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Hawthorne presents a solid 14-race card on this cloudy Sunday afternoon, with first post at 1:40 PM CST. Weather conditions show mostly cloudy skies with temperatures around 46°F, west winds at 7 mph, and humidity at 71%. Track conditions remain TBA but the forecast suggests a dry racing surface for the afternoon program.
Weather and Track Conditions
Current conditions favor racing with mostly cloudy skies and moderate temperatures ideal for both horse and jockey performance. The 46-degree temperature with light west winds at 7 mph should provide excellent racing conditions without weather-related complications. Humidity at 71% remains within normal range for late fall racing in Illinois.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Maiden Claiming (5.5F Turf)
Key Contenders: Prince Day returns from Churchill Downs experience, while Gift Giving represents the Berndt barn’s maiden hopes. Anthony the Great shows consistency at this level.
Secondary Choices: Pakula from the Rivelli barn brings stable form, and Sand Cast offers potential value as a lightly raced colt.
Longshots: Good Yegg at 8-years-old brings experience but questions about class, while Lookn Macho could surprise at longer odds.
Pace Analysis: Expect moderate early fractions with several horses showing tactical speed. The 5.5-furlong turf distance should favor horses with good positioning skills.
Key Angles: Trainer Larry Rivelli recently achieved his 2,000th career victory, suggesting stable confidence.
Selection:
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Race 2 – Maiden Claiming (6F Dirt)
According to track handicapper analysis, Averyz Day brings strong credentials returning to this circuit with previous OptixGRADE performance at this level. Kiss My Charms appears as a new face at this claiming level, while Freedom Empire returns from a disqualified maiden win back in April.
Key Contenders: Averyz Day shows the best form returning to familiar conditions. Freedom Empire brings class relief after running against higher company.
Secondary Choices: WW Best of Times returns second off the bench, while Gray Mike and Black Russian represent consistent types seeking breakthrough victories.
Pace Analysis: Moderate early pace expected with tactical positioning crucial in this maiden sprint.
Selection: Averyz Day to win, Freedom Empire as value place option.
Race 3 – Claiming Fillies/Mares (5F Turf)
Track analysis highlights More Than a Diva sitting on a peak effort with subtle changes to move forward. Chrome Attack follows similar race-to-race patterns with positive form cycle development. More Than a Diva holds the only ABOVE+ Plot designation in the field according to OptixEQ analytics.
Key Contenders: More Than a Diva appears best positioned with inside draw and distance change. Chrome Attack brings progressive form despite different running style.
Secondary Choices: Frosted Eclair finds middle ground tactically, while Raceday Attire and Call’em All both rate ABOVE on analytics.
Pace Analysis: Potential for contentious early fractions could set up late closers.
Selection: More Than a Diva to win, Chrome Attack for place coverage.
Race 4 – Claiming Fillies/Mares (6F Dirt)
Mary Moonglow brings upside wheeling back quickly with pace advantage, while Laly should find ideal trip from outside post position. The 45-day freshening for Laly represents favorable timing with class relief from higher summer competitions.
Key Contenders: Mary Moonglow with tactical speed advantage. Laly offers value with good post position and freshening.
Secondary Choices: Annie’s Hope benefits from distance change with previous B OptixGRADE at similar conditions. No Pay No Hay brings local Hawthorne experience.
Selection: Mary Moonglow to win, Laly for place value.
Race 5 – Claiming (1-1/16M Turf)
Palagio holds massive class and figure edge from California racing, showing strong form after extended layoff. Moonrise Drive returns from trouble trips with consistent B- OptixGRADES, while Lone Return also upgraded from common race encounters.
Key Contenders: Palagio brings superior class despite claiming conditions. Moonrise Drive offers value with trouble-line upgrades.
Secondary Choices: Money Agent shows consistent form at this level, while Cash App Mike tests winners after wheeling back quickly.
Selection: Palagio to win, Moonrise Drive for place.
Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight 2YO (5F Dirt)
This competitive juvenile maiden special weight features several intriguing angles, with trainer Larry Rivelli entering two horses coming off his recent milestone of 2,000 career victories.
Track Context and 2-Year-Old Racing Dynamics
Two-year-old maiden special weight races require careful analysis of trainer patterns, pedigree influences, and debut preparation. At Hawthorne, these races often favor horses with tactical speed who can position well in the early stages while maintaining energy for the stretch drive.
Key Contenders Analysis
He Gone (3-1 ML) – Loveberry/Rivelli
The morning line favorite represents the powerful Rivelli-Loveberry combination that has been dominant at this meet. Rivelli recently achieved his 2,000th career victory and is currently battling for leading trainer honors at Hawthorne. Loveberry ranks second among jockeys with 42 wins from 212 starts (20% win rate). The combination of hot trainer, leading jockey, and favorable morning line positioning makes this horse formidable despite being a first-time starter.
Little Krush (9-2 ML) – Gallardo/Rosin
The second choice on the morning line from veteran trainer Coty Rosin. Eduardo Gallardo brings solid riding credentials to this debut effort. The slightly longer odds suggest bookmakers see this as a competitive alternative to the favorite, indicating probable strong morning workouts or stable confidence.
Union Cait (5-1 ML) – Colon/Campbell
This colt brings actual racing experience, having started at least twice previously at Hawthorne. By Union Rags out of Agi’s Cait by Tale of the Cat, the breeding suggests both speed and class. His September 14 start showed he “rated inside off the top two around” before fading, while his October 16 effort saw him “race mid-pack two-wide to the far turn, then did not” respond. The experience factor could prove crucial in a field dominated by first-time starters, and trainer Joel Campbell has shown consistency at this level.
Go Chicago (8-1 ML) – Centeno/Rivelli
The second Rivelli entry carries significant pedigree appeal as a son of 2021 Horse of the Year Knicks Go. Knicks Go showed brilliant juvenile speed, winning his debut at Ellis Park by 3.5 lengths and later capturing the Breeders’ Futurity as a 70-1 longshot. His offspring have already shown precocious speed, with first-crop runner Ewing winning the Saratoga Special (G2) after a 12-length debut victory. The 8-1 morning line odds appear generous considering the elite pedigree and red-hot trainer.
Secondary Contenders
Rockfest (6-1 ML) – O. Hernandez/DiVito
From the DiVito barn with Olaf Hernandez aboard, this first-time starter represents solid value at 6-1 odds. DiVito has shown competence with juveniles, and the morning line suggests respect from track handicappers.
Boca Beach Club (6-1 ML) – Mojica/DiVito
The second DiVito entry pairs with leading jockey Orlando Mojica, who tops the jockey standings with 60 wins from 260 starts. The Mojica factor elevates this horse’s chances significantly despite being a first-time starter.
Mr in Personal (8-1 ML) – Roman/Padilla
From the Tim Padilla barn at 8-1 odds, this colt offers potential value if the stable has prepared him properly for debut.
Longshot Considerations
Spartan King (15-1 ML) – Diego/Pompell
Robert Pompell has shown success with juveniles in past meets, making this 15-1 shot worthy of exotic consideration.
Copperjacket (15-1 ML) – I. Hernandez/Rosin
The second Rosin entry shows blinkers added for debut, often a positive sign of increased focus and intensity. The 15-1 odds provide potential exotic value.
Pace Analysis
With several first-time starters, pace projection remains challenging, but Union Cait’s previous races suggest he prefers to settle off the early pace. The Knicks Go influence on Go Chicago suggests early speed potential, while He Gone’s connections indicate tactical preparation. Expect moderate early fractions with the potential for a contested stretch drive among multiple contenders.
Trainer and Jockey Angles
Larry Rivelli’s recent milestone achievement and current battle for leading trainer suggests peak stable form. His decision to enter two horses indicates strong confidence in stable readiness. The Loveberry-Rivelli combination has proven highly effective throughout the meet.
Orlando Mojica’s presence on Boca Beach Club adds significant appeal given his meet-leading statistics. Joel Campbell’s experience with Union Cait provides the advantage of race seasoning in a field of mostly green horses.
Wagering Strategy and Selection
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Race 7 – Claiming F&M (1M 70Y Dirt)
Lower-level claiming race for fillies and mares with restricted recent win conditions. Several veteran mares seeking form reversal.
Key Contenders: Lily’s Creed represents stronger connections, while She Be Sheehan brings steady form profile.
Secondary Choices: Came Up Roses drops significantly in class, while Pasta Salad Rhonda offers local familiarity.
Selection: Lily’s Creed to win, She Be Sheehan for place.
Race 8 – Claiming (7.5F Turf)
Competitive claiming event on turf with several horses showing form. Track analysis suggests contentious pace scenario.
Key Contenders: Sawyer Fox brings Catalano barn credentials, while It’s Bobs Business shows consistent form pattern.
Secondary Choices: Bourbon Life offers value at longer odds, while Woodcock Flight brings international breeding.
Selection: Sawyer Fox to win, It’s Bobs Business for place.
Race 9 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1M Turf)
According to track analysis, this race presents high par for the level with competitive dynamics. Visionista represents longshot opportunity first time claiming with 49-day freshening.
This competitive allowance optional claiming event presents one of the stronger fields on the card, with horses eligible under multiple conditions creating a diverse array of contenders.
Race Conditions and Context
The race caters to horses that have never won $15,000 twice (excluding maiden, claiming, starter, or state-bred races) or have never won four races, with an optional claiming price of $50,000. The one-mile turf distance favors tactical speed and stamina, particularly important as the late autumn turf conditions may play differently than summer racing.
Key Contenders Analysis
Another Mystery (3-1 ML) – Mojica/Block
The morning line favorite brings impressive credentials as a Team Block homebred with strong recent form. Trainer Chris Block maintains exceptional career statistics with 1,516 wins from 7,900 starts and over $53 million in earnings. Another Mystery shows a recent win and has earned $460,851 lifetime with 11 victories from 32 starts. The horse is approaching $1 million in career earnings and represents a seasoned veteran at this level. Orlando Mojica’s presence adds significant appeal given his meet-leading 60 wins from 260 starts.
Hard To Fathom (9-2 ML) – Gallardo/Simonovich
This 5-year-old gelding by Hard Spun shows consistent form at Hawthorne with $194,389 in career earnings. Trainer Daniel Simonovich has developed this horse carefully, and recent form suggests readiness for this level. The horse shows 25% win percentage in recent starts with strong place/show numbers. Eduardo Gallardo provides competent riding with 13% win rate and solid tactical skills.
Outofthedark (4-1 ML) – Roman/Padilla
From the Tim Padilla barn, this horse represents the second choice on the morning line with competitive recent form. The 4-1 odds suggest respect from track handicappers and solid morning workout patterns. Constantino Roman brings riding experience to this competitive allowance level.
Secondary Contenders
Protonic Power (6-1 ML) – Felix/Hernandez
This 6-year-old gelding shows strong recent statistics with $308,695 in career earnings from 29 starts. The horse demonstrates 17% win rate with impressive 72% in-the-money percentage. Trainer Armando Hernandez maintains solid credentials, and the horse’s recent turf form suggests competitiveness at this level. Julio Felix provides capable riding with 41% in-the-money percentage.
Eightysixchevy (5-1 ML) – A. Quinonez/Padilla
The second Padilla entry offers value at 5-1 odds with Alonso Quinonez aboard. Quinonez shows strong statistics with 19% win rate and 41% in-the-money percentage. The morning line suggests track handicappers view this as a legitimate contender.
Code Name (15-1 ML) – Bendezu/Campbell
This longshot represents excellent value from the Joel Campbell barn. Campbell has shown consistent success with allowance-level horses, and the 15-1 odds may undervalue the horse’s actual chances. Alexander Bendezu provides solid riding with strong secondary finish percentages.
Value and Longshot Considerations
Homie (12-1 ML) – Loveberry/Rivelli
From the red-hot Larry Rivelli stable, this 3-year-old offers significant value at 12-1 odds. Rivelli recently achieved his 2,000th career victory and maintains exceptional current form. The horse shows 80% win rate from limited starts with 100% in-the-money record. Jareth Loveberry’s 20% win rate and strong positioning throughout the meet make this an exceptional value play.
Towering Storm (12-1 ML) – Gonzalez/Villa
Another 12-1 longshot from the Francisco Villa barn with Santiago Gonzalez riding. The horse shows 50% win rate from recent starts with 100% in-the-money percentage. This represents solid exotic value with proven connections.
Even The Wind (8-1 ML) – A. Quinonez/Block
The second Block entry offers 8-1 value with proven trainer credentials. Block’s exceptional career statistics and stable depth suggest both entries merit serious consideration.
Pace Analysis and Strategy
The one-mile turf distance typically develops with moderate early fractions before accelerating in the final three furlongs. Several horses show tactical speed profiles, suggesting positioning will be crucial. Another Mystery and Hard To Fathom both demonstrate ability to rate off the pace, while Protonic Power shows versatility in running styles.
The turf course conditions in early November may favor horses with proven wet-surface ability, as autumn weather can create variable ground conditions.
Trainer and Jockey Angles
Chris Block’s dual entry strategy suggests stable confidence, with both Another Mystery and Even The Wind showing different tactical approaches. Block’s 13% win rate in 2025 with 46% in-the-money percentage indicates peak stable form.
Larry Rivelli’s recent milestone achievement and current battle for leading trainer honors makes Homie particularly attractive at 12-1 odds. The Rivelli-Loveberry combination has proven highly effective throughout the current meet.
Daniel Simonovich’s patient development of Hard To Fathom suggests the horse is properly placed for a breakthrough performance at this level.
Wagering Strategy and Selections
Win Selection: Another Mystery at 3-1 offers the best combination of class, connections, and current form. The Block stable’s depth and Mojica’s riding excellence provide strong foundation for victory.
Value Play: Homie at 12-1 represents exceptional odds given the red-hot Rivelli stable and proven Loveberry partnership. This price appears generous for a horse with 80% win rate and 100% in-the-money record.
Place Coverage: Hard To Fathom provides solid place value at 9-2 with consistent recent form and proven distance ability.
Exacta Strategy: Box Another Mystery with Homie and Hard To Fathom for coverage of the most logical finishing combinations.
Trifecta Value: Include Code Name at 15-1 as the third option, given Campbell’s allowance success and Bendezu’s tactical riding ability.
Superfecta Longshot: Even The Wind at 8-1 completes exotic coverage with Block’s proven stable credentials and secondary trainer entry advantage.
The combination of class relief, proven connections, and variable morning line odds creates multiple viable approaches in this competitive allowance optional claiming event.
Race 10 – Allowance (6F Dirt)
Competitive allowance sprint with several horses eligible under conditions.
Key Contenders: Good to Be Prince offers three-year-old upside, while Midterm brings solid form profile.
Secondary Choices: R U Joking from Quinonez barn shows consistency, while Defending Albert represents Watkins stable.
Selection: Good to Be Prince to win, Midterm for place.
Race 11 – Claiming F&M (1-1/16M Turf)
The race par came up very high for this level according to track analysis, creating extreme competitive dynamics. Visionista mentioned as longshot opportunity with class relief and intentional claiming entry.
Key Contenders: Church Pew brings solid recent form, while Deal’em and Weep offers consistency.
Secondary Choices: Roar of Silence from Block barn, while April’s Gem brings veteran experience.
Selection: Church Pew to win, Deal’em and Weep for place.
Race 12 – Claiming (6F Dirt)
Lower-level claiming sprint with several horses seeking breakthrough performances.
Key Contenders: Game Santa despite gate issues shows potential, while Gabe’s Choice represents Robertson barn hopes.
Secondary Choices: Bourbon Street Boy from Campbell stable, while San Anton brings international breeding.
Selection: Gabe’s Choice to win, Game Santa for place value.
Race 13 – Claiming F&M (6F Dirt)
Restricted claiming event for fillies and mares with limited recent success.
Key Contenders: Long Tall Woman brings Villa barn credentials, while Awesome Sunday shows recent form improvement.
Secondary Choices: Mamba Out offers value proposition, while Sharp Attack represents DiVito stable.
Selection: Long Tall Woman to win, Awesome Sunday for place.
Race 14 – Claiming (6.5F Dirt)
Final race claiming event with diverse field seeking late-meet success.
Key Contenders: Huey Attack brings Rodriguez barn experience, while Boldish offers Clay training credentials.
Secondary Choices: Canyon Shadows represents solid Kirby barn option, while All About Tonite brings youth advantage.
Selection: Huey Attack to win, Boldish for place coverage.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Orlando Mojica leads the current meet standings with 60 wins from 260 starts (23% win rate) and over $1.26 million in earnings. His consistent performance makes him the rider to follow throughout the card.
Jareth Loveberry ranks second with 42 wins from 212 starts (20% win rate) and nearly $945,000 in earnings. His tactical riding style suits Hawthorne’s racing conditions well.
Santiago Gonzalez brings experience with 53 wins from 301 starts (18% win rate), showing particular effectiveness in competitive claiming events.
Luis H. Colon maintains a strong 20% win rate despite fewer mounts, making his rides worth consideration for value opportunities.
Alexander Bendezu provides solid place and show percentages with 38 wins and strong secondary finishes.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Larry Rivelli recently achieved his 2,000th career victory and maintains strong presence at Hawthorne with multiple runners on today’s card. His success suggests confidence in stable form.
The Rodriguez barns (Eduardo and Hugo) show consistent placement throughout the card, indicating stable activity and form cycles.
Campbell barn entries merit attention given consistent seasonal performance patterns.
Block stable runners often provide value opportunities in claiming events.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Pick 4 Strategy (Races 3-6): More Than a Diva / Mary Moonglow / Palagio / Go Chicago provides strong foundation with potential 8-1 to 12-1 payout.
Daily Double Focus (Races 8-9): Sawyer Fox with Visionista represents excellent value opportunity given track analysis suggesting Visionista as intentional longshot play.
Trifecta Value (Race 9): Box Code Name, Homie, and Visionista for potential high-paying combination with longshot inclusion.
Place/Show Strategy: Focus on Mojica and Loveberry mounts for consistent secondary payouts given their strong place/show percentages.
Late Pick 4 (Races 11-14): Church Pew / Gabe’s Choice / Long Tall Woman / Huey Attack offers reasonable coverage with value potential.
The combination of weather conditions, jockey form, and trainer patterns suggests solid opportunities for value-conscious handicappers throughout this competitive 14-race card.
