Handicapper Tips & Picks

#4 SECRET OPERATION is the class and highest recorded speed figures in the field to make the case she is the horse to beat on that front. The bigger question marks are the time away from the races, a first start coming back from a break since she debuted in Dec 2022 and for the shorter 5.5f dirt sprint distance. The barn does not have a large sample of layoff returning runners and two published works for fitness. J. Felix taking over could be a live sign, a rider that does not often ride for this barn and did literally pick up the mount with this mare last November at HS Indy.

The race shape is a tough read though with the class and rider change SECRET OPERATION could race closer to the lead than her normal style. It is logical to project #3 NAJAMEANSBUSINESS to look to clear as she did hustled to the lead breaking her maiden last month though still number wise is on the lower end compared to others in this field still suggesting she requires a move forward to win. #2 WILDWOOD ADIOS has been pointed to this meet to return noted this spot and change in class a step up to suggest some intent after scratching on 3/27 from a $12.5k N2 event to run here for the higher claiming tag. 

#5 ENTICING OPTION had just the one published work returning on 3/30 and to her credit showed improvement that day and could project another move forward coming back with the fitness second off and shift to an outer post to give a longshot look here.

#3 TWO TIMER brings in some upside as the lone sophomore in the field. She is in her second start off the layoff and class relief overall and from the races to date. She should also bring in fitness not only with that race under her belt but also from a WIDE trip with the outside post and race shape; Fast early and Very Fast late.

In terms of the projected favorites: #6 DELIGHTED fits as the favorite from what is on paper and class relief from the 2024 season. She could also be given flow upgrade from 3/21 as part of the Fast early pace while returning from layoff though visually wanted to see more overall and number wise sits on par with many inhere where a top effort is needed. A similar and logical case can be made for #2 WW BEST OF TIMES and #4 REALTA, though arguably that pair has been at their best with the higher recorded figures on the turf. 

Looking at the Plot and the three inside runners, the early pace should be honest. Both HURTS SO BAD and #2 RACARINO are at their most effective when on or near the lead and #3 ROTARY DIAL also bringing in early speed (Q3 Square) to push that pair with #5 ONE PUTT RICHIE also likely in that first flight.

#4 ALIBI IKE should find the right tracking trip right off that first flight with first run. They make a return from a two month break though a favorable spot to compete when it comes to class. Comparing the MVR form ALIBI IKE exiting higher claiming events than rival ROTARY DIAL to hold a class edge and should be overlooked given the recent running lines and recent win for ROTARY DIAL, a race they had to work HARD for despite the open length margin.

ALIBI IKE holds figures on par and similar form and numbers from the races at Hawthorne and buried form including their most recent start – the 2/8 race where they took legitimate contact at the break TROUBLES+ and showed a MOVE through TRAFFIC before getting carried WIDE.

O. K. Hernandez has overall a positive ROI for A. Meraz including live mounts like Category Ten and this season with picks up the mount on ALIBI IKE with A. Centeno shifting to stablemate #1 HURTS SO BAD, a rider that has been aboard Alibi Ike in the past and perhaps just wanted to change things up here and the rider swapping should keep the ML as projected with ALIBI IKE. 

#2 TORTUGA ISLAND finds much needed class relief (DROP) from the Oaklawn pair of races and should move up on this circuit and race par. They caught an identical par to today’s event with the win back on 10/31 at FD and even found a similar par despite the higher purse when finishing second in the 11/27 CD race.

The change in class is closer to a lateral move for #6 TALL GIRL returning to make her second start of the meet. While catching a similar par on 3/27, the higher purse noted on the day as well as the trip less than ideal outrun early behind a Very Slow early pace and from those visuals looks to need a more assertive ride, something that could easily come from J. Felix taking over today.

The early pace and change in class noted for #1 MO SMOKING one that was part of the Very Slow early pace stalked by the 15.5-1 upset winner Curls Nite Out. MO SMOKING should be as assertive here with their runstyle and inside draw as well as the current fitness not only from the allowance two weeks ago, but also the statebred series from the FG consistent racing since November. Though with former stablemate #5 LADY HELENA in the field, MO SMOKING projects to find pace pressure and legitimate early speed from that filly stretching out here.

#4 TWO HEARTED could pick off horses late to get in for a share with their late kick. Class and speed figures are lighter on par for the win end though with the scratch of MO SMOKING she could find the right trip in this race shape. 

#4 PURPLE OCTOPUS figures again as the race favorite and capable in that role off current form and figures placed where they can compete. While today’s par is similar from the return last week, they are returning to N2 company racing above condition on 4/3 while also giving up recency. Their main game is to run on the lead and can be tough to catch.

Looking at the Plot, #7 SECESSION also brings in early speed and off their races to date could be on the lead with the lead to the first call. They are also a Circle (Circle lack of finishing ability compared to Squares) in that position, they have run against the flow playing a role in the lack of finish. While they have that early speed for today’s race shape. The ideal trip for SECESSION should be one of a stalk and pounce – a trip that has not always been given to them though with the rider change and outside post while returning to this circuit and shorter 5.5f distance that could be their winning trip. SECESSION has, more than once, recorded the highest figures in this field while also finding class relief from their prior starts on this circuit.

If the scenario plays as the Plot suggests, a contentious early pace could set up #1 MINIMO for the trip tracking with first run. They bring in upside for this form cycle – third off with progressive figures and OptixGRADE moving in a forward direction since coming off the slight layoff and out of the higher N2 races both in terms of par and purse at LRL – those efforts fit as a contender here.

Both #2 TALLAPOOSA and #3 CAPTAIN’S FLAG had early TROUBLE_S overall more impactful (imo) for TALLAPOOSA of the pair on the day though less than ideal trips for both. The change in class to run at this level is likely the right one for them abilities though overall still must step up in the speed figure department compared to some others in this field. Perhaps that is note though not out of the possibility for the duo as 4yo’s. An in the case of TALLAPOOSA, lightly raced type making just a second start as a 4yo and if able to step up from the figure when breaking their maiden last July (something they’ve yet to do) that makes them a player.

#5 DURANGO CHROME also lighter on speed figures, though has a solid late kick (Square) and their lone Hawthorne race, the debut last April was BTL and while that race for other connections that race at the least suggests they can run and handle this course some upside returning to this circuit and would not be surprise to see and honest showing along with a late run. Number wise #6 SENOR MIKE has recorded figures on par and competitive on this circuit and returning from an excuse breaking in a tangle (TROUBLES+) and quickly in hand not asked to race on 10/24 – they could require a start returning today from the time away and would check for the front wraps. 

This race has a handful of contender and contentious event overall that could even see this as a key race going forward. Especially as many return from layoffs and return at this 5f distance, a distance that might not be ideal for many of those main players while capable all the same in this spot with their edge on class and speed figures.

#1 BALADINE is worth giving a longshot look to as they have win over this course and shorter 5f distance while also showing up with a win and top figure off the layoff. They were not a longshot by any means at even money winning last season on opening week (3/24) as the BOS  (22, 45) though with that race par being similar to today and that type of runstyle that could see them with a potential gate-to-wire front running trip.

There are others that have shown early speed though like in the case of #2 SHARP STICK at the route distance. Both #6 CLYDE’S GREEN GO and #8 SPINNING PISTOLS are major threats with class and speed figures on par and appears intent especially with 8yo CLYDE’S GREEN GO one that has the layoff history and must come out race ready, though both prefer to track and finish – allowing a scenario for someone to sneak away upfront. 

#4 REGAINED POWER was no match for their FTS stablemate Via Del Corso on 3/30 though does not catch a stablemate today and off the 3/30 recorded figure comes in as a solid contender to repeat and likely catch on the front end. They take the drop today though a move not overly concerning in this case and in for a higher $25k on this circuit, though could see some claiming interest.

Perhaps their biggest threat again is from another “Del” in #3 DEL TORO returning from an extended layoff to make a belated second career start. They earned a follow going back to the June debut over the HS Indy turf showing a strong middle WIDE MOVE after a SLOG, TROUBLE_S and after that move was in hand late to the wire, though in running showed something to follow. The follow has been patient for all, 309-days into this race and a long worktab with published works starting in late December at CD and a steady March pattern at TP coming into this race.

In terms of race par, this is a lateral move for #5 PAPA’S NICO BOY from the races last year mostly from the NYRA circuit. That said, those races all in the juvenile campaign could take a step forward as a 3yo with the other changes in barn, circuit and medication racing first time on Lasix. They brin in steady works through March topped off with a bullet half mile one week ago. The jockey trainer combination has been effective over the years to suggest intent including the two show finishes, both horses showing run last Sunday in visuals and outcome.

Number wise #1 RED RIZZLER recorded a similar top figure to that 3/30 effort from REGAINED POWER last season with the place finish in August sprinting on the turf. The grass looked to be the intent for them that season and ultimately where they are best suited though should present a move forward here second off and the edge in recency with the class and rider change as well while running in this group as the only older horse. 

Many in the finale return to rematch from the 3/27 common race and could see a similar race shape with an even more honest early pace as noted with the Sun Contention and 43 SpeedRate – a higher SpeedRate than the 20 last out. That is noted with the Plot position for a trip of those runners with #1 RISKY BOY and #2 BREAKING NEWS side-by-side along the inside and #6 ALYANAABI to their outside with #3 RACE DRIVER joining that trio today as they return from the layoff bringing in more early speed.

That scenario along with the slight change in distance to 5.5f could assist runners from off the pace and for #5 ONE WAY HOME, a positive change making a strong CLOSE on 3/27 behind their stablemate first run winner, One Putt Richie. The slight change in distance could also upgrade #7 HATCHET CREEK one that should be fit coming back from a WIDE trip in that common race and coming back on shorter rest with D. Cohen aboard, a positive for a horse that has struggled with the recent layoffs – a front wrap removal would be further positive sign.

As the race shape could look to set up ONE WAY HOME a similar Plot position and shape to #4 SHAKE UP returning here and class relief from their races last year and first start on this circuit for live connections as noted in Race 7, could be live looking for the late double. 

A difficult race to open the Thursday card. There's a couple with speed in here as I'm hoping 1-JOYZELLA is able to rate in the second flight early and run on in the lane. I thought she held her own against slightly better two weeks ago and she may have needed that race. With the short field and a little more fitness she could be sitting on a good effort today. 2-WILDWOOD ADIOS looks to have some speed as she appears fit off three drills coming into here. She ran well in her final start of 2024 on the poly as we will see if she looks to head for the top today. 3-NADJAMEANSBUSINESS was a good winner at Tampa in her maiden score on March 5 and was able to get an easy breeze in between starts. She's the other with speed who looks to be rounding into form.

Not much pace in this race which should help the chances of 2-WW BEST OF TIMES on the drop. She's been away since last October but has worked consistently toward her return. While her races are better on turf, she doesn't have much to beat in here. 6-DELIGHTED would have been my top pick but I'm a bit more worried about her class drop today. She was claimed for $20k last April at Keeneland but didn't start again until this March. In her second back off the layoff she takes the drop again. With the bug in the saddle, expect to see speed from her today. 4-REALTA opened her career with some solid starts in New York. As things tailed off, she has continued to drop in class and now shifts to Hawthorne for this race. The running style may suit her though as she figures to close ground in the lane.

Not a ton of pace in here as Hurts So Bad and One Putt Richie appear to be the two with some early speed. Off his last couple, 3-ROTARY DIAL looks poised to stalk and pounce in the lane. His form on the dirt has been solid as he was placed first after stretch trouble in his last. Gonzalez rides again. 2-RACARINO has had Hawthorne success, hitting the board in half of his eight starts over the track. He figures to rate mid-pack early before running on in the lane. He has three works toward his return for a barn that is off to a good start on the meet. 5-ONE PUTT RICHIE was a game winner here on opening day, as he battled every step of the way and emerged clear late. He figures to rate close early as Mojica climbs back aboard.

Feel quite confident on top in here with 1-MO SMOKING but after that this seems to be a wide open race to me. Mo Smoking ran a solid race against allowance runners here on opening day as she battled every step and held on to finish third. The barn and rider are off to a good start this meet as she should get a perfect stalking trip. 4-TWO HEARTED is the way I went in second. She comes in off the claim at Turfway in her last but runs protected in this spot. There looks to be some pace upfront for her to close into as Mojica takes the call. 5-LADY HELENA steps up off the claim as she looks to be one with some early speed. She has been solid in her Hawthorne dirt starts and has shown she can handle two turns on the grass. This could be a spot where she's a sleeper.

Clearly Purple Octopus will be the one to beat in here but with Loveberry riding at Keeneland on Thursday and the likely very short price on the horse, I'll look to beat him. 1-MINIMO gets the nod as he comes off a good effort in his last. He settled early off a rather slow pace and showed some late run to get into the mix. With more early speed in here and a 16th of a mile further to run, I expect he should be charging in the lane while at a price. 4-PURPLE OCTOPUS battled every step of the way in his last in a very game effort. He was skipping a condition that day and drops back down a notch here as the claiming tag is waived once again. Look for him to try to clear and never look back. 2-TALLAPOOSA battled in his last in the same race that Minimo comes out of. He chased much of the way before racing into some traffic coming out of the turn. He was no match for the winner though as he was able to hold on for place money.

Going to look to the Illinois-bred in this allowance test as 6-CLYDE'S GREEN GO has been training well leading to his 2025 debut. He has found the board in all four starts at five furlongs and has the tactical speed to rate close and run on late. Roman has ridden well to open the meet and gets the call in this spot. 2-SHARP STICK was running longer to close out 2024 but if you dig deeper into his past performances you find some solid sprints, including a runner-up effort at this distance. Cohen gets the call today as this one enters fit off a good string of drills. 8-SPINNIN PISTOLS merits a look as he comes in from the West coast for trainer Bill Morey. He will need some pace to chase and may find it in here as he figures to rally in the lane. His works are consistent and he figures to take a good amount of action.

Lots of pace in the Thursday finale as I'll look back to one I selected on opening day and give the nod to 5-ONE WAY HOME. I felt the 10 yo ran quite well in that spot and had some late run but the five furlongs just wasn't enough. He goes a 16th further in here and figures to rally as Mojica gets the call. 2-BREAKING NEWS will take action as he was the beaten favorite in this spot last out. He got away a step slowly which likely compromised his chances but he battled on after that. Look for him to push things early on and hang around late. 1-RISKY BOY showed speed from the outside draw last time out and now moves to the rail. I expect he is right there with Breaking News early and we will see who runs on late.

Not sure if any in here hold an “advantage” but 2-WILDWOOD ADIOS might be the best of these. She hasn’t been overly effective yet, but she did finish second in last at Turfway, her only venture into straight claimers. She had three useful drills since that December start. Could be ready for these. 1-JOYZELLA needed last. She displayed decent early speed in that first start since October with only two short drills coming into that race. She faded late there but should be better prepared to get the distance today. 3-NADJAMEANSBUSINESS just graduated. But she could be the best of the speed and we have to figure she’s fit since she’s been steadily racing. Might lead throughout.

6-DELIGHTED tends to run out of gas but she is the best of the speed and she has never been in this easy. 3-TWO TIMER finished far back in all her races but all have been against much tougher. She’s making her second start for this barn and her second start after a four-month layoff. Her barn sports a 26% win rate with runners making their second starts off similar layoffs. Could be poised to surprise. 2-W W BEST OF TIMES could try for the lead. Her best races so far have been on turf but, like the top pair, she’s dropping a few levels to take on this group. Good works for a sharp layoff trainer will have her ready.

5-ONE PUTT RICHIE scored on opening day. He stalked the pace early and grabbed the lead in the stretch. That pretty much mirrored his previous victory last year when Mojica also rode him. Orlando is back aboard today. Might be able to repeat. 6-PADDYS HOUSE is worth a look. He has been racing all winter at Fair Grounds and he’s had three works since getting here. Did well here in the past. Chance. 3-ROTARY DIAL is in better form than most. He finished second in his last two at Mahoning Valley, most recently on March 17th.

1-MO SMOKING looks tough. She just finished third in an open allowance after racing well in Louisiana-bred allowance races all winter. She won a pair here at this level last year. Her barn and rider have been red hot so far this meet. 4-TWO HEARTED jumps in class but she’s coming off a win, she was claimed last by a barn that has a lofty 43% win average with their first-time claims. 2-TORTUGA ISLAND could lead throughout. She’s been tiring in recent races but ships in from Oaklawn and could find the company here a bit easier. 

4-PURPLE OCTOPUS was heaving favored in his first start of the meet but came up a little short. However, he was both making his first start since June and he was racing over his conditions. Drops into the right condition, a non-winners of two. Likely makes amends at a very short price. 7-SECESSION might offer the only real competition. He had a couple decent fourth-place finishes at Fair Grounds recently. He owns decent speed but probably expect him to stalk top pick early instead of going head-to-head on the front end. 5-DURANGO CHROME might be the only one in here capable of coming on late and the pace of this race might set up well for him to at least grab a share.

In a race without much early pace, 6-CLYDE’S GREEN GO just might find himself with the lead despite not being a confirmed front runner. He has only Quality Storm to beat to the lead. He’s been training well for his first start since September and he’s done well enough on this track in the past. 8-SPINNING PISTOLS races for this barn for the first time. So far he has only raced in Northern California and Washington, where he usually exhibited a strong closing move, though he did lead most of the way in a Golden Gate race a little over a year ago. He’s had at least six workouts getting ready for this. Probable favorite can get there. 2-SHARP STICK prefers turf and routes but he had a win and four other in-the-money finishes to close out 2024 and he could pick up right where he left off.

4-REGAINED POWER is likely to go off at a very low price. This well-bred runner ($220k auction purchase) just finished third in maiden specials and now drops into a maiden claimer for only his third start.  He looks like a standout on paper but the drop does seem a bit strange. 5-PAPA’S NICO BOY has had a number of competitive efforts, mostly in New York. He makes his first start of the year, his first for this barn, and his first with Lasix. He had four useful drills coming into this race, including a bullet last week. 3-DEL TORO didn’t show much in his lone start last June but might fare better here. He’ll be racing on dirt, he’s been gelded (last week), he races for a new barn, and he’ll be getting Lasix for the first time. 

Nice competitive race for the last of the day. Can make a case for every runner. 3-RACE DRIVER drops while coming off the layoff. Speedy runner might have to fight for the lead but he’s faced tougher for most of his career and could put the rest of the speed away. 2-BREAKING NEWS, like most in here, needed last. Beaten favorite started a bit slow but rushed up to contest the lead before tiring late. He’ll be tougher off that effort. 1-RISKY BOY started from the outside post in his first start of the meet but he fought for the lead instantly and outlasted the rest of the speed, only to be passed late. He could fight for the lead every step pf the way today. 7-HATCHET CREEK often displays speed but it’s his ability to run well from off the pace that makes him a danger in this speed-filled race.

T 4 Rich Girl 8 Royal Sauce 3 Hope N Glory

T 6 P C Chattahoochee 3 Debra 2 Eartha K

P 1 Gooned Again 7 Whiskey Blue Chip 4 Drunk Dial

T 5 Pahokee 6 Fishermans Blues 3 Ritchie Rich

P 2 Foreverafterall 4 Gooseberry 8 Kobra Kate

T 7 Resolve Indeed 6 Core Resolve 5 Marie H

P 6 Bet Nineteen 1 Modern Writer 4 Passionate Prince

P 4 Kandy Kiss 5 Coeuratout Du Lac 1 Mafalda

T 10 Houston Seelster 9 P L Srirachaa 7 The Bear A Cuda

P 9 Wifey Said So 4 Dollydaydream 1 Pam