Handicapper Tips & Picks

Although short, this field is competitive as there are a few in here with speed. Went on top to 4-BAXLEY as he returns to Hawthorne after breaking his maiden here last September. He should be close up early on and has shown the ability to dig in and battle when challenged. 1-CONGRATS ON FIFTY put forth a big effort in his last as he made the top and extended the lead in a race that came off the turf. That was a quality field that he faced as he continues a progressing race pattern. 5-GOOD APPLE also has shown ability as he was game in his last. He may have a little more versatility compared to the top two choices in here as rating could be the way to go.

Curious to see how things unfold here as the winner last out, Dick Best, skips this spot. Things look to set up for 3-DOUBLE THUNDER to continue his strong races as he has some versatility and should be in a perfect tracking spot. Felix has been a great fit in the saddle as we will see how he handles the added distance. 5-GLOBAL EMPIRE will be hoping for some pace to chase as he figures to sit back early and rally in the lane. He likes this Hawthorne strip and could be one to welcome the added distance. 4-MIDNIGHT BLUE NOTE was well in his last as he jumps back in to the starter series. He also doesn't need the lead to win as a stalking trip could allow for him to pick off some horses late.

Pace makes the race in this spot as there's not much along the lines of early speed. With that in mind, 3-CHARLIE LIGHTNING may be the controlling factor today. He has been sharp all season and just missed last out after being pushed every step of the way. Let's see if he can clear and never look back. 1-LORD GRANTHAM comes in off back to back victories as he will be hoping for some pace to chase. He rallied late in his last two as we will see how he takes to this Hawthorne strip today. 4-PADDY'S HOUSE is another that figures to run on late as he returns to Hawthorne after an extended period in Indiana. He gets some class relief here and just needs that pace to chase.

There's a couple in here with speed as I'm hoping they challenge one another today. If that's the case, it will set things up for 5-NO NANNETTE NO to run on late. She was sharp in her race two back and was just in too tough in her last. This could be the spot that boosts her confidence today. 3-EMITYAAZ is one with speed but she still is looking for her first victory over the track. If she can clear today, she could potentially sneak away and control things on the front end. 1-SHE BE SHEEHAN is the other potentially capable of showing speed. She ran very well in her first start of the meet but disappointed in her last couple. If she can break well, she's the other with potential to contend throughout.

Quite a few horses that have been trying to get on the grass as this could be a very competitive race. 8-MIDTERM has battled in all four starts this meet but looks to have the build of a turf sprinter. If he is able to make the top from the outside, he may never look back. 1-MILLARD A MAVERICK was sharp in his turf debut in Indiana last out. He closed with a rush after a slow start and missed by a neck. This is his second start since the addition of blinkers as the break could make all the difference. 7-RED RIZZLER takes the blinkers off as he also gets a return to the turf. He ran well at 5 1/2 three starts back and is another that will just need some pace to chase.

Curious if 5 1/2 furlongs is enough as we will see for 1-PROFESSOR HIGGINS as he shortens up today. His three most recent grass races were sharp but those all came around two turns. Expect to see him running on late. 2-RAVIN'S TOWN is fast but could have company upfront. He's been trying all meet to get onto the grass and could finally do so in here. He will likely have to go from the rail as we will see if he can clear off the other early speed. 8-SECESSION also has speed as has shown in his last five starts. He tries the grass for the second time and will likely be overlooked at the windows.

A chance for Illinois-bred maidens to face one another as we will see if some of the new shooters can defeat those with races under their belts. 7-SANITARIUM debuts for Fosdick off a nice pattern of drills. She looks to be speedy and from the outside will just have to try to beat Laly to the top. If ready, she can win at first asking. 1-ISABELLA'S BEAUTY is another working well as she will have to get away quickly from the rail. She has also posted some solid drills for a barn that is having a fine meet. 6-LALY is going to go as she just missed in her last. She has fared quite well against state-breds as the key will be if she can clear off potential speed from those on debut.

A chance for an upset here as 3-APRIL'S GEM is proven on grass and is often a square price. The distance suits and I expect there will be some pace to close into. 11-TIZ A COUNTRY GIRL has tactical speed as she steps back up off the claim today. She was good on the grass in starts two and three back as Cohen should have her rolling in the stretch. 6-SILKY WARRIOR has won her last couple as she makes her first turf start of the year. Last summer she posted a nice win at Belterra and she figures to close from the clouds.

It's been a while since 8-VIOLENT GIGI was a winner but this is the easiest spot he has found in some time. He needs some pace to chase which could be concerning as there are really only a couple in here with the potential to show speed. 5-HURTS SO BAD is one of those with speed as he has been good in his last three. With the bug in the saddle, he figures to get sent hard as he may never look back if he is able to clear. 1-Z U SOON has had success over the track as he makes his first start in a year. He comes in with just three works but let's see if this old man has something left in the tank.

Looking for another potential upset with 7-C'EST MAGNIFIQUE as he could get the right trip in here. He has tactical speed and if he can settle within a couple of lengths of the early lead, he should come running late. 4-TOWERING STROM was sharp in his debut and may have had something left in the tank at the finish. He comes in off a sharp drill as he steps up to face open company in here. 3-MONSTERONTHEMIDWAY has been good in a pair of races this meet as he will also settle back early and close late. The distance suits as he will take a good amount of action.