Handicapper Tips & Picks

Three speed, three closers in the opener. 1-ELECTRIC CHARGE runs for a barn that has had a fine meet. He fits at the distance, should be able to save ground, and figures to run on late. 4-REGIMENTAL also fits the style as he too should settle and close. He should take some action in here. 5-ICE AXE is the sleeper as he ran an improved race last out. He likely won't show much speed early but should be picking off horses late.

Another race with a good amount of pace. Looking to 1-WHAT'S TO DO to rate back early and look to charge home in the lane. This is a much easier spot for her as she's a fit on turf or dirt. 2-CATHOLIC SUE was left to chase in her last couple. Today she will likely sit back again early but could run on in the lane. 3-LUNAR UNIT picks up Loveberry as she comes in off a solid work leading into today's race. I expect she settles mid-pack early and rallies in the lane.

Not sure the optional $80k race on Derby Day played to the liking of 6-IZZY'S MONSTER as there's so much going on for a racehorse in those conditions. Today she gets back to her home track and a spot much more fitting for her. 5-TWO HEARTED won't show much speed early but will be running on late. Both of her starts this meet are good as she poses an upset threat. 3-PASTA SALAD RHONDA needs pace to chase as she has been solid in both starts on the meet. She's 5-5 ITM at Hawthorne and is in the best form of her career.

Both Winebaugh runners are in with a shot as I'll give a slight edge to 5-MOONRISE DRIVE. He ran a solid race in his first out of the meet and may rate even closer early with the lack of pace in here. 7-CUCUY picks up the bug girl as he comes in from Florida for this start. His form is much improved this season as the dirt routes have been to his liking. 4-RAMESSES has tactical speed as he could rate close early and contend in the lane. He held his own while stepping up on the grass in his last. Let's see if he will provide any value in here.

No telling what is going to happen with the weather but this race is solid on either surface. Looking to the outside with 11-FOXXY CLEOPATRA as she makes her second start of the year. She has raced on every surface, except a dry dirt track but has worked well over the Hawthorne dirt. She figures to rate in the second flight early in here and run on in the lane. 1-GHAALEB'S CITY has never raced on turf but looks to be in solid form. She was a sharp winner against a tough group in her last. Look for her to maintain her rail position and contend throughout. 10-MOMENT TO SHINE has won her only turf start as she makes her first start of 2025. She looks to get pace to chase as she figures to rally in the stretch.

Any horse can win this race. There's enough pace bunched together inside that maybe those closing to the outside can contend. Going to the most consistent horse of the bunch with 8-HATCHET CREEK as he has been right there in his last couple and has a perfect running style for this field. The barn had a solid day on Sunday and has this one well spotted. 5-TONYS MORNING LINE has won his last two and could improve in his second start of the meet. He figures to sit back early and should come charging in the lane. 9-MALIGATOR will close from further back but the distance suits and the price should be right. Jock Hernandez has ridden well this meet as this should be the sleeper in the field.

On turf or dirt I like the chances of 7-MAASAI WARRIOR in here. He was a good second on the grass two back before running onto a better than looks fourth in his last. He should get some pace to chase as he figures to rally in the lane. 4-TIME MUSE has been on the dirt recently, where he has posted both of his victories, but he has past turf success as well. He should be in a good stalking spot early as he looks to run on in the lane. 2-HAWKS CREEK will need that pace to chase as he makes his first start of the year. He has worked very well toward his return as he figures to take some action in here.

Not much pace in here which should help the chances of 9-WICKED SUPRISE today. He may have needed his last as he was coming off the layoff. He may have to hustle a bit to make the top but if clear, he may never look back. 5-SHADY MCGEE has been solid on the grass as he drops back to a spot where he ran a good second two back. He's likely to rate in the second flight early and run on in the lane. 3-NILES CHANNEL got away poorly in his last which was costly. His prior two races were better as we could catch a little price on him in here.