Handicapper Tips & Picks

Route runners open the day as there's not much pace in this race. 5-LILY'S CREED has speed, stretches out, and runs for a barn having a fine meet. 2-LUCY'S LOOKIN LEFT rated closed behind a slow pace in her last. She likely gets that stalking trip once again. 1-NO NANNETTE NO should be right with Lucy's Lookin Left early. It's just a matter of if the pace comes back.

There's enough pace to chase, which should help the chances of both 2-STARINA and 4-PANTHERA. Starina rallied late here on opening day for a near miss. She's fresh coming into here and should be tough. Panthera makes her first start of the meet. Rosin runners have been solid and the price should be right. 6-LEMON BOMB has speed, but doesn't need the lead to win. She did stretch out for her last and hung around late in the lane.

First turf race of the meet with sprinters going 5 furlongs. Looking to 3-WILD DREAMS on top as she debuts for Rivelli. She gets Lasix and has worked quickly in the morning. Expect to see speed at the start. 2-ISLAND JIVE has a solid turf sprint at Canterbury last August. She has worked consistently toward her return and could be a decent price. 8-NIGHT BLUE tries the turf sprint as she figures to rate and rally. The outside draw may benefit her as she looks to find good early position.

Not a ton of pace in here as 5-ROTARY DIAL may be able to rate a bit closer early and hang around late. Gonzalez has ridden very well and this distance suits. 2-STAR OF KODIAK got a perfect setup last out as he was able to rate and rally. The barn has had a great meet as he loves this Hawthorne strip. 6-STINGY went two turns in his last and hung in late into the lane before tiring. The move back to the sprint should benefit his chances.

A highly competitive field in here as basically any horse can win. 7-BAKENEKO likes to rate close but doesn't need the lead to win. He makes his first start of the year for a barn that has had everything ready. 4-TEMPER TANTRUM fits at this distance and got the benefit of a race here a few weeks ago. He figures to rate mid-pack early and rally late. 6-K P ALL SYSTEMS GO ships in for today's race as he is well spotted. He could sneak off at a bit of a price but should be charging late.

There's a few that could get bunched up early but none committed to the front. Looking to 6-MIDNIGHT ROYAL as he makes his first start of the year off a nice workout pattern. He has tactical speed for a barn that has gotten off to a nice start. 7-IDIOSYNCRASIES has some speed as he steps up off the win in here. He could be the most likely to try to make the top early, which could be his best way to go. 1-PURPLE OCTOPUS has been second in his last three starts, all as the favorite. He'll take action again, it's just a matter of if he can get over the hump for a win.

A tremendous race closes the day. I could make a case for any in here. Will look to 6-MISS RIVER RAT on top off her turf record, combined with her recent work tab. She shouldn't be too far back at any time and has been good here at Hawthorne. 10-TRAIL RIDGE ROAD is another that has been good on grass as she is also working very well toward her first start of the year. She may have to sit a bit further back early but should be charging late. 2-GO LEE ANN GO just missed on the turf here last fall. She has the ability to rally late and could sneak in at a price.