Handicapper Tips & Picks

#6 VANISKY wheels right back and while there are some concerns with the time away and now the drop he should show more run today. Last week he drew the rail climbing over the track early and in hand not asked for run. This one has more early speed and should come into play here with the all around changes and timing.

The same timing and ability to show early speed also follows #5 SLAVA UKRAINI from the event one week ago when he broke SLOG and unprepared out of the GATE. Following his efforts this season, he holds plenty of races that fit on par to return to a top effort here. In addition, he picks up another rider change looking for a more assertive hand exiting higher race par events this season and competitive numbers from earlier this season that fit as a prime contender.

Number wise there is not much between #3 MISTER CHARMING and #7 PLAIN OR PEANUT and both capable of working out a favorable trip looking at the Plot. The edge in recency sides to MISTER CHARMING and could land higher with the public as Rachel Slevinsky shifts back to PLAIN OR PEANUT returning off the layoff. As far as form cycle, MISTER CHARMING follows and “every other” pattern into this race and while looking for that first win this season he has been right there and will note PLAIN OR PEANUT fits the conditions of today’s race as the lone winner this season, he caught a lower race par and the race flow back on 6/1. 

#4 ATKINS turned in a strong effort (B) under similar conditions last month with a less than ideal trip and could catch the right group and intent returning here. He has been given a little more time between starts keying off the quick turnaround last out, the return to Centeno as well as two works since 8/29 to suggest he has held his fitness. The edge on recency and class could turn out to be the separator today in this allowance group and the complexion of this race from a race dynamic standpoint.

Part of the race dynamic comes down to the outside runners with #6 FINDAWAY stretching out and still looking to prove where he fits after catching a softer group breaking his maiden on debut with #7 CHAOS REINS to his outside with proven route speed as an older established horse. He will give up recency coming back off the 110-day layoff along with the ride in class racing protected for the first time since his MSW days in 2022.

#5 DANVILLE is another older, established racehorse with form this season returning from a slight 46-day freshening. He has held his own against this type of allowance company, however, has come up short on the win end or a winning effort something that keeps him in the mix though not quite on the “horse to beat” level here; something that follows #1 GLUCKSTADT returning to the main track though will pick up Mojica and could be positive intent with that rider assignment.

#4 STABLE CURRENCY made a positive appearance in the paddock on debut and the visuals to suggest she would benefit from added (STRETCH) ground and backed that up in running while catching the eye making a MOVE X_FLOW and strong CLOSE and GALLOP+ out after the wire. That debut will not go unnoticed here and with the connections likely to be favored and valid in that role.

C. Block will also debut #7 CURLS NITE OUT one that was entered earlier this month with Mojica aboard and notable as he lands on #3 GOLDENAGEACTRESS one that made a very classy appearance back at the March sale when just in a gallop. She carried herself very professionally and physically should be right at home around two turns and appears well prepared off the series of works.

#8 CLASSYCOWTOWNLADY showed some ability on debut though still a little GREEN first out and should benefit from the start and added works since to IMPROVE off the initial experience. She has kept up in training as a positive and will make the transition to this circuit and the grass picking up a live rider in J. Felix. 

This is a competitive MCL event where many lightly raced types will look to find the right move where they fit on the class DROP. Two top trainers will send out a pair with Rivelli bringing back #1 GOOD TO BE PRINCE and #5 BEST DRESSED MAN with the class change for their second starts and Catalano with IL-bred pair of #3 HOLDEN MICHAEL and filly #7 LYLAH RENEE all capable though likely to get attention off the connections alone and could catch a price with some others in this field:

#2 LEO’S WISH moved forward race-to-race though on a class standpoint was not quite to the allowance competition and takes the DROP here as the right move off the races this season. #9 SNEAKY FEET also should appreciate the change in class along with the timing off the races to establish form and coming back today with the outside draw from the rail last out. #8 MARK MY MEMORY made a positive PRERACE+ appearance took a lot of wagering support in the face of the heavy favorite, eventual winner Baby Boat in that 9/15 common race and without much hesitation wheels right back here.

#6 MAN OF QUALITY is worth a mention coming back from a WIDE trip winning type effort on 8/31 at FD though could find this spot as a slight rise based on circuit purse and giving up local experience. 

Many of the runners in this field return from the 9/1 common race with the BLANKET finish and SETUP winner #2 CHROME ATTACK all back under similar conditions here. The complexion of this race could see a similar dynamic to assist off the pace runners including #5 SHE’S WANDAFUL one that was right there in the BLANKET finish with a BTL effort in a less than ideal trip.

The dynamic could shift enough for both #1 FROSTED ÉCLAIR back at the rail, a slight hurdle for her in the past though again could be compensated on price. #6 MADELYN BELLE could again be favored, a pattern for her and has some knocks on 9/1 in that role, though makes for a better fit in here, however price should still be considered in today’s race. MADELYN BELLE can stalk and pounce something she was unable to do in the complexion of the race last out stuck out WIDE on an early DUEL. She does not need to contest the pace here though #8 RAMBERT drawn outside has her hand forced to clear other speed to her inside with the new faces of #3 HA HA GLORIA and #4 ICY RIVER showing up in this spot.

#7 MOMENT TO SHINE also has some early speed and proven over this turn course and distance though timing perhaps the bigger knock coming off a hard fought win posting a new top and without much recovery time from the effort just 17-days ago at PRM. 

#2 RESOLUTION has the license to move forward in this second start of the cycle returning from the 9/5 common race. On the day she was not only giving up 42-days in terms of recency – she made a RUSH into a Fast early pace taking KICKBACK behind horses. The race flow should be noted as an upgrade for RESOLUTION here and credit for #5 PEGGY’S WAY staying on as the BOS through the X_FLOW after stumbling at the start/TROUBLE_S.

The race shape assisted the winner, Holy Image with a stalking trip and for #1 QUIERO DINERO picking up horses late and should find a similar tracking trip as the early pace should be hot/Fire and honest with the runners in this field including the returning #3 BLUE LILY after over a year off as well as #6 PROBLEMATICA one with legitimate early speed and given a freshening after the self-inflicted (RUSH/RANK) X_FLOW EX – EXCUSE   back on 8/15.

If there is a very fast pace should #8 BACKSTAGE PASS and #4 CRYSTAL SNOW try to get involved early as well, #7 LUTION has a solid late kick and return to Hawthorne in a sprint race for the first time since opening weekend when she made her first start of the year from a 138-day layoff and at a shorter 5f distance in allowance company. 

#3 C’EST MAGNIFIQUE returns fresh for the connections and back under similar conditions from the 8/4 allowance when turning in a “winning” race for the level (B) making a MOVE through TRAFFIC waiting just a bit too long allowing the race winner, Towering Storm first run. They are given a look off that effort and in today’s race all around to come back with another competitive effort. Their class gives them the slight edge over stablemate #8 GREAT COOLNESS though overall a positive in this second start of the cycle with a subtle trip on 9/5 and back under similar conditions with D. Cohen aboard.

T. Tracy also shows up with a capable pair in this race including #5 SIR PISTOLERO returning with the barn and circuit change off the layoff and positive as they will race protected here with Mojica aboard. They will find a lateral change in terms of race par from the May events out in California, those races were SIR PISTOLERO finished both in a BLANKET at the wire. #7 KING OF THE PALACE showed a ton of run WIDE X_BIAS three weeks ago behind his stablemate winner, Talons Time. While he has the edge on recency of the duo, this will be just the second time they will attempt the two turn distance and does have that hurdle here. 

The connections look to have #7 PRINCESS TENKO placed to pick up the win. They had similar intent with the class drop two weeks ago though unable to get right pace to make her run settling for a B- competitive 4^th place result. They will stretch back out, retain Mojica and take another drop where a claim is also likely.

#3 NO NANNETTE NO started off the season with a win here back in April, a win under similar conditional claiming company. She was stepped up since and open at tougher distances as well as entered in races compromised with the race shape and her off the pace runstyle. She will find her way back to a “Fire” Contention and higher speed rate along with the change to run back in for a tag, the last time she was at the level in August, IMPROVE was projected off the 4^th place result making a WIDE MOVE X_FLOW. R. Slevinsky looked to have some options in this field and lands aboard for the first time.

The class drop looked to move up #9 TIMELESS GLORY on 9/8 and did just though the sprint distance on the day could have played a role in the outcome and that changes as she stretches back out in here. Part of the early pace should include #8 MORNING LINE NEWS a flow and all around upgrade from the allowance 11-days ago and right back to a claiming condition had her competitive in August, however, does require a big effort today with a higher par than those events last month. 

Trip is key once again for #5 BALI BABY though with some racing luck she is overdue for a win. She requires some pace to target and while the early pace can be a tougher read with #4 I THINK I KNOW YOU as a “new” face and #10 TRIBEST on the outside with route early speed, though should still be honest with confirmed front running sprinter #3 GET THE CANDY in the field and with #8 DOCS SEVEN showing early speed last out with the BOS win at this level. BALI BABY made a MOVE behind DOCS SEVEN and not far off number wise from the turf sprint races this season.

#7 LIPLINER also brings in some buried form and buried grass form this meet. She looked to be given the race returning off the layoff on 6/8 and wheeled right back with a BTL show finish three weeks later. She was pitched into a higher race par in July and then caught the main track last month and should improve back on the TURF and perhaps some intent with E. T. Baird taking over.

The Gonzalez pair are worth a mention in with mixed signals. #1 MUSED holds back class and turf form that fits on par, though those races were back in 2022 and while she did find the show finish with a solid figure in April, there have been the layoff lines since that come with reservations. Her stablemate #2 BIA BOLT RUNNER has the edge in recency and a sneaky good effort on 9/5 at HS Indy given the trip (B-) on the day a lot stronger effort than perhaps the running line and finishing position suggest. 

Have to think it was just the company that 5-SLAVA UKRAINI faced in recent starts but there is really no reason why he shouldn't find himself on the front end in this field to kick off the day. He gets class relief back to the level of the claim, finds a field lacking of early pace and picks up a rider in Reyes who has had a fine meet. He has to get sent for the top in here. 7-PLAIN OR PEANUT would have been my top choice if not for just the one work off the 2 1/2 month layoff. He gets Slevinsky back in the saddle, who won aboard him on June 1 but will need some pace to close into. 3-MISTER CHARMING has had success over the track and should be worth the look, if he can rate. That's a big if with the 10 lbs. bug in the saddle as getting sent away for the leave could compromise both his chances as well as Slava Ukraini. 

With the likelihood of speed being shown by both Findaway and Chaos Reigns on the outside, things should set up nicely for 4-ATKINS to rate and run on in the lane. His last three starts on the dirt have been solid, including a second place effort at this level last out to a solid racehorse in Category Ten. He picks up the journeyman Centeno today as he should be rolling in the lane. 1-GLUCKSTADT ran a decent fourth at this level two back and likely needed his last on the turf. He's worked a couple of times since that start and with a drying out track may benefit from the rail draw and a ground saving trip. 5-DANVILLE is one who has quite consistent and likes this Hawthorne strip. He ran well at this level two back before being left to chase the lone pace in his last. With a different race complexion today it should help his chances.

On turf or dirt, 4-STABLE CURRENCY should be sitting on a winning effort off a good debut in her last. She rated well and ran on late in that spot and has since followed that start with a nice work. There is some pace in this race as the added distance should be to her liking as well. 9-NADJAMEANSBUSINESS debuts off a pattern of very snappy works, including three straight out of the gate. I expect she is sent to clear from the outside in here as we will see if she has company from Faith Hope N Love should she choose to go. 6-SHOW ME THE LIGHT could be the longshot sleeper in this spot. She didn't show much at Fairmount in her two starts there but ran a respectable third at Hawthorne on August 1 where she closed nicely along the rail late. With the added distance I would expect her to settle back early and charge in the stretch.

This is a sneaky tough race with the potential for 3-4 horses to get sent away. The presence of ET back riding adds a horse like Best Dressed Man to the possibility of that pace battled. Maybe he sneaks off at a higher price than the 7-2 morning line as 6-MAN OF QUALITY figures nicely in here off his recent race and rider change. He ran on late in his last and should be able to settle early and close in here. The added 16th could help his chances as well. 8-MARK MY MEMORY was well intended on debut and took action as he was sent away at 9-2 in that spot. He ran into a good one in Baby Boat but did lead that field into the lane. I think he rates close in here but may be best off avoiding a pace battle upfront. The likely short price will be 1-GOOD TO BE PRINCE for strong connections of Cohen and Rivelli. He chased on debut and ran on late in what was a solid grass bunch. I'm not a huge fan of the rail draw in here though as he may have to work through some traffic as the pace may be coming back at him in the lane.

Another race where turf or dirt shouldn't matter for 7-MOMENT TO SHINE as she has been solid on both surfaces. There is some speed in here so she will need to avoid getting into a duel early as she has actually run her best races from off the pace. Let's see if Baird can get her to rate. 6-MADELYN BELLE has been on the grass in her last three but is actually far better on the dirt in my estimation as shown by her three consecutive dirt wins to open the Hawthorne season. She does have speed and should be sent for the top regardless of what surface this race is on. 4-ICY RIVER has run more recently on dirt but has some back turf form. She was quarter horsed for the front in her last but was empty inside the final sixteenth. With a more experienced rider today let's see if she can rate a bit and run on late.

The break will probably dictate the race for 1-QUIERO DINERO as she will have more than enough pace to chase and just needs to get away in better order. She has run well in her three starts at this level and could be a decent price in here. 4-CRYSTAL SNOW has been on grass of late but the shift to dirt could help her chances today. Her dirt sprint four back as a good effort as her style should also suit the pace in this race. 2-RESOLUTION chased in her last but lacked some late kick in that spot. Her effort two back was a bit better as she's another that could close into a tiring pace battle upfront.

I have absolutely no idea what to expect in here if this race happens to come off the turf as there are three trainers with two apiece in this spot and only a handful that could handle both surfaces it appears. It's a quick return but 4-PROFESSOR HIGGINS ran a nice race on grass two back and held his own while sprinting on the dirt in his last. This is a quick turnaround but he fits and keeps Slevinsky in the saddle. 5-SIR PISTOLERO has been away since May but has also shown some ability on both surfaces. He should be able to show some speed in this spot but will just need to avoid hooking up with Man On Attack in here. 9-SHARP STICK is another that has recently been solid on turf but he has run equally as well on the dirt is a good spot to step up and try this level as he could catch a softer bunch for this first level allowance.

Turf or dirt, 8-DOCS SEVEN looks to be a standout in this spot as she comes off a good win in her last. She won that race on the turf but ran a big race against starter company on the grass four back. With her versatility and the field she faces today, she looks to be a standout. 4-I THINK I KNOW YOU is probably looking for dirt in here as she has run well in her last three and comes back to Hawthorne today. She will need some pace to chase but picks up Cohen as she could be running on in the lane. 10-TRIBEST has been on turf for her last four but actually broke her maiden on the dirt five starts back. She has sprinted with some success in the past and is another one that looks to contend on turf or dirt.

5-SLAVA UKRAINI has been running over his head for much of the meet but he’s finally dropping to a better level. Not sure how much “heart” he has left after recent trouncings but if he has anything still there, he should be the best of this group. 3-MISTER CHARMING hasn’t won in years but he’s usually competitive when racing at the right level and this is that level. He isn’t likely to try for the lead but he should never be far back. Has a legit chance to win this. 2-WILDWOODS WARRIOR will occasionally display good speed, as he did in last at 66-1. Might be the only one to challenge top choice early.

Hard to count anybody out of this race. Can’t imagine anybody beating 6-FINDAWAY to the lead. He stopped badly as Churchill in last but he was in a pretty salty group at Churchill. Stretches out for the first time but is bred to go long. Maybe he’ll last the distance. 4-ATKINS has been in pretty good form. He was meeting much easier claimers not long ago but he narrowly lost his last at this level. He could be the best of the closers in this field. If top pick doesn’t break alertly, 7-CHAOS REIGNS most certainly will. He wired fields in three of his six races this year. Can do it again. 1-GLUCKSTADT and 5-DANVILLE will be set loose late.

No guarantee that this race stays on turf but since so few in here have even raced, just going to stick with turf picks. 4-STABLE CURRENCY was no match for the talented winner in her career debut but she was easily second best. Runners from her barn continue to improve as they race. The longer distance of this even could work in her favor. 3-GOLDENAGEACTRESS doesn’t sport the fastest drills but she has been training regularly and she does get the top jock as pilot for her debut. 8-CLASSYCOWTOWNLADY has speed, a nice turf pedigree, and a rider that will get her out of the gate quickly. Plus, her barn has been pretty successful with turf sprinters. Might be overlooked on turf but she is a proven commodity on dirt and could be the one to beat if this race did happen to get moved to the main track.

1-GOOD TO BE A PRINCE raced evenly in his debut. But that race was on turf and this race will be on dirt. The top barn sends him out with one of the top riders. He’s dropping in class, a 30% winning move for the barn, making his second start (23%), and going from turf to dirt (30%). Figures to be far tougher this time. 2-LEO’S WISH could be the best of the speed, at least among those who have raced. He carried his speed much farther in last, on the grass but would imagine he’ll still be fitter in the third start of his career. 5-BEST DRESSED MAN finished far back in his lone start but did show very good early speed before tiring. At least two members of that field came back to win their next starts. Stablemate of top choice could easily break on the lead. Don’t take him lightly.

Highly competitive race. Many of the runners in here have been finishing within mere inches of each other and there are a couple new shooters that makes the field even more interesting. There seems to be a pretty even mix of speed and closers and have to think that the closers maybe have the edge. It could be the turn of 5-SHE’S WANDAFUL. She came within two heads of winning last. The two that finished ahead of her are both back but think she was moving best of all late. But, again, there’s no guarantee that this race stays on the lawn and she really doesn’t like the main track. 6-MADELYN BELLE is probably the one if this race does come off the weeds. She’s been good on turf but her five dirt wins implies that it could be her preferred surface. 2-CHROME ATTACK was the recipient of a perfect trip in that same race and came out a head in front. She was narrowly beaten in her previous start after getting the same kind of trip. However, she lost ground late in both those races. 8-RUMBERT, 7-MOMENT TO SHINE, 3-HA HA GLORIA, and 4-ICY RIVER could be fighting it out on the lead.

1-QUIERO DINERO isn’t a strong choice but she has been in good form and the pace of this race, once again, will set up for her late move. 6-PROBLEMATICA and 5-PEGGY’S WAY could fight for the lead. Both have the potential to wire the field but both have been running out of gas in recent races. 4-CRYSTAL SNOW races here for the first time this year but she has had some local success previously and she’s another with the late move that could be favored with many tiring speed horses.

Few in here ever raced on dirt so guess I’ll just stick with the turf selections and hope for the best. 2-MAN ON ATTACK was in too tough in a race that was too long for him in last but think he’s going to be a major player in this spot. Drops in class. Cuts back to what should be an ideal distance. He might have to fight for the early lead but think he can put the rest of the speed away. 3-C’EST MAGNIFIQUE showed little in his first four starts for this barn but guess they must have found the “key” for last. He flew late to narrowly miss. However, he’s cutting back in distance for this and he was a runner that always raced longer in New York. He might run out of real estate at this distance though the pace of this race will work in his favor. 9-SHARP STICK moves up in class but he is razor sharp right now and just beat good claimers by daylight. 1-ALL CHOKED UP is as quick as any in here. If he does outbreak top choice, he might not get caught.

7-PRINCESS TENKO drops a couple levels and stretches out. She raced competitively in all her dirt route races and all of them were against better rivals. The leading rider stays aboard. 4-SUMMER AT THE SPA appears to be at the top of her game. She narrowly won last but showed considerable courage doing it. Can win right back. 2-PADDY GAL just missed in her local debut. She led from the start but just got outdueled by Summer At the Spa. But the trip over the track certainly helps.

8-DOC’S SEVEN will be tough on either surface as she always is when they run her at the right level. She’s versatile and runs well against any kind of pace. She was a daylight winner on the lawn at this level in last. Seems likely to repeat. 3-GET THE CANDY looks like the best of the speed. She hasn’t had much dirt experience but she did finish third two races back on a race that was moved to the main track. The drop helps her chances on either surface. 7-LIPLINER might be sent after the lead but her best recent races, at least finishes, came when she was taken off the pace. 

Race 6:  1 - 8 - 4

Pick 4 Ticket: 1,8 / 1,2,4,5,8 / 2,7,8,9 / 3,8  ($40)

#1 Quiero Dinero (5-1) is one of a few in this race that can pass horses. It looks very likely this race will fall apart late, and Quiero could be the one to pick up the pieces. Felix takes the mount…nothing wrong with that jockey change.

Race 7:  5 - 8 - 1

With a plethora of speed on the inside, #5 Sir Pistolero (5-1) should sit a nice stalking trip off the two frontrunners. Trainer Tanner takes over the training from Peter Miller, who was running this gelding against solid competition in California. Plenty of local works gives me more confidence, maybe at an okay price.

Race 8:  7 - 8 - 9

Wide open nickel claimers going two turns….I’m gonna take a shot with #7 Princess Tenko (9-2). The 4yo filly has been sprinting lately, and frankly not doing it very well. She was much better going long, so maybe that will wake her back up to better form. Or, maybe she’s just on the downswing…you decide.

Race 9:  3 - 8 - 1

Although #3 Get the Candy (9-2) has not been very brave lately, she also has been pressed very hard up front. Based on the speed figs, this race projects to have a slower early pace, and the thought here is “Candy” can get to the top much easier and slow it down a bit on the lead, allowing her to sustain her speed to the wire.