Fairmount Park Picks & Predictions — August 18, 2026

Retail Therapy is the morning-line favorite at 6/5, which means the public likes her — but at a TrackWiz rating of 65.99, she's only the second-best horse on paper. Her 54 average speed figure is the best in the field, and a 9% career win rate isn't alarming at this claiming level. Trainer James M. Watkins puts Ademar Santos up, and she makes plenty of sense as a place play if you're looking to protect yourself against Fasttimesatmidnite being overbet.

Tegwar is an interesting show pick at 4/1, rated 64.33 by TrackWiz and running for trainer John C. Wainwright with Julio E. Felix in the irons. A 10% career win rate is respectable in this company, and the 53 average speed figure keeps him within striking distance of the leaders down the lane. At 4/1, he offers enough value to include in your trifecta tickets without eating too much into your bankroll.

Looks Lucky to Me is our place pick at 6/1, and the value angle here is real — a TrackWiz rating of 79.63 is third in the field, and her 54 average speed figure suggests she can run with the top horses through the lane. Trainer Ralph Martinez puts his son Brody Martinez in the irons, a family combo that's been clicking on the Fairmount circuit. At 6/1, she's priced like a longshot despite being rated well within contention range.

Sunset Harbour is the morning-line second choice at 2/1 and carries a TrackWiz rating of 76.83 — right behind Looks Lucky to Me — along with the field's best career win percentage at 25%. Trainer James M. Watkins has two horses in this race and clearly likes his chances, and Ademar Santos is a reliable rider for a six-furlong trip. She makes plenty of sense as a show anchor, especially if the top two set up a pace duel that lets her close into the money.

Bee Bluff is a genuine value play at 8/1 with a TrackWiz rating of 77.05 — second-best in the field — and a 54 average speed figure that matches the leaders. Trainer Mike Durham sends Ademar Santos out, and there's a real case to be made that the morning line underestimates this horse. At 8/1, you're getting legitimate second-horse ability at a longshot price, which is exactly the kind of spot where smart exotic players press.

Sally's Suprise opens at 5/1 with a TrackWiz rating of 71.00, and her profile is well-rounded — a 19% career win rate and a 54 average speed figure give her legitimate credentials in this allowance optional claiming field. Trainer Eduardo Rodriguez uses Johanis Aranguren, and with a post-position edge from the rail, she could be forwardly placed from the start. She's a comfortable show play and a worthwhile trifecta inclusion.

Dream Gold is the morning-line favorite at 8/5 with a TrackWiz rating of 80.66 and a 20% career win rate — those are legitimate numbers for a horse expected to compete deep in the field. Trainer Steve Fridley pairs with Cory Orm, and the 53 average speed figure keeps Dream Gold competitive, even if our model puts Coolthing a step ahead. The place slot here is solid, especially if she dictates the pace and Coolthing has to work harder than expected.

Gogh rounds out our picks at 7/2 with a TrackWiz rating of 77.51 and the highest career win percentage in this field at 25% — that's a horse who has repeatedly found the winner's circle, which matters in an allowance optional claiming race. Trainer Michele Boyce uses Ademar Santos, a reliable partnership, and Gogh's 54 average speed figure puts her right in pace contention. At 7/2, she's a natural third leg of any trifecta ticket and could easily outrun that morning line.

Milaalah is our place pick at 6/1 and brings a TrackWiz rating of 82.71 — a strong second in this field — along with a 53 average speed figure that puts her in a realistic position to run down anything that struggles late. Trainer Harry E. Lynch puts Victor Lara in the irons, and at 6/1, she's priced like a secondary option despite having the second-best numbers in the race. She's a natural place bet for anyone who wants a return beyond what Karazest would pay.

Turtle Pace opens at 7/2 with a TrackWiz rating of 71.28 — third-best in the field — and an average speed figure of 53 that puts her within striking distance of Milaalah in the back half of this sprint. Trainer Scott Becker actually has two horses in this race (Turtle Pace and Karazest), and the fact that he's double-entered suggests a strong stable in form. Victor Santiago is a capable jockey for this trip, and at 7/2, Turtle Pace is worth including in your trifecta and exacta boxes.