Hawthorne Racecourse (10/9/10)
Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700
Summer weather for Hawthorne Derby day
It’s summertime here at Hawthorne! At least it feels that way, 80 degree temps, sunny skies, a fast track and a firm turf course. We have another tremendous card with nine races and extremely full fields once again. The Grade III $150,000 Hawthorne Derby goes as the 8th race on the card with an extremely competitive bunch that has some up-and-coming turf stars.
Looking back at the Friday card, Tanner Riggs had himself a fine day, picking up three wins. Our defending champ from the spring, Riggs is always worth a look, especially if the barns of Joel Berndt and Frank Kirby heat up. Trainer Tom Dorris had a pair of wins Friday, and first time starter Itzacoldcase looked very impressive in victory in the nightcap. The track continued to play evenly and post hasn’t seemed to be an issue either with a pair of winners coming from the 12-hole Friday.
An important scratch in the Hawthorne Derby should be noted as the connections of Turf Melody have chosen to keep their horse in New York.
Changes
Main Track – Fast
Turf Course – Firm
Race 3
Scratch #6 – Cartouche
Race 4
Scratch #9 – Rosemont Sammy
Race 5
Scratch #13 – Quiet Revolution
Scratch #14 – Saint Leon
Race 6
Scratch #1 – Expect Validity
Race 7
Scratch #5 – Dial Kyle
Scratch #11 – Posh’s Fairy Tale
Race 8
Scratch #7 – Turf Melody
Race 9
Scratch #13 – Tees Outstandin
Scratch #14 – Tiffanco
Featured Race of the Day – Race 8 – Grade III Hawthorne Derby
The Hawthorne Derby is now a seven-horse affair with Turf Melody out. Too bad we lose that one as he had a big shot to win in this spot. There are a pair of speed horses in Cherokee Lord and Yankee Fourtune, as both draw outside, but I think Cherokee Lord can make the front. I am afraid of him as he can wire the field, but I will go to the hot Chris Block barn and look to #1 Mister Marti Gras. He had a brutal trip in the Secretariat getting carried out in the lane and he will need a clean trip today. He should get the pace to chase, and will be helped by a firm turf course as well.
Make sure to play our Featured Race of the Day with your Club Hawthorne Card daily as you will qualify for the chance to win our Breeders’ Cup Super Bet. Every time you play our Featured Race with your Club Hawthorne card, you are automatically entered for your chance to win and one fan will win that opportunity to place a $5,000 wager on the Breeder’s Cup Classic. Our Super Bet promotion runs through October 30. For more details, go to our website, www.Hawthorneracecourse.com.
