Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 ALTO ROAD fits as a capable type though is dropping in class of a win and has the recent layoff lines as a change in timing to consider along with a shorter number. The rail draw in here could form their hands to show early speed and take pace pressure from the runners towards their outside. That includes their  H. Rodrigues stablemate #4 BREAKING NEWS. They also find the class drop, though more reasonable than questionable as following the win on 5/1 and racing protected in starter allowance company three weeks ago, the higher par on 6/1 return to claiming company where they have been competitive in the other starts this season.

Looking at the Plot, #5 HURTS SO BAD has a similar Plot position/shape to ALTO ROAD and projects higher of the two in the wagering to make a value case on that front. The move to an outer post following the recent three starts could be a positive for this individual. That includes the 5/29 start under similar conditions noting the trip, TROUBLE_S and in TRAFFIC SHUFFLE back and put in a strong CLOSE for place.

#2 CHRISTMAS PRESENT has plenty of races that fit to compete with this group including a B- OptixGRADE at the level on 4/17, their first start back off the layoff. They were WARM, heavily washed out on 5/29, a big change for them physically and might have been a sign that was not their day and something to look for here. The “bunched” appearance on the Plot could be favorable toward their runstyle and looking for that Sun Contention to run at.

#2 DEMAND RANSOM could present early speed here as well and the manner of their more competitive races to date. With that said, they lack an edge over the other rivals in a similar position on the Plot and current speed figures sit below today’s par. 

#3 REALTA presents value in this field finding sneaky class relief off their races in May and numbers that fit on par. Their runstyle should fit today’s race looking at the Plot and pace contention in front of them, though not far off that first flight to look for first run. #5 JOYZELLA finds a similar position on Surface distance and should benefit from the class DROP returning form the turn route two weeks ago.

The class drop should move up #2 BABE IN THE WOODS and following an every other pattern should be sitting on a peak effort while in this second start of the cycle. The 6f distance might not ultimately be their ideal, however capable in the right spot with the right trip.

The redraw of this race shifts the returning #1 LALY from post 8 to the rail and as a Q1 Square could present a pace advantage up front with the shortest distance around the track. The Plot position and shape could be flattered by their second start when catching the BIAS and LONE lead on the day.

LALY brings in early speed that can be effective though still likely have to contest that pace with #7 LIONS LAW and #6 TWO TIMER looking to establish position from the outside. The redraw finds TWO TIMER shifting from post 2 and like 6/1 racing as the lone sophomore in the field. With that said, TWO TIMES does hold recency and can be upgraded off their form this season coming back from the B- OptixGRADE on 6/1.

TWO TIMER dueled with the eventual BOS winner Crystal Snow one that was able to hold for the win and photo with the closing #4 CALLAS at the wire. CALLAS had a longshot look in that race off buried form and the run 25-days ago compromised at the break with the SLOG TROUBLE_S putting in a strong CLOSE and GALLOP+. Also worth noting on 6/1 TWO TIMER raced as the lone sophomore in the field that day and again is the lone 3yo here. 

#8 CHINATOWN GIRL earned a follow from their debut earlier this month. In running they had TROUBLE_S and from there on hold (TACTIC-) showing a MOVE while not asked for their best on the day and present upside from the experience and the changes shifting to this circuit.

#7 TAKE THE HEAT projected to move up on TURF and did just that on 6/12. Heading into that MSW race there was less concern about the surface switch than the class level and showed a lot more run (especially GALLOP+ out past the wire) than the running line and finishing position suggests.

#1 TRINITYTHREEINONE makes some changes here and going back to last year when starting on the turf showed a strong GALLOP in the sprint debut and class weakness/DROP for the second start. That combination of changes comes forward here along with progressive numbers and fitness from the races this season. #2 POLSKA SUE also has shown improvement on this circuit and the move to the turf. From the sprint races drawn inside and stretch out in distance, they are likely to be assertive and look to show speed and presence felt on the front end. 

#5 DIAMONDS JOY follows a positive swing in their current “every other” form cycle pattern and overall fits this race checking the ABOVE boxes on Speed, Plot and Class. The find class relief form the recent starts and open $12.5k claiming condition last month. They bring upside form that trip/TACTIC- caught WIDE chasing on hold up close to a Very Fast early pace going two turns on the turf. The front wraps were also added in that race. O. Mojica takes over today and has been aboard in the past up for the maiden win as well as the claiming win last September when picked up for their current connections.

As noted the ABOVE on Plot and when looking at the race shape paired with the draw she can track outside the early pace (#2 LITTLE SASS, #6 ANNA FTER MIDNIGHT, #7 RUNNERS HEAT)  look for first run. That first run over #3 WRITTEN CONSENT as well as #1 BELLA FRANCESCA one that probably could prefer an outer post though at the same time has shown improvement number wise as a 4yo and new face on this circuit could find the right level to compete.  

While #7 DARK VINTAGE ultimately might prefer a STRETCH in distance, a class edge on the turf is tough to ignore. They bring in upside from the higher level turf sprint allowance following the extended 578-day layoff with a higher par and noted near blanket finish with the top six together at the wire. The timing also a further positive given the time away and now right back in two weeks as a positive for these top connections.

DARK VINTAGE should find pace to chase given the complexion of this field and primary pacesetter #9 MARTINI MAN making their return in this spot. They land here fand perhaps with some intent with a scratch on 6/11 from an N1 allowance race at CBY and while similar par and condition, the purse here is $8k higher.

#6 RAVIN’S RANSOM also projects to show early speed as was the path to break their maiden LONE on debut and given a X_FLOW upgrade from 5/17 when fractious in the gate forced to RUSH and NO_PUSH late. Stablemate #1 VIA DEL CORSO returns to allowance company and with the connections off the claiming win and no takers three weeks ago. While they will be tested to transfer their form to the turf they were not entered MTO in that 6/5 race and perhaps the bigger hurdle than surface is the test to improve number wise as well as class. Their runstyle and inside draw is a positive. While W. Rodriguez was aboard for the recent win (and three other wins that day, while also dropping the stick late, which clearly was not needed) A. Centeno was aboard for the maiden score taking back over here. 

#1 MANAGING MISHIEF return from a legitimate TROUBLE+ trip over the turf on 5/29 that trip playing a bigger role in the outcome than the surface switch. Despite the adversity she showed a MOVE and interest to record a B- OptixGRADE in the 5^th place outcome. As she wheels back in here they bring further upside from the 2024 season and even the allowance in April at Oaklawn taking KICKBACK that day – something to avoid (and perhaps the reason to try back on grass) here likely showing early speed while they draw the rail – less options than when drawing outside for the redraw.

#5 FIRST HILL also taking the same path as MANAGING MISCHIEF back to the main track and does hold form under similar conditions surface and distance from last year. Based on placement and race shape there are factors to consider that she has been up against it (class, dynamic) and unable to show her best playing a role in the outcome at Oaklawn and here last month. As shown on Surface/Distance she could also contest the lead, and the pair keep #6 MARY’S BOON honest – one  that was able to RUSH clear to a LONE lead racing with the track profile (BIAS) and worked HARD with the new top speed figure recorded.

The outside draw should assist trip with #7 COMMISIONER GULCH sitting ABOVE on Speed and Plot while making her return turn Hawthorne with progressive efforts this year and now in the third start of the form cycle. She should establish first run on closers #3 DEVIL and #4 SALLY’S SURPRISE sitting as Q4 Squares. The Plot position is not as ideal for #2 SAMARITA though could also find her way back to a top in this third start of the cycle and a competitive type overall. 

#4 CLOEY ATTACK appears well intended with the racing this season moving up with each start at FP and now in the third start off the layoff and returning to the turf, arguably their preferred surface. She held her own in the FG sprints though was not at the right level in the earlier season allowance races finding the drop and the win on 2/28 that conditional claiming event holding a similar par to today’s race with a slight rise in purse.

#1 EMPRICAL VIEW is worth a look and getting creative with. As far as class and speed she has those boxes checked both on the grass and from the KY allowance conditions starting off her career and before the recent layoff. Her effort last June (prior to the most recent long layoff) was impacted by TROUBLE and projected to IMPROVE off those in running visuals. While she has not shown that this year, she might have needed the start and as a PREP while racing X_FLOW on 5/1, a race won by her stablemate Vegas Condo and noted DELAY along with the rail draw wheeling back three weeks later on 5/22.

When this race was initially carded for last Sunday most of the field remains though one addition (and one subtraction Spare A Dime) of #8 SPINNING GLORY creating a pair for L. Rivelli in this race with #7 SMOKED making her turf debut. Overall the two bring in similar figures and front running (Q1) runstyle and the complexion of this field could find others also looking for the lead to deal with. The individual separation gives SPINNING GLORY the edge on surface experience while SMOKED has the benefit of races against winners.

#9 MISS MIKOS also shifts first time to the turf though could be a beneficial surface switch especially following the 6/5 start (and her open length pacesetting winner, Mary’s Boon) taking KICKBACK behind horses while racing over a course tough to make up ground. 

The Sun Contention paired with the higher 50 SpeedRate should assist runners from off the pace: #5 WILDWOOD’S WARRIOR falls clearly in that position as a Q4 Square and projecting a move forward wheeling back in two weeks from the 6/8 start impacted by WEATHER and trip chasing inside/SAVED and in hand/NO_PUSH not asked for run on the day.

The Plot position also upgrades #7 PERFUMER coming in from FP on the stretch out for the first time since last season. They picked up the win last April with a similar type race shape noting a Fire Contention and honest 38 SpeedRate. #1 VANISKY was compromised at the break and with the trip still recording an honest effort with the B- OptixGRADE despite the 4^th place outcome and appears intent with J. Loveberry back aboard and likely better conditions than the WEATHER impacted course earlier this month doing them no favors with vision impairment on the left side. 

As far as the first flight, #8 ICE AXE could be forced from the outside (a shift from the rail from Sunday) and #2 JET FLIGHT (one that was drawn post 8, outside) moving inside should run their race, though still could be tested to contest the pace though bring in form and the edge when looking at the Plot over some of their “Circle” Q1/3 rivals.

The one change for the redraw comes from trainer E. Hughes substituting #3 ANCIENT MAN for Son of Grace where ANCIENT MAN brings in current form while stretching back out and from the much too short 5.5f sprint two weeks ago when putting in a CLOSE and GALLOP+ and upgraded on Standard. 

#7 BOURBON STREET BOY finds a softer change in par and purse presenting as a slightly new face on that front. In addition, they can be given a slight flow upgrade as part of the early pace in the recent CD starts. Further intent comes into play as the connection have been looking for a race on this circuit as well as the added ground and turf noting they were a late scratch from the 6/8 $20k MCL event when the weather hit and moved the races to the main track.

Both M. Perez runners #5 BLACK RUSSIAN and #11 MONEY AGENT can be upgraded here. MONEY AGENT had been racing into shape and found their top form on 5/11, not a one off and should carry here based on prior season races. BLACK RUSSIAN should appreciate the STRETCH out from the 5/11 common race where they showed their run past the wide with a strong GALLOP+ and should hold fitness from the races this season and WIDE trip on the day.

Also from the 6/8 common race: #6 CASH APP MIKE still must show where they fit on class though the STRETCH In distance while on the turf is favorable for this individual. #10 DYNO WAR does not hold a class edge though brings in buried form and TURF visuals along with intent for the added ground staying in the 6/8 off-the-turf event to keep up conditioning.

The lone FTS #8 KISS MY CHARMS is in strong hands with O. Mojica aboard. They will given up experience on that front in contrast to the others though fit that “new face” if looking for that in an established group. This IN-bred has been training at Hawthorne and despite a gap from 5/25 to 6/12 looked to make up some fitness with the mile move. 

Kicking off a nice card with a race with some upset potential. 5-HURTS SO BAD could be that upset threat as he makes his second start off the layoff. He has speed to contend early but doesn't need the top to win. The track and distance suits. 1-ALTO ROAD will take plenty of action in this spot. He comes off a good win in his last but now drops in price off that score. With this being his first Hawthorne start, there's some unknowns that make me look to try to beat him at a short price. 4-BREAKING NEWS is another that loves this Hawthorne strip and also has tactical speed. This is his best distance as he drops in class after coming out of a tough starter race in his last.

Not much for early pace in here which should help the chances of 1-LALY. She draws the rail for her first start of the year as she has worked consistently toward her return. Let's see if she can clear and never look back. 6-TWO TIMER has run much improved races in her last three. She chased the entire way in this spot last out and may get a similar trip again in here. Let's see if she can repeat that performance in her second start off the claim. 5-JOYZELLA will be hoping for some pace to chase. She gets back to six furlongs, where she has been at her best. Look for her to come running in the stretch.

This is an extremely tough race as you can really make a case for any horse in this field. With multiple runners with early speed, I'm hoping 4-LADY HELENA can run back to her start against allowance company three back, where she rated and ran on in the lane. She has been tremendous over this track and may provide some value in this spot. 5-DIAMONDS JOY has tactical speed as she turns back to the dirt after a turf try in her last. Despite the voided claim coming out of that race she remains at the same class level, which is a positive sign. 2-LITTLE SASS has been in excellent form in her last couple, posting solid speed figures in here. The fact that she strung together races that were solid makes me think she is in top form and the win two back wasn't just a fluke.

This is a really good turf allowance. The pace should be honest upfront as I'm going to look to a potential price on the outside with 9-MARTINI MAN in here. The Minnesota bred makes his first start of the year as he has been working weekly toward his return. He does have speed, but from the outside draw I will be curious to see if he sends, or looks to rate just behind some of the pace that is to his inside and pounce in the lane. 7-DARK VINTAGE was a solid turf sprinter on the West coast to open his career before heading to England for a string of starts. He can back stateside for his last and ran a better than looks on paper race at Churchill. He figures to sit mid-pack early and come running in the lane. 6-RAVIN's RANSOM tries the turf for the first time as he's another with speed. He has worked very well since his last start and should be on the gas immediately with these.

An excellent allowance field here with what looks to be a quick and contested pace upfront. Although the recent form hasn't bee good, 5-FIRST HILL could be sitting on a big race as she gets back on the surface where she's had her most success. She won't be one to show early speed but if she can get back to her races from this level last summer, she should be able to rate and run on late. 7-COMMISSIONER GULCH was a beaten favorite in her last as she battled the entire way and just missed. She's another that should benefit from the swift pace upfront as the only concern for her may be getting tucked in to save ground through the turn. 4-SALLY'S SUPRISE was the one who beat Commissioner Gulch last out as she was very game while in between horses in that spot. She's another that fits at this distance and over this surface as she was a good second at this level two back.

This is an intriguing race as you have to dig through the past performances a bit to find turf sprint form for some of these. One who could be a threat at a square price is 1-EMPIRICAL VIEW as she draws the rail for DiVito. She last sprinted on the grass over a quirky Kentucky Downs course in 2023. She may have needed her last two on dirt and figures to come flying in the lane in here. 3-RIETTA is another who has some past turf form, breaking her maiden on the grass at this distance in 2023 and running a couple of respectable sprints over the turf last summer. She is likely to settle back early but should be flying in the stretch. 7-SMOKED has speed and tries the grass for the first time in here. She has been favored in all three starts on the year and looks to beat some of the other early pace to the top.

Sometimes the time is just right and maybe this is the time for 4-FLYING SAMURAI to get the job done. He is always a big price so he may sneak away higher than his 4-1 M/L but his last two starts with Troxtell aboard were excellent as he was game in both. He gets another spot today where there's really no other pace to challenge him early as he could cruise along through the opening three quarters and have enough left to outkick the field in the lane. 6-HATCHET CREEK has tactical speed while sprinting and may be a bit more assertive on the stretch. He's only gone this distance once though as we will have to see how he handles the two turns. 1-VANISKY ran a decent race in the slop in his last and could build off that performance. His form has been much better since returning to Hawthorne and the barn has also been going well of late. 

A wide open field of turf maidens to close out the card. Thinking the class relief will help 7-BOURBON STREET BOY as he has faced tougher in his three starts in Kentucky. She showed speed around two turns two back and should be out there once again. In a field where there's not a ton of form, it may be best to try to make the top and never look back. 2-LONE RETURN has run some of the best races of this field, but being winless from 19 starts makes it hard to endorse him on top. He's the other with some early speed as he will just need to avoid a duel with Bourbon Street Boy early. 6-CASH APP MIKE posted his best figure on the turf in a start two back. He stretches out in here as he looks to rate closer early and should come running while at a price.

4-BREAKING NEWS drops but that move makes far more sense than the drop of Alto Road. He was simply in too deep in last but he’s generally been a tough competitor when racing at levels similar to this. Obvious favorite 1-ALTO ROAD suspiciously drops after beating a better field in last in Indiana. He had been claimed from even better in his prior two starts. He’s starting for another different barn today. Not sure why the drop but there must be a reason. 5-HURTS SO BAD looks like the best of the rest. He likes the front end but has shown the ability to come on late in required but would like him better if this race was at five or five and a half furlongs. 

1-LALY makes her first start of the year and her first start against winners but she does look like the best of the speed. She has had many drills getting ready for this event. Loveberry in the irons is certainly a plus. 4-CALLAS came flying in last but was just a smidge too late. She has shown similar moves in the past but seldom puts on that kind of display two races in a row. On the plus side, the pace will set up. On the negative side, she’s been a router most of her career. Guess we’ll see if she can close like that twice in a row. 3-REALTA is worth another look, depending on the weather. She’s never shown a lot but her lone win came on an off track and rain is more than possible. 

I find it a bit strange that they are dropping 4-ROSE'S WISH. She just finished second versus maiden specials on turf and two starts back she finished a good third versus maiden specials on dirt. She’s certainly not a standout but there should be plenty of pace to set up for her late move and the long sprint distance is certainly within her range. 9-TRINITY'S PRIZE exits a strange race. She finished third, 22 lengths behind the winner and 16 lengths behind the second-place finisher. But that second-place finisher came back to win her next race. This filly is an Illinois-bred meeting open company but she has been training very well since that last start. She’s bred for the turf and her barn wins with 33% of runners making their second starts. 6-W W BEST OF TIMES showed little in four of her five races but she led nearly all the way the last time she raced on turf. That race was at this distance at a higher level. Expecting her to be prominent throughout today. 

This looks like the right spot for 5-DIAMONDS JOY. Ignore last. That was her turf debut and she obviously didn’t like the surface. She had been competitive in most of her starts over the last year prior to that race. She’s back on the right surface and back at the right distance. Should be a major player once again. 3-WRITTEN CONSENT might be in a little tough but she’s one of the few in here that is likely to come from off the pace in what looks like a speed-filled race. Plus, she just finished second in similar. 6-ANNA AFTER MIDNIGHT might be the quickest of these. Like top choice, she didn’t handle turf in last but she did wire the previous two fields she faced. 

Another strange race. 7-DARK VINTAGE showed plenty ability in New York and California in 2023 as a 2yo but was then sent to Great Britain in 2024 as a 3yo and failed to make an impact. So, he was sent back to the US. He started once at Churchill early in June and finished 10th, though there were a couple promising aspects to his race. Now he’s at Hawthorne and meeting possible his easiest field ever, racing for the top turf trainer. Have to give him another chance. 9-MARTINI MAN makes his 2025 and local debut. He ran well in all his previous turf sprints, wiring the fields in two of the three and finishing second in the other. He’s going to have to fight for the lead but works say he’s ready. 1-VIA DEL CORSO makes his turf debut but he’s certainly bred for it. Figures to b stalking the early pace. Late attack could get him past his rivals. 

7-BOURBON STREET BOY tired badly in all his races but all were on dirt and he’s bred to love the lawn. Think he’ll be able to grab a fairly easy lead. The trick will be staying there. 11-MONEY AGENT didn’t show a thing in his first five turf races but he suddenly awoke in last and flew late to just miss. Stretches out today but last might have been his wake-up call. 2-LONE RETURN has had a lot of turf races with little success but all have been against better. Finally drops. Could easily be the best of these.