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Hawthorne Race Course – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the April 26, 2026 card

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Hawthorne Race Course — Race Day Overview: April 26, 2026

Sunday's card at Hawthorne Race Course presents a seven-race program anchored by allowance and claiming action across the dirt. The meet continues to draw competitive fields from the Midwest circuit, with several barns showing strong current form heading into late April. The card features two allowance races at the n1x condition, three claiming events, and a pair of maiden claiming affairs. With purses ranging from $10,000 in the maiden claimers up to $31,000 in the allowance ranks, Sunday's program offers a broad spectrum of wagering opportunities.

Eduardo Rodriguez remains the dominant force in the Hawthorne training ranks this meet, saddling multiple runners across the card and consistently sending out sharp horses. David Reid, Larry Rivelli, and Maximino Quinonez also maintain active strings. On the jockey side, Alexander Bendezu and Luis Colon appear to be the leading riders based on current meet statistics, each picking up multiple mounts from top barns today. Jareth Loveberry, who handles the book for Rivelli, is a critical player in races where that barn is represented.

The card opens at 3:38 PM CT with the first of two allowance events, and concludes with a claiming sprint in Race 7 at 6:48 PM CT. No significant late scratches have altered the published fields as of the time of this report. Bettors should monitor the morning-line changes and tote board carefully as post time approaches, particularly in the maiden events where late money can shift the dynamic considerably.

Weather and Track Conditions

Chicago's forecast for Sunday, April 26, 2026, calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 50s Fahrenheit through the afternoon racing hours. Wind is forecast out of the northwest at 10–15 mph with occasional gusts near 20 mph, which could be a factor in routes run on the front side. No precipitation is expected during the racing program, and conditions should remain dry throughout the afternoon and evening.

The Hawthorne main track is listed as fast for Sunday's program. The track was renovated in recent years and its current configuration tends to reward horses that can secure a forward position, particularly in shorter sprints. The dry, firm surface should be consistent throughout the card, with no expectation of changing conditions unless unexpected precipitation develops. The absence of rain in the days leading into Sunday means the rail should be sound and consistent from the first post to the last.

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis

Hawthorne's main track has historically exhibited a moderate speed-favoring bias in dry conditions, particularly in sprint distances in the 1100f to 1210f range. Horses able to clear the first turn in good position routinely carry that momentum into the stretch. In the longer dirt routes (the 1830f races on today's card), the pace scenario plays a more decisive role, and closers do get their opportunities if early fractions are honest.

Post position analysis at Hawthorne in sprint races generally shows inside and middle posts performing well when the track is fast. The rail in April tends to be ridden heavily given the smaller fields the track often attracts, meaning inside posts in the sprint races deserve attention. In today's five-horse and six-horse fields, the extreme inside can be advantageous if the horse and jockey can clear without traffic trouble.

In the route distances (1830f), the one-path is less of an automatic advantage given the longer run into the first turn. Middle posts have the luxury of settling in on the backstretch without overcommitting. Bettors should monitor early scratches and any revised trip notes from clockers, as even subtle shifts in a small field can dramatically change post position dynamics.

RACE 1 — Post 3:38 — 1830f | D | A | Alw 31000n1x | BUM | Purse $31,000

Pace Analysis

This one-and-one-eighth-mile allowance for non-winners of one race other than maiden or claiming on the dirt sets up as a moderately contested affair. With four fillies and mares entered, the pace scenario depends heavily on who assumes control early. Peacock Road (POST 1) from the David Reid barn and La Reynita (POST 2) from Eduardo Rodriguez both figure to show early foot, which could set up a contentious pace duel through the opening fractions. If those two battle through a fast first half mile, the door opens for any closer in the field. Keen Gal (POST 3) and Code Of Conduct (POST 4) will likely be positioned mid-pack or toward the rear, waiting to accelerate in the latter stages of this route.

Key Contenders

La Reynita (POST 2) enters as the morning-line favorite at 1-1 and deserves that status based on her current form and the strength of the Eduardo Rodriguez barn at this meet. Rodriguez is running hot and La Reynita (POST 2) draws a favorable post for a one-turn mile and an eighth on the dirt. Alexander Bendezu, who is aboard, has been among the top jockeys at the meet and has shown an excellent understanding of pace management in route races. The 1-1 morning line suggests the public will hammer her down further, but at the price, she is still worth including as a key in exotic play.

Peacock Road (POST 1) is the other clear contender here, installed at 2-1 by the morning-line maker and trained by David Reid, a reliable conditioner at Hawthorne. From the rail, Luis Colon will need to secure early position and avoid being pinched at the break. If Peacock Road (POST 1) can clear to the front or sit just off La Reynita (POST 2), she could wear down rivals in the stretch of this two-turn route. Reid's stable has been placing horses well, and this horse appears to be pointing to this condition based on her career trajectory.

Secondary Choices

Code Of Conduct (POST 4) at 2-1 on the morning line represents interesting value if the pace unfolds chaotically up front. Trained by Pat Clay and ridden by David Cohen, Code Of Conduct (POST 4) draws the outside post in this four-horse field, which in a route race allows the jockey to settle without worrying about traffic early. If La Reynita (POST 2) and Peacock Road (POST 1) go at each other through fast fractions, Code Of Conduct (POST 4) could sweep past late. Clay is a seasoned conditioner and knows how to place a horse for a winning effort.

Longshots

Keen Gal (POST 3) at 4-1 is the second Rodriguez entry and draws an interesting post between the two presumed pace setters. J.E. Felix takes the mount, and Keen Gal (POST 3) will need to navigate around dueling front-runners while maintaining enough energy to compete in the stretch. While the barn angle (Rodriguez with two in the race) is worth noting, La Reynita (POST 2) appears to be the stable's primary hope here. Keen Gal (POST 3) is not without a chance at the price, and exotic players should include her in multi-horse tickets.

Selections

Win: La Reynita (POST 2) Place: Peacock Road (POST 1) Show: Code Of Conduct (POST 4)

Betting Strategy: La Reynita (POST 2) is the play, but the 1-1 morning line does not offer strong win value. Use La Reynita (POST 2) on top of Code Of Conduct (POST 4) and Peacock Road (POST 1) in exactas. A key to Code Of Conduct (POST 4) on top of La Reynita (POST 2) at a longer price makes for a reasonable saver. The Rodriguez double-entry dynamic means Keen Gal (POST 3) should not be ignored completely in trifecta wheels.

RACE 2 — Post 4:12 — 1830f | D | C | Clm 5000b | BUN | Purse $11,500

Pace Analysis

This five-horse claiming route at $5,000 for non-winners of two races in the past year is the softest class on today's card, and the pace is likely to be honest enough to allow closers to participate. Electric Charge (POST 1) at 1-1 is the likely early pace-setter from the rail, with Bendezu handling the controls. Contrabandista (POST 2) from the Kenny Jansen barn may also show some early speed, potentially establishing a genuine pace duel. If the fractions are honest, horses like Regimental (POST 4) and Line To Gain (POST 5) could get into the action late.

Key Contenders

Electric Charge (POST 1) is the prohibitive morning-line favorite at 1-1 and is handled by Alexander Bendezu from the Maximino Quinonez barn. The combination of a leading jockey, a competent trainer, and the rail post in a field of five makes this horse the clear betting choice. Electric Charge (POST 1) should be able to control the early pace from Post 1 and, if the competition from Contrabandista (POST 2) is manageable, wire the field. At 1-1, the value is limited but the probability of winning is high enough to justify small win bets and single-key exotic play.

Secondary Choices

Contrabandista (POST 2) at 3-1 is trained by Kenny Jansen and ridden by Reynier Arrieta. Drawing Post 2 directly outside the favorite is useful in a route, allowing Contrabandista (POST 2) to settle just off the pace or challenge Electric Charge (POST 1) through the first turn without burning excessive energy. Jansen places horses competently at the Hawthorne level, and Contrabandista (POST 2) represents the main alternative to the chalk. Arrieta has been dependable on the local circuit.

Euclid Avenue (POST 3) at 4-1, trained by Harold Mosier and ridden by Victor Lara, is a situational play. From Post 3, Euclid Avenue (POST 3) can sit in behind the early speed and wait for the stretch. Mosier is a grinder at Hawthorne who occasionally springs surprises at double-digit prices, and 4-1 is not an unreasonable price for a horse who could benefit if the front-runners tire.

Longshots

Regimental (POST 4) at 4-1 comes from the Eduardo Rodriguez barn with Frank Reyes up. Rodriguez's barn activity gives Regimental (POST 4) credibility, though the connections will need to overcome a three-wide trip in a small field. This is a horse to watch if the field drifts wide through the first turn, giving Regimental (POST 4) a clean path.

Line To Gain (POST 5) at 6-1, trained by Heriberto Villalobos and ridden by Javier Tavares, is the longshot of the field. The outside post in a five-horse route is workable, but Line To Gain (POST 5) would need to find smooth sailing throughout a mile and one-eighth while the presumed pace setters fade. Include Line To Gain (POST 5) in trifecta exotics at the price.

Selections

Win: Electric Charge (POST 1) Place: Contrabandista (POST 2) Show: Euclid Avenue (POST 3)

Betting Strategy: With Electric Charge (POST 1) at 1-1, the win bet is marginal from a value standpoint. Instead, play Electric Charge (POST 1) on top in the exacta with Contrabandista (POST 2), Euclid Avenue (POST 3), and Regimental (POST 4). A trifecta wheel with Electric Charge (POST 1) over Contrabandista (POST 2) and Euclid Avenue (POST 3) in the second and third positions is a solid, low-cost play. If Electric Charge (POST 1) is bet down below 1-1, consider using Contrabandista (POST 2) as the win key with Electric Charge (POST 1) underneath.

RACE 3 — Post 4:45 — 1210f | D | A | Alw 31000n1x | BUM | Purse $31,000

Pace Analysis

This six-and-a-half-furlong allowance sprint for fillies and mares shapes up as a competitive affair with multiple sources of speed. Spinning Glory (POST 3) at 2-1 appears to be the likely pace-setter from the Rivelli barn. Al Mustaneera (POST 1) from Andrew McKeever and Lit Miss Hat Trick (POST 5) from the Harry Lynch stable may also have early foot, creating the potential for a competitive pace that could reward any closer in this field. Bella Cruella (POST 4) from the Reid barn is likely to be used positionally by Colon.

Key Contenders

Spinning Glory (POST 3) at 2-1 is the morning-line choice and gets the services of Jareth Loveberry, who is the leading pilot for the powerful Rivelli operation. Loveberry has shown excellent tactical awareness at Hawthorne this meet, and Spinning Glory (POST 3) from Post 3 in this five-horse field has a favorable draw. If Spinning Glory (POST 3) can clear to the front or sit a close second through the opening fractions without being pressed too hard, she has the class to prevail at this non-winners allowance level. Rivelli is a top trainer at Hawthorne and his barn's horses regularly run to their conditions.

Lit Miss Hat Trick (POST 5) at 3-1 from the Harry Lynch barn is the second-choice contender. Bendezu takes the mount and will be motivated from the outside post to establish good position early. Lynch does not run an extensive string but tends to have horses ready to fire when he points them at conditions like this. At 3-1, Lit Miss Hat Trick (POST 5) offers reasonable value if she can get a clean run from Post 5.

Secondary Choices

Smoked (POST 2) at 4-1 is the other Rivelli entry, with veteran jockey E.T. Baird taking the call. In a two-horse entry situation where both horses share the same barn, Spinning Glory (POST 3) appears to be the stable's primary representative, but Smoked (POST 2) cannot be dismissed. Baird is experienced at Hawthorne and will position Smoked (POST 2) to maximize her chances in a five-horse field. The 4-1 morning line on the second Rivelli runner makes this an interesting play in exactas underneath Spinning Glory (POST 3).

Longshots

Al Mustaneera (POST 1) at 4-1, trained by Andrew McKeever and ridden by David Cohen, draws the rail in a sprint. In a five-horse sprint at 1210 furlongs on a fast track at Hawthorne, the rail is not a disadvantage if the horse can break cleanly. McKeever has a modest stable but is capable of placing horses correctly, and Cohen is a reliable rider who knows the Hawthorne strip. Al Mustaneera (POST 1) is worth including in trifectas at the price.

Bella Cruella (POST 4) at 4-1 is David Reid's entry with Luis Colon aboard. Reid and Colon have been working well together at this meet, and Bella Cruella (POST 4) from Post 4 in a five-horse sprint gets a favorable outside draw to find her rhythm. She should not be ignored in exotics, especially if pace pressure develops early and she can close into a soft stretch target.

Selections

Win: Spinning Glory (POST 3) Place: Lit Miss Hat Trick (POST 5) Show: Smoked (POST 2)

Betting Strategy: Spinning Glory (POST 3) is the play on top. Box Spinning Glory (POST 3) with Lit Miss Hat Trick (POST 5) and Smoked (POST 2) in exactas for a reasonable cost. In trifectas, use Spinning Glory (POST 3) over Lit Miss Hat Trick (POST 5) and Smoked (POST 2) with Al Mustaneera (POST 1) and Bella Cruella (POST 4) rounding out the bottom. The Rivelli two-horse presence means the exacta combining both barn horses at Spinning Glory (POST 3) over Smoked (POST 2) is a logical wager.

RACE 4 — Post 5:16 — 1100f | D | M | Md 6250 | BUM | Purse $10,000

Pace Analysis

The first of two maiden claiming sprints at $6,250 for fillies and mares covers six furlongs on the dirt. This is a soft, low-level field and pace evaluation can be tricky with horses at this level. I'm Hungover (POST 2) and Night Rose (POST 3) both figure to be early movers from favorable inside posts. BENDEZU aboard Tour De' Port (POST 4) will push from just outside the leaders. With Rodriguez saddling two horses — Atraxa (POST 1) and D' Argonaut (POST 5) — the barn will be looking for any advantage from their runner with the better post position.

Key Contenders

Night Rose (POST 3) at 2-1 gets the Rivelli-Loveberry combination, the most potent partnership on today's card. At the maiden claiming level, trainer reputation and jockey quality are significant edges, and Rivelli consistently develops young horses toward their first win at this level. Night Rose (POST 3) from Post 3 has an ideal draw in a five-horse field, and Loveberry should be able to place her well. The 2-1 morning line is fair, and if this horse has the ability to pass this class test, Loveberry will get the best out of her.

I'm Hungover (POST 2) at 2-1 from the Joel Campbell barn with Israel Hernandez up is the co-favorite and the primary competition. Campbell has shown ability to win with maiden claimers at Hawthorne and I'm Hungover (POST 2) draws a favorable post just inside Night Rose (POST 3). The two horses will likely battle early, and the one who handles that pressure better will be in position to win.

Secondary Choices

Tour De' Port (POST 4) at 4-1 from the Quinonez barn with Bendezu in the irons is a live secondary choice. Quinonez and Bendezu are a productive combination at Hawthorne, and Tour De' Port (POST 4) from Post 4 gets a clean run in a five-horse field. If the two co-favorites tire each other through honest fractions, Tour De' Port (POST 4) has the pace scenario to close into the result.

Atraxa (POST 1) at 4-1, the first Rodriguez entry, gets the rail with O.K. Hernandez up. Rodriguez's barn running power at this meet makes Atraxa (POST 1) a factor even from Post 1. In a sprint, the rail requires a clean break, but if Atraxa (POST 1) exits the gate alertly, she can save ground on the turn and be in contention entering the stretch.

Longshots

D' Argonaut (POST 5) at 4-1 is the second Rodriguez entry and draws the outside post. J.E. Felix takes the ride, and D' Argonaut (POST 5) will need to find the right pace scenario to close from the outside. With Atraxa (POST 1) occupying the inside for the same barn, Rodriguez's loyalties are split, making D' Argonaut (POST 5) a secondary consideration for this analysis despite the barn's overall strength.

Selections

Win: Night Rose (POST 3) Place: I'm Hungover (POST 2) Show: Tour De' Port (POST 4)

Betting Strategy: Night Rose (POST 3) and I'm Hungover (POST 2) at the same morning-line price make this an exacta race. Box the two co-favorites in the exacta and add Tour De' Port (POST 4) to trifecta combinations. The Rodriguez two-horse entry of Atraxa (POST 1) and D' Argonaut (POST 5) adds intrigue for exotics but neither should be used as the primary key. A trifecta combination of Night Rose (POST 3) over I'm Hungover (POST 2) and Tour De' Port (POST 4) is the preferred structure.

RACE 5 — Post 5:47 — 1100f | D | M | Md 6250 | BUN | Purse $10,000

Pace Analysis

The second maiden claiming sprint of the afternoon, also at six furlongs for non-winners, features five male runners. Gray Mike (POST 4) and Storm Back (POST 5) are co-favorites at 2-1, with the field completing through Bonified Crazy (POST 1), Kuz I Can Man (POST 2), and Stormy Attack (POST 3). Multiple horses in this field have “storm” or pace-oriented names suggesting early speed, and the fractions in this race could be relatively honest, which benefits horses with tactical versatility.

Key Contenders

Gray Mike (POST 4) at 2-1 is trained by Carlos Ramirez and ridden by the meet's leading rider Luis Colon. The post position is favorable in a five-horse sprint, and Colon's ability to place a horse correctly makes Gray Mike (POST 4) the top selection here. Ramirez has shown competence placing horses at the maiden claiming level at Hawthorne, and Gray Mike (POST 4) benefits from one of the best jockey-post combinations in the field.

Storm Back (POST 5) at 2-1 from the Villalobos barn with Javier Tavares is the co-favorite and represents the primary competition. Despite drawing the outside post, Storm Back (POST 5) from the Heriberto Villalobos stable is worth respecting. Tavares has been a consistent rider at Hawthorne and, from Post 5, will have clear lanes to run in a five-horse field. Villalobos places horses carefully and Storm Back (POST 5) could be ready for a winning effort.

Secondary Choices

Bonified Crazy (POST 1) at 3-1 from Elias Lopez and Frank Reyes draws the rail. At 3-1, Bonified Crazy (POST 1) offers solid value if the horse can break cleanly from Post 1. Reyes is a capable rider at this level and Lopez has placed horses effectively at the claiming tier. In a five-horse field, the inside post is workable in a six-furlong race, and Bonified Crazy (POST 1) at morning-line odds of 3-1 is a legitimate alternative to the co-favorites.

Longshots

Stormy Attack (POST 3) at 4-1 from Shane Childers and Victor Lara is a mid-field option. Childers has a consistent record at Hawthorne and Stormy Attack (POST 3) from the three-hole has a workable post. At 4-1, this horse deserves inclusion in trifectas and superfectas.

Kuz I Can Man (POST 2) at 6-1, from Jose G. Rodriguez and Israel Hernandez, is the longest shot in the field. The price makes Kuz I Can Man (POST 2) interesting in superfecta plays where cost efficiency matters, but this horse is not expected to challenge the co-favorites directly.

Selections

Win: Gray Mike (POST 4) Place: Storm Back (POST 5) Show: Bonified Crazy (POST 1)

Betting Strategy: With two co-favorites at 2-1, the win bet is marginal from a value standpoint. Prioritize exacta boxing of Gray Mike (POST 4), Storm Back (POST 5), and Bonified Crazy (POST 1). A trifecta using Gray Mike (POST 4) and Storm Back (POST 5) on top and Bonified Crazy (POST 1) and Stormy Attack (POST 3) underneath is the preferred exotic structure. Use Stormy Attack (POST 3) and Kuz I Can Man (POST 2) as low-cost tails in superfecta plays.

RACE 6 — Post 6:18 — 1210f | D | C | Clm 12500b | BUM | Purse $13,000

Pace Analysis

This six-and-a-half-furlong claiming event for fillies and mares at $12,500 is the richest claiming race on the card. Tiz China (POST 5) from the Rivelli barn opens as the 1-1 favorite, suggesting this is perceived as a one-horse race by the morning-line maker. Sharp Attack (POST 1) and Fondre (POST 2) could establish early fractions, and the race's outcome may hinge on whether Tiz China (POST 5) needs to do work early or can be rated in an off-the-pace position by Loveberry.

Key Contenders

Tiz China (POST 5) at 1-1 with Jareth Loveberry up for Larry Rivelli is the dominant morning-line choice and the clear class of this field. Rivelli's record in claiming races at Hawthorne is exemplary, and his ability to place horses at the correct class level means Tiz China (POST 5) should be properly conditioned for this spot. Loveberry from Post 5 in a five-horse sprint will have clean running room throughout and can make his move whenever the pace scenario dictates. At 1-1, the win bet is thin but Tiz China (POST 5) as a single key in exotics is entirely justified.

Secondary Choices

Fondre (POST 2) at 4-1, trained by David Reid and ridden by Luis Colon, is the most logical alternative. Reid and Colon are working well together this meet, and Fondre (POST 2) from Post 2 can get a clean trip just behind any early speed. At 4-1, Fondre (POST 2) offers genuine value as an exacta partner with Tiz China (POST 5). If Tiz China (POST 5) is bet down to 4-5 or lower, Fondre (POST 2) becomes even more valuable as the alternative win play.

Mary Moonglow (POST 3) at 4-1, trained by Dino Dizeo and ridden by Frank Reyes, shares the same barn as Sharp Attack (POST 1). Dizeo running two horses in this race is noteworthy, and Mary Moonglow (POST 3) from Post 3 has the better draw. Reyes is capable at this level, and if Mary Moonglow (POST 3) is the barn's primary hope, she could upset the Rivelli runner at a juicy price.

Longshots

Sharp Attack (POST 1) at 4-1, the first Dizeo entry, is trained by the same conditioner as Mary Moonglow (POST 3) but draws the rail with David Cohen. Sharp Attack (POST 1) at the rail could control early pace if she is the faster of the two Dizeo runners. Cohen is familiar with Hawthorne and will be looking to exploit any pace advantage from the inside post.

Boyce's Bandita (POST 4) at 6-1, trained by Brian Cook and ridden by Alexander Bendezu, is the longest price in the field. Despite the odds, Bendezu's presence is notable given his current meet standing. If Boyce's Bandita (POST 4) enters with any recent positive form or workout, the 6-1 could represent value in exactas and trifectas. Include Boyce's Bandita (POST 4) as a bottom component in trifecta tickets.

Selections

Win: Tiz China (POST 5) Place: Fondre (POST 2) Show: Mary Moonglow (POST 3)

Betting Strategy: Single Tiz China (POST 5) in Pick 3 and Pick 4 combinations running through this race. In the exacta, use Tiz China (POST 5) on top of Fondre (POST 2), Mary Moonglow (POST 3), and Sharp Attack (POST 1). At 1-1, avoid a straight win bet unless the pool is deep enough to offer overlay value. A trifecta keying Tiz China (POST 5) on top with Fondre (POST 2) and Mary Moonglow (POST 3) in second and third is the optimal structure.

RACE 7 — Post 6:48 — 1210f | D | C | Clm 5000n1y | BUN | Purse $11,000

Pace Analysis

Sunday's finale is a six-and-a-half-furlong claiming sprint at $5,000 restricted to non-winners of one race in the past year. Six horses are entered, giving this race the largest field of the day. Latin Casino (POST 4) and Jet Flight (POST 5) are co-favorites at 2-1, and both may have early speed intentions. With multiple forward-moving horses potentially battling through the first quarter, this race could set up for a closer. Ice Axe (POST 1), Via Del Corso (POST 2), and Off To The Races (POST 3) are mid-range pricers, while Lavender Earl (POST 6) opens at 12-1 as the longshot.

Key Contenders

Latin Casino (POST 4) at 2-1, trained by Shane Childers and ridden by Frank Reyes, is the top selection. Childers has been placing horses effectively at the Hawthorne claiming level and Latin Casino (POST 4) from Post 4 in a six-horse sprint gets a favorable middle draw. Reyes is a dependable rider at this class level, and Latin Casino (POST 4) should be able to secure a stalking position without burning excessive energy. If the pace is contested early, Latin Casino (POST 4) could sweep to the lead in the stretch.

Jet Flight (POST 5) at 2-1 from Jose G. Rodriguez and Luis Colon is the co-favorite and a legitimate alternative. Colon's presence on Jet Flight (POST 5) is significant given his current standing on the Hawthorne leaderboard. From Post 5, Jet Flight (POST 5) will have clear running room and Colon can dictate his own pace. The Rodriguez-Colon combination in this finale is a sharp betting angle for the closer.

Secondary Choices

Off To The Races (POST 3) at 4-1, trained by Joel Campbell and ridden by J.E. Felix, is the most intriguing price in this field. Campbell has shown ability to produce maiden-level and low-level claimers at Hawthorne, and Off To The Races (POST 3) from Post 3 has the best draw if the race sets up with outside horses engaged in an early battle. Felix is a capable rider who can find a stalking spot in a six-horse field.

Via Del Corso (POST 2) at 4-1, from the Eduardo Rodriguez barn with Israel Hernandez, adds a second Rodriguez runner to the finale. Rodriguez's barn activity makes Via Del Corso (POST 2) a live threat despite the secondary odds. Hernandez rides with energy and, from Post 2, Via Del Corso (POST 2) can draft behind the rail horse and maintain a good position throughout the race.

Longshots

Ice Axe (POST 1) at 8-1, trained by Heriberto Villalobos and ridden by Victor Lara, draws the rail at a significant price. At 8-1, Ice Axe (POST 1) must break cleanly and secure a comfortable path, but at the price, this horse is worth including in trifectas and superfectas as a bottom finisher. Villalobos has had live horses at longer prices at this meet.

Lavender Earl (POST 6) at 12-1 from Carlos Ramirez and Javier Tavares is the longest price in the finale. The outside post in a six-horse sprint creates a wide trip scenario, and Lavender Earl (POST 6) would need everything to go right to factor. Nonetheless, at 12-1, this horse deserves a small inclusion in superfecta plays where the cost per combination is low.

Selections

Win: Latin Casino (POST 4) Place: Jet Flight (POST 5) Show: Off To The Races (POST 3)

Betting Strategy: With two co-favorites at 2-1, this race offers good exacta value by boxing Latin Casino (POST 4) and Jet Flight (POST 5) and adding Off To The Races (POST 3) and Via Del Corso (POST 2) as secondary components. A trifecta using Latin Casino (POST 4) and Jet Flight (POST 5) on top with Off To The Races (POST 3), Via Del Corso (POST 2), and Ice Axe (POST 1) in third place creates a cost-effective ticket. At 12-1, Lavender Earl (POST 6) is worth tailing in superfectas.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Alexander Bendezu is positioned among the top riders at Hawthorne this meet and draws quality mounts across Sunday's card, including the morning-line favorite La Reynita (POST 2) in Race 1, Electric Charge (POST 1) in Race 2, Lit Miss Hat Trick (POST 5) in Race 3, and Tour De' Port (POST 4) in Race 4. His ability to manage pace in route races is a particular strength, and bettors should take note when he is paired with the Eduardo Rodriguez barn, with whom he appears to have a productive relationship.

Luis Colon is the other high-profile jockey on the card with multiple significant mounts. He handles Peacock Road (POST 1) in Race 1, Bella Cruella (POST 4) in Race 3, Gray Mike (POST 4) in Race 5, Fondre (POST 2) in Race 6, and the co-favorite Jet Flight (POST 5) in the finale. Colon's strike rate at Hawthorne this meet gives him credibility across all his mounts. When Colon is paired with a trainer in good form, the result is often worth noting.

Jareth Loveberry handles the Larry Rivelli string and rides Spinning Glory (POST 3) in Race 3, Night Rose (POST 3) in Race 4, and Tiz China (POST 5) in Race 6. Loveberry's record for Rivelli at Hawthorne is among the best jockey-trainer partnerships at the meet. In each of his three mounts today, Loveberry's horse carries either the morning-line favorite or a well-positioned second choice designation. His ability to rate horses in sprint distances is a consistent strength.

Frank Reyes has multiple live mounts, including Regimental (POST 4) in Race 2, Mary Moonglow (POST 3) in Race 6, and Latin Casino (POST 4) in the Race 7 finale. Reyes is a dependable mid-tier rider at Hawthorne who finds pockets in shorter fields and delivers consistent performances at the claiming level.

Reynier Arrieta picks up the mount on Contrabandista (POST 2) in Race 2. Arrieta has been reliable at Hawthorne when paired with live horses from competent trainers. The Kenny Jansen connection makes Contrabandista (POST 2) more than just a secondary choice.

David Cohen rides Sharp Attack (POST 1) in Race 6 and Al Mustaneera (POST 1) in Race 3. Cohen is a veteran who knows Hawthorne's quirks and can be effective on speed horses from inside posts.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Eduardo Rodriguez is the dominant trainer force on Sunday's card, saddling multiple horses across the program including La Reynita (POST 2) and Keen Gal (POST 3) in Race 1, Regimental (POST 4) in Race 2, Atraxa (POST 1) and D' Argonaut (POST 5) in Race 4, and Via Del Corso (POST 2) in Race 7. The sheer volume of Rodriguez runners today means his stable is in form, and bettors should view any Rodriguez horse at a reachable price as a threat. His pairing with Bendezu and other leading riders gives his horses a consistent tactical advantage.

Larry Rivelli is the other marquee trainer today with three runners spread across Races 3, 4, and 6. The Rivelli-Loveberry combination has been dominant at Hawthorne this meet, and all three horses — Smoked (POST 2) and Spinning Glory (POST 3) in Race 3, Night Rose (POST 3) in Race 4, and Tiz China (POST 5) in Race 6 — carry legitimate winning chances. When Rivelli doubles up in a race as he does in Race 3, the designated lead horse, in this case Spinning Glory (POST 3) with Loveberry, is typically the primary effort.

David Reid handles Peacock Road (POST 1) in Race 1, Bella Cruella (POST 4) in Race 3, and Fondre (POST 2) in Race 6. Reid is a consistent conditioner at Hawthorne who places horses carefully. The Reid-Colon partnership is one of the more productive combinations at the current meet, and at reasonable prices, their horses deserve serious respect.

Maximino Quinonez trains Electric Charge (POST 1) in Race 2 and Tour De' Port (POST 4) in Race 4. With Bendezu on board Electric Charge (POST 1), the Quinonez-Bendezu combination in Race 2 is a clear wagering angle. At his best, Quinonez delivers sharp, fit horses into these claiming conditions.

Shane Childers saddles Stormy Attack (POST 3) in Race 5 and Latin Casino (POST 4) in Race 7. The Race 7 connection with Frank Reyes on Latin Casino (POST 4) is the stronger of the two, and Childers entering the finale with his best option at a fair price makes Latin Casino (POST 4) a legitimate win contender.

Joel Campbell is represented by I'm Hungover (POST 2) in Race 4 and Off To The Races (POST 3) in Race 7. Campbell is capable at the maiden claiming level, and I'm Hungover (POST 2) in Race 4 figures to be a genuine factor. The 2-1 morning line reflects his standing at Hawthorne this spring.

Heriberto Villalobos trains Line To Gain (POST 5) in Race 2, Storm Back (POST 5) in Race 5, and Ice Axe (POST 1) in Race 7. The Storm Back (POST 5) entry in Race 5 at 2-1 is the most significant of the three, and Villalobos appears comfortable running at this maiden claiming level.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The best value on Sunday's card comes from races where the morning-line favorites are priced at 1-1 but the exotic wagering opportunities with secondary horses offer meaningful returns.

Race 7 Value Play: With LATIN CASINO (POST 4) and JET FLIGHT (POST 5) both at 2-1 in the finale, the trifecta using both horses on top with the secondary field in third has the potential for a meaningful payoff. VIA DEL CORSO (POST 2) at 4-1 as an alternative win key in the finale offers a productive upset scenario given the Rodriguez barn’s strength throughout the card.

Pick 5 Structure: For bettors playing the final five races (Races 3 through 7), a base Pick 5 ticket should include Spinning Glory (POST 3) singled in Race 3, spread between Night Rose (POST 3) and I'm Hungover (POST 2) in Race 4, spread between Gray Mike (POST 4) and Storm Back (POST 5) in Race 5, single Tiz China (POST 5) in Race 6, and spread Latin Casino (POST 4) and Jet Flight (POST 5) in Race 7. A base ticket of this structure covering the primary scenarios costs $8.00 at a $1 base unit and represents a solid foundation. Adding Tour De' Port (POST 4) in Race 4 and Bonified Crazy (POST 1) in Race 5 as alternates increases the cost but improves coverage meaningfully.

The most productive overall wagering approach for Sunday's Hawthorne card is to treat Races 1 and 6 as exacta races, treat Races 4 and 5 as trifecta races, and use Races 3 and 7 as the primary Pick 3 anchors with Spinning Glory (POST 3) and Latin Casino (POST 4) as the respective win selections. The Rodriguez and Rivelli barn activity throughout the card creates natural connections in exotic wagering that should be exploited across multiple sequences.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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