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Today’s eight-race card at Hawthorne features a solid mix of claiming races, allowance contests, and one maiden special weight event. The first post is scheduled for 2:43 PM Central Time, with the final race going off at 6:22 PM. The program offers competitive betting opportunities across multiple surface conditions, including both dirt and turf racing.
Weather and Track Conditions
Current weather conditions at Hawthorne show fair skies with a temperature of 59°F. The wind is from the north-northeast at 10 mph with 62% humidity, and the forecast calls for partly cloudy conditions. Track officials have posted a temporary rail at 10 feet for turf races (Races 3, 5, 6, and 8). The main dirt track is expected to be in fast condition based on current weather patterns.
Race-By-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Claiming $5,000 (2:43 PM)
This six-furlong dirt claiming race for three-year-olds and upward features competitive older horses. Russian to Win emerges as the top selection at 3-1 morning line odds. The gelding shows excellent versatility and finishing ability, having won his last two starts. Winging Ways presents the main early speed threat at 5-2 odds but may tire if pressured. Strange Arrange offers solid value as a recent two-time winner with tactical speed.
Key Angles: Four of six runners won their last start, creating a competitive field where class and form converge.
Wagering Angles: Russian to Win to win; exacta box Russian to Win with Winging Ways and Strange Arrange.
Race 2 – Allowance $33,000 (3:21 PM)
Oy Gevald stands out in this allowance race despite being a three-year-old taking on older horses. The colt dominated in his lone local dirt start and should handle the main track better than turf. Run Jalen Run at 3-1 offers strong value with solid speed figures matching the favorite. We Miss Arlington drops in class but brings impressive local form with five consecutive wins at Hawthorne.
Pace Analysis: Moderate early pace expected with Oy Gevald taking command turning for home.
Key Angles: Surface switch favors Oy Gevald after poor turf performances.
Wagering Angles: Oy Gevald to win; exacta key Oy Gevald over Run Jalen Run and We Miss Arlington.
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight Turf (3:52 PM)
The turf maiden special weight at 5½ furlongs features Urban Ruler as the 3-1 morning line choice. This three-year-old gelding gets first-time Lasix and should benefit from the surface switch. Final Countdown brings tactical speed and trainer Robert Pompell’s strong recent form. Anthony the Great rounds out the top three with consistent recent efforts.
Key Angles: First-time turf runners and equipment changes create value opportunities.
Wagering Angles: Urban Ruler to win; trifecta Urban Ruler with Final Countdown and Anthony the Great.
Race 4 – Fillies and Mares Claiming $4,000 (4:28 PM)
Awesome Sunday gets the nod at 3-1 in this restricted claiming race for fillies and mares. The five-year-old mare shows consistent form and gets jockey Ademar Santos. Long Tall Woman brings experience but has recent veterinary scratches. Lost Sunset offers value with trainer Frank Kirby’s solid record.
Pace Analysis: Moderate pace expected with several come-from-behind types.
Key Angles: Fillies and mares race creates different pace dynamics than open company.
Wagering Angles: Awesome Sunday to win; exacta Awesome Sunday over Long Tall Woman.
Race 5 – Fillies Claiming Turf $12,500 (5:00 PM)
The large field of 12 features Hialeah Hottie as the 3-1 choice. The five-year-old mare brings class and experience to this turf sprint. Annie’s Hope offers value with good turf form. Madelyn Attack has been scratched due to off-turf conditions previously.
Key Angles: Large field creates exotic betting opportunities with multiple contenders.
Wagering Angles: Hialeah Hottie to win; trifecta key with multiple horses for value.
Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming Turf (5:28 PM)
Drama Chorus stands out at 3-1 in this competitive allowance optional claiming event. The eight-year-old gelding brings experience and class to the 1 1/16-mile turf test. Lamplighter Jack offers value with recent good form. Read On has been dealing with trainer changes.
Pace Analysis: The longer distance favors patient, closing types.
Key Angles: Class relief through claiming option creates betting value.
Wagering Angles: Drama Chorus to win; exacta Drama Chorus over Lamplighter Jack.
Race 7 – Claiming $5,000 (5:55 PM)
Beggin for Trouble presents excellent value at 12-1 morning line odds. This three-year-old gelding has shown improvement and gets favorable conditions. Hawaiian Hide Away and Two Stormy Oceans round out the top contenders.
Key Angles: Longshot value in competitive claiming race.
Wagering Angles: Beggin for Trouble to win for value; exacta saver with top choices.
Race 8 – Claiming Turf $15,000 (6:22 PM)
Dinos Dixie caps the card as the 5-2 favorite in the closing turf mile. The five-year-old gelding brings consistent form and tactical speed. City of God and Slava Ukraini provide solid competition.
Pace Analysis: Moderate pace expected over the turf mile.
Key Angles: Closing race often produces value with tired money.
Wagering Angles: Dinos Dixie to win; exacta Dinos Dixie over the field.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Orlando Mojica leads the current jockey standings with 54 wins from 220 starts and a 25% win rate. Jareth Loveberry sits second with 38 wins and strong consistency. Luis H. Colon shows excellent efficiency with a 21% win rate from 143 starts. Alexander Bendezu brings 34 wins and solid tactical ability.
Santiago Gonzalez leads in total starts with 273 and maintains an 18% win rate. These riders represent the top tier of Hawthorne’s jockey colony and warrant extra attention when analyzing their mounts.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Based on recent meet statistics, trainers showing consistent form include those with multiple entries on today’s card. Armando Hernandez trains Russian to Win in Race 1 and has shown solid recent form. Robert Pompell sends out Final Countdown in Race 3 and Brody in Race 2.
Chris M. Block has multiple runners including Urban Ruler and Another Mystery, indicating confidence in his stable’s current form. Antonio Meraz trains both Strange Arrange and Written Consent, showing faith in his preparation methods.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Win Bets: Focus on Russian to Win (Race 1), Oy Gevald (Race 2), and Beggin for Trouble (Race 7) for value.
Exacta Plays: Key horses in competitive races like the allowance in Race 2 and the claiming events.
Multi-Race Wagers: Pick 3 and Pick 4 opportunities exist with logical contenders across consecutive races.
Value Longshots: Beggin for Trouble at 12-1 in Race 7 represents the best longshot value of the day.
Late Pick 4: Races 5-8 offer exotic betting opportunities with competitive fields and multiple contenders.
