Handicapper Tips & Picks

#5 RENEGADE BOB returning to make their second start of the meet in what appeared a PREP at the higher claiming level (and 219-day layoff) back on April 9^th. Arrieta will also be back aboard and was the win rider on August 5^th.

#4 NOT VERY GENTLE also returns with a rider change and seems the right move given the TACTIC- on April 16^th that along with the race dynamic (X_FLOW/VS O4S) might have cost this horse a better finishing position if not the race.

Following the rider change trend, #1 JACK VAN BERG reunites with Orlando Mojica (hot rider) and the rider that was aboard for their second place finish here back in November. Current form puts them in the mix, though value must still be considered on the class drop. That carries to #2 OVERBEARING another coming in with form and figures on par, with the barn on the colder side, though did pick up their first win this meet with Protomagic as the race favorite (with Centeno aboard) on the Thursday (4/27) card. 

#1 PRADA’S MIRACLE was given an EX – EXCUSE on April 2^nd with the combination of the WEATHER conditions, poor TACTIC- and still made up ground to CLOSE and record a BTL effort behind, open length (and next out) winner, Unbridled Annsley. #2 PRETTY IN PRADO the place finisher from that common race was unable to match strides with the winner and rode the profile (stretch tough to make up ground on) to hold place.

#6 HIP HOP EMMY will make a lateral class change to land here in this second career start. Going back to her debut, she showed run while GREEN and despite the running line and finishing position. The visuals from that effort suggest she has more to show (PREP/TACTIC-) and could even handle the added ground with the GALLOP+ to add fitness.

#2 TEXAS PRINCESS shows up for the live Cristel barn and from the two Turfway Park sprints stretches out and shifts to the dirt for this race. The debut on March 15^th was not overly productive though did see a pair of runners move up shipping out to race on the dirt; and another picking up a maiden claiming win on Wednesday (4/26) at HS Indy from the March 30th event.

Mojica will jump back aboard for Witthauer sending out #5 HURRYANDBYE noting these two teamed up with upset 19-1 winner, Raceday Attire earlier this meet - the barn also sending out Prancipants picking up the win on the Thursday card. As far as HURRYUPANDBYE, she has the potential to move up in this second start and with the rider change though has her challenges with the distance change, stepping up in class and running here against older horses with the quick turnaround. 

#3 STOPSHOPPING AMY returns to the right level in statebred company. She recorded a B OptixGRADE and BTL effort that was too good to lose here back on March 23^rd. The change in class, the rise all around and in against open was not the right spot for her and to her credit still turned in a solid effort behind a nice filly called, Sharp Hero.

#4 ISABELLACANNETELLA has a subtle trip racing tight (SCARED) inside contesting (DUEL) the pace back on March 23^rd. She should move up off that race and in this second start off the layoff. She has form at this level including a win at this level back on December 10, 2021 – a second off the layoff timing race.

#6 RONAN has been just a touch below the “winning” race needed at this level though her B- OptixGRADE race under similar conditions back on November 25^th puts her right back in for a share today. She is another making a second start back off the layoff and returning from the April 13^th race, a race run on a day it was tough to make up ground with the pacesetters finishing 1-2, minimal change in running order and place finisher, Seaward coming back to win here on Sunday’s card at 8-1.

#1 WHITE LIES returned off the layoff one year to the date last year recording a solid 80 OptixFIG and place finish that day. She was able to hold her form from the spring through the summer before returning here in the fall with declining speed figures before the layoff. A top effort has her as a contender though that effort can be tougher to project returning from the layoff and now as a six year-old. The layoff is also in play for #2 IGGY BIGS taking this spot rather than the allowance (against her stablemate Long Tall Woman) and could all around require a race, though worth following the board for clues. 

#2 AUNT STELLA could be overlooked in here and from the distant fourth place (open length pacesetting winner, Princella Stella) on April 9^th. She was claimed out of that race by Meraz and from Sullivan, a barn that has been cold with their runners so far this season and noted showing up where with #1 ALL AMERICAN JEWEL.

The subtle change in distance could assist #5 SNOOTY here as one that has the tendency to lack finish (Circle) though shows up with tactical speed and form/fitness from the races here this season. Returning here to show that early foot should keep the pace pressure on both #4 FROST WARRIOR and #6 FOGGY KITTEN. 

The surface/distance might not be the ideal for #5 GHAALEB’S MAGIC here though can be upgraded on OptixPLOT (Large Square) at the right number on the board. 

Perez will send out a pair in this race and the new face with #1 BLACK RUSSIAN, making their stateside debut returning from the layoff and first start in blinkers to suggest intent. As far as #3 ICE VORTEX, they return from the 217-day layoff and out of a 9/25 Gulfstream race that has not been productive, as every horse from that race (other than the winner) is still maiden eligible. In addition, they are a four-year-old and have two vet scratches (10/28 and 2/20) since that race last summer.

#5 ELECTRIC CHARGE is a logical type with their form/figures this season and in terms of class is technically a step up though a similar race par/OFR to April 2^nd. #2 HIGHLY UNLIKELY has the benefit of local form and foundation returning under similar conditions from April 9^th when running against the track profile that was tough to make up ground on and to their credit showed late interest and GALLOP+ after the wire.

#7 CALICO JOE does present more on the “TURF” side physically, though capable on the dirt and could catch the right group going back to a competitive, albeit flow-aided place finish here back on May 7^th.

#8 FABRICATOR exits a more productive race with recency on March 11^th at Turfway Park. In terms of distance they are unproven at a route of ground, noting the route back on 12/31 was against Special Weight and class playing a bigger role than distance that day. Number wise #6 SLAVA UKRAINI is softer though could project upside in this second start back off the layoff and with the class change. They have been running against Special Weight company since the November 11^th debut and had some subtle excuses in those races last year. 

#4 TWIRLING ROSES returns to Hawthorne, a course that arguably is their preferred given the race record and success. They will be put to the test returning here at this allowance level noting their prior success was in at a lower level and must step up to the competitive while figures fits. His current form coming into this race is okay though should be noted he has run without a break since his second start back in March of 2021.

#5 COMISKEY PARK is almost the opposite, a horse that has proven allowance form but still one that is looking for that win and “winning/B” effort. Value should side with #6 ON K P of the pair exiting the common race with Comiskey Park on April 6^th and keying off a competitive race over this course distance back on December 30^th. The connections return here after failing to draw into an allowance turf sprint on April 21^st at Keeneland.

#1 SONNYISNOTSOFUNNY has found his top form as of late for Reavis. He will be class tested, in this spot and returning to Hawthorne in allowance company, though as a Quad II Square above the ParLine on OptixPLOT is upgraded in this field and with today's race dynamic. 

Looking at a "new face" #3 WEST WARPATH fits this condition and with some back class to compete at this allowance condition. While they have had their recent success in claiming company those races were in Kentucky in contentious events, race par and purse similar to today’s condition. 

#6 W W CANDY earned a follow (PREP) returning on March 30^th and showing run in that race and competitive, B- OptixGRADE/93 OptixFIG on the day. They are one that requires pace to close into (Quad IV Square) though could have that scenario here given the “Fire” Contention on OptixPLOT.

#7 WILDWOOD SICILIAN could hold the edge of that Quad I/III group returning from the WIDE trip place finish earning a B- OptixGRADE/95 OptixFIG at this level on April 6^th. #5 MALPAIS also holds competitive races at this level and here at Hawthorne throughout their career. They are getting older and returning to top form is still something they must show. They also have been able to show some RunStyle versatility and that could assist here with many, especially those to their inside, runners that have shown a “need the lead” to win. 

#3 ZARMAE should be sitting on a peak race (IMPROVE) today as the third start back off the layoff with progressive form and figures at the level. They will also return with a rider change and that appears to suggest intent given the ride/TACTIC- on April 13^th. Their stablemate #6 POWERFUL MAN is more “obvious” of the two earning the place finish that day, though not as obvious on race day sent off at 47-1.

#5 BLOOMING GARDEN returns with a key rider change as Mojica takes over today. They will also return with class relief and in the right spot to compete as the races from December 30^th and April 2^nd were contested at a higher level. The class drop and rider change should have them forwardly placed, a trip and effort similar to their race winning here on December 4^th. Pace wise they will likely have to contend with others including #8 WILDWOOD’S WARRIOR, a horse that will be stepping up in class of a new top and win just last week.

#7 FLASHY RICHIE looked to be well-intended on April 13^th with the class drop and in the second start off the layoff. They did have some TRAFFIC and slightly against the profile, though still ran one-paced/PLODDY and needed to show more. They can be upgraded should they get overlooked on the board.

#9 FEEDING FRENZY will give up some recency returning from the layoff, though is returning under the right conditions for their abilities keying off their October races last season, recording B- OptixGRADE in both starts and could be overlooked off those run lines and finishing positions. 

Only a couple in here with speed but it is two different types of speed as 1-JACK VAN BERG typically sends for the front while 2-OVERBEARING has the ability to rate when needed. The great equalizer may be the distance as at 6 1/2 I think Overbearing will be able to wear down Jack Van Berg. The question is what price each will be as Jack Van Berg should go off favored based on the amount of back class. If those two do hook up on the front end then 4-NOT VERY GENTLE may be sitting in a perfect spot to stalk and run on late. He turns back in distance after a pair of solid route efforts this meet and should be closing quickly in the lane.

The pace should be honest in here with Lotta Roses likely to have to send from the outside and Pretty in Prado also with speed. Thinking on the class drop and added distance that 6-HIP HOP EMMY could move up. She comes out of a quality race and also raced into some trouble in that spot from the inside draw. Look for her to settle in the second flight early and run on late with Emigh in the saddle. 4-PRETTY IN PRADO ran a solid race last out as she battled well into the stretch. The winner of that race was well meant and came back to win in her next start. Let's see if she can clear and try to wire this bunch today. If the pace is contentious it should also help 1-PRADA'S MIRACLE as she closed belatedly in her last. She makes her second start out of the meet and with a ground saving trip she should be in the mix at the top of the lane.

A pair of Hernandez horses in here but let's see if Iggy Bigs runs also. On ability, I like the chances of 3-STOPSHOPPINGAMY as she makes her third start of the meet. There looks to be a couple with speed and with the warmer temps and water on the track I expect thinks to play evenly. If that's the case she should be able to roll by in the lane. 4-ISABELLACANNETELLA has speed and has success over the track. She was favored against similar in her last start but that was a terrible price as she was grossly overbet that day. Curious to see how she is handled with the switch to Santiago in the saddle. 1-WHITE LIES makes her first start of the meet as she comes off a nice pattern of drills. She is going to need some pace to chase in this spot and Mojica has ridden well this meet. Look for a ground saving trip and see if she can come running in the lane.

Curious to see how the wagering in this spot is. There's some horses that have run decent races around two turns that could take some action but I'm really curious to see if 6-SLAVA UKRANI runs well in his return to Hawthorne. We will back Javier Tavares to the saddle as he had a solid fall meet and takes this mount. Slava Ukrani was working up a storm before heading to Indiana for his first start of the year, a disappointing sprint. Let's see if he gets hustled away for position here around two turns and can post a solid effort at a price. 5-ELECTRIC CHARGE has tactical speed and comes in off a pair of good races around two turns. He took more action in his last and was left to chase the pace the whole way around in there. If things even out today, expect him to post another solid effort. 3-ICE VORTEX makes his first start of the year as he takes the class drop off a couple of maiden races at Gulfstream last fall. The main concern coming into this spot it the one work as fitness could be a bit of an issue in here.

This is so tough because we know 5-COMISKEY PARK is going to be right there but so often he just runs second and again is going to be a short price. 4-TWIRLING ROSES loves this Hawthorne strip as seven of his eight victories have come over this track. He posted some solid efforts in New Orleans over the winter and has the tactical speed to rate close throughout. 7-LAKE MILLS steps back up to this level off an improved performance last time out. He may sit a bit further off the pace in here early but if things even out for how the track is playing, he should come running at them late.

Coming off the effort put forth by 7-WILDWOOD SICILLIAN last out, you have to give him another shot as he chased a very tough winner in Golden Hornet in that spot. He doesn't need the lead to win, and with pace to his inside I expect her rates just a couple of lengths back early and runs down the leaders in the lane. If the pace is more contentious upfront we could see 6-W W CANDY closing fastest of all late. He ran a nice race while facing tougher in his last and has had good success over this track and at the distance. He comes in off a sharp drill and appears poised for a big effort today. 1-CAN MAN DO was able to make the top in his last and never looked back, winning a first level allowance race. The start prior is the type of race I'm looking for from him today though as he rated in that spot before rallying in the lane. This is a big step up off that performance but his form is the best of his career right now.

Trying to beat the favorite in the final as I hope there's enough pace to set things up for someone to run on late. 9-FEEDING FRENZY returns after making his last start last October, running a pair of good races at this level. He has a consistent pattern of drills toward the return as he should be able to settle early and make one run in the lane. 6-POWERFUL MAN is another that will likely close ground late. He was closer last out due to the lack of pace upfront, but with more likely to be sent away early in here, he should be rating mid-pack early before looking to close in the lane. 7-FLASHY RICHIE posted an improved effort last out as he rated in the second flight and ran on evenly in the lane. Look for him to chase once again and see if he can pick off the last few late.

This could finally be the right spot for 1-JACK VAN BERG. He has speed, the rail, and he’s dropping to his lowest level ever. Can lead this every step of the way. 2-OVERBEARING is another with good early foot. He doesn’t seem to be quite as quick as top choice but he’s been in good form and he has been able to carry his speed. 3-CHOCOLATE BUNNY turns back in distance. He’s been tiring late in routes but should have plenty left to finish with a flourish in this long sprint.

4-PRETTY IN PRADO has to be caught. Most of her races have been sprints but she has had two previous routes and finished second in both after leading most of the way. Maybe she’ll hang on today. 1-PRADA’S MIRACLE has never shown a lot of late run but she’s evenly paced and could make up ground late if the early pace collapses. 2-TEXAS PRINCESS wasn’t effective in her first two races but she’s dropping and stretching out while racing on dirt for the first time. Would expect a better display of speed from her today.

3-STOPSHOPPINGAMY seems most logical. She’s in good form and the pace sets up well. She finished second in her first two starts of the meet. Might be able to run by all of them late to score her first win of the year. 2-IGGY BIGGS makes her first start of the year. Not crazy about her workout pattern coming into this race but she will be taking on state breds today and she’s done well in non-stakes state bred races. 4-ISABELLACANATELLA and 5-LIPLINER are both loaded with speed. Both have been tiring late but either is capable of wiring the field.

3-SNOOTY might hold a slight edge. She pressed the pace in both her starts this year, finishing second in both. Under the conditions of this race, she’s facing slightly easier today. Might break through. 6-FOGGY KITTEN was claimed from last. She was racing in the same barn as top choice. She also finished second in last two. They have similar running styles and could wind up dueling for the lead. 5-GHAALEB’s MAGIC didn’t make an impact versus easier downstate in her 2023 debut but she was in good form here in the fall and even won her last local start. Could regain prior form with her Hawthorne return.

6-SLAVA UKRAINI is hard to figure. I remember his connections had high hopes for him. He didn’t live up to anybody’s expectations going into this year but he had a couple blistering drills coming into his 2023 season. Unfortunately, he shipped to Indiana and got trounced, finishing last, 36 lengths back. However, his races here weren’t terrible and his bullet drills suggest that he likes this track. Have to give him a chance with the drop into maiden claimers for the first time. 5-ELECTRIC CHARGE finished second in both starts this meet. He’s taking on rivals at a higher level here but none of them are exactly lighting things up. Might be tough. Wouldn’t leave 7-CALICO JOE out of the vertical gimmicks. He got off to a terrible start in his last race and was 10 lengths back. But he steadily closed ground and finished fourth, beaten only two lengths. That was a sprint. He had one route race here last year and lost by only a nose, facing rivals arguably better than these. Has a big chance at a big price with the stretch out. The well-bred 3-ICE VORTEX drops to his lowest level ever. He beat only one runner between his two starts in September and he’s had only one drill since that start. You would expect him to improve in this easier field but will he be ready?

4-TWIRLING ROSES has been terrific on this track. He ran well after shipping to Fair Grounds in the fall but tailed off a bit late. However, he’s back at his favorite track, he won seven of 12 here, and had a sharp drill last week after taking a month off. Could bounce back in a big way. I just can’t pick 5-COMISKEY PARK to win. I keep touting him and he burns me, and maybe you, every time. By every right he should win this but there’s a good chance that he’ll again find a way to lose. 6-ON K P is a versatile runner capable of running well on or off the pace. A poor start probably cost him a better placing in last. Deserves another chance.

7-WILDWOOD SICILIAN look tough. Chased the talented Golden Hornet to no avail but he ran in second throughout and generated his highest speed figure. He’s meeting some classy elders in this spot and many of his rivals own speed but he just might be able to put them away. 6-W W CANDY might have the perfect running style for this speed-filled race. His rider will have him biding his time early, hoping all the speed runners will tire themselves out fighting for the lead. Expecting him to make a big run at them after they turn for home. Classy 5-MALPAIS would much prefer an off track but not sure the weatherman will cooperate. He’s earned over $300k in his career but hasn’t visited the winner’s circle since 2021. Will he break through today?

8-WILDWOODS WARRIOR must be caught. He wired the field to earn his second win in last and did it despite stumbling at the start. He was claimed from that race and should be meeting tougher but his connections kept him at this low claiming level with their eye on the prize. Would surprise if he won right back and got claimed again in the process. Might want to watch the betting action on 5-BLOOMING GARDEN. He’s usually in mediocre form but when he runs well, there seems to be more than the usual amount of money bet on him and this is the kind of race where almost anybody can win. Mojica in the irons could add another clue. 6-POWERFUL MAN just finished second at this level. If he runs the same way today, chances are he’ll grab a piece of the pie.