Handicapper Tips & Picks

The day kicks off with state-bred maidens as it looks like the favorite should be very tough. 1-MISS MIKOS was upset as the choice last out but it was by a first timer from the Robertson barn who looked well intended. The break did hurt her as well but with clear sailing today she will be hard to beat. 7-COME ON LADY posted an improved effort in her last. She may benefit from the outside draw as she should be able to rate close early and could run on late. Let's see if she can continue to improve. 6-IRISH SPARK added blinkers last out but takes them off today. She raced ok in that spot but the slow break was costly. She looks to still be figuring things out and may offer some value in here.

Much like Miss Mikos in the first, it's going to be tough to beat 1-CHARLIE LIGHTNING in this spot. He was claimed off a second place effort at this level last out and has enough tactical speed to contend early in here. With some pace to his outside, expect him to tuck in right behind the early leaders and take over in the lane. 7-IRONMAN RICHIE posted some efforts last season that would make him a major threat. The main question if is he will need a race off the layoff as he has worked well toward the return. 2-MAD DRAGON has speed as he was able to steal one last time out. He got a little break off that race but could be primed to try to steal one once again.

With the expected pace in this race, 1-T LAW should get the perfect trip. With the rail draw and second straight around two turns, expect him to wait and rally in the lane. 5-SHARP STICK has speed as he drops from an allowance race where he hung around late last out. He should be forwardly placed once again but may have company. 6-LITTLE STEVEN battled the entire way as the favorite last out and should be forwardly placed once again. He's a game racehorse and may provide a bit more value this time out.

Let's see if 7-BOYCE'S BANDITA has enough speed to clear from the outside in here. With the lack of early pace and second start at the distance there's the potential that she may not have to work too hard to clear and could have something left in the lane. 3-MISS RIVER RAT will need some pace to chase as she figures to rally late. She ran on in each of her last three and runs into some more Boyce runners in here. Let's see if she can get up in time. 2-DEVIL is one of those Boyce runners in with a shot as she ran a big race in her maiden score last out. She has tactical speed and may be best off if she can rate a bit closer early in here.

4-SAMARITA loves Hawthorne and could get a perfect trip as the likely favorite in here. She was a good winner in the slop at Keeneland in April before chasing while going shorter here in her last. With the stretch back to three quarters she should be able to stalk the pace and run on late. The pace figures to come from 5-BEEHIVE as she has been solid in winning her last couple. She will be the one out front with Samarita early and could benefit if she gets the jump on her. 3-DOROTHY CROWFOOT adds Lasix today as she has been working forwardly toward her return. After a big debut score she has run respectable races in her next two starts. Let's see if she's ready off the bench today.

Let's try to catch a price in here as 5-ANCIENT MAN makes the quick return. He didn't show much while sprinting in the mud last weekend but his route three back is good enough to put him in the mix. Maybe he can rate and run down the speed in the stretch. 4-ARMAVIR is another that should be closing ground late. He ran a huge race at a huge price last time out and has the ability to string a couple together. 8-PALHACO ran the race last out that I was expecting from him two back. He has tactical speed and just needs to avoid a pace battle with Hawaiian Hide Away early.

Fingers crossed this one stays on the grass as this is a very competitive bunch. The turf could make the difference for 8-RED HORNET as he has posted all of his best efforts on the grass. He should be able to rate close in a spot where there isn't a ton of early pace. 4-BRUCE BANNER ran a good race over the Tampa turf two back as he comes off a bit of a layoff into here. He has the potential to show some speed as well as the only question is if he will need a race coming back. 6-ROGUE ELEMENT has shown little in his last couple but may be a different horse on turf. He has three victories on the grass on his career and has posted some solid drills since his last start. He's worth a look at a price.