Hawthorne Racecourse (3/9/11)
Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700
Fan Friendly Friday and carryovers at Hawthorne
We are back for another live week of racing as we get to deal with Mother Nature once again today. We can learn some lessons from last Saturday’s card though in how the track may play. Last Friday night, we had a lot of rain. On Saturday, the rain had stopped and we were able to dry the track out quite a bit for the races. While the track was fast all day Saturday, we did have snow throughout, keeping moisture in the surface. So, based on possibly similar conditions, you would think the track will likely play close to the pace once again for today’s card as it did Saturday. Horse don’t have to be on the lead to win, but will likely need to be within 4-5 lengths off the early pace or closer to get the job done.
Last Saturday, jockey Jozbin Santana had three winners on the card, including what I felt was the most impressive effort of the meet thus far, coming from the speedy Ship From Abroad for trainer Michele Boyce in the 8th race. Trainers Jimmy DiVito and Dee Poulos each won two races on the Saturday card and jockey Florent Geroux continued his hot riding, winning aboard each Poulos horse.
The Wednesday eight-race card is a solid card, with a good Illinois maiden allowance race and a solid Illinois Allowance race. The card will have the overlap in the Pick 4 wagers, with the 5th race on the day’s card being the key.
A reminder, Friday is another of our Fan Friendly Fridays. We will be offering $2 admission and program along with $2 food and beverage specials. The Friday card is a great card, with a pair of maiden allowance and a pair of allowance races on the card.
Changes
Main Track – Sloppy (May be upgraded)
Race 2
Scratch #2 – Baby Baby
Race 8
Scratch #4 – Oughta Be Mine
Survivor Selections of the Day
Total Survivor Entrants: 1,780
Eliminated Saturday: 4
Total Remaining: 124
My Survivor selection comes in the third race, a starter allowance with a field of six. To me, it is a two horse race between Officer Philly and A Renoir. For Survivor, I just need to survive and Officer Philly should do that much. Officer Philly has a solid record over the track and should get more than enough pace to chase today. The only thing that may work against her is an off track. But Survivor is always a roll of the dice.
Jim’s Survivor Selection: Race 3 - #1 – Officer Philly
Inez’ Survivor Selection: Race 1 - #2 – Bella’s Castle
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.
