of 15/1 may represent value if connections expect improvement.​

Secondary Choices

Last Call Jenna represents trainer Jeremiah Englehart with experienced rider Reylu Gutierrez. The Englehart barn has shown recent success with juveniles, and Gutierrez brings tactical awareness that could prove crucial in a competitive maiden field. Her breeding suggests sprint ability that may emerge with racing experience.​

Annagenda comes from Paul Barrow’s stable with Oscar Gomez riding. Barrow has been active with competitive results, and this first-time starter brings pedigree appeal that warrants respect in maiden company. The post position and jockey combination provide tactical advantages for a debut effort.​

Longshot Considerations

Signal Chat showed little in her previous start, finishing eighth at 50/1 odds in September. However, trainer Rachel Sells has been active and successful with her recent string, including recent winner Tambam. The class relief and additional experience could lead to significant improvement, making her a potential value play at likely long odds.​

Dolcezza represents the proven M. Anthony Ferraro stable with Joel Cruz aboard. Cruz maintains solid statistics at the meet, and first-time starters from established barns merit consideration in maiden events. Her breeding and connections suggest capability despite lack of public form.​

Pace Analysis

The sprint distance and competitive field suggest honest early fractions with multiple fillies showing speed breeding. Gabe the Babe’s previous racing experience provides tactical advantages, while first-time starters like Dancinwiththeboys and Photo I D may need to overcome debut nervousness. The pace scenario favors those who can secure good early position without excessive pressure.​

Weather conditions may impact the racing surface, potentially favoring horses with early tactical speed over late-running types. The 5.5-furlong distance leaves little room for late rallies, making early positioning crucial for success.​

Key Angles

The race presents several appealing angles for handicappers. Trainer Rachel Sells has shown recent improvement with her string, including stakes-placed performers. Her filly Signal Chat represents significant class relief after a poor debut effort and may offer value at long odds.​

The Ferraro family training operation brings two runners with different tactical approaches. Dancinwiththeboys gets the leading rider, while Dolcezza represents value with Cruz aboard. Both fillies warrant serious consideration based on stable form and professional connections.

Wagering Strategy

Race 5 – Claiming Fillies and Mares (6 Furlongs)

This claiming race for $11,000 brings together eight fillies and mares in a competitive sprint. The distance and claiming level create opportunities for sharp handicapping.

Princess Cairo represents the Englehart barn with Andre Worrie aboard, combining a solid trainer with the leading jockey. Bayou Melody gets Kevin Navarro from Jonathan Buckley, while Eastern Star shows form from the Barrow stable.​

Several horses show weight allowances, creating tactical advantages. The pace appears contested with multiple early speed types, potentially setting up for late runners if early fractions are honest.

Selections: Princess Cairo to win, Bayou Melody to place, Eastern Star as value

Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight Fillies (5.5 Furlongs)

The sixth race at Finger Lakes features another maiden special weight for two-year-old fillies at 5.5 furlongs with a lucrative $32,600 purse. Originally carded with nine runners, the field is reduced to eight following the scratch of Scarlett Queen due to veterinarian concerns. This creates a more manageable field for handicapping analysis and wagering strategies.​

Key Contenders

Op Overlord emerges as the morning line favorite at 7/2 odds after the scratch of Scarlett Queen. Trained by Michael Miceli and ridden by leading jockey Keiber Coa, she brings significant form advantages having finished third in her most recent start at Meadowlands. The step up in class from her previous racing level suggests connections believe she has untapped potential for this maiden special weight company.​

Miceli operates a stable with lifetime earnings exceeding $14.6 million and maintains solid statistics with his two-year-old runners. The trainer-jockey combination of Miceli and Coa provides professional expertise that has proven successful throughout the current meet. Op Overlord’s previous racing experience gives her tactical advantages over several first-time starters in the field.​

Simoom represents the accomplished M. Anthony Ferraro stable with apprentice jockey Yalexamarie Cintron claiming a significant seven-pound weight allowance. At 115 pounds compared to the standard 122, this weight concession creates a meaningful advantage in a competitive field. Ferraro has shown consistent success with juvenile fillies, and the weight allowance could prove decisive in a sprint race where every pound matters.​

Grandma’s Girl comes from the reliable Jonathan Buckley barn with Kevin Navarro aboard. Listed at 8/1 morning line odds, she represents solid value from a trainer who has demonstrated consistent results with two-year-olds throughout the meet. Navarro’s tactical awareness and ability to adapt to pace scenarios make this combination appealing at the quoted price.​

Secondary Choices

Felix’s Flower represents trainer Rachel Sells with Oscar Gomez in the saddle. At 8/1 odds, she offers potential value from a stable that has shown recent improvement. Sells has demonstrated ability with juvenile runners, and Gomez provides competent riding that could capitalize on any pace setup advantages.​

Battle Rifle makes her career debut for trainer Edmund Davis with Heman Harkie riding. Early analysis suggests she “could make an impact on debut,” indicating connections have confidence in her ability. First-time starters from established barns merit respect in maiden company, particularly when early betting action supports their chances.​

Longshot Considerations

Rahfee Tonalist represents trainer Richard Shaffer with Andre Worrie aboard. Despite 10/1 morning line odds, the combination of Finger Lakes’ leading jockey with a competent trainer creates potential for upset value. Worrie’s 23.6% win rate at the track makes any mount dangerous, particularly in maiden events where form lines can be deceiving.​

Peruvian Princess comes from the Paul Barrow stable with Jeremias Flores riding. Also listed at 10/1, she represents a trainer who has been active with competitive results. The combination could provide value if early pace develops favorably for late runners.​

Adamiscashingin appears as the longest shot at 20/1 odds with Joel Cruz and trainer Linda Dixon. While facing long odds, first-time starters sometimes spring surprises in maiden events, and Cruz maintains solid statistics at the meet.​

Pace Analysis

The sprint distance and competitive field suggest honest early fractions with several fillies expected to show early speed. Op Overlord’s previous racing experience provides tactical advantages for securing good position early, while first-time starters may need time to settle into racing rhythm.​

Simoom’s weight advantage creates opportunities for tactical positioning, while the experienced riders like Coa and Worrie bring pace awareness that could prove crucial in a competitive field. The 5.5-furlong distance leaves limited room for late rallies, making early positioning essential for success.

Track Conditions Impact

With potential weather affecting the racing surface as the afternoon progresses, early speed types may gain additional advantages. The maiden special weight level often produces unpredictable results, but experience over the track and distance typically provides measurable benefits.​

Key Training Angles

Michael Miceli’s success rate with two-year-olds and his decision to run Op Overlord back quickly suggests confidence in her current condition. The Ferraro stable’s decision to use the apprentice allowance with Simoom indicates they believe the weight concession will prove decisive.​

Jonathan Buckley’s consistent results with juveniles make Grandma’s Girl a logical contender despite her first-time starter status. The combination of proven trainer and competent jockey creates appeal at the morning line price.

Wagering Strategy

Race 7 – Starter Optional Claiming (1 Mile)

This starter optional claiming race for fillies and mares brings together seven runners with various class backgrounds. The conditions create interesting handicapping angles.

The Shoe Lady carries significant weight but represents proven class from Michael Ferraro with Sofia Vives. Trade Secret shows recent form but must overcome weight penalty, while Saratoga Kisses brings consistency from Beth Miller-Saul.​

The route distance and weight assignments create tactical considerations. Several horses show form on off tracks, providing advantages if weather impacts the surface significantly.

Selections: The Shoe Lady to win, Saratoga Kisses to place, Pure Elegance for value

Race 8 – Allowance Fillies and Mares (6 Furlongs)

The eighth race at Finger Lakes presents a competitive allowance contest for fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won two races. The six-furlong sprint carries a substantial $26,500 purse and features nine runners in what shapes up as one of the more competitive races on the card. This distance and class level typically produces honest pace scenarios and logical form reversals.​

Key Contenders

Dancin Jane emerges as the standout selection based on strong recent form and a significant class drop. Trained by Michael Ferraro, who has achieved over 3,000 career wins with 2,869 coming at Finger Lakes and 18 training titles at the track, she represents proven expertise in this exact spot. The formscan analysis identifies her as “the one to beat” with “strong form and drops in class”.​

Reylu Gutierrez takes the mount, providing tactical experience that should prove valuable in a competitive field. The track’s official selections note she “cuts back but must handle surface switch,” suggesting connections believe the shorter distance will benefit her tactical speed. Her class relief from recent efforts provides the foundation for improvement at this level.​

Miss Im Pulsive represents the hot Paul Barrow stable, fresh off the trainer’s 1,000th career victory milestone achieved in September. Barrow has registered 983 of his 1,002 wins at Finger Lakes and recently captured the training title, demonstrating his mastery of local conditions. The three-year-old filly “won impressively last time out” breaking her maiden and appears “perfectly placed” for continued improvement.​

Oscar Gomez rides for the Barrow barn, combining with a trainer who has shown particular success with fillies and mares in allowance spots. Her recent maiden victory suggests she has found her best form at the right time for this class advancement.

Secondary Contenders

Bald Kitten brings consistency to this level with trainer Michael LeCesse. The analysis notes she “has been consistent at this level and warrants respect” while the track selections suggest “inside speed often lands a share”. Christian Navarro provides competent riding that should capitalize on any early pace advantages from the rail position.​

At three years old, she receives a weight allowance against older rivals and has shown the ability to compete at this class level consistently. Her tactical speed from the inside post creates opportunities if early fractions develop favorably.

World Bank represents trainer Katlynn Gutterson with Jeremias Flores aboard. Listed among the shorter-priced contenders, she brings breeding appeal and connections that suggest capability in this spot. Recent form indicates improvement potential that could emerge with proper tactical placement.​

Longshot Considerations

Queens Over Threes brings veteran status at five years old with Tamay Alpander and trainer Jacqueline Falk. Her experience and tactical awareness could prove valuable if early pace develops honestly. At likely longer odds, she represents potential value for handicappers seeking upset possibilities.​

April Storm makes her first start for trainer Kathleen Mastin with Heman Harkie riding. The three-year-old filly receives weight concessions and brings breeding that suggests sprint ability. New connections often produce improved efforts, making her worth consideration at likely generous odds.​

Signifying Nothing represents the reliable Ralph D’Alessandro stable with Andre Worrie aboard. Worrie’s 23.6% win rate at Finger Lakes makes any mount dangerous, particularly in competitive allowance spots where pace dynamics can create opportunities for tactical riders.​

Pace Analysis

The sprint distance and competitive field suggest honest early fractions with multiple fillies capable of showing early speed. Bald Kitten’s inside post and tactical speed create early positioning advantages, while Dancin Jane’s class drop provides the foundation for sustained effort throughout the race.​

Miss Im Pulsive’s recent maiden victory suggests growing confidence that should translate to aggressive tactics from Gomez. The combination of early speed and closers creates ideal pace scenarios for handicapping success.

Training Angles

Paul Barrow’s recent milestone achievement and championship form make Miss Im Pulsive particularly appealing. His 983 wins at Finger Lakes demonstrate mastery of local conditions and proper placement strategies. The recent maiden breakthrough suggests this filly has found her best form at the optimal time for class advancement.​

Michael Ferraro’s extensive success record with 18 training titles at Finger Lakes provides confidence in Dancin Jane’s preparation. His decision to drop her in class while cutting back in distance suggests tactical positioning for optimal results.​

Weather Impact

With potential afternoon weather changes affecting track conditions, early speed types may gain additional advantages as the surface potentially becomes more challenging for late runners. The six-furlong distance provides sufficient time for tactical development while favoring horses with proven early positioning ability.​

Key Handicapping Factors

The class drop for Dancin Jane combined with distance cutback creates multiple positive angles that successful handicappers typically emphasize. Her trainer’s proven success record at this track provides additional confidence in proper placement and preparation.

Miss Im Pulsive’s recent breakthrough victory and connection to the championship trainer makes her logical for continued improvement. The step up in class appears well-timed based on recent form development and training patterns.

Wagering Strategy

Race 9 – Maiden Claiming (6 Furlongs)

The closing maiden claiming race for $5,000 brings together nine male runners seeking their first victory. The claiming level creates value opportunities.

Awaiting Trial represents Jonathan Buckley with Kevin Navarro in a solid combination. Ten Run Rule gets Emanuel De Diego from Nirka Huertas, while Ananias shows potential from Julius Ashley with Christian Navarro.​

The competitive nature of maiden claiming races creates upset potential. Several horses show breeding that suggests improvement potential with experience and racing development.

Selections: Awaiting Trial to win, Ten Run Rule to place, Ananias for value

Jockey Analysis

Andre Worrie leads Finger Lakes jockeys with 90 wins from 429 starts, producing a solid 23.6% win rate and $1,676,013 in earnings. His tactical skills and track knowledge make him particularly effective in claiming and allowance races.​

Keiber Coa shows strong recent form with multiple wins and has developed excellent chemistry with several local trainers. His ability to adapt tactics based on track conditions makes him valuable on days with changing weather.​

Joel Cruz maintains consistent form with 58 wins from 351 starts and $1,212,905 in earnings. His experience with track biases and pace scenarios provides advantages in competitive spots.​

Trainer Insights

Timothy Murphy operates a stable of consistent performers and shows particular strength with older horses in allowance and optional claiming spots. His tactical placement and condition management create betting opportunities.​

Nicholas Zito brings extensive experience and proven success at major tracks. His recent Finger Lakes form shows solid results with route horses and class droppers, particularly in allowance company.​

Michael Ferraro maintains an active string with success across various race types. His fillies and mares show particular consistency in claiming and allowance spots.​

Wagering Strategy

Today’s weather conditions and track bias favor early speed types, creating opportunities for win betting on pace-advantaged runners. Exacta and trifecta combinations should emphasize horses with early tactical speed, particularly in sprint races.

The claiming races offer value opportunities with horses showing class relief or trainer moves. Maiden races provide longshot possibilities with first-time starters from proven connections.

Weather monitoring throughout the day will be crucial as track conditions may change significantly. Early races on fast dirt may differ dramatically from later contests on potentially sloppy surfaces, requiring tactical adjustments to wagering approaches.

Best Bets: More Vino (Race 1), Dancinwiththeboys (Race 4), The Shoe Lady (Race 7)

Value Plays: Legal Deal (Race 1), Eastern Star (Race 5), Bald Kitten (Race 8itten (Race 8)