Handicapper Tips & Picks

#1 BERNIE LOMAX has been looking for the right spot to return in and lands favorably in the opener. They draw the rail and with their early speed should be able to establish forward position and looking at the Plot still kick late (Square) holding a pace advantage gate-to-wire. With that said, they are coming in off the layoff but going back to finding the right spot and the barn capable with these type of runners.

If there is a scenario where BERNIE LOMAX lacks conditioning or intense pace pressure from rivals #2 HUEY ATTACK,  #3 STRANGE ARRANGE and #5 WE MISS ARLINGTON, that set up should benefit #4 RACARINO with a tracking trip and set up.

#2 HUEY ATTACK perhaps worth a long shot look. Going back in their career had recorded some of the higher figures in the field. The recent pattern of long layoff lines created reservations though in this cycle removed the front wraps on the grass three weeks ago and goes back to J. Tavares, a rider who had been in going back to 2022, when they were in peak form.

#1 TUM TAP picks this spot for a seasonal debut and subtle class change for the sophomore season – a first start in statebred company. They debuted against open company last June and behind their dominant stablemate winner, Kickin. From there broke their maiden under similar conditions on 7/10 with an improved number and closed out the meet against open allowance company upgraded making a RUSH into a Fast early pace after breaking SLOG and TROUBLE_S with the rider wrapped up (NO_PUSH) late.

#6 LADY ELISE had the one start against statebred company, the Debutante stakes a second start while still a maiden and given an X_FLOW upgrade on that day which saw them come back with the MSW win in a belated next start. They have show they can fire fresh while bringing in tactical speed. #5 RICHIESGOLDENGIRL also with a belated return for a second start and first against winner while also taking a step up racing in allowance company here a change from the MCL debut win.

In terms of speed figures, #2 LALY fits on par and has the edge on recency and overall edge from rival #3 GREEN GRACE given the conditions here. Class is a different marker as LALY in the past has been less contender-competitive under similar allowance conditions.

#4 JULYNNE also finds a change in class while making a belated return to Hawthorne. The two local starts were both at the route distance against open allowance company and tough to hold the outcome against them all things considered.  

#4 DEVIL makes some changes for this race coming back in second start of the season. The class DROP being the most obvious in for a tag for the first time and even when in top form from 2024 at times class weakness poked through when it came on the win/contender side. In addition to class, she returns to the TURF the surface which matches physicality. Their two starts to date on the turf might not look overly exciting, however both recording B- OptixGRADES and speed figures in line with today’s par and field.

#1 FONDRE also should find themselves more competitive back under similar conditions to the dominant 5/10 win. On that day, they were set up perfectly, second off and surface intent with buried turf form which translated strongly (B+) on the day and overlooked by the public at 18.6-1, longer odds less likely to hold here.

#2 DIAMONDS JOY brings in early speed and could look to hold that pace advantage shifting back to the turf, a surface they have had success over in the past. #3 UNION DOLLY showed early speed coming off the layoff on 5/10 though is not their typical or even preferred runstyle and capable of holding form right back in this spot.

Some of the higher turf numbers in this field land with #5 FLORIBUNDA, one that will be tested to transfer that form and figures to the sprint distance, a big change for them as they have up until this point spent their entire career around two turns. 

Looking at the race shape the two outside runners, #5 INDYVILLE and #6 FAST JACK project to contest the lead. Perhaps there is a “best of the speed” scenario if those two are able to separate though given the 6.5 distance, that could fall to a tracking trip runner.

Both #1 GOODASIWONSWAS and #2 NAVY SEAL are situated in Q4 though drawn inside and with back class and figures on par could look to set closer than that Plot visual projection and track with first run. GOODASIWONSWAS has held their form since the claim and upgraded from the tougher OC$80k race with the SLOG TROUBLE_S racing under the lights last month at CD. NAVY SEAL also brings in current form from the Oaklawn meet with the consistent series of speed figures and recent pairing of B- OptixGRADE despite the off-the-board outcomes.

In terms of #4 BABY BOAT they fit and capable, though looking at them more critically in terms of value as the projected second choice. While they bring in current form and consistent B- with the two starts this season, their current form does not hold a strong edge to accept a shorter than fair number to play.

On Plot and Class, #3 BUREAU is an outsider to win while respecting their top form and numbers as competitive, just one who would require a lot in their favor, along with running back to a top, to win. 

#3 DANCING MAGIC has a subtle excuse in their return race off the layoff on 5/14. Showing up with the front wraps added on the day could also have been a sign they needed a race - that is before the RUSH up after the TROUBLE_S making a MOVE X_FLOW before losing ground, unable to show their best all things considered. Today’s race presents something new moving first time to the turf and back at the route distance; while the grass is an unknown in terms of the two turns she held her numbers consistently in those two events and that should be expected here.

With those route races for DANCING MAGIC she showed early speed and noted with projected and possible controlling speed of #4 MY LADY SLEW in this race. While Class is still a test at this higher level, she has been at her peak over this course and should be intent second off (PREP 4/28) with the surface/distance change. Trainer J. Rodriguez also has #5 SAMARITA entered in this spot and with the route distance change for her could expect to be on the lead, which would be an interesting choice should she stay in as that could test the pace and stamina late of MY LADY SLEW.

#7 R KATIEBUG one of two M. Boyce runners returning from the layoff has at times shown early speed and been effective on the lead. Though in those front running races was tracking or leading on Slow/Very Slow early paces and that does not project to be the case today. Sitting just off the first flight and looking for first run could be the key for her and while she has not win off the layoff the returning figure from last May 8^th is a number competitive with today’s group and par.

A similar trip and long layoff comes into play for #6 JOURNEYIST as well and while she fits and arguably best surface here on the grass, value still must be considered for both in this contentious spot and with the time away.

As far as the two inside E. Rodriguez runners: #1 SALLY’S SUPRISE  could be looking for the surface switch and from there brining in current and main track form, though still some  overall two turn distance questions. Class remains the test for #2 KEEN GAL while changing things up to move back to the grass and route distance. She has handled both, though tough to take those three races on outcome along, given the debut sneaky good while GREEN with a solid GALLOP+ and the next two at the FG where she did not appear to find her top form on that circuit. 

This is a competitive race where a case can be made for each and every runner in this field. That makes it tougher to take a shorter number even in the case of #5 DEVILS RED holding current form (Standard) though in terms of race par today is higher than the two starts this season.

In terms of “trip” #8 OFF TO THE RACES could land in the right time and place tracking that first flight of DEVILS RED along with #4 BREAKING NEWS and #7 ALL ABOUT TONITE. In addition to runstyle, OFF TO THE RACES makes a shift outside for the first time this season and competitive efforts in the two starts both at the less than ideal shorter 5.5f distance for this individual with the extra half-furlong of ground to work with F. Reyes taking over.

Similar trip and even Plot upgrade land with #9 LAVENDER EARL a horse who in the first two starts returning this season was placed as a Q4 Circle on the Plot and today moves up to a Q1/2 Square. #6 MON AMI FUZZIE coming off the layoff and sitting as Q4 Square are the factors to consider on value, while overall fits solidly as a contender on Speed and Class.

#1 CANYON SHADOWS remains at the rail for the second start this season and overall can be upgraded with the B- and PREP while coming off the layoff on 5/21. The rail draw can be tricky though price compensation should be in play and CANYON SHADOWS does hold their MSW win setting the pace from the rail as well as a show finish going back to last July. 

A competitive finale with some lightly raced types and capable barns with FTS. #4 THEIVER can be given a look back a horse who showed run in spots during their three juvenile starts and GREEN improved with racing. They look to hold intent with the recent series of works, addition of Lasix and J. Felix with the call.

#2 ROCKFEST had a look with the shift to the TURF and SHORTER distance on 5/21 improving with figure, the B- Place finish behind pacesetting winner, Kazoom in a race with minimal change in running order.

L. Rivelli brings in a pair with #3 CHIEF MORTER wheeling right back from that 5/21 common race to run here as a first time gelding and J. Loveberry back aboard. A little more was expected on 5/21 and some in running issues early before NO_PUSH late and perhaps that is the reason for the changes and quick turnaround. E.T. Baird shifts to FTS #7 CAPOVIVO – a limited published worktab for the 3yo gelding when entered in that 5/21 common race noting a scratch and a work on 5/27 giving them the extra conditioning for this spot.

#6 FRANKIE P also on debut, a belated debut for this 4yo gelding as they appeared to have intent last season with the pattern of works and coming back this year hold a solid series at FP the connections making the shift and for the grass could be intent with the lack of turf downstate.

S. Childers with the pair of runners and established #5 STORMY ATTACK stepping up to open MSW company from the statebred MSW race on 5/28. They have come up short while taking on open company in the past, those events MCL company. FTS #1 MONROE ATTACK also IL-bred 4yo for this first start and has been intent to run on the grass noting a scratch when entered last August. Since then they have not been entered and did not show a published work until the recent three move series in May. 

5-WE MISS ARLINGTON is back on the right surface. He ran well enough on the turf in last but dirt races are his bread and butter. He’s at the right level. Should be tough. 3-STRANGE ARRANGE is another that tried the turf in last but, unlike top choice, he was never a factor. However, he did win his previous two races, both on dirt. He did beat top pick, and Racarino, two races back. Can do it again. 4-RACARINO will try to come on late. If the top pair lock up in a speed duel, this gelding can run them down in the stretch. 

Would expect 1-TUM TAP to run well. She’s making her first start of the year but her workout pattern has been outstanding. Races for a barn with a high percentage (29%) of winners with runners coming off similar layoffs. She’ll be meeting Illinois breds for the first time and she’s racing with first Lasix. 2-LALY makes her second start of the meet. Versatile filly will get the services of the top jock and he won the last time he rode this mare. 5-RICHIESGOLDENGIRL won her lone race. However, that event took place in September of 2024. Her works have been okay and she’s another getting first Lasix but have to wonder the reason for the long layoff. 6-LADY ELISE is quick from the gate. But she’s making her first start of the year after racing only twice in 2024 and only twice in 2024. 4-JULYNNE, like all but two in this field, makes her 2026 debut while switching barns. Unlike the rest of the lightly-raced crew, she has already earned in excess of $100k, winning four of 27 races. 

3-UNION DOLLY is the slim pick. This versatile mare was favored in her first race of the meet but faded late after dueling for the lead for much of the race. But that effort should have put the edge on her conditioning. She did win three of her five races at this distance. Can add another score here. 5-FLORIBUNDA faded in her first start for this barn and while making her local debut but she’s turning back in distance after that strong conditioning effort. Her barn wins with about 25% of runners going from routes to sprints. She was favored in that last race but she could make amends at a price in this one. 1-FONDRE took on allowance company in last and never made an impact but she did win her local turf debut at this level and won going away. The class drop should make her competitive again.

1-GOODASIWONSWAS had a nightmare trip in last at Churchill and finished far back. But I think he’s better than that. If he breaks cleanly, he’s likely to display much better speed and should never be too far off the lead. Guessing he’ll make a run at the lead once they turn for home. 6-FAST JACK is always tough. He has been victorious in five of his 10 Hawthorne starts, including last. He might have a slight edge in quickness and if he isn’t pressured early, he could be long gone. 2-NAVY SEAL will be coming late. His races this year haven’t been as sharp but this 8-year-old is always a threat. Has a great chance to fly by them all.  

6-JOURNEYIST is a slim pick. Think she’ll run on or off the turf. Makes her first start of the year and she hadn’t been at her best off layoffs but she has had five drills in preparation and should be ready. 8-END OF INNOCENCE is entered for the main track only and it didn’t seem to rain enough for the race to be moved to the main track but she just beat first level allowance company, on dirt, by nine lengths and would have to be regarded as a major player if this race did get moved. 7-R KATIEBUG, stablemate of top choice, is another that could run on either dirt or turf. However, she has had nine races at this distance and hasn’t been able to win, though she did finish second five times. 4-MY LADY SLEW will have to be caught. She would have been my top choice if her first race of the year downstate wasn’t so dismal. 

6-MON AMIE FUZZIE makes his first start of the year and it could be a winning spot. He won his final start of 2025 beating a tougher crowd than he’ll face in this race. Drills are sufficient. Can make it two in a row. 5-DEVIL’S RED looks like the main competition. He finished second in his first start of the year and third in last. Maybe today. It’s been years since 9-LAVENDER EARL won but he finished in the money in three of his last four races, including a second in his last at this level. 

2-ROCKFEST just finished second at this level and distance when making his turf debut. He is meeting others with speed but think he’ll be tracking this pace again in this spot. 3-CHIEF MORTER finished well behind top choice in last. However, he has been gelded (that will teach him) since that last race and maybe he’ll keep his mind on the game today. 7-CAPOVIVO, stablemate of Chief Morter, has strong drills coming into his career debut. 4-THIEVER can’t be ignored. He finished second in a tough field versus similar last year and he gets first Lasix today. Good works should have him ready. 9-ROCKY RACCOON and 8-CREATING HAVOC are entered for the main track only and could be tough if this race does get moved.