Hawthorne Racecourse (3/5/11)
Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700
Fast track despite weather at Hawthorne
After a beautiful day yesterday with temperatures in the 50s, Mother Nature sent a warning shot today that winter isn’t quite yet finished. The good thing is this, our track crew was on top of things, got the track sealed prior to the rains falling, and has taken advantage of the winds this morning as we have a fast track for today’s Saturday racing card. I will be curious to see how the track plays though today as there is actually wind out of the East, meaning a tailwind in the stretch, thus taking a bit of the advantage away from front runners. Monitor the early races and make your assumptions from there.
On Friday’s card, jockey Florent Geroux continued his hot riding, winning a pair of races on the card. Also, jockey Tanner Riggs and trainer Joel Berndt teamed up for a pair of wins, the more impressive coming from Princess Freebie in the day’s feature as she drew away again and continues to climb the ladder. While it is still early in the season, look for Princess Freebie to continue to climb the ladder as she is undefeated in five starts at three quarters.
Looking ahead to next week, Hawthorne is open for full card simulcasting Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. We return to live racing action on Wednesday with a first post of 1:30 pm. Good luck to those who remain in the Survivor contest as the numbers continue to dwindle.
Changes
Main Track – Fast
Race 1 – No Superfecta Wagering
Scratch #2 – Corner Girl
Scratch #5 – Shake N Quake
Race 3
Scratch #5 – Show Your Face
Race 5
Scratch #4 – Stan the Tap Man
Race 6
Scratch #1a – Jamaica Bound
Race 7
Scratch #4 – Denham
Race 9
Scratch #2 – Ichabod’s Revenge
Scratch #12 - Schaefer
Survivor Selections of the Day
Total Survivor Entrants: 1,780
Eliminated Wednesday: 16
Total Remaining: 128
Scratches galore hurt some options as I thought Denham would have been an absolute lock in the 7th. With that one out, I will roll the dice in the opener with #3 – Swift Action. This runner returns off a short rest for today’s race as she ships back from Oaklawn. She has had the majority of her success over this Hawthorne strip and her tactical speed should keep her in striking distance the entire way around.
Jim’s Survivor Selection: Jim’s Survivor Selection: Race 1 - #3 – Swift Action
Inez’ Survivor Selection: Race 3 - #6 - Massecuite
Hawthorne Race Course is in its 102nd year of racing under Carey family ownership. Hawthorne races Friday and Saturday in February, beginning February 11. In March and April, live racing will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through the end of April. First post daily is 1:30 pm. For more information on racing at Hawthorne, visit our website at www.Hawthorneracecourse.com.
