Handicapper Tips & Picks

#4 TIZWOW is upgraded in this race looking at OptixPLOT a position in line with #1 LIBERTY’S HAULER one that should be shorter of the two. TIZWOW has some hurdles to overcome on the win end though should hold the morning line in this race and could be overlooked for the connections with upside given the benefit of a start this season and upside on the class drop. While they did come up short at this $12.5k N2 level last year, the race par for those events was higher than today and there were some competitive sprint efforts and figures many that carried into the summer series at FAN with returning and maiden win rider Victor Bailon aboard.

#3 MR. CHIVAS shows up on this circuit for Manley and the barn had a similar runner last weekend in Cocktail Cutie finishing second. Following that pattern, MR. CHIVAS has form on his best day and favorable runstyle with the subtle distance change and second start off the layoff and only the second time in for the claiming tag. Chris Emigh had been aboard Cocktail Cutie last week and his presence is noted on #10 PHILIPSBURG in this race. This one finds a lateral change in class with the circuit since and one that has been consistent number wise something they will look to transfer today on the dirt for the first time.

#6 NEON DEION has the edge in local experience over the other two. Number wise he is on the lighter side, though could present upside given the races last year as a sophomore. He will return to the main track and for a claiming tag, something they have tried to avoid though at the same time need to place him here he can compete, and this could be it. 

The potential for a contentious early pace should benefit #4 NO NANNETTE NO in this spot and off the slight freshening returning to Hawthorne. She holds form at this level from last year and a win over this main track under a similar par as today’s event back on 8/24.#5 ZENCHUA SKY also has a strong late kick could benefit from a stretch out in distance, though number wise is lighter than others in this field.

Morning line favorite, #6 TIMELESS GLORY has two wins over this course and at this level from last season. One of those was a “match race” last June and benefit form a perfect trip on 8/10. The timing could suggest intent as she makes her second start off the layoff and stretch out in distance, though projects to be a much shorter number today than the 15-1 last out though the form from the 3/23 Lily’s Woofy race has held up going forward. Trip wise she could find early contention or at the least forced to put herself in the race with #2 EMITYAAZ; one that has some of the stronger figures on her best day that make her the horse to beat and even the horse to catch on the front end. The layoff lines coming into this race create some reservations, though E. Gallardo taking the call is a positive.

Brian Cook could look to play spoiler sending out a pair in this race: #3 STACK SHACK takes this drop back in for the $5k tag, a level where she was competitive this season at the FG and appears the right timing for her stretching out in this second start of the season.

Chris Emigh picked up the win aboard Go Stormin Girl last week for Brian Cook and noted as this pair return with #1 LOONA LUV from that common race. Go Stormin Girl was fancied of the pair on the day though in this spot LOONA LUV could move up presenting some upside for this race and at this level. Prior to the race two weeks ago her other two starts on this circuit were contested at the higher $12.5k condition and coming back from the 3/31 race, she showed run after bobbling (TROUBLE_S) out of the gate, SAVED ground and continued to GALLOP+ after the wire. The added ground to a route could be a positive and intent here.

This is a tough race where a chase can be made for every horse in this field. The case for #2 SALLY’S SURPRISE is one of value though buried form that could land in the right time and place. The barn has #6 VISIONISTA and could bet the intended of the two and holds form at the route distance, an unknown for SALLY’S SURPRISE. With that change and post and in this field, she could present early speed and with the main players in the race, stalk-and-pounce types, there is a scenario where SALLY’S SURPRISE could look to clear and carry the field. She has numbers on par with the main rivals in this field including her stablemate and form over this course and allowance condition going back to the races last year at this level contested at a higher par than today. 

Longshots to upgrade from Plot: #7 BABA’S BOY will look to turn things around for Bahena and themselves returning to this circuit. Trips and class have been contentious at Oaklawn and could return to form on this circuit, class change and back with Ulloa, a rider that has been aboard in the past including one of their recent wins over this course and distance in November 2022. A return to their better days does not have them a “longshot” quite the opposite as a top effort has them as one of the horses to beat. #3 FUTURE VISION one that does not look to hold an edge “on paper” though could move up in this race shape.

#8 WHERE’D THE DAY GO scratched from that 3/24 common race and fits at this level and in this spot with their early speed and perhaps some intent to follow as well with tactical speed that can present a threat (Quad I) in this race shape. He could find company with #9 SIERRA HOTEL in this field, one that has comparable turf form though will be tested with the surface switch and to move forward off their current form needed to compete.

In terms of the 3/24 race: #5 CHRISTMAS PRESENT gets another look returning from a competitive claiming event on opening weekend. The winner of that race, Impulsiveness rallied from well off the pace and CHRISTMAS PRESENT was chasing early with some ground loss and adversity a similar trip though not the ground saving run for #1 FLASHY RICHIE and could look for similar here and what should be a much shorter number today. #4 MILLARD’S SMILE finishing 4^th and BTL as he was caught WIDE and put in a strong late CLOSE. 

#7 MAQAMAT is upgraded from the effort and placement on opening day and remaining on the main track and sprinting where he has shown his better races to date. Going back to 3/23 event he needed the race and the move off the rail – the effort showed ore run with the majority of the running after the wire/GALLOP+.  The changes in play here should have him competitive in this spot timing as many A. Meraz runners needed their first start and the barn has started to show up with live runners as of late he should be sitting on a peak effort.

Looking at the Plot, MAQAMAT should find a trip similar to #2 SCHMOOZIN and #6 BAREFOOTBOOTLEGGER and in agreement with the ML, could sit higher of that group come post time.

In terms of ML favorite, #1 SNOOZER he has recorded some of the higher figures in this field though will be required to transfer that form to this circuit and off the layoff as well as in today’s race shape, a downgrade on the OptixPLOT as a Large Q1 Circle with the “Fire” Contention and others such as #5 BERNIE LOMAX and #9 LAKE MILLS upgraded with a similar Plot position (trip) and better finishing (Square) ability. 

It is encouraging to see #8 WHOLE LOTTA LUTE wheel right back for this second start. He showed some ability though had some setbacks leading up to the belated debut three weeks ago. While there was intent first out, mentally WHOLE LOTTA LUTE might have lost his race before it started, he WASTED a lot of energy on the track and the was very fractious in the GATE. The race was won impressively by Good Apple, one that wheeled right back to win a contentious allowance race last week. WHOLE LOTTA LUTE presents the ability for improvement in his second start giving him the edge over the other more experienced types that lack the same upside and has the edge on experience over the debuting sophomores. 

Going back to Race 5, MAQAMAT is worth a follow as stablemate #9 FIRST KITTEN follows a similar pattern in this spot. The return on opening day appeared a PREP for FIRST KITTEN despite being heavily supported by the public as she was returning and first off the layoff, a change from last season and had not had a layoff return since the spring of 2022. She can step forward given the TROUBLE_S, RUSH and WIDE trip that followed and given the attention last out and outcome should hold longer odds this afternoon.

It is interesting that A. Centeno, the regular FIRST KITTEN rider will shift to the J. Arnett trainee, #2 GIRL PRO and this combination has had a lot of success this meet. GIRL PRO is capable here though will give up recency and local experience though to her credit has a couple of local works and the connections landing here where she can remain protected, and the connections have been creative with the placement that has kept her protected since last summer.

Meraz will also send out #5 SMOOTH JUSTICE one that is sifter on numbers that can be upgraded on Surface/Distance Plot and hold for a share. The Large Squares, #3 AWESOME SUNDAY and #6 STYLE are given a mention at the longer odds in this event. The trip for #10 RACETOTHEFINISH could be just that as they will be forced to clear from the outside and project to take pressure from #4 MAFELYN BELLE and #7 LILY’S WOOFY runners that could present REGRESS? off their recent efforts. 

This pattern with the maiden races this season continues with the mix of seasoned older horses or some lightly raced younger horses and the battle of where to land; experience or upside.
When it comes to lightly raced, #10 CASCADE CRUISER has been consistent number wise and those figures fit with the older seasoned runners. He will make a third career start and second at the route distance, something that was projected off his debut and moved forward last month with a subtle trip on 3/16 and both races have held form and productive. CASCADE CRUISER is given preference over #3 GIANNO despite giving up local experience with a similar foundation of races. First time starter #8 DAKOTA INVADER could be live and a threat on debut for live connections and steady work tab.

Trainer Manny Perez will send out a pair in this race and both deserving of a look: #9 WOLF HUNTER has the experience edge and on his best day has recorded some of the higher figures in this field and will make his second start off the layoff from a TROUBLE trip on opening day. #11 LAUREATE earned a follow off his debut last year. The trip was GREEN and lost his race at the GATE and was NO_PUSH after, though was heavily backed in the will pays, opened up as the heavy favorite and appeared some intent first out for a barn that does not have the strong first out numbers. 

A field of ten kicks off a very competitive card. Looks to be a little speed in here but not a ton as I think 10-PHILIPSBURG (IRE) can get away from the outside and find early position. He is lightly raced with just two starts off a long layoff but was claimed out of his last couple and steps up today. Let's see if he can rate and run on late. 1-LIBERTY'S HAULER runs for the Arnett barn as he should get a good tracking trip from the inside. He ran on late while going 5 furlongs four back but looks to sit a bit closer early here as he takes the drop in class. 8-OVERDUE HONOR comes off the layoff into here as he has worked consistently toward his return. He has some early speed and could be the one to try to clear the front end.

Not much along the lines of early pace in this spot either. Thinking 3-STACK SHACK will have enough speed to rate close early and run on late. She may have needed her last as she faced tougher off the layoff but she's a better horse around two turns and is back at a level where she ran well three back. 6-TIMELESS GLORY is the other that should rate close as she ran a decent race while running 5 furlongs two back. She won a match race on the lead last summer but is likely better rating in the second flight. 4-NO NANNETTE NO will need some pace to chase as she figures to run on late. The lack of early speed is what could work against he but she did show the ability to rate a bit closer early in starts three and four back where the pace upfront was very slow.

I had a tough time making a morning line on this race as half the field could be deserving of favoritism. Ended up selecting 3-MO SMOKING as she has been the most consistent runner around two turns and comes in off a pair of solid efforts. Her tactical speed will keep her close early as she looks to rate close to 7-MIDNIGHT'S GIRL early. That one is the pace of the race and this looks to be a good spot to try this Allowance level. My only concern for her is just the one workout off the layoff. 2-SALLY'S SUPRISE is intriguing as she stretches out today. She ran on late while wide in her last and may run to her name and suprise with some early speed. If the connections choose to go, she is a sleeper to steal this race.

Another race without a lot of early pace. Going to look to 5-CHRISTMAS PRESENT as he has a start under his belt and ran a solid race in that spot. Despite the outside draw and only one workout going into the race he chased while wide and contended late into the stretch. With the slight class drop and improved post, I wouldn't be surprised to find him on the front end in here. 1-FLASHY RICHIE runs for the Quinonez barn who is off to an excellent start this meet. He led late while at a huge price in his first start of the meet and should improve off of that effort. He could rate closer early from the inside as well. 9-SIERRA HOTEL is a horse I have always liked as he has had a lot of success at Hawthorne. While many of his best efforts have come on the grass, he has put forth some solid main track efforts as he comes in with a consistent workout pattern into today's race.

This is a good spot for 1-SNOOZER to return as he has speed and draws the inside. He has three drills toward the return for a barn that is off to an excellent start this meet. The connections also take advantage of the increased claiming price option, making them eligible for the Illinois Owners bonus. 6-BAREFOOTBOOTLEGGER took nicely to this Hawthorne strip last summer, winning three times over the track. After being primarily a route horse early in his career, the shift to a late closing sprinter has suited him well. He can run on late in here while at a nice price. 2-SCHMOOZIN battled to a solid victory while posting a strong figure last out. He figures to track the early speed on Snoozer today as he looks to repeat that performance.

I was split between the top two choices in here but the rider choice is what made up my mind. After a very impressive season in 2023 for First Kitten with Centeno aboard, her first start of this year was disappointing. Off that race Centeno jumps to 2-GIRL PRO for the hot Arnett barn. Normally wanting to run a bit longer, Girl Pro figures to close late in the sprint from the inside. She's a good fit at this level and will benefit from what looks to be an honest pace upfront. 9-FIRST KITTEN has a ton of ability and fits very well at this level. She loves this Hawthorne strip and may have just needed that first start of the meet. Olaf picks up the mount today as he has ridden very well early this season. If she improves off her last she can be a solid contender possibly at a decent price. 4-MADELYN BELLE was a game winner in her last as she was pushed the entire way. She could have company upfront in here but has shown that she will battle as she has never been worse than second in five Hawthorne starts. 

Two turn maidens to close the day. I expect the pace upfront to be honest which should benefit 10-CASCADE CRUISER as he comes off a good effort at a similar level last out. He ran on late as the race could be a key race, with the third-place finisher from that spot coming back to win in his next out. 3-GIANNO almost got the job done in his last. He found a good early spot and made a strong move into the lane. Let's see if he rates even closer early in here and looks to get the jump on the late closers. 9-WOLF HUNTER is a good looking racehorse that is overdue for his maiden score. He ran a solid race last out and should improve off that performance. I expect he's a part of the gimmicks underneath while at a price.

Not in love with 6-NEON DEION but he does race for the top barn, his races until last were pretty good, he’s dropping in class and getting first Lasix. 1-LIBERTY’S HAULER is back in the Arnett barn after racing for a different trainer for one start. Everything this barn has started here has been live. This Louisiana shipper drops in claiming price. Seems well spotted here. 8-OVERDUE HONOR graduated in his last start, beating maiden specials. Faces claimers for the first time in his career. He has a long series of well-spaced drills coming into his first start of the year. Could be ready for these.

2-EMITYAAZ has limited drills coming into her first race of the year but do expect her to be ready. She ran well against better locally much of last year. Could pick up where she left off. 4-NO NANNETTE NO went off form in her last couple races in Louisiana but she has been training well locally since then. Would expect her to be tracking the pace early and then put in her run when they turn for home. Might be able to wear down her rivals. 6-TIMELESS GLORY stretches back out. She ran better than expected in her first start of the year despite the abbreviated distance. She’s likely to be even more competitive around two turns.

Wow! Tough race. Don’t think there should be a heavy favorite or even a slight longshot in this field. I ended up on 5-SAVED BY GRACE but not a confident selection. She has looked sharp lately with a win and a narrow loss in a Louisiana-bred stakes race in her last two, but she had been pretty inconsistent prior. I do think she’ll come flying late. Might get up in time. 7-MIDNIGHT’S GIRL comes in on the “cheap” end of the scale but she is stretching out and think she has only Sally’s Suprise to beat to the lead. Has previous route success. Might not get caught. 8-ROYAL LAUGHTER’s effort from two races back at Oaklawn would probably be good enough to win this. If she can repeat that in her local debut, she could earn a long priced trip to the winner’s circle. 6-VISIONISTA certainly figures. She tossed in a clunker in last at Fair Grounds, a state-bred stakes, but she had been in good form prior to that race and she has a history of running well here. 

1-FLASHY RICHIE comes off a good second-place finish and even had the lead running down the stretch. He went off at over 70-1 in that spot. He’s inconsistent at best but might have some upside in his second race back from the layoff. 5-CHRISTMAS PRESENT seems like the one to beat. He ran well in last at this level coming off a layoff. However, although he usually runs well here, he finished in the money in 13 of his 22 local races, he only won once locally. Not sure if 7-BABA’S BOY will just go through the motions but this is one of the few races in his career where he is well spotted. He’s in terrible form but should still be fit after racing at Oaklawn. Can wake up without any warning.

2-SCHMOOZIN was impressive in his first start of the meet. He dueled for the lead for much of the race but drew clear in the final sixteenth. Meets a somewhat tougher crew, with many likely to challenge for the early lead, in this spot but he could prevail late. 1-SNOOZER is most likely to break with the lead. However, he often runs out of gas late and it has to be noted that two of his four victories came on off tracks. 6-BAREFOOTBOOTLEGGER could be in a little tough and he is making his first start in five months but he could turn out to be the best closer in this speed filled field.

I like the workout pattern or 2-PONTUS coming into his career debut. Had some nice longer drills that got progressively faster than a good three-furlong blast to put a little speed in him. His barn does well with first timers and veteran rider Emigh is always a plus. Might be overlooked in the wagering so could be a good value wager. 8-WHOLE LOTTA LUKE went off as the odds-on favorite in his debut. He obviously didn’t win the race but the way he faded late might be a cause for concern. But, he is racing for the top barn and their second-time starters win nearly as often as those making their debut. 3-DOUBLE DRIBBLE was no match for Good Apple in last but still beat the rest of the field. Gets first Lasix for this race. Races for sharp connections. Figures.

Great betting race. Settled on 4-MADELYN BELLE for a couple reasons. I like that she’s somewhat versatile. She owns good speed but is just as capable when coming from right off the pace. I like that she had a bunch of work going into last, her first start for this barn, and that they worked her right back after she won a pretty tough race at this level. And obviously like that she races for the top barn with one of the leading riders staying in the irons. 2-GIRL PRO was terrific in 2023. She won four of her 14 races and finished in the money another eight times. She’s making her local debut for another top-notch barn that has been sending out loads of fit horses early in the meet. Her main knock here is that she’s primarily a route runner and she was never close in her two races at this distance. 10-RACETOTHEFINISH certainly figures. She won six of her 14 races at the distance. Her last race was in early November but her barn does bring them back ready. Like top pick, she’s comfortable racing on or off the pace. 7-LILY’S WOOFY wired her first two fields of the meet. She’s taking on tougher here but she’s never been better. 

3-GIANNO just missed in his local debut after taking the lead late in the stretch. That was only his second start, his first since November, and his works weren’t all that great going in. But that effort should be all that he needed. Could be even tougher today. 5-ALL ABOUT TONITE has to be caught. He had been showing good speed in Kentucky and his local drills since he got claimed have been hot. 10-CASCADE CRUISER adds blinkers. His second race was far better than his first and this race should be even better. 9-WOLF HUNTER needed last. He had only one short drill going into that race and still managed to finish third. Should be far fitter for this event. Don’t ignore 8-DAKOTA INVADER. He has some sharp drills coming into his career debut and his barn is quietly having an outstanding year. 

Late Pick 4 ticket:  1,2,9 / 3,8,10 / 2,4,9,10 / 2,10  ($36)

Race 5:  2 - 9 - 1

#2 Schmoozin (7-2) will hope that the rail horse Snoozer will set a fast early pace or be pushed by the outside runner. Schmoozin is a nice closer who won going 5f last time and now gets an extra ⅛ of a mile. If he simply replicates his last or runs back to many of his 2023 efforts, he’s a winner. I’d love to hear track announcer call a Schmoozin v. Snoozer throwdown in the stretch, that would be a lot of fun!

Race 6:  8 - 10 - 3

Trained by leading conditioner Larry Rivelli, #8 Whole Lotta Lute (3-1) was acting up a bit before they sprung the latch but still ran a credible yet distant 2nd to talented Block runner Good Apple, who came back and won again last weekend. Whole Lotta Lute was bet down, so he’s well meant, although is already a 4yo, which is a bit of a negative for me. But if he breaks, I think he’ll be tough to run down based on his competition. His 3-1 ML might feel like stealing money after this race is run, we’ll see.

Race 7:  4 - 2 - 9

I’m hoping #4 Madelyn Belle (9-2), another Rivelli runner, can either outbreak or kindly sit in behind her main speed rival, Lily’s Woofy, to her outside. Madelyn won last time off the layoff, and although she has to stretch out a bit, she was able to do that just fine last year. The Illinois-bred is up against open company in this optional allowance affair, but I don’t think it’s too much to ask. I love the guts and heart this 4yo filly showed in her last.

Race 8:  10 - 2 - 3

Trainer Louis Roussel has two horses in the finale, a two-turn open company Mdn Sp Wt. I like his horse that breaks further outside the most, #10 Cascade Cruiser (7-2), ridden today by talented young rider Alexis Centeno. He’s raced credibly against very tough company at the Fairgrounds, puts blinkers on, and has a nice work over the local Cicero surface. I’d like to see Centeno use a little speed out of the gate to gain position going into the first turn, then pass them all late. I think there’s talent here and today might be the day the Catalina Cruiser 3yo gelding shows it.

T 1 Donatover 4 Shes Beer League 8 Kevin Anthony

P 6 Speaker Of Peace 5 No Control 4 Whatchulookin At

P 10 Wildcat Star 9 Western Wish 8 Shoot The Whiskey

P 5 Wheels On Fire 1 Points North 4 Ario Hanover

P 3 Glenboro 5 Parisian Blue Chip 7 Kele Kele

P 5 Always A Thrill 8 Artsalive 2 Unison

P 10 Call Me It 8 Kaptain Karlos 4 Shreddar

P 1 Bettor B Sirius 2 Larceny 3 Stormalong

P 8 Seriously Hanover 1 Whichwaytothebeach 7 Ron

P 7 Bayfield Beach 2 Thatll Be Tiger 2 Rockme Rollme

P 2 Control Heaven 3 Ilikemebettor 9 Codename Cigar Box