Daily Picks

Fairmount Park Picks & Predictions — August 25, 2026

August 25, 202610 racesAll Fairmount Park picks

This card ran on August 25, 2026.

Results & payouts →Latest Fairmount Park picks →

Best bets at Fairmount Park, August 25, 2026

Race 11Dublin DropML 9/52:30 PM EDT

Race 2 is free with an account, and the other 8 races are for members.

A free account opens race 2 too. Premium opens all 10, with AI ratings on every runner and SmartBet, which splits one bet across the horses you like.

Join Free See plans · from $9.99

Results are in — see the official Fairmount Park chart and payouts (our top pick won 1 of 10)→

It's a beautiful Tuesday at Fairmount Park — clear skies, 82°F, and a dry, fast-playing dirt surface that should reward speed horses all afternoon. Ten races on the card, ranging from maiden specials to allowances and a marathon 1½-mile test in Race 6. That's a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of angles to work.

The weather has been cooperative heading into post time, and conditions like these tend to tighten up pace scenarios — front-runners get comfortable, and closers need a stronger-than-usual kick to run them down. Keep that in mind as you build your tickets today.

Our TrackWiz ratings span a solid range across the card, with top marks going to Dundie (89.27) in Race 2 and Stagflation (88.54) in Race 9 — both worth circling early. But there's genuine value hiding in the middle of the card too, and we'll get into all of it below.

Best Bets

Race 1

2:30 PM EDT

Maiden Special Weight · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

A wide-open maiden special weight over 5½ furlongs where first-timers and lightly-raced hopefuls dominate — the morning line spreads from 9/5 to 30/1, and our ratings create a clear top tier well separated from the field.

win1Dublin DropML 9/5

Dublin Drop enters as the top-rated horse in this field by a significant margin — a TrackWiz rating of 77.32 versus the next-best at 58.33 — and the morning line agrees at 9/5. Jockey Alvin Ortiz gets the call for trainer Tracy Anderson, a pairing worth watching in maiden company. The 5½-furlong distance on dirt should suit this runner's profile, and in a maiden field this thin on proven ability, a horse with this rating edge has every right to be the one to beat.

place3Fiery SongbirdML 2/1

Fiery Songbird opens at 2/1 on the morning line and posts a solid 58.33 TrackWiz rating for trainer Scott Becker, who also saddles Pistolpackinjanet in this race — a sign Becker is confident in both. With no average speed figure on record, this is a horse without a public works line to dissect, which often means connections are sitting on something they like. Alexander Bendezu takes the mount, and if Fiery Songbird shows up ready on debut, she's the most logical challenger to Dublin Drop.

show8PistolpackinjanetML 7/2

Pistolpackinjanet is the third Becker runner in the field and checks in at 55.83 on our ratings — third-best in the race. Like stablemate Fiery Songbird, there's no average speed on file, which keeps the profile opaque but also keeps the odds honest at 7/2. Reynier Arrieta is a capable rider and with Becker having two horses in here, at least one of them figures to fire — Pistolpackinjanet rounds out the exotic tickets as a logical piece.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 8 runners

Race 2: Free with an Account

Race 2

2:55 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

Dundie sets up as a dominant top selection in this six-furlong claiming sprint, but the intrigue lies in two mid-priced horses — Khozan's Valentine and Dillon Rocks — whose ratings and win percentages suggest the exotics could pay handsomely.

win1DundieML 3/2

Dundie is the class of this field and it's not particularly close — an 89.27 TrackWiz rating leads the field, backed by a 38% career win rate that is simply elite for the claiming ranks. Trainer Scott Becker and jockey Reynier Arrieta are a dangerous combo, and with an average speed figure of 55, Dundie figures to control or press the pace over six furlongs of dirt. At 3/2 on the morning line, there's not much value, but the profile screams 'bet to win and build exotics around.'

place5Khozan's ValentineML 6/1

Khozan's Valentine is the sneaky play here — a 76.76 rating and 25% career win percentage are both well above the field average, yet the morning line opens at 6/1. Trainer Clay Laux keeps this horse competitive at the claiming level, and jockey Javier Tavares is live in these spots. If Dundie hits any trouble or gets a contested pace, Khozan's Valentine has the profile to capitalize and is worth anchoring in exacta combinations.

show4Dillon RocksML 12/1

Dillon Rocks at 12/1 morning line is one of the more intriguing numbers on the board — a 69.87 TrackWiz rating is the third-best in the field, ahead of the 7/5 morning-line second choice Sponge Bath. Trainer Mike Durham and jockey Ademar Santos form a workmanlike combo, and with a 54 average speed figure matching the field pace, Dillon Rocks could sneak into the superfecta picture at a price worth playing.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 9 runners

We're opening three races to everyone today, and they set up nicely as a mini-sequence. In Race 1, maiden special weight newcomers hit the Fairmount dirt over 5½ furlongs — a distance that puts a premium on breaking sharp and getting position early. Dublin Drop opens at 9/5 on the morning line and carries a TrackWiz rating of 77.32, which leads this field. In maiden company, that kind of edge matters.

Race 2 shifts into the claiming ranks at six furlongs, and Dundie is our strongest-rated free pick of the day at 89.27 — a number that stands out even against the full card. Laying 3/2 isn't always ideal, but when the rating says go, we listen. Warrior of Gold rounds out the free coverage in Race 3, a 5/1 shot in another six-furlong claimer who represents the kind of value play that can anchor a daily double or exacta at a price. On a fast track with a pace-friendly setup, don't sleep on him.

Free with an account

Open the next race free

A free account opens the first 2 races at every track, and every race at our Track of the Day. No credit card needed.

Create a free account Sign in

Full Card Analysis

Race 3

3:20 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

Warrior of Gold goes postward as a massive overlay in a six-furlong claiming sprint — our ratings have him head and shoulders above a field whose morning-line favorite is less than half the horse our numbers indicate.

win8Warrior of GoldML 5/1

Warrior of Gold sports an 84.17 TrackWiz rating — best in this field by a comfortable margin — while opening at 5/1 on the morning line, making this one of the better overlays on the card. Jockey Johanis Aranguren gets the mount for trainer James M. Watkins, and with a 17% career win rate and a strong 54 average speed figure, this is a horse with real, proven form. The public may be drawn to Red Speedo at 6/5, but our numbers say Warrior of Gold is the play, and 5/1 is a price worth attacking.

place9Govenor HankML 6/1

Govenor Hank rates second in the field at 69.25 and brings a very strong 23% career win percentage to the table — identical to Red Speedo's win rate, but at significantly longer odds of 6/1. Trainer Steve Manley sends him out with Alexander Bendezu, a capable rider in these conditions. Govenor Hank's 53 average speed figure is the lowest among the top contenders, which suggests he may prefer to sit just off the pace — a solid closing trip behind a potential speed duel could land him on the board.

show2El PeligroML 6/1

El Peligro at 6/1 is worth including in exotics as the show selection — a 62.76 rating and 15% career win rate are respectable for this claiming level, and trainer Dennis Higgins has him pointing with Ademar Santos up. His 55 average speed figure is among the highest in the field, which could mean front-running tendencies — if he gets to the lead cheaply in a tactical race, he could hang on for a piece of the purse.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 9 runners

Race 4

3:45 PM EDT

Allowance Optional Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

An allowance optional claiming sprint where two horses dominate the ratings but the morning line sets up a fascinating battle — the public is split between an 8/5 shot and a 9/2 shot that our numbers say are closer than the odds suggest.

win6Disguised DevilML 8/5

Disguised Devil leads all comers with an 82.38 TrackWiz rating and a 25% career win percentage that's right in line with what you want to see at the allowance optional claiming level. Trainer Larry Rivelli sends this horse out with Julio E. Felix aboard, a live combination in six-furlong dirt sprints. At 8/5 on the morning line, the price is short but the profile is genuine — this horse rates as the most complete contender in the field and should be on top of every ticket.

place3LalyML 9/2

Laly is more interesting than her 9/2 morning line suggests — a 76.65 TrackWiz rating is second in the field and trainer Michele Boyce also saddles Buttons and Lace, which means she's double-barreled in here and clearly likes her chances. Frank Reyes gets the mount, and a 55 average speed figure is the highest in this race, hinting at early pace ability that could carry her deep into the stretch. At 9/2, she represents real value as an exacta partner with Disguised Devil.

show1Saint GhaalebML 8/1

Saint Ghaaleb at 8/1 is a legitimate show ticket with a 72.29 rating and an impressive 30% career win percentage — the joint-highest in this field. Trainer Scott Becker has this horse rolling with Victor Santiago in the irons, and his 54 average speed figure keeps him competitive on pace. The 8/1 morning line is a gift given those credentials, and including him in the bottom half of trifectas adds meaningful value to your ticket.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 5

4:10 PM EDT

Allowance Optional Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

A wide-open allowance optional claiming six-furlong sprint where the morning-line favorite carries just a 3/2 tag but our ratings tell a different story — two horses above 80 on our scale go at prices that make the public's favorite look like the wrong horse to anchor.

win8Layton the DayML 5/1

Layton the Day checks in with an 84.17 TrackWiz rating — tops in this field — and while a 13% career win rate isn't flashy, at 5/1 on the morning line this horse is being significantly underestimated by the oddsmakers. Trainer Lori Plasters has this runner primed with Julio E. Felix in the irons, and a 54 average speed figure keeps Layton the Day right in the mix on pace. When a horse leads all comers on our ratings and opens at 5/1, that's a circle-the-number situation.

place6Wildwood RubenML 3/1

Wildwood Ruben is the second-rated horse in the field at 81.38 and brings a genuine 26% career win percentage that gives him legitimate winning credentials at this level. Scott Becker trains and Reynier Arrieta rides — that's a sharp barn-and-rider combo that rarely shows up in races without being competitive. At 3/1 on the morning line, Wildwood Ruben is a strong place contender and a natural exacta partner with Layton the Day.

show3Rhodiums PrideML 5/1

Rhodiums Pride rates third in the field at 68.32 for trainer Steve Manley, with Ademar Santos taking the mount. A 19% career win rate shows he's no stranger to the winner's circle, and his 54 average speed figure suggests he'll be right there in the pace conversation. At 5/1, he's worth including in trifectas as the show piece, particularly given the clustering of the top three ratings well above the rest of this field.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 9 runners

Race 6

4:35 PM EDT

Starter Allowance · 1 1/2 mi · Dirt

A starter allowance going the marathon 1½-mile distance — a rare test of stamina at Fairmount — where the morning-line favorite at 4/5 is NOT our top-rated horse, setting up a compelling overlay situation for TrackWiz players.

win8Two HeartedML 6/1

Two Hearted opens at 6/1 on the morning line but leads this field with an 82.71 TrackWiz rating — a significant edge over the 4/5 favorite Bright Spark. Trainer Gene J. Sandrowski puts Victor Lara up, and a 17% career win rate paired with a 53 average speed figure suggests a horse with the staying power to handle 1½ miles of dirt. If you're looking for the best bet on the card from a pure value standpoint, Two Hearted at 6/1 with the top rating is worth serious consideration.

place7Bright SparkML 4/5

Bright Spark at 4/5 is the chalk here and the 74.55 rating is second in the field — the case for including him on tickets is obvious, even if the price is short. Trainer Kenny Jansen sends him out with Julio E. Felix and a 25% career win rate is the best in this race by a comfortable margin. At a distance as long as 1½ miles, front-runners and pace horses can wear down, so Bright Spark may be best framed as a solid place/show anchor rather than a must-win bet at heavy odds-on.

show5Code RunnerML 4/1

Code Runner at 4/1 rates third in the field at 69.26 and represents an interesting value in the show slot for a Hugo Rodriguez-trained runner with Alexander Bendezu up. A 17% career win rate is steady, and while the 51 average speed figure is a tick below the top pair, 1½-mile races often reward ground-saving closers who can avoid the early chaos. At 4/1, Code Runner gives your trifecta tickets some upside.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 9 runners

Race 7

5:00 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

A big, competitive claiming field of eleven runners over six furlongs where our top-rated horse is going at a price that represents solid overlay value — and a longshot show pick at 15/1 adds a spicy trifecta angle.

win3Thirsty NatalieML 4/1

Thirsty Natalie leads this eleven-horse field with an 85.62 TrackWiz rating and draws favorable odds at 4/1 on the morning line — a legitimate overlay when you consider she outrates the morning-line second choice by more than 20 points. Trainer Steve Manley puts Johanis Aranguren in the irons, and a 13% career win rate with a 54 average speed figure checks the competitive boxes for a six-furlong dirt sprint. This is our strongest value play in the race — a top-rated horse going at a number that rewards the patient bettor.

place9Into Golden RoadML 2/1

Into Golden Road rates second in the field at 64.96 and opens as the 2/1 morning-line second choice, which means the public is already onto this one. Alexander Bendezu takes the mount for Arthur A. Coontz, and an 11% career win rate with a 54 average speed figure keeps him competitive. He's a logical place play but with Thirsty Natalie rated so much higher, Into Golden Road is better framed as the place anchor in exactas than a standalone win bet.

show8Maya DML 15/1

Maya D is the intriguing show value at 15/1 morning line — she carries the highest average speed figure in this entire race at 56, which is a meaningful edge on pace. Frank Reyes gets the mount for Zachary Quezada, and an 8% career win rate is modest but that blazing 56 speed figure suggests she can compete for the early lead and hang on for a piece. At 15/1, she's a prime trifecta inclusion that could dramatically boost your payout.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 11 runners

Race 8

5:25 PM EDT

Allowance Optional Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

A one-mile allowance optional claiming test on dirt where the top two horses by our ratings are separated by less than five points but are priced at 5/2 and 3/1 — a rare double-overlay situation that makes the exacta combination particularly appealing.

win9TryML 5/2

Try leads this ten-horse field with an 87.81 TrackWiz rating — the top mark of the night among longer-distance races — and opens at just 5/2 on the morning line, which is fair value for a horse this dominant in the ratings. Alexander Bendezu takes the mount for John C. Wainwright, and while a 5% career win rate is low, that number can be misleading for horses with limited starts who simply haven't had the right spots. The rating tells the story here, and at 5/2, Try is the clear top selection.

place10RichiesgoldengirlML 3/1

Richiesgoldengirl is the second-rated horse in the field at 83.35 and brings genuine credentials — a 25% career win rate that is the best in this race, paired with a 54 average speed figure. Trainer Larry Rivelli is sharp at this level and Julio E. Felix is a strong booking. At 3/1, this is a horse that could easily win the race outright, making her an ideal exacta partner with Try in both orders.

show5Midnight DateML 7/2

Midnight Date at 7/2 rates third in the field at 69.84 for trainer Gabe Retana, with Javier Diego up for the one-mile trip. A 14% career win rate is respectable, and while the 51 average speed figure suggests she won't be burning up the early fractions, the one-mile distance rewards horses that rate kindly off a pace. She's the logical third piece in trifectas at a price that keeps the payouts honest.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 10 runners

Race 9

5:50 PM EDT

Claiming · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

The penultimate race of the night is a deep eleven-horse claiming sprint at 5½ furlongs — our ratings produce a clear top two, but it's the 8/1 show pick with the third-best score that gives exotic players an excellent trifecta angle.

win8StagflationML 2/1

Stagflation is the top-rated horse in the field at 88.54 and the morning line agrees at 2/1 — but this is no false favorite. Victor Lara gets the mount for trainer Amy Nesbitt, and a 14% career win rate with a 54 average speed figure gives this horse everything needed to go wire-to-wire or press the pace over 5½ furlongs. The highest TrackWiz rating on the night's second-to-last race, Stagflation is a confident top selection.

place9Ghaaleb's CityML 5/2

Ghaaleb's City rates second in the field at 84.42 and opens at 5/2 — arguably an underlay relative to the morning-line favorite, but the gap between these two ratings is small enough that the exacta in both orders is worth playing. Trainer Scott Becker sends this one out with Alexander Bendezu, and a 19% career win rate is strong for the claiming ranks. With a 54 average speed figure matching Stagflation stride for stride on paper, Ghaaleb's City could easily flip the result.

show4BethyML 8/1

Bethy at 8/1 is the value show play here — a 78.94 TrackWiz rating is third-best in the field, a 12% career win rate is competitive, and trainer Frank C. Randazzo, Jr. has Javier Tavares up for the 5½-furlong sprint. The 8/1 morning line drastically underestimates where she sits in our ratings relative to the rest of this field, which makes her a must-include in the bottom slot of trifectas and superfectas.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 11 runners

Race 10

6:15 PM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi 70 yd · Dirt

The finale is a sprawling twelve-horse claiming route going 1 mile and 70 yards — full fields at distance are chaotic, but our ratings produce a clean top two that stand well above a muddled middle pack, giving structured bettors a clear path through the ticket.

win10TapinyourbluejeansML 9/2

Tapinyourbluejeans leads this massive field with an 84.90 TrackWiz rating and opens at 9/2 on the morning line — a genuine overlay in a race where the morning-line favorite Boogie Bode at 2/1 rates a distant 55.93 on our scale. Trainer John Wiese hands the reins to Reynier Arrieta, and a 22% career win rate is among the best in this field. For a horse rated 30 points above the chalk, 9/2 is a number you have to take.

place3Lemon Drop ShotML 5/2

Lemon Drop Shot checks in at 79.97 — second-rated in the field — and opens at 5/2 on the morning line, making this the most straightforward place selection of the night. Frank Reyes gets the mount for Fernando Bahena, and a 13% career win rate with a 52 average speed figure keeps this runner honest over the slightly extended one-mile-plus distance. Pair Tapinyourbluejeans and Lemon Drop Shot in the exacta both ways for the best coverage in this complex finale.

show2Boogie BodeML 2/1

Boogie Bode at 2/1 is the morning-line favorite but rates third on our scale at 55.93 — a meaningful gap below the top two. That said, a 20% career win rate is legitimate and trainer James M. Watkins has Ademar Santos up for the route. At 2/1 in a twelve-horse field with question marks throughout, Boogie Bode makes sense as the show anchor in trifectas even if our numbers suggest he's being overbet at the top of the market.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 12 runners

Premium Content

Get the Full Card Analysis

Unlock expert picks for every race, detailed speed figures, trainer angles, and our SmartBet recommendations.

View Plans Sign In

Today's Fairmount card has something for everyone — short-priced standouts like Dundie for conservative players, and live longshots like Warrior of Gold and Two Hearted for the value hunters. The fast track ties it all together, rewarding horses that want to get to the front early and daring closers to run them down.

Three races are open to all readers. For pace projections, exotic strategies, and the full 10-race breakdown, TrackWiz subscribers have everything they need. Good luck at the windows.

← All Fairmount Park picks & predictions