Pick Pony Track Condition Report — Hawthorne Race Course, July 5, 2026

Weather Forecast

A dangerous, sweltering heat wave is impacting the Chicago area this week, with high temperatures in the 90s and heat indices pushing up to around 108°F in Cook County, where Hawthorne is located. Winds are expected to be light to moderate; under typical summer patterns in Chicago, look for a west–southwest flow with speeds generally in the 8–15 mph range. Rain chances are low, and conditions should remain predominantly hot and dry through the racing afternoon.

Track Surface & Bias

With a hot, dry summer setup and limited precipitation, the dirt (D) surface at Hawthorne is likely to play fast, generally favoring forwardly placed runners and stalkers who can secure position early and stay out of kickback. Under similar firm, efficient conditions at other summer meets, inside vs. outside post differences on dirt tend to be secondary to early pace and tactical position, meaning front-runners and pace-pressers often gain an edge if the track is tightly maintained.

On the turf (T), a firm, sun-baked course typically tilts slightly toward stalkers and well-timed closers, provided there is at least an honest early pace. Saving ground from inside or mid posts can be beneficial, especially in larger fields, but the key advantage usually comes from horses that can sit just off the lead and quicken in the lane rather than deep closers who need extreme pace meltdowns to be effective.

Handicapper’s Edge

Given today's likely fast dirt and firm turf profiles, upgrade horses with proven early speed or strong tactical pace, particularly those drawn where they can secure position without a hard scramble into the first turn. On turf, lean toward runners who regularly produce efficient stalking trips and reliable finishes on firm ground, and be cautious with deep closers that require unusually hot fractions to reach contention.