Handicapper Tips & Picks

Pick4: 1,2,5,6,7 / 2 / 1,3,6,7 / 5,7,8,9 - $40

Race 5: 1 - 6 - 7

The favorite here is on the outside in the #7 Breaking News for Hugo Rodriguez, who has distance concerns in my view as does the #6 Winging Ways who I have 3rd and 2nd respectively. I am going to look to the inside with the #1 Irish Valor (7-2) for John Arnett. He’s coming off a layoff, but won last year at Hawthorne and is now 2/2 ITM over the strip. Dropping to the lowest competition in years for Irish Valor will be the key in the race where I think others have some question marks.

Race 6: 2 - 3 - 6

There are many different ways you can go in this race run around 2 turns. With speed signed on, I think the best horse to go with in this race will be the #2 Gianno (3-1). For those that are familiar with Midwest/Chicago racing in recent times, you know the name Larry Rivelli sticks out and for good reason. Winning almost 40% of races so far this meet in 28 starts, his horses are always worth a look, especially when there is a decent price involved. This fact, coupled with the prospective trip and Rivelli placing his horses where they can win, makes this horse extremely interesting and my top pick in this contest.

Race 7: 1 - 6 - 7

In the penultimate race at Hawthorne on Saturday, there are many different ways you can go although there is a decently heavy favorite. #1 Overdue Honor (8-5) for Louie Roussel and Julio Felix is my top choice. A turf horse who has run good races on the dirt previously, he has figs that make a lot of sense. In these cheaper claimers, I always tend to side with speed especially when there is a lack of pace in the field due to a lot of runners not willing to pass others. This bodes well for Overdue Honor, who looks to take them all the way with a perfect post. It also does not hurt that Felix has been hot to start the meet, coming off last weekend’s Illinois Derby Victory.

Race 8: 7 - 8 - 5

The final race on Saturday consists of nine runners in a $12,500 beaten claimer going six furlongs, and there is one horse who seems to have a decent pace advantage in this race. That is the #8 Short Straw. However, he will be facing a little tougher today, as he is facing winners of multiple races for the first time. I do believe he is live given the pace scenario and the ML odds of 10-1, but my eyes went elsewhere to the #7 Dessert First (7-2) for Elias Lopez. Elias tried her twice at the optional claiming level at Fair Grounds and Hawthorne, and it just did not work out in her favor, so she returns to where I think she can be very competitive, especially on numbers. Sitting a nice trip behind the lone speed might be exactly what she needs to get back in the winner’s circle over a track she has relished in the past, running in the money 3 of 4 attempts.