Handicapper Tips & Picks

Conditioned claimers open the day as an evenly matched bunch kicks things off. Looking to 3-SAPPHIRE NIGHTS on top as she race well in the slop in her last and gets and added 16th today. She has tactical speed and could rate closer earlier than she did in her last. 1-HEART OF HANISCH was favored at this level in her last, getting sent away at 3-5. She got away a step slowly and then was left to chase much of the race. Don't be surprised today if she shows more speed early as Mojica remains in the saddle despite the claim. 4-HEAVENLY HASH comes in off the win in her last as she tracked the leaders early before running on late. She's the second Rodriguez entrant in this spot but there's the potential for the barn to run 1-2.

Looks to be some early pace in this race which could set things up for the stalking trip of 1-BLESSED ANNA in this spot. She raced well in the slop in her last and that was behind the lone speed of Hot Dame. With the potential for others to press in here let's see if she can run them down late. 3-IZZY'S MONSTER just missed at this level in her last as she battled to the wire. She likes this Hawthorne strip and looks to get the jump on a horse like Blessed Anna today. 6-SET THE PACE has speed but could have company as well. She's in for the tag but was claimed for just 15k three back. A win and a claim wouldn't be the worst thing by any means today.

This race came up quite tough as any of the six could win in here. With the added distance today I'll give the nod to 5-COWGIRL FRANKIE as she comes off a good effort in her last. She does tend to have gate issues but if she can get away just a bit better early she should be charging late. 3-FERGIE ATTACK has speed and ran well in a tough allowance in her first start of the meet. She has since posted a pair of works as she is one of two Childers runners in here. 2-POSITIONDUMONI is another that fits well in this race as she makes her third start of the meet. She may not have taken as well as some others to the off going in her last but could wake up with a fast track return.

What a turnaround in performance for 6-BABA'S BOY last out. It did coincide with a class drop and venue shift as well as a distance change. He comes back at the same level today and has the potential to be the controlling speed. 1- MILLARD'S SMILE was the one who ran down Baba's Boy last out as he closed with a late, wide rush. He draws the inside today and should be able to save ground much of the way. The entry of stablemate Blurt could benefit him to hopefully keep the pace honest. 4-WHERE'D THE DAY GO chased while facing these last out and ran on late. That was the first start of the year for him as he should be able to get a very similar trip today.

6-CAMP DADDY answered a lot of questions last out, especially the question of distance. Sent away as the 4-5 choice in a solid allowance field, he made the top and opened up through the stretch. He may have to deal with Ardanwood early in here but if he can put him away early, he may be able to repeat that last performance. 8-READTHECLIFFNOTES loves Hawthorne, winning 10 of 19 starts over the track. He was a good third while facing similar in his last and looks to still be going strong as a 9yo. 2-OCEAN OF STORMS is one of two Arnett runners in this spot as he comes out of the same race with Readthecliffnotes last out. He stalked the pace in that race and ran evenly through the lane. A close up trip in here should put him in a spot to contend late while at a price.

The class drop may be all that is needed for 5-JRUE BREEZE to win in here. He chased in his last couple but just ran evenly in the lane. There's not a ton of pace in this race as he should be able to rate closer early and run on late. 6-KINGSWOOD ran at this level last out, closing ground late after some trouble at the top of the lane. The added eighth should only help his chances as he is at his best at three quarters. 2-MAQAMAT ran a big race against better while at 42-1 in his last. He's another that is going to need some pace to chase for a barn that should be waking up very quickly.

It's a big field but on paper it appears 5-SECESSION is going be very tough in this spot. He shortens up in his third start off the claim and drops slightly. This barn has had a great meet as this runner is spotted to win. 4-LARRY'S LUNCHBOX merits a look as he has run decent races at this level in his last couple. He has tactical speed and shouldn't be too far off the pace in this race. 3-SMACKOVER LIME improved in his last while dropping a bit in that spot. He comes off the layoff into here with three works of the track as he figures to show more today.