Hawthorne Race Course

Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700

Illinois Derby draw today

What a beautiful week for racing as today is the draw for the Illinois Derby Day card. It was very upsetting to see the defection of Schoolyard Dreams to the Wood Memorial, but we wish those connections the best of luck there as well and it takes nothing away from the quality of our field.

We will have the race released later in the day as we are looking at a solid field with contenders from coast to coast. In addition to the Grade III $500,000 Illinois Derby, we will also have the inaugural running of the $50,000 Cryptoclearance Stakes for older horses around two turns. That race is also lining up with a strong field as we hope to grow the race into something even bigger.

On Sunday, the day was all about jockey Tanner Riggs. Riggs rode home six winners on the card, joining Mark Guidry and Chris Emigh as the only other riders to do so. Johnny Heckman rode home seven back in 1956, but there is no taking away from the day Tanner had. His big day put him 10 wins up in the standings with a month to go and his consistency looks to keep him atop those standings to the end.

On Sunday, Riggs rode home three winners for Frank Kirby, a pair for Roy Houghton and one for Joel Berndt. Kirby still sits atop the trainer standings over Chris Dorris and Roger Brueggermann.

Changes

Main Track – Fast

Race 1

Scratch #3 – Sassy Buck

Race 3 – No Superfecta Wagering

Scratch #2 – Dewberry Hill
Scratch #7 – Cynical Girl

Race 4

Scratch #1 – Aka Lily’s Lad

Race 5

Scratch #5 – Harvest Moondance

Race 6

Scratch #2 – Daleen’s Desire

Race 8

Scratch #8 – Davids Secret

Race 9

Scratch #1 – Buzz My Bell

Best Bets

Race 4 - #4 – Peterman – This may be a spot to catch some prices. While #7 Dunscombe will be a very short-priced favorite, he did not look good in his last start and even in winning two races back, he took a long time to get started in the lane. Peterman has improved against better in his last couple and ran an nice race against a solid bunch in his last. He fits well in here and Thornton suits his style.

Race 6 - #3 – On the Quiet – The horse to beat in here is Ruby Reigns, who comes off a good win, but this one can upset. She chased the pace last out and was getting to the winner in the lane. Trainer Mike Dini is having a solid meet and the distance suits this runner nicely.