Hawthorne Race Course News and Analysis – July 31, 2025
Nine Thoroughbred races are scheduled for Hawthorne Race Course this afternoon, with the first post set for 2:43 pm. Below, you’ll find news, key updates, and detailed analysis, including weather, trainer and jockey insights, and professional picks for as many races as possible on today’s card.
Track News and Weather Conditions
Live racing is on the schedule for today with a nine-race card that starts mid-afternoon. Weather conditions are currently projected to be typical for late July in the Chicago area: warm, humid, with moderate winds and little chance of rain, leading to a fast main track and likely firm turf conditions. This should provide a fair surface for both speed and closers, with no apparent bias expected in main track races.
Trainer and Jockey Notes
Several of the meet’s top trainers will be active, including high-percentage outfitters targeting allowance and mid-level claiming races. Key jockeys such as Jareth Loveberry and Victor Santiago are named on competitive mounts throughout the afternoon and should command plenty of attention from bettors. Both have demonstrated strong form over the past month, excelling especially in two-turn events on the dirt.
Race-by-Race Analysis, Picks, and Predictions
Race 1 – 1 Mile 70 Yards (Dirt)
This opener features a competitive allowance field stretching out on the main track. Early speed may be at a premium with multiple front-runners in the lineup. Horses with tactical speed who can lay just off the pace should be at an advantage.
- Pick: Look for a runner from the barn of a top local conditioner; Jareth Loveberry gets the call aboard a gelding with a recent bullet work.
- Live longshot: An Illinois-bred rising in class off a convincing starter win.
Race 2 – Allowance/Claiming (Distance TBA)
The second event presents a blend of seasoned claimers and lightly-raced allowance types. The pace is expected to be contested, with several committed front-runners signed on.
- Pick: Victor Santiago’s mount has the ideal stalking trip and should take advantage in the lane.
- Contender: A recent shipper from Indiana owns fast figures and rates an outside shot if she takes to the surface.
Race 3 – 1 Mile (Turf), Allowance Optional Claiming
This featured turf event carries a $32,000 purse for three-year-olds and up who haven’t won $15,000 twice other than maiden, claiming, or starter. Field size and talent makes this a pivotal mid-card race. In case of rain, race will be transferred to the main track at 1 Mile 70 Yards.
- Pick: Lean to proven turf performers, especially those with tactical versatility. An Illinois-bred with prior open-company turf experience rates best.
- Upset candidate: Watch for a well-bred invader from a high-percentage barn making first start at this condition.
Race 4 – Distance and Conditions TBA
Race 4 is likely a maiden or lower-level claiming event, frequently a spot for sharp newcomers or class droppers.
- Pick: Favored runner with multiple thirds drops in class for sharp connections.
- Secondary interest: Look to a debut runner with strong morning works and a top local pilot named.
Race 5 – Allowance/Claiming (Distance and Surface TBA)
A mid-card allowance/claiming event lines up older sprinters or routers. Expect a strong pace and potential for a pace meltdown.
- Pick: Recent claim who just missed at this level last out. Should get favorable setup.
- Longshot: Improved form for a barn heating up this month.
Races 6-9 – Closing the Card
The latter part of today’s card spans allowance and lower-level claiming contests, offering several competitive betting opportunities.
- In the late Pick 4, prioritize runners dropping in class and proven main track performers.
- Jockey-trainer combos who have gotten hot mid-meet should be considered, especially on horses adding blinkers or blinkers off today.
- In the nightcap, class relief and tactical speed will be key, especially if the track is favoring inside runners as the day winds down.
Exotic Wagering and Strategy
No major carryovers are reported for today’s card, but the Pick 6 offers a modest pool that may attract attention. With full fields in multiple events, exotic wagers such as the late Pick 4 and exactas should offer good value. Handicappers are advised to use a mix of logical favorites and live longshots, especially in the allowance turf race and late-card claiming events.
