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!

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.

Finger Lakes presents an eight-race card on Wednesday featuring competitive allowance and claiming events across various distances. Track conditions are currently listed as Good with the first post at 12:20 PM ET, though weather conditions may impact surface quality as the day progresses.​

Weather and Track Conditions

Wednesday’s forecast calls for cloudy skies with rain showers arriving late in the afternoon and evening, along with strong winds potentially gusting over 50 mph. Daytime temperatures will reach the mid to upper 50s before dropping into the 30s overnight. The sandy loam surface at Finger Lakes usually favors early speed when fast, but it can become more challenging for pace setters when moisture arrives.

The track demonstrates a strong early speed bias, particularly in shorter distances where 66% of winners go wire-to-wire in races under six furlongs. Inside post positions provide significant advantages, though the 960-foot stretch allows sufficient time for late moves in route races.​

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1 – Allowance (6 Furlongs)

Key Contenders: Cadillacjoe emerges as the morning line favorite based on consistent recent form and the tactical speed to take advantage of the track bias. The three-year-old gelding gets a significant class relief spot and should be positioned ideally from post two.​

Secondary Choices: Solo Dancing enters off a breakthrough maiden victory and gets tested in this spot, while Allofasuddenlee offers longshot potential from the rail.​

Pace Analysis: The race sets up favorably for early speed with Cadillacjoe and Solo Dancing likely to contest the pace.​

Selection: Cadillacjoe to win, Solo Dancing for place value.

Race 2 – Claiming ($4,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards)

Key Contenders: Love Thyself gets the nod as the top choice with significant class relief being the key factor. The four-year-old filly has shown ability at this level and should appreciate the distance.​

Secondary Choices: Love My Candy carries an excuse from her last race and gets beneficial weight relief, while Seattle Causeway brings tactical speed from the rail.​

Pace Analysis: The longer distance should neutralize some of the early speed bias, allowing tactical types to be competitive.​

Selection: Love Thyself to win, Love My Candy for place consideration.

Race 3 – Maiden Claiming ($5,000, 1 Mile)

Key Contenders: Jessica’s Ride drops in class and had excuses in her last start off a layoff. The five-year-old mare from Jonathan Buckley’s barn gets tactical positioning from post two.​

Secondary Choices: Bourbon Blanket has been in difficult form but remains competitive in this field.​

Longshots: The maiden claiming nature of this race creates opportunities for first-time starters and lightly raced runners.​

Selection: Jessica’s Ride to win, Bourbon Blanket for exotic play.

Race 4 – Claiming ($11,000, 1 Mile 1/16)

This competitive claiming race at 1 mile and 1/16 miles features eight older geldings vying for an $18,100 purse, with several runners showing recent form improvements and tactical advantages.​

Contender Analysis

Six Kings emerges as the morning line favorite at 3-1 odds and represents solid value in this competitive field. The four-year-old gelding from Robert Falcone Jr.’s barn brings a 17% career win rate with $176,820 in earnings over 18 starts. His recent form shows improvement with a second-place finish last out at Finger Lakes, followed by an eighth at Saratoga and a victory at Saratoga before that. Jockey Christopher Elliott brings tactical speed and the ability to position this horse favorably in the early stages. The gelding’s “Fastest Leader” running style should benefit from the track’s early speed bias, particularly at this route distance.​

Cascade Cruiser presents the strongest case as the value play in this field at 4-1 odds. The four-year-old gelding from John Grabowski’s barn has been in excellent form recently, winning his last start at Finger Lakes after a second-place finish the race before. His 27% career win rate over 15 starts demonstrates consistency, while his $408,960 in career earnings reflects his ability at this claiming level. The “Fast Stalker” running style allows him to track the early pace and make his move at the right time. Jockey Luis Pena provides solid tactical riding that suits this horse’s style.​

Freedsdale carries significant early speed from the M. Anthony Ferraro barn and gets Luis Perez in the irons. The four-year-old gelding shows improving form with recent finishes of 5th, 2nd, and 1st, suggesting he’s rounding into his best condition. His 25% career win rate from 12 starts indicates he can win when things fall his way. The “Fast Leads” running style means he’ll likely contest the early pace, which could set up perfectly if he can clear to the lead.​

Street Cop Officer brings the highest place and show percentages in the field with predictions of 58% place and 86% show. The five-year-old gelding from M. Anthony Ferraro’s barn has Kevin Navarro aboard, a combination that has been effective locally. His speed figures show consistency with recent numbers of 73, 69, 63, 89, 84, 76, and 88. The “Mid Pack Deep” running style suggests he’ll need pace help to be effective.​

Our Man Mike represents solid each-way value at 4-1 odds from the Michael S. Ferraro barn. The seven-year-old gelding shows a 22% win probability with consistent in-the-money finishes. Jockey Keiber Coa brings a 17% win rate and 61% in-the-money percentage to this mount. His “Fast Closer” running style could be effective if the pace sets up favorably.​

Secondary Contenders

Paschal Moon offers longshot value at 8-1 odds from Dana Saul’s barn. His speed figures include a standout 112, though recent numbers of 76, 55, and 60 show inconsistency. Jose Baez provides aggressive riding that could help this horse get into contention early.​

Raw Courage has shown flashes of ability but faces class and form questions at 8-1 odds. The six-year-old gelding’s “Slower Stalker” style means he needs a favorable pace setup.​

Anointed Spirit rounds out the field at 12-1 odds as the longest shot. His “Slowest Closer” running style and 14% career win rate make him a difficult betting proposition.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with multiple early speed types including Six Kings, Freedsdale, and Paschal Moon likely to contest the early pace. This scenario should benefit closers like Our Man Mike and stalkers like Cascade Cruiser who can sit just off the early pace. The 1 mile and 1/16 distance provides sufficient time for tactical types to position themselves and make their moves in the stretch.​

Key Angles

The Ferraro training connection shows strength with multiple runners including Freedsdale and Street Cop Officer from the M. Anthony Ferraro barn. Christopher Elliott’s tactical riding ability on Six Kings provides an edge in a race where pace positioning will be crucial. Recent form improvements favor Cascade Cruiser and Six Kings, who have both shown improvement in their last several starts.​

Wagering Strategy

Race 5 – Claiming ($4,000, 5.5 Furlongs)

Key Contenders: Saratoga Banker emerges as the standout choice in this competitive sprint. The five-year-old gelding from M. Anthony Ferraro’s barn has the tactical speed to take advantage of the distance and track bias.​

Secondary Choices: The Delaware Boyz and Civil Service both bring competitive form but face class questions.​

Pace Analysis: The 5.5-furlong distance strongly favors early speed, with 66% of winners going wire-to-wire at this trip.​

Selection: Saratoga Banker to win, strong single in exotic play.

Race 6 – Claiming ($5,000, 1 Mile 70 Yards)

Key Contenders: Shock gets the call from trainer Jeremiah Englehart and jockey Andre Worrie. The three-year-old filly drops in class and should appreciate the distance.​

Secondary Choices: Five to Two brings proven ability at this level, while Glory Bound Clara has local experience.​

Pace Analysis: The route distance should allow tactical types to be competitive.​

Selection: Shock to win, Five to Two for place value.

Race 7 – Allowance (1 Mile)

This competitive allowance race for horses that have never won three races features seven geldings competing for a $26,900 purse at one mile on the dirt. The race presents excellent value opportunities with several runners showing recent improvement and class advantages.​

Contender Analysis

Military Road emerges as the morning line favorite at 2-1 odds and represents the strongest win probability at 21%. The four-year-old gelding from Miguel Clement’s barn brings solid credentials with $160,670 in career earnings and a “Fastest Leads” running style that should benefit from Finger Lakes’ early speed bias. Jockey Keiber Coa provides excellent tactical riding with a 16% win rate and 49% in-the-money percentage. The horse’s recent form shows consistency with a narrow second-place finish last out, suggesting he’s ready to break through. His 44% place probability and 67% show probability make him an excellent safety play in exotic wagers.​

Vigano presents outstanding value at 9/2 odds with the highest win probability in the field at 37%. The six-year-old gelding from Nicholas Zito’s barn brings significant class advantages with $242,706 in career earnings. His “Fast Closer” running style positions him perfectly to take advantage of the early pace battle expected in this race. Recent form shows improvement with a second-place finish two starts back, and the drop in class from his usual stakes competition provides a significant edge. Lane Luzzi’s 9% win rate and 35% in-the-money percentage may seem modest, but his tactical ability suits this horse’s closing style. The 65% place probability and 93% show probability make Vigano an exceptional value play.​

Burn Notice offers solid value at 3-1 odds as the second choice on the morning line. The three-year-old gelding from Michael S. Ferraro’s barn has shown significant improvement with a recent victory at the track and brings a 25% career win rate from eight starts. His “Mid Pack Closer” running style allows him to sit off the early pace and make his move at the right time. Jockey Sofia Vives provides tactical riding that suits this horse’s style, and the combination has been effective locally. The $97,575 in career earnings demonstrates his ability at this level.​

Saratoga Warrior represents excellent value at 3-1 odds despite being zero-for-three at the track. The three-year-old gelding from M. Anthony Ferraro’s barn brings $75,115 in career earnings and shows a “Mid Pack Stalker” running style. Luis Perez gets the mount with an 8% win rate and 49% in-the-money percentage. His 16% win probability and 34% place probability suggest potential for improvement in this spot.​

Secondary Contenders

Seams Like Destiny has shown recent form improvements but faces challenges at 5-1 odds. The four-year-old gelding from Troy Smith’s barn has $71,522 in career earnings and employs a “Fast Leader” running style that could set the pace. His 11% win probability and 23% place probability suggest he’s more likely to be involved in the pace battle than finish strongly.​

Tony O brings extensive experience with $301,829 in career earnings but faces form questions at 15-1 odds. The five-year-old gelding’s “Slower Closer” running style and recent poor form make him a difficult betting proposition despite his career accomplishments.​

Dunedin Causeway rounds out the field at 14-1 odds with minimal recent activity and a “Slowest Deep” running style that makes him the longest shot in the race.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with multiple speed types including Military Road and Seams Like Destiny likely to contest the early pace. This scenario should strongly benefit closers like Vigano and Burn Notice who can sit off the early fractions and make their moves in the stretch. The one-mile distance provides sufficient time for tactical types to position themselves favorably.​

Key Angles

The trainer angles favor both Military Road from Miguel Clement’s barn and the Ferraro connection with both Burn Notice and Saratoga Warrior. Nicholas Zito’s presence with Vigano adds significant class and experience to this field. Recent form improvements favor Burn Notice, who won his last start, and Military Road, who was narrowly beaten as the favorite last out.​

Track Bias Considerations

Finger Lakes’ tendency to favor early speed in shorter races becomes less pronounced at one mile, where tactical types can position effectively. The allowance level should produce honest early fractions that set up well for closers.​

Wagering Strategy

Race 8 – Maiden Claiming ($11,000, 5.5 Furlongs)

This competitive maiden claiming race for fillies and mares features eight runners competing for a $17,000 purse at 5.5 furlongs, with several horses showing significant improvement potential and strong connections.​

Contender Analysis

Observer emerges as the morning line favorite at 5/2 odds and represents solid value with a 15% win probability and 49% show probability. The three-year-old filly from Linda Rice’s barn brings substantial experience with $68,600 in career earnings from seven starts, posting a 0-2-4 record that demonstrates consistent in-the-money finishes. Her “Fast Leader” running style positions her perfectly to take advantage of Finger Lakes’ strong early speed bias at sprint distances. Recent form shows fourth-place finishes at Belmont Park and Aqueduct, suggesting she’s ready to break through against this claiming field. Jockey Heman Harkie provides tactical riding that suits her front-running style.​

Laughing Lady offers excellent value at 3/1 odds with the highest win probability in the field at 19% and strong place/show percentages of 39% and 59%. The three-year-old filly from Robert N. Falcone Jr.’s barn has earned $116,030 from eight starts with a 0-0-2 record, showing consistent ability to hit the board. Her “Fastest Leader” running style makes her ideally suited for the 5.5-furlong distance where 66% of winners go wire-to-wire at Finger Lakes. Christopher Elliott gets the mount, bringing an 11% win rate and 55% in-the-money percentage that adds tactical value. Recent form includes a third-place finish at Belmont Park and close finishes at Saratoga, indicating readiness for this class drop.​

Classiwest presents outstanding value at 4/1 odds with the highest statistical projections in the field, showing 27% win, 51% place, and 75% show probabilities. The three-year-old filly from Chris J. Englehart’s barn benefits from the trainer’s exceptional 33% win rate and 64% in-the-money percentage. With only $16,920 in career earnings from two starts, she represents a lightly raced runner with significant upside potential. Her “Mid Pack Leads” running style allows tactical flexibility from post six. Andre Worrie gets his first mount on the filly, though Englehart’s training prowess provides confidence.​

Only La Duss merits serious consideration at 6/1 morning line odds with proven ability and strong connections. The three-year-old filly has earned $52,402 from four starts with a “Mid Pack Leads” style that suits the distance. Joel Cruz brings a 14% win rate and 51% in-the-money percentage, while trainer Linda K. Dixon posts solid local statistics with 21% wins and 49% in-the-money. Her tactical running style provides flexibility in a speed-dominated race.​

Secondary Contenders

I’m Pretty Good offers longshot potential at 8/1 odds with 12% win probability and solid connections. The three-year-old filly has $28,246 in earnings and employs a “Slower Leads” style that could benefit if the pace collapses. Emanuel De Diego provides aggressive riding with 14% wins and 37% in-the-money, while Lisa A. Reed trains with 19% wins locally.​

Tafaany represents value at 8/1 odds despite minimal earnings of $15,600. Her “Mid Pack Stalker” running style could be effective with pace help, and Jose Baez brings 18% wins and 53% in-the-money percentages. Dana Saul’s training with 24% wins adds appeal to this longshot.​

Monomoy Dancer faces significant challenges at 10/1 odds as a first-time starter with no published workouts. The three-year-old filly by Mr. Monomoy gets Keiber Coa aboard, but the lack of racing experience makes her difficult to evaluate.​

Hobnob rounds out the field at 10/1 odds with no career earnings and limited information available. Kevin Navarro’s 22% win rate and Jonathan Buckley’s 21% training statistics provide some hope, but the lack of form data makes assessment challenging.​

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with multiple speed types including Observer and Laughing Lady likely to contest the early pace from posts two and three. The 5.5-furlong distance strongly favors early speed at Finger Lakes, with 66% of winners going wire-to-wire at this trip. Mid-pack runners like Classiwest and Only La Duss could benefit if the pace becomes honest, though early speed typically dominates at this distance.​

Key Angles

The trainer angles favor Chris J. Englehart with Classiwest, given his exceptional 33% win rate at the meet. The jockey statistics support Christopher Elliott on Laughing Lady, combining with strong recent form improvements. Class relief benefits several runners dropping from allowance and stakes company into maiden claiming ranks.​

Track Bias Considerations

Finger Lakes’ pronounced early speed bias at 5.5 furlongs makes front-runners the primary focus, though the claiming level could produce more honest fractions than higher-class races. Inside posts provide significant advantages, particularly for speed horses.​

Wagering Strategy

Jockey Notes and Insights

Kevin Navarro continues to show strong form at the meet and gets live mounts throughout the card. Keiber Coa has been consistent and gets key rides in competitive spots. Jose Baez represents value with his aggressive riding style suiting the track bias.​

Trainer Notes and Insights

M. Anthony Ferraro leads the trainer standings with strong local form and gets multiple chances on the card. Dana Saul has been active with competitive runners, while Chris Englehart continues his dominance of local training. Jonathan Buckley and James Acquilano both bring consistent form to their entries.​

Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

Focus on early speed in the shorter races, particularly the 5.5-furlong events where the track bias is most pronounced. Consider keying Saratoga Banker in Race 5 as a strong single in Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences. The claiming races offer value opportunities with class relief and trainer moves.​

Weather conditions may create additional late value if the track surface becomes compromised, potentially favoring horses with proven ability on off tracks. Monitor scratches and changes as strong winds could impact post time decisions.​