Handicapper Tips & Picks

Starting with the pair of L. Rivelli runners: #4 LIAMS FANCY brings in not only the pair of “bullet” moves in the series but a consistent series of works to come out race ready as often the case for the barn. #3 PHINAROSA has the pair of 4f stamina moves including the 6/4 half mile gate move in 48 flat to take note of. Based on the published series that move came after a slight gap from 5/17 to start June.

#2 SECOND OPINION also appears well-prepared first out with the pattern of works and consistent timing with the spacing of the drills and should be fit with the foundation of the half-mile series. The jockey/trainer combination also capable with first time starters; while most of the first out success is with slightly older and turf in terms of 2yo FTS at Hawthorne six horse sample size with 83% ITM, 4 place finishers and a show. 

#5 CITIZEN EX can be upgraded from their debut showing early speed through an honest pace sprinting 5.5f while still GREEN first out. In addition to contesting the pace (DUEL) they did so WIDE and in hand late to suggest a “prep” while their experience stablemate, Ciao Tommaso, went on to win as the favorite.

#7 URGENT ACTION made a rare debut as an older horse for C. Block and reason to suggest watching a race first out. As they land here they bring in two turn experience while also a key change in class moving from open company to statebred MSW company.

Some class questions with both #2 LORD BLOCK and #4 CHIEF GROSS though both from a visuals standpoint have presented TURF visuals to give a look to returning on the grass. 

Intent looks in play for both of the M. Perez runners: #4 STREET STYLE comes back with the weight break following a game place finish under similar conditions on 5/31 though will note today’s event brings a higher par; #5 BLACK RUSSIAN also with a rider change though class change and with each start at this level has been at the most competitive while still looking for that initial win.

 #2 FREEDOM EMPIRE lost their footing TROUBLES+ coming out of the gate on 5/31 could be given a look back as they as they make their second start from the layoff and under similar conditions. On that day, they were giving up recency, a 241-day break, while also returning to maiden company following a DQ going back to April 2025 with different connections at the time. Looking at the Plot, and with a clean break, FREEDOM EMPIRE could be the controlling speed.

Will also note while looking at the Plot, #1 GRAY MIKE should be competitive based on the complexion of this race, though given their overall race record still requires a massive overlay to play for the top spot. Trip and value must also be noted in what appears a lateral move for #6 INCORPORATED shipping in.

Sticking with the Plot, recent “trips” and higher class level is impacting the position/shape for #3 DYNO WAR here. They are upgraded here with the key class DROP and should move up naturally with that belated change. In terms of their races this season, the looked to need the start (PREP DROP) coming off the layoff on 4/23 and had a legitimate EX/EXCUSE with the TROUBLES+ and TACTIC- over the turf on 5/10 and the needed drop from MSW overmatched on 5/25. 

Would not be surprised to #7 CATAENJO favored here for the connections; and arguably should be with the highest recorded speed figure (Optix) in the field and strong Plot position shape as a Large Square Q1/above ParLine. In addition, they land massive change class wise with the circuit switch from the NYRA MSW debut (higher par/$85k purse) while racing as the second wagering choice on the day. The 5/8 race has held form with the few running back and should carry to this runner here.

#4 SUNNY RAY recorded solid, progressive numbers last year and should hold form coming back  in this spot for the connections and first start as a 4yo. #5 DIZZY MISS LIZZY debuting three weeks ago missed the break, SLOG and put in a strong CLOSE and GALLOP+ to earn place behind the open length LONE winner, Plume.

In terms of FTS, #2 FOXY MADEMOISELLE and for the connections, the barn has since 2016 had 23 debut runners and yet to than the first win though of that sample 10 started at Hawthorne with six ITM (2 place, four show) with speed figures on par all on the main track.

While #6 ARTELLA has the recent form on the grass they can hand DIRT based on the visuals while would be making the transition to that surface for the first time should a surface switch come into play. #1 OVERQUALIFIED races as the only mare in the field and with main track experience second off the long layoff and slight positive addition of ground (STRETCH) could be key if this moves to the main track. 

In terms of the early pace is should be honest and lead with #1 TWIRLING ROSES (Q1) given the edge over #3 ALL ABOUT TONITE and #7 LATIN CASINO in that front running role. In addition, Class and Speed sit ABOVE+ for TWIRLING ROSES taking the class drop from the two recent starts – not a suspicious drop as those races came as a rise following the B OptixGRADE running at the conditional $7.5k level back on 4/23.

#4 MON AMI FUZZIE could look to “upset” still require the projected pace (Sun) to develop in front of them to put in their late run (Q4 Square) from off the pace. MON AMI FUZZIE should appreciate the return (PREP) and overall solid B- effort moving off COVER to make a WIDE late MOVE.

Of all the recent riders paired with #5 MINNESOTA MOON, today’s I. Hernandez has had the success and aboard for their win last season. Wheeling back in this spot and BLANKET finish at MNR 9-days ago looks to be intent and should hold fitness as well.

#6 CANYON SHADOWS comes into this race BELOW on Speed, Class and Plot, however in terms of form should be sitting on a peak effort, third off the layoff and following their typical form cycle pattern to improve for today’s race from the outcome earlier this month. 

Value is the key to this race as it is a competitive tricky event and a case for many contenders. Even when looking at the Plot, there is no clear cut standout, or “pace advantage” even with #6 WAMPUS KITTEN and #7 ICY RIVER sitting as Q1 Squares with the lower SpeedRate and overall form to fit at this level.

While the SpeedRate is on the lower side, the Fire Contention is notable, especially on Surface/Distance with the majority of the field bunched up around each other. That scenario can allow the others a trip and in this case upgrading #1 MAMBA OUT and #3 WILDWOOD QUEEN looking to rate just off that first flight, capable of doing so even on Standard, their current form.

Standard also fives a look to #8 RACEDAY ATTIRE especially at double digit odds to hold value. Even in the case of #5 DIXIE PENNY one who has been consistent this season with the place outcome and B- OptixGRADE though making a rider change with O. Mojica aboard, a rider up last year for a win and place in the few starts together though both races at a lower claiming level than today’s event. 

#5 SBAGLIATO projects  improvement from the local spin on 5/28 and the connections scratched from 6/11 not only the races off the turf but that event at the $6250 claiming level, racing today for $10k to suggest intent . While “on paper” their back class and figures made them a contender last month,  visually before the race (PRERACE-) did not standout race ready and similar in running with the TACTIC-and WIDE trip suggesting all around PREP. Looking at today’s race shape they should have the pace to chance here with the higher SpeedRate looking to stalk-and-pounce with the Surface/Distance Q2 Square trip.

That race shape could change with a surface switch, drawing in #10 OLIVERIO into the race with early speed (Q1 Square) looking to take this field gate to wire. Now as far as class, they might not be quite to this level, wins this year at a lower par claiming condition, however, finds the adjustment with the surface switch and the connections looking for that exact advantage. #9 SILVER QUARTERS has the opposite runstyle coming from off the pace showing as much in the two recent starts this season back at the OC$10k level of the dominant win on 5/7. 

Baby races are always fun

Whenever you see baby races at Hawthorne, you can expect to see trainer Larry Rivelli send out live runners. He has two in this race; 4-LIAM’S FANCY and 3-PHINAROSA. Liam’s Fancy is bred better with a great turf pedigree, good works and the leading rider. Phinarosa worked in company with top pick, for the most part, but had a couple drills that weren’t quite as sharp. But nobody gets them out of the gate better than his rider. 5-CRUISIN IN HARMONY has been training well downstate. Although his barn is based down there, his trainer has had some luck, often at big prices, with the babies he sends up here. 2-SECOND OPINION hasn’t been working as fast as a couple of these but that series of good four-furlong drills should ensure that he finishes with something left while the others could run out of gas. 6-CITRA LINDA and 1-CITRA CLOSEOUT each have only worked three times and only at two furlongs. Guessing they’ll each need a race.

This race contested at one mile 70 yards on the main track

7-URGENT ACTION was well played in his career debut, another race originally scheduled for turf, and he displayed good speed early but he couldn’t sustain that speed weakened to finish third, 12 lengths back, in a spread-out field. But he came back with a bullet drill and now he has racing experience. Others here seem quicker from the gate but he’ll never be too far back. Guessing he’ll finish with good energy. 3-LAST ESCAPADE makes his 20^th start as a maiden but he often finishes in the money. He stretches out after two sprints to start the meet and he has been better around two turns. Should get close again today. 5-CITIZEN EX figures to break first from the gate. He tired, sprinting, in his lone race but he becomes dangerous on the front if no one challenge him early.

4-STREET STYLE just missed in last when dropped to this level for the first time. Comes back at the same distance but this time with an apprentice rider and her seven-pound weight break. Could make all the difference. 6-INCORPORATED drops to his lowest level yet. Takes blinkers off. He’s been competitive downstate in all races this year. Could be even better with the class drop and the change in scenery. 5-BLACK RUSSIAN has had 30 races and remains a maiden but almost all of his starts have been against much better rivals.

This race will be contested at five and a half furlongs on the main track. Just guessing on who might stay in.

3-PRINCESS HUXLEY is scheduled to ship in to try the turf. But, her best race so far came on Indiana’s main track. She has speed and a good speed rider in her irons. 7-CATENJO raced competitively on turf in New York in her lone start. No guarantee she’ll stay in the race but could be tough if she does. 5-DIZZY MISS LIZZY finished second, on turf, in her career debut. Her barn has started three at the meet and won with two of them and this filly was their lone second. 4-SUNNY RAY ran well in both starts, both last year and both on turf, but her drills suggest she could be even better on dirt. 

1-TWIRLING ROSES is usually well played and usually gives them a run for the money. He faced far better in his two races since getting claimed by this barn. He’s likely the one they have to beat with the class drop. 4-MON AMIE FUZZIE makes his second start of the year. He finished third in his 2026 debut but was coming on late. The pace of this race should suit. Can fly by. 3-ALL ABOUT TONITE just missed in last after taking a big early lead. He might be the best speed again but it seems likely that he’ll face more competition in the early going. Might have a hard time hanging on. 

Many of the fillies and mares in this field take turns beating the others. Whose turn will it be today? It could be 3-WILDWOOD QUEEN. She’s quick enough to be tracking the contested pace and finishes well enough to run them down late. 5-DIXIE PENNY seems a bit slower than many in here but she finished second in all three races this meet. She’ll be competitive at a square price. 2-LITTLE SASS got a perfect trip to win last, beating most of these. Think she’ll need the same kind of trip to repeat.

This race will be contested at one mile 70 yards on the main track

9-SILVER QUARTERS was always good on turf and synthetic but he has suddenly become very good on dirt. He was entered for turf twice this meet but both races were moved to the main track. He still won one and finished third in the other. Not sure what others will stay in the race but he does need some pace to run at and he could fall victim to a slow pace if too many scratch. 10-OLIVERIO was entered for main track early. He finished third in last, won by top pick, after pressing the pace in second throughout. But depending on who else stays in the race, he just might be the lone speed. 7-MOOGIE SON has been in good form on turf. He won his last and that win was preceded by a pair of seconds. Like his stablemate Silver Quarters, he likes to come from off the pace but he might be asked to show more speed to set things up for the other.