Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 COMISKEY PARK fits as a strong contender in this race. They find significant class relief and racing today for the $5k tag is something that will likely find attention from the neighboring trainers to consider a claim. This marks the second start of the current cycle and coming off a WIDE trip over the turf last month, a tougher trip on this course while also not quite their ideal distance at 5f. Looking at the OptixPLOT, the race shape should suit their runstyle with the Large tracking Square behind the Q1 first flight. While the drop could be taken as a concern at this point, this horse has been very productive for these connections; connections who picked him up for $12.5 back in the summer of 2021 (AP) and race competitively wherever placed and often in tougher allowance races. Those events appear too tough at this point and need to be reasonable with the placement for a horse that has been so good and good to them over the years. 

The edge in recency gives COMISKEY PARK the edge in this case from #2 LATIN CASINO one that otherwise stacks up well not just with that main rival but at this level and group. Trip appears better suited towards COMISKEY PARK as well with #5 SAND MOUNTAIN capable of keeping LATIN CASINO honest up front. 

Tactical speed and recency can also upgrade #4 GABAGOOL in this case. While they bring in early speed the Surface/Distance Plot position/shape suggest they can work out a trip in today's race shape. 

A contentious pace would be beneficial to #7 ALVIN in this dynamic. The Q4 Square suggests they will be running on late, while it could be tougher with that trip on the win end, they can be left in the mix at longer odds. 

#6 DIXIE PENNY fits as a contender in this race. Looking at the Plot, she brings in tactical speed and strong finishing ability as a Large Q1 Square. The outside post drawn outside of rivals #1 TIME BREAK and #4 MAMBA OUT could allow DIXIE PENNY to track that pair if needed and does not need the lead. On Speed (figures), she checks that box the lone runner in that field with that ABOVE designation in part to the three most recent numbers highlighted in green sitting on/above today's par. Form cycle suggests she might be the type that requires just a little more time between starts to run a top effort and has that here from the 40-day freshening. She had that timing after the two month break, 60-days into the 7/17 race and win/B and some regression (GALLOP-) perhaps after that effort and back with the just a little over two weeks. 

Of the two S. Childers runners, #3 REBA ATTACK with the progressive form cycle/OptixGRADES and local form holds the edge over #7 FREEDOM ATTACK despite coming in off a recent win. The Plot also validates that analysis with REBA ATTACK a Square (FREEDOM ATTACK Q4 Circle) in this race dynamic. 

#5 JAMAICAN TRAFFIC another with finishing ability (Square) in today's race shape and also from the recent OptixNOTES should benefit from the slight stretch in distance for this longer bodied type and subtle change in draw as well. 

The Sun Contention paired with the high 75 SpeedRate is crucial for the Q4 Squares, #7 TRINITYTHREEINONE and #8 CALLAS. The progression this season is key for TRINITYTHREEINONE coming right back in 11-days from the MCL win as she could require that pattern of improvement again if a faster race is necessary here. CALLAS makes a belated return to the turf, however, based on those prior grass races she fits on both speed figures and class and could be intent for returning trainer, B. Cook as well as noted placement looking for two turns and turf before the surface switch on 7/31.

Trip could be every bit as favorable for #5 POLSKA SUE in this spot and to come right back and pair up wins after breaking her maiden last month. POLSKA SUE has tactical speed which could be key on pace over some of her main rivals in this field. While she does not show as "favorable" on the Plot as a Large Q1 Circle, that is in part to the races shapes on 6/26 (Fast early/late) and again on 8/7 (VF early/late) playing a "lack of finish" role. 

#8 DANVILLE can be upgraded after the scratches as prime Q4 Square with Fire Contention and 50 SpeedRate with the other three in Q1 above the ParLine as Circles.  They wheeling right back in two weeks with a rider change after the TACTIC- trip compromising on 8/28.

#2 STRONGER TOGETHER holds tactical speed and positive timing (42-days) to suggest they are sitting on a peak effort. While they can make the lead and compete on the front end, the speed to their inside in #1 MIDNIGHT BLUE NOTE (flow downgrade) paired with the other Q1 speed to their outside in #4 ARGYBARGY BUCK and #5 FLYING SAMURAI could allow STRONGER TOGETHER to rate behind that group and secure first run. 

#3 ICE AXE brings upside and following a positive "every other" form cycle pattern should be sitting on their peak effort. In addition, could look to stalk-and-pounce where trip could carry might be what they require as number wise overall they are a touch light.

#8 COMMISSIONER OSCAR finds a change in class and timing coming back in this spot. They make a return to Hawthorne and with what could be assessed as the first time intent. Earlier this year they needed the race chasing WIDE NO_PUSH in what appeared a PREP from the layoff on 4/13 and followed up with some similar "PREP" look in the $25k N2L in May behind their stablemate winner, Brit Blitz. Those conditioning races proved effective for the CBY meet with a three win season. The win on 7/26 could have been the peak of the cycle with just enough to hold in a photo/BLANKET and off that race could have been still lacking recovery along with the class rise on 8/27. 

There does not appear to be a strong public wagering favorite, a role that #1 WOODCOCK FLIGHT could fall into based on their overall and recent form/finishing positions. they fit today's race looking at the Plot as a horse that could be considered the one to beat. 

Their Plot position on Surface/Distance is in line with #5 MAASAI WARRIOR the two returning from the 8/24 common race recording the same B- OptixGRADE. On that same note, #4 DIAMOND DAVE also recording a B- OptixGRADE putting in a CLOSE and with the SAVED late run for show. 

COMMISSIONER OSCAR could look to take first run on that pair (and #10 TEMPER TANTRUM) looking at the Plot with Q1 Square position on Standard. That position could allow then to track the projected pacesetting pair of #2 VITALE one that looks to hold value based on the ML as a Square over #6 BAKENEKO (Circle) in a similar position furthest left (first call) on the Plot. 

#4 ICE SHARD takes a big drop in class and that change along with the races this season should allow them their best chance to compete. Their form might appear "off" when looking on paper at the running lines and finishing positions, even on numbers. With that said, they turned in a sneaky close after the SLOG returning from the layoff on 6/29 and following that race was against the Slow early/late dynamic in less than ideal WEATHER conditions with rain/poor track conditions - the winner, Bourbon Life from off the pace. While they presented upside off that pair of races, the step up in class on 8/28 had them in deep water and unable to compete under those conditions; yes, even with the three horse field. 

#6 GRAND ILLUSION could hold a pace advantage with perhaps their biggest hurdle being the two week turnaround after a HARD fought battle and tough beat staying on as the BOS X_FLOW in the 8/28 common race.

A pace advantage could assist to overcome in this case and perhaps the that being the edge to get separation on common rival #5 GLOBAL EMPIRE one that race X_FLOW taken out of their runstyle on 8/28; and "new face" in #1 SHADY MCGEE returning to this level from the open $5k claiming even on the turf on 8/24. 

#4 SINE QUA NON might be the best horse in this race and could be tested to prove that here with the hurdles returning from the long layoff and shorter sprint distance with their off-the-pace runstyle. Their class could assist on trip (along with the experienced hand of O. Mojica) and when looking at the Plot there are closer to Q2/Q4 border and not far from the ParLine to suggest they might not be the miles back they would appear to be in here when looking on paper. 

#3 BRODY checks the boxed on class and speed to compete in this field. They could get overlooked with this race on the turf and the public shying away from that "unknown" or even the one start. Their one grass race last year was between long layoff lines and in terms of trip was compromised racing WIDE X_BIAS and despite the 5th place outcome still posted a B- OptixGRADE. 

#1 SAWYER FOX will look to use the rail and early speed (and even a MTO scr of #9 GOOD TO BE PRINCE) to their pace advantage. They were B+/dominant in the win over this course back in June off the layoff and in statebred company. The class and distance change came into play on 7/13 and to their credit they held their own pairing figures and B OptixGRADE despite the place outcome. The connections did enter on 8/14 in a $25k claiming event (was entered for the higher tag) and scratching from that race land here to remain protected. 

A solid card with three carryovers and a day that trainer Armando Hernandez has a lot of live runners. It starts here with 1-COMISKEY PARK as he drops in to win. He had a nice score two back and should be able to stalk and pounce in here. 5-SAND MOUNTAIN has some versatility as he has run well at Hawthorne. He could run right with the favorite today. 7-ALVIN likely needs some pace to chase. Expect him to settle early and rally in the lane.

Back to back short priced likely favorites for Armando Hernandez as he sends out 6-DIXIE PENNY in this spot. She finds a race that doesn't have a ton of pace as she figures to rate close early and contend throughout. The distance suits as Gonzalez is back in the saddle. 7-FREEDOM ATTACK ran well in her last, rallying late for the win. She will need some pace to chase but the price should be right. 5-JAMAICAN TRAFFIC was a good winner two back. She also looks to provide some value here as she has had past Hawthorne success.

Late Pick 5 carryover of $1,912 here as a pair look to take action. 3-REGAL MAJESTY runs for Joel Berndt as she has looked like a different racehorse since shifting to the turf. She has tactical speed and may find a good stalking position. 4-WILDWOOD ADIOS showed speed in her last, just missing on the wire. The winner came back to score on Sunday. As long as she can avoid dueling with Polska Sue early, she should have a shot. 6-HARPER BRIANA has been solid in recent turf sprints, and now we will see how she handles two turns. She will benefit from the pace in this race as she should come charging late.

The third of the short priced Hernandez favorites is here with 2-STRONGER TOGETHER figuring to take his share of action. His form hasn't been quite as sharp in his last couple which may merit the drop, but he finds a spot where he figures to be very tough. Expect him to rate in the second flight early and rally in the lane. 3-ICE AXE ran a big race two back. He also has some tactical speed and has shown better recent form. Look for him late at a price. 1-MIDNIGHT BLUE NOTE has been pretty consistent. He won on the lead in a race with no pace last out. Look for him to settle back early in here and close ground in the lane.

A very competitive bunch in here as there looks to be a decent amount of early pace. Went to 1-WOODCOCK FLIGHT on top as he comes off a solid effort in his last and should get a good trip from the second flight. His last two have been solid and the price should be right. 8-COMMISSIONER OSCAR faced tougher on the grass here earlier in the meet. He grabbed three victories this summer in Minnesota and comes back fit and ready. 6-BAKENEKO has been very honest in the majority of his starts. He has tactical speed and should get the jump on the closers in the lane.

Not a ton of early speed in here as 6-GRAND ILLUSION should get a good trip. He ran well at this level in his last and battled the entire way in that spot. He makes his second start back off the layoff and runs for a barn that has had an excellent meet. 1-SHADY MCGEE (IRE) will be hoping for some pace upfront as he figures to settle early and rally in the stretch. His main track starts two and three back were solid as he is likely to take a good amount of action in here. 3-PAYNT BY LETTERS has the potential to show some early speed and try to steal this race. He has made just a couple of starts on the year but if he can get back to his races from last summer, he will be quite tough.

A good turf sprint to close out the day. 1-SAWYER FOX has been solid in a pair of starts this year as he figures to be sent from the inside. If he can shake loose from Midterm early, look for him to never look back. 2-SHAKE UP was a good winner here two back. He got away a step slowly in his last which may have compromised him a bit. In here he figures to stalk and pounce in the lane. 5-MIDTERM broke through for the maiden score in his last. He had to battle in that spot as he has a tendency to hang in the lane. Now that he has that win, let's see if he can repeat that performance.

1-COMISKEY PARK once again proved, in last, that he isn’t a fan of the weeds. But he’s back on dirt for this race while dropping to the lowest level of his career. Might be invincible today. 2-LATIN CASINO would seem to be the only one capable of giving top choice a run for the money but he’s been off over a year and his works have been erratic. 5-SAND MOUNTAIN could turn out to be the best of the speed. 

6-DIXIE PENNY took on tougher in two of her four races since getting claimed by this barn. She showed little in those spots but she won her other two races when running at the right level. Drops back today. Could be headed back to the winner’s circle. 2-LILY'S WOOFY, like top choice, has struggled while meeting better but she’ll be facing claimers today.  This will be her first local start of the year. She always loved this track. Should wake up with a bang. 1-TIME BREAK owns deceptive early speed. Her recent starts weren’t always competitive but she moved into a hotter barn since her last race. Wouldn’t overlook. 

7-TRINITYTHREEINONE could make it two in a row. Recent grad owns a good closing move and most of her rivals in here are more interested in the lead. She can run them down. 3-REGAL MAJESTY makes her local debut. She’s one of many with speed in this field but like the tenacity she showed in her two turf races; fighting all the way and never backing up. Could outlast them all. 8-CALLAS is another likely to come on last. She hasn’t raced on grass for almost a year but she did show some ability in limited turf races in the past. Welcome back Brian. 

2-STRONGER TOGETHER drops. Don’t really expect him to go for the lead but he could if they chose to send him. However, think he’s better when tracking. He’ll be close throughout but could surge past late. Twelve-year-old 1-MIDNIGHT BLUE NOTE scored his 12th victory in his last start. He wired the field in that race. Is likely to try the same tactic today despite all the other speed in the field but it could work again. 8-DANVILLE hasn’t been in the best of form lately but he could be the best closer in this speed-filled race. 

Pretty open race. Doubt if there will be a heavy favorite. I’m leaning toward 1-WOODCOCK FLIGHT. He ran well in all his Hawthorne grass races other than an overly ambitious try in the $150,000 Carey last fall. He was narrowly beaten in his first start of the meet and ran well enough to finish third in last. Might get it all today. 5-MASAI WARRIOR raced well to finish second in his local debut. That was his first start at this level and he closed well to grab second. He had always faced better on the lawn. Could be tough in his second trip over the course. 6-BAKENEKO just missed. He’s moving up a notch but he could easily be the best speed in this race. 10-TEMPER TANTRUM won five of his nine 2025 races but he was claimed from last and there’s no guarantee that he’ll have the same kind of success for his new barn. 

1-SHADY MCGEE has had 53 5aces and only two have been on fast dirt. However, both of them were here and he ran well in both. He is likely to be tracking what promises to be a heated pace. Might be able to edge by late. Not sure what to do with 4-ICE SHARD. He’s taking a pretty severe drop in class. You have to expect him to improve at this level but his speed figures don’t really stand out. 6-GRAND ILLUSION is probably the best of the speed though not by much. The good thing about him is that he doesn’t back down from a challenge. Don’t think he’ll clear the field but there’s a good chance that he’ll be right there every step of the way, 

1-SAWYER FOX gets the nod. She’s been sharp in all three of her turf starts, winning one of them and narrowly missing in the other two, finishing second in each. She owns good speed but also the capacity to come on late. 4-SINE QUA NON might need the start. He’s making his first start of the year, his first start for this barn, and the first outside Southern California. But, his new barn doesn’t really press them to win them to win when fresh. But, he is likely to come flying late. 7-RED RIZZLER might be in a little deep  but he has been surprisingly good in turf races and he generally finishes well. Don’t know if he’s good enough to win this but wouldn’t be too surprised if he finished in the money. 5-MIDTERM is probably the quickest out of the gate but he’s making his first start against winners and could be in a little tough.