Hawthorne Race Course presents an eight-race card on Thursday, August 21, 2025, with first post scheduled for 2:43 PM CST. The track offers a mix of claiming races, maiden claiming events, and allowance conditions across various distances from five furlongs to over one mile on the main dirt surface.
The racing schedule represents part of Hawthorne’s extended 2025 season, which features 80 Thoroughbred racing programs – an increase from 68 programs in 2024. From August through the season’s end, racing is planned for three days per week: Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, contingent on sufficient horse populations to fill competitive fields.
Weather Forecast and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for the Hawthorne Race Course area today, August 21, 2025, shows mostly sunny and nice conditions. Current conditions as of 8:42 AM show a temperature of 73°F with 83% humidity and sunny skies. Wind is light at just 2 mph from the north-northeast, with excellent visibility of 11 miles and minimal cloud cover at only 4%. There is no precipitation currently occurring, and barometric pressure is steady at 30 inches.
These favorable weather conditions should provide an excellent day for racing at Hawthorne, with comfortable temperatures, sunny skies, and light winds creating ideal conditions for both horses and spectators. The track surface should remain fast and consistent throughout the racing program, with no weather-related concerns expected to impact the day’s eight-race card. The stable weather pattern and lack of precipitation means track conditions should remain optimal for the afternoon and evening racing schedule, which begins at 2:43 PM CST.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Claiming (2:43 PM CST)
Distance: 6 furlongs | Surface: Dirt | Purse: $12,000 | Runners: 5
This claiming sprint features Mary Moonglow as the standout contender. The filly showed impressive form in her recent maiden victory at Hawthorne, winning by nine lengths after overcoming gate issues. Racing The Light presents the primary challenge, having finished a respectable second in a similar contest, losing by just 2½ lengths while showing willing effort.
Lions Law appears overmatched based on recent form, finishing seventh in a weaker field at longer odds. Sharp Attack and Chiquita Reina complete the field but face significant class and form challenges.
Race 2 – Maiden Claiming (3:11 PM CST)
Distance: 1 mile 70 yards | Surface: Dirt | Purse: $11,500 | Runners: 7
The maiden claiming route presents several intriguing contenders. My Last Escapade showed promise in a recent second-place finish, staying within striking distance throughout the race. Black Russian demonstrated improvement in his last start, moving up to fourth while showing better positioning.
Game Santa and Best Dressed Man both showed some early promise but need significant improvement to be competitive. Ragnow appears to have issues with slow starts and may struggle again, while Kuz I Can Man has shown inconsistent gate behavior that could prove problematic.
Race 4 – Allowance (4:08 PM CST)
Distance: 6 furlongs | Surface: Dirt | Purse: $31,000 | Runners: 6
This allowance sprint features Ravin’s Ransom as a heavy favorite following a dominant victory at Fairmount Park where he won by 1¼ lengths. Good To Be Prince presents solid credentials with a recent victory at Fairmount, showing good tactical speed.
Mon Ami Fuzzie earned his conditions with a convincing local score, winning by 2¾ lengths at Hawthorne. Dick Best appears outclassed after a poor showing at Fairmount Park, while Brody faces significant class questions after struggling at Ellis Park.
This shapes up as a competitive allowance sprint where recent speed figures show minimal separation between the key contenders, with each runner returning to form near their recent top performances. The pace scenario appears honest without any significant early speed advantage or disadvantage based on running style plotting. This balanced pace setup should benefit horses with tactical speed and finishing ability.
Individual Horse Analysis
#3 Ravin’s Ransom (2/1 Morning Line Favorite)
Jockey: Julio Felix | Trainer: Larry Rivelli | Weight: 120 lbs
The betting favorite enters with solid credentials and represents the most reliable option in this competitive field. His recent form suggests he’s ready to handle this level of competition effectively. The three-year-old carries the minimum weight at 120 pounds, which provides a slight advantage in this sprint distance.
#6 Good to Be Prince (3/1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Orlando Mojica | Trainer: Eduardo Rodriguez | Weight: 120 lbs
The second choice offers strong value potential as a consistent performer with tactical speed that should serve him well in this pace scenario. His recent form indicates readiness for this level, and the weight break as a three-year-old enhances his chances significantly.
#5 Brody (5/1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Alexander Bendezu | Trainer: Robert Pompell | Weight: 122 lbs
This gelding presents one of the strongest class profiles in the field, having demonstrated success on this circuit when properly placed. His career pattern shows effectiveness at finding the right level for competitive efforts. Returning from a spring layoff, he showed competitiveness despite encountering trouble and ground loss before securing a maiden special weight victory on May 11th.
Since that breakthrough win, Brody has maintained consistent form and figures, though he struggled to translate that into top finishes when facing higher race par events at Churchill Downs and Ellis Park. The significant drop in class today positions him advantageously, and his proven ability on this track surface adds confidence.
#2 Dick Best (7/2 Morning Line)
Jockey: Santiago Gonzalez | Trainer: Daniel Simonovich | Weight: 122 lbs
This runner brings proven course and distance credentials, having recorded strong performances over this exact setup previously. On May 22nd, he finished in a blanket finish over this course and distance in a race with higher par than today’s event, despite running at the same allowance level.
The class adjustment and significantly lower par conditions on June 19th moved him forward and built confidence with a strong victory. When stepped back up in class for July races, he held his form admirably and benefited from favorable race flow in very fast late-pace scenarios.
#4 Mon Ami Fuzzie (6/1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Emmanuel Giles | Trainer: Jose Rodriguez | Weight: 122 lbs
This gelding earned his conditions with local success at Hawthorne, making him a dangerous home track specialist. His familiarity with the surface and facility could provide an edge in this competitive field.
#1 Baladine Bal a Bali (6/1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry | Trainer: Dee Poulos | Weight: 122 lbs
The Brazilian-bred runner represents trainer Dee Poulos, who maintains a solid stable with multiple runners across different race types. While facing a competitive field, this horse’s connections suggest proper preparation for the assignment.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Bet: The competitive nature of this field suggests focusing on the top three choices – Ravin’s Ransom, Good to Be Prince, and Brody – with emphasis on the class advantages that Brody and Dick Best bring to the table.
Exacta Strategy: Box the top four choices (Ravin’s Ransom, Good to Be Prince, Brody, Dick Best) for broader coverage, or focus on Ravin’s Ransom and Good to Be Prince on top with Brody and Dick Best underneath.
Trifecta Play: The six-horse field makes trifecta wagering manageable. Key the top three morning line choices while including Dick Best and Mon Ami Fuzzie for potential value underneath.
Value Considerations: Brody at 5/1 and Dick Best at 7/2 offer potential overlay opportunities given their class advantages and proven abilities at this level. The pace scenario should benefit horses with tactical positioning, making Good to Be Prince an attractive option at 3/1.
Race Prediction
This allowance sprint should develop into a genuine test between proven performers at this level. The balanced pace scenario favors horses with tactical speed and finishing ability. Ravin’s Ransom appears solid on top but faces legitimate challenges from Good to Be Prince’s tactical speed and the class advantages that Brody and Dick Best bring to this assignment. The compact field ensures a competitive finish with several horses holding realistic winning chances.
Race 5 – Allowance Optional Claiming 5 1/2 Furlongs $32,000
This race was originally scheduled for the turf course but has been moved to the main track due to Tuesday’s rain. The surface change significantly alters the complexion of this event, potentially improving the overall quality as several horses may be better suited to the dirt surface than their turf credentials initially suggested.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario presents an intriguing dynamic with four of the seven entered runners sharing early or early pressing running styles. This concentration of speed creates a potentially contentious early pace that should benefit horses with tactical positioning ability and strong finishing kicks. The relatively short sprint distance of 5 1/2 furlongs amplifies the importance of early positioning and pace management.
Individual Horse Analysis
#6 Star’s Image (2/1 Morning Line Favorite)
Jockey: TBA | Trainer: TBA | Weight: 118 lbs
The morning line favorite appears well-positioned to handle the surface change from turf to dirt. His lone dirt start resulted in a narrow defeat that may represent his best overall performance, despite his two victories coming on the lawn. The race demonstrated his versatility as he came from off the pace, contrasting with his typical speed-showing style on turf.
His connections’ willingness to enter him in stakes company indicates their confidence in his ability level. The distance reduction to 5 1/2 furlongs from his longer efforts could prove beneficial, particularly if that narrow dirt loss had been contested at today’s distance where he likely would have prevailed.
#4 Indyville (3/1 Morning Line)
Jockey: TBA | Trainer: TBA | Weight: 118 lbs
This versatile runner brings impressive credentials with three wins from six career starts, demonstrating success both on and from off the pace. His tactical flexibility represents a significant advantage in this pace scenario where early positioning will prove crucial.
The cutback in distance aligns perfectly with his skill set, particularly if connections choose to utilize his early speed. His proven ability to adapt tactics based on race flow makes him a formidable contender who can capitalize on various pace scenarios.
#2 Clyde’s Green Go
Jockey: TBA | Trainer: TBA | Weight: TBA
This runner presents an interesting case study for the surface change. His main track form provides a foundation for today’s assignment, while his turf experience includes competitive efforts in maiden special weight events at Arlington Park during his 2021 campaign.
His most recent turf start came late last season on September 5th, where he raced wide against the course profile following a 217-day layoff. His early career turf sprints demonstrated tactical speed and finishing ability that could translate effectively to today’s dirt sprint, particularly given his ability to track and finish.
#5 Midnight Special (6/1 Morning Line)
Jockey: Santiago Gonzalez | Trainer: TBA | Weight: 122 lbs
The tactical speed this runner possesses should serve him well in today’s pace scenario. Santiago Gonzalez’s return to the irons adds confidence, as the partnership has shown effectiveness in navigating tactical situations.
His recent stakes company exposure, despite representing a class rise, indicates his connections’ belief in his current form level. The class dynamic presents both opportunity and challenge – while he faces a higher par than recent circuit efforts, his tactical positioning ability could prove decisive.
#1 Vinegar Hill
Jockey: TBA | Trainer: TBA | Weight: TBA
This consistent performer brings impressive recent form with three victories in his last four starts, plus a second-place finish in the other effort. While his speed figures might suggest limitations compared to several rivals, his winning pattern indicates an ability to find ways to succeed.
His form cycle demonstrates the type of consistency that often translates effectively in competitive claiming and allowance events. The surface change may unlock additional improvement not reflected in his turf-based figures.
#9 Lucky Shot
Jockey: TBA | Trainer: TBA | Weight: TBA
This runner adds another dimension to the early pace discussion while maintaining versatility through his demonstrated ability to finish strongly. His dual threat capability – contributing to early pace pressure or settling for a late run – makes him a wild card in pace handicapping.
His tactical flexibility provides options that could prove valuable depending on how the early pace develops among the other speed-oriented horses.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Betting: Star’s Image represents solid value at 2/1 given his apparent suitability to the surface change and distance. Indyville at 3/1 offers excellent value considering his tactical advantages and proven versatility.
Place and Show Strategy: The competitive nature of this field makes place and show betting attractive alternatives to straight win wagering. Both Star’s Image and Indyville appear likely to hit the board, while Clyde’s Green Go and Midnight Special offer potential value in the place and show pools.
Exacta Strategy: Key Star’s Image and Indyville on top with Clyde’s Green Go, Midnight Special, and Vinegar Hill underneath. The pace scenario should create separation that benefits tactical horses over pure speed types.
Trifecta Approach: Use Star’s Image and Indyville as the foundation with broader coverage including Clyde’s Green Go, Midnight Special, Vinegar Hill, and Lucky Shot. The seven-horse field creates manageable combinations while the surface change adds uncertainty that could produce value.
Race Prediction
The surface change from turf to dirt fundamentally alters this contest in favor of horses with tactical speed and finishing ability. Star’s Image appears best positioned to capitalize on these conditions, with his narrow dirt defeat suggesting untapped potential on the main track.
Indyville’s proven versatility and tactical speed make him the primary threat, while Clyde’s Green Go could offer significant value if his main track form translates effectively. The pace scenario should create an honest early fraction that sets up well for horses with tactical positioning and finishing ability, making this a race where post position and jockey tactics will prove crucial to the outcome.
The competitive allowance optional claiming level ensures a genuine test where class, current form, and surface suitability will determine the winner. Multiple horses possess legitimate winning chances, creating excellent opportunities for exotic wagering strategies focused on the top tactical contenders.
Race 7 – Starter Optional Claiming (5:47 PM CST)
Distance: 1 mile 110 yards | Surface: Dirt | Purse: $19,000 | Runners: 7
Calibrate enters off an impressive wire-to-wire victory at Hawthorne, winning by over seven lengths in dominant fashion. Protonic Power offers value as a consistent performer who finished second in his last start despite the margin of defeat.
Eternally Grateful faces questions after a disappointing fourth-place finish at Fairmount Park, while Eye Dee Kay and Soul Coaxing need significant improvement from recent efforts.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Several key riders feature prominently on today’s card. Santiago Gonzalez appears on multiple mounts and has shown strong recent form at the meet. Jareth Loveberry rides for trainer Dee Poulos and has demonstrated good tactical awareness in recent starts.
Frank Reyes handles several claiming-level horses and has experience navigating the Hawthorne surface conditions.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Dee Poulos maintains a solid stable with multiple runners across different race types. His horses typically show good preparation and fitness for their assigned conditions.
Elias Lopez has several starters and has shown ability to get horses ready for specific targets. The trainer’s recent form suggests consistent preparation methods.
Michael Slager, Daniel Simonovich, and Ricky Lindsay all recorded winners at the most recent race card on August 17th, indicating their horses are in good current form.
Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The allowance races present the strongest betting opportunities due to clearer form lines and more predictable outcomes. Race 4’s allowance sprint appears to offer the most reliable betting propositions with Ravin’s Ransom and Good To Be Prince providing the foundation for exotic wagers.
Multi-race wagers should focus on races with shorter fields and clearer form advantages. The Pick 4 and Pick 5 sequences offer potential value when anchoring around the stronger favorites in allowance conditions while seeking value in the claiming events.
Place and show betting may provide better value than win wagering in the competitive claiming races where form lines are less reliable. Exacta and trifecta wagers in races with five to seven runners offer manageable combinations for structured betting approaches.
