Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 SAILING SOLO is legitimate as the favorite in this spot. His figures sit strongly as the highest in the field with overall form and class to translate into this claiming event at this point in his career as a 9yo. While he will return from the layoff here, that has been a factor of patience waiting for the turf and a race entered three times since the “recent” December start.

#4 SOUL COAXING in the race should keep him honest up front (Q1 Circle) though could be a hurdle on the win end for him in that role and by comparison though otherwise fits as an individual. One could also project, #8 BLOW TORCH to show early speed as well draw outside and stretching back out in distance with his route form showing BOS Keywords when competitive and with fellow front runner, #7 SIR LUMPALOT to his inside.

#3 LAND MARK DEAL also has been waiting for the turf though connections have remained in the races and keeping up their conditioning waiting for a race. He wheels back from the $25k claiming event 20-days ago and as far as class at this level, there could be some hurdles there though his B- efforts at this level and figures on his best day sit on par.

#6 MONSTERONTHEMIDWAY also has been looking for the grass to make a return and while he does return here on the right surface, he will be tested at this level to step up as this is a slight rise though a lightly raced type for live connections becomes less of a concern and should not be favored. #5 DYNABLUE moves up on the TURF though his better races were at a lower class (similar for #2 EDEN PARADISE) and a minor share appears the ceiling. 

#1 FLASHY RICHIE comes into this race with buried and key progressive form with improving OptixGRADES since his win/B coming off the layoff 3/24 back on opening weekend. Looking at the Plot he does not hold any significant pace edge (something that could come into play with #3 BLURT on the lead) though capable in today’s race shape given the complexion of the field and price compensation.

While BLURT will try to clear in a “gate-to-wire” threat, #4 CARTE BLANCHE should not be far off (Quad I Square) stalking with first run. He recorded a B Grade and with figures on par for today’s race and upside with the timing between starts compared to #5 IRISH VALOR wheeling right back off a win and new top 19-days ago. 

Rivelli has a strong hand in this compact field with a capable pair: #3 KAELY’S SISTER has the edge on recency and with progressive form (improving OptixGRADE/FIG) and with the B+ in the most recent start to translate with the rise in class; #4 WILMA MANKILLER gives up recency from the 247-day layoff though has a strong string of return works including some “bullets” and looking at the Plot, is tough to dismiss in this event. 

#4 TONY’S MORNING LINE has held his form all season and on this circuit with the B- OptixGRADE efforts at the higher, open claiming class earlier in the meet. He moves up with today’s Plot position and a subtle upgrade from the Plot position when making a MOVE behind his “BOS” stablemate winner, Baseball Politics in the 6/1 common race at FAN.

Both #7 RISKY BOY and #8 TIME HEIST have held their form here this season and not much to overall split the pair even as RISKY BOY brings in the higher figures from the Past 3 Runlines. Number wise his figures sit identical to #6 FIRST MASAMUNE one that should be the higher on the board of this trip and upgraded as a result. 

#1 A. P. BLAZING GREEN one that has recorded some of the highest figures by far in this field and from that standpoint alone figures as the horse to beat. With that said the overall race record creates some reservations on that front though this will be just his first start in statebred maiden company while on the grass.

#2 LONE RETURN makes a return to the maiden ranks and with upside at this level on the turf. He was scheduled to race on the turf for the seconds tart and getting the to turf closing week improved with the place finish, B- OptixGRADE and highest recorded figure. With the turf race three weeks ago earning and nearly pairing the number from last season, the upgrade fits with the surface switch to the grass and on par in this event. Going back to that 9/3 race, a common race with #9 PONCHO ATTACK and not much between the two overall on the day whereas LONE RETURN could present the upside of the two early in their 4yo campaign. #7 TIGGER ATTACK will also start here for V. Childers and while they will make the rise in class he recorded some solid figures last year as a juvenile that fit with many in this field and could get into the mix at longer odds.

The return to maiden company also follows #5 JAKES CHANNEL from the 5/25 event and another than ran on the 9/3 MSW event here last season. That race was not an ideal trip for JAKES CHANNEL though some positives for the J. Rednour barn as they also sent out that race winner, J. J’S SOLUTION. Rednour will also be represented here by filly, #8 COLLIE WRAYS KITTY one that can move up on the TURF though has some catching up in this field.

#6 PONTUS is worth a mention as they have held their figures this season and should translate in today’s group and even to the TURF however class (DROP) is still noted here despite the consistency and taking on older. 

This race is wide open and open to a price as #6 LOOKIN FOR REVENGE is not out of it in the role as the projected favorite, though does not hold any edge in this race. The early pace advantage shifts to #8 FLYING SAMURAI and even upgrades #4 FUTURE VISION looking at the standard PLOT and lone Quad I Square. FUTURE VISION is further upgrade with the progressive OptixGRADES that have improved race-to-race and following that pattern could be sitting on that “B” effort.

#1 CHICKS FOR FREE could be upgraded all around, however much deal and work through KICKBACK from the inside, something they struggled with back on 5/12. Overall form gives them an upgrade from that race and off their form cycle this season remaining at the route distance at the right level for their abilities. CHICKS FOR FREE brings into today’s race shape a Plot shape/position in line with rivals #3 NOT VERY GENTLE, #5 JIM AND JIM and #7 PERFUMER and could be the highest of that group. 

Morning line favorite, #7 ALL ABOUT ME is at her best when she is LONE and perhaps she finds that trip here looking at the Standard Plot, however the pace becomes contentious on Surface/Distance bringing a few others into Quad I.

#2 MISS RIVER RAT figures the logical. She just cleared the N1 condition and drops in for the claiming tag and will run for the higher tag offered to IL-Bred runners. Those factors suggest the connections could be looking for a claim today though could still win here as well.

#4 DESSERT FIRST is not the “most likely” winner though should present value especially in the multi’s as the other two project to take the bulk of support and high owned in this race. DESSERT FIRST has some buried turf form and form this year. While she is stepping up from the claiming ranks to run here, the race par suggests this is closer to a lateral move and with the B OptixGRADE back on 4/27 she is not out of it here. 

#4 HEAVENLY HASH moves up in today’s race shape (Plot) and on the class DROP as she makes her second start off the claim and back under $5k conditions where she was competitive earlier this season and claimed. #5 STYLE follows a similar pattern of intent dropping back down to the level where she was claimed and off the win back on 5/4.

STYLE requires pace to chase (Quad II/IV Square) though should have some contention with #6 HELEN MAE’S SONG and #7 SUPORB in the field and should be kept honest with #3 LADY ATLANTIC and #9 TIMELESS GLORY also capable of showing early foot and their post positions respectively could dictate that trip.

#2 ESSENTIAL BELLA recorded a B OptixGRADE back on 5/11 in the BLANKET finish at the wire and that race par being identical to today’s keeps her in the mix.

#1 KITTEN ROCKS comes back to make a second start off the layoff and some upside from that 5/19 race. Intent might not have been there as her stablemate, Go Stormin Girl (won 6/8) was the 1-2 favorite and KITTEN ROCKS had to return to the paddock for a replacement rider nearing post time/GATE. She is winless since the summer of 2022 though has turned in competitive (B-) races and figures on par at times since. 

#6 OFF THE LAM earned a follow from the subtle trips at OP and will be less “under the radar” today coming off the B OptixGRADE and BLANKET finish last month under similar conditions. #8 CROSSANNA was also part of that BLANKET finish also earning a B OptixGRADE and BTL Keyword and upgraded making her CLOSE (and GALLOP+) into a Slow early pace. In addition to OFF THE LAM, F. Gutierrez will also send out #4 ARGAN to ensure early pace and at the same time can remain along for a minor as one that has recorded some the higher, consistent figures though short of that “B” effort.

#7 REALISTIC GOAL also from that 5/12 common race turned in a BTL effort as she had to also run X_FLOW showing interest in the less than ideal trip to IMPROVE off of. Class wise there as some concerns for #5 POSSESSION coming in off the debut two weeks ago in MCL company though should have no issues transferring her form to the TURF.

As far as the FTS both #1 DEAL’EM AND WEEP and #9 ROAR OF SILENCE shows up for capable barns and can be upgraded/downgraded off visuals on the board and in the paddock. #2 WAHIDA OF MARDAN will give up recency though going back to last year was entered in a MSW turf sprint to suggest some intent for the grass. 

I have always liked 1-SAILING SOLO as this 9yo horse is about as honest as they come. After some spread out races from the end of 2020 through 2022 he was able to consistently race through his 8yo season, winning a pair of races for $70k in earnings. He has speed, draws the inside and with the rail position at zero feet, should be able to skim the fence the whole way around. 4-SOUL COAXING has tactical speed as he moves back to the grass after a good second on the dirt in his last. The distance suits and he just has to hope that Sir Lumpalot looks to challenge Sailing Solo on the front end. 8-BLOW TORCH has run once on the turf, a third place effort in a sprint her last May, but this barn continues to send out live horses. He faced touch company at Oaklawn all spring and let's see how he handles the stretch in distance.

Trainer Eduardo Rodriguez has had a fantastic meet and it's horses like 3-BLURT that have improved to run big races. Blurt is a one run type of horse, head to the front and go, as he was able to steal a race two back. He had things pretty easy on the front end in his last before giving way in the lane but he finds another spot where he figures to coast early and try to steal the race late. 5-IRISH VALOR comes back to Hawthorne after at start at Prairie Meadows that was a win a few weeks ago. He will need some pace to chase but the barn is fantastic and the distance suits. 4-CARTE BLANCHE just missed last out as he was running on late, almost catching Blurt at the wire. The trip may be similar in here today as we will see how the timing of moves is in the lane.

This is a race that is really tough to fill but when it does, even with five horses, it is a fantastic race as well! Every one of these horses has the ability to show speed and has won on the front end so the question is how many go and who chooses to rate? Going to go with 4-WILMA MANKILLER on top as she loves this Hawthorne strip and won from off the pace in a race here last summer. This is her first start in eight months but the work pattern is strong and she figures to be able to rate. Let's see if she's ready off the bench. 5-PURR SEA ran a huge race in the Third Chance last out, only to be caught by the very talented Oeuvre in the lane. She's fast but could potentially have company on the front end as well. 2-KANT BELIEVE IT ran a really nice race in victory at Oaklawn in her last as she chased the leader into the lane before drawing clear late. The ability to rate and rally could come into play here as she won with Olaf over this oval last summer.

A really solid field for the 4th as we get a race that doesn't have a ton of early pace. With a bunched up field it will come down to trip as I'll give the nod to 6-FIRST MASAMUNE. He has been good in both of his sprint efforts on the meet and was able to rate a bit closer last out. He's at the level where he is competitive and should be a decent price. 7-RISKY BOY has tactical speed as he has been excellent this meet and really since last summer. Blacnhe is a good fit in the saddle and he could get the jump on those closing late. 4-TONYS MORNING LINE finds things easier in here off a solid performance at Fairmount last out. This is his best distance as the class relief could be all that he needs.

State-bred maidens on the grass with a lot of unknowns in this field. One that we do know can handle the turf is 1-A P BLAZING GREEN as he comes off an excellent race against sprinters in his last. He has tactical speed and tries hard each out but just hasn't been able to grab that first victory. His best race did come against open maiden company over this course last August and today looks to be the right spot. 6-PONTUS is lightly raced but has been solid in each start. He looks to have tactical speed and Manley has been very good with runners on the grass, especially in sprints. 4-CANYON SHADOWS has been trying to get onto the turf as he looks to in here. He faced open company in his last couple, nearly winning in a race taken off the grass two back. With the return to state-breds, he should be sitting on a big performance.

Trainer John Haran is having a career year thus far, winning races at Oaklawn, Churchill, Indiana and here as everything seems to be running lights out. Burgos is back in to ride 3-NOT VERY GENTLE in this spot as he was aboard for a solid second place effort last out. There isn't much along the lines of pace in this race as he figures to have to rate a bit closer early but he likes the track and the distance as he continues to improve as well. 4-FUTURE VISION has turned things around in his last couple. The question is if that turnaround is due to improved form or a switch in distance. He may look to rate a bit closer early as he figures to contend the entire way. 6-LOOKIN FOR REVENGE is the one who should show some speed as he picks up bug Slevinsky today. With the weight off and the two turns, let's see if he can continue to improve for a barn that has done well since coming in from Oaklawn.

Chances for some prices in this spot with a very evenly matched field. I think there's enough pace to chase in here which may set things up for 2-ESSENTIAL BELLA. She sat back last out in the mud but was closing quickly in the lane. If she can sit just a bit closer early in here, I expect her to be in the mix late in the lane. 4-HEAVENLY HASH drops back down in her second race off the claim as she figures to be forwardly place today. Cohen rode in the last couple and gets the call once again for a barn that has had a nice meet. 5-STYLE was a good winner two back as she rallied in a pace-less race. There's more speed in here to close into for the strong Arnett barn.

A very competitive maiden bunch to close the day. Trainer Fausto Gutierrez ships in a pair that both have a shot as I'll go to 6-OFF THE LAM. She raced on a Yielding course in her last and narrowly got up in time with a good late rally. There should be pace to chase once again as she looks to settle mid-pack and get the jump on the late runners. One of those who will be closing late is 8-CROSSANNA for Chris Block. This one was full of run in her last and will also likely benefit from a firm turf. Expect her to try to get into the race a bit earlier here and pick off horses in the lane. 1-DEAL'EM AND WEEP debuts with Lasix from the rail as she has worked consistently into this spot. She may have to leave for position from the inside draw but appears fit off the string of five furlong drills.

Will someone claim a nine-year-old for $25,000? It can happen and 1-SAILING SOLO could be the candidate. His works have been sufficient, he has plenty of experience, and he’s making his first start of the year after a lackluster 2023 finale but he’s been great when running fresh. His best, even at this age, would take it. 6-MONSTERONTHEMIDWAY is another making his first start of the year. He’s taking a bit of a hike in class for this but, with the exception of top choice, this field didn’t come up all that tough. 4-SOUL COAXING has been marginally more successful on dirt but his turf figures suggest he can run with any of these. He’s coming off a good second in a race originally scheduled for turf at this level. Good tactical speed will have him in the hunt throughout.

4-CARTE BLANCHE made a nice run but narrowly missed in last, just failing to catch the lone speed. That was his first race since January. It has been a month since that race and he had only one slow and short drill but the pace of this race should set up better. 5-IRISH VALOR looks like the one to beat. He won his last at Prairie Meadows. However, he had two races here at this level prior to that win and finished fourth in both. 6-MISTER CHARMING is the sleeper. He’s never been in this easy. Would expect him to be far more competitive.

Short but tough field with no toss outs and every member is loaded with speed. Think 2-KANT BELIEVE IT might be slightly the quickest. Love the way she fought for the lead from the start and then drew away in a tough allowance race at Oaklawn in last. Might be forced to fight the same way in this one but could have the same outcome. 3-KAELY’S SISTER has gotten awfully good lately. She didn’t show much in her first start for this barn but she has been dominant in her last two. Plus, she is one of the few in here that has been able to show late run. And, two of her victories came on off tracks, always a possibility here at this time of the year. 1-CAT ATTACK has strong route speed but she’s just not as quick as many in here. That could work in her favor. If the expected heated speed duel develops, she could have late aim on tiring rivals. 4-WILMA MANKILLER has shown flashes of brilliance in her five victories. However, this is a pretty salty group and she is making her first start since October, though she has been working very well. 5-PURR SEA has plenty of speed but maybe not the kind of speed many of her rivals possess. Not sure she’ll keep up early and she’s never shown any kind of closing move. 

4-TONY’S MORNING LINE meets easier. The last two times he raced here, he faced tough winners that came back to win their next starts. He’s probably not facing any of those kind today. 7-RISKY BOY moves up a notch but he’s been in decent form for a while where most of his rivals are not. 6-FIRST MASAMUNE is probably better in route races but he’s racing at the right level today and could come flying late.

Off a solid third-place finish in last, meeting allowance company,1-AP BLAZING GREEN could be the one to beat. That race was against state breds but he also finished second in an open company turf race in his previous start on grass. Drops back into maidens. He owns decent speed in a race with no real front runners. He finished behind Canyon Shadows in his previous two starts but could turn the tables now that they are on the weeds. Could be right there all the way. 4-CANYON SHADOWS should finally get the opportunity to run on the lawn. He’s been entered in open-company turf races in last couple but those races kept getting moved to the main track. Today he's going to be meeting Illinois breds, probably on grass. He finished ahead of top choice the last two times they met. Can do it again. 6-PONTUS finished in the money in both races versus state breds. Tries turf for the first time. Could be a factor.

6-LOOKIN FOR REVENGE isn’t exactly a speed demon but he does look like one of only a couple in here that could be sent to the lead. He finished a bit behind Not Very Gentle in last but had shown decent speed early in that race, his local debut. Seems to have only one to beat to the lead today. Can take it all the way. 3-NOT VERY GENTLE faced runaway winners in his two starts this meet, the last winning by 12 and by 21 in his previous start, but he doesn’t seem to be meeting any of that kind today. However, with his running style, he needs a decent pace ahead of him and might not get that today. 5-JIM AND JIM takes a much-needed drop in class. Can’t hurt, may help.

2-MISS RIVER RAT moves into open company to run on the turf. She’s been in very good form against Illinois breds. She finished last of 12 the last time she met open company on grass but that was against a very tough field in New Orleans. Guessing she fits better in this spot. 7-ALL ABOUT ME ships in. With her speed, she’s likely to go right for the lead. However, she is at her best when unchallenged early and there is an abundance of sprinters that could make life difficult for her on the front end, though the seven and a half furlong distance definitely helps her chances. 3-TOP LOOK might be worth a look. She was claimed from a win in her local debut. Takes on better here but she’s bred for the lawn and could improve dramatically in her first start on the surface.

4-HEAVENLY HASH stood little chance in a far better field last time out but she won her first three races of the meet prior to that race. Drops back to the right level. Could regain her winning ways. 5-STYLE, coming out of the same race as top choice in another that showed little but another likely to wake back up with the drop to the right level. She had won her previous start against runners similar to these. She got claimed from that race by a red hot barn that just wanted to test her against better. But they wasted little time dropping her back where she belongs. When her rider and trainer have teamed up this meet, they win 30% of the time. Can add to that total. 9-TIMELESS GLORY can get a share. She was in far too deep in allowance company in last but she had been in good form racing against this type prior. Can awaken with the drop.

8-CROSSANNA had an impressive debut even though she finished fourth. Starting from an outside post, she raced near the back on the pack for most of the race but turned on the afterburners in the stretch, making up seven lengths, mostly in the final sixteenth, despite racing against glacial fractions. She wound up losing by a half length. However, there doesn’t seem to be all that much speed in this race either so the pace could again be slow. So, once again, she’ll have to do it all on her own. 4-ARGAN, the Kentucky invader, might provide all the early pace. She’s stretching back out and moving back to the lawn. She finished last, 71 lengths back, in her most recent turf race but she did finish third in her turf debut. 6-OFF THE LAM, stablemate of Argan, just missed in last, beating top choice by a head and a nose. That was her first race in 10 weeks and her first race on turf. She’s eligible to improve from both.