Hawthorne Racecourse (11/26/11)
Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700
Karlsson wins, carryovers at Hawthorne
We kick off the stable notes as we say congrats to jockey Inez Karlsson. Away from the saddle for over a year, the new Mother returned less than a week ago and posted her first win back in the saddle yesterday in the 4th race aboard Clocker Bob. Inez showed her strength and timing she grabbed the lead and then had to battle through a long stretch duel, giving up the lead before fighting back for the victory. Just over 3 months removed from having her daughter, we congratulate Inez on her first win back and the first of many more to come for an already accomplished rider.
Thus far we have been able to avoid any rain and I’m hoping Mother Nature keeps the rain away as long as possible today. While our main track can take on a bit of water, if would be great to get through the second race on the card, our only turf race, before anything significant comes down. As of 9:30 am, the main track is fast and the turf course is listed as Good.
We have some growing carryovers at Hawthorne which are worth attacking today as well. First, we have a $9,195 carryover in the Place Pick 9 which kicks off in the opener. While the wager seems easy to hit, only tickets with 7 of 9 correctly selected yesterday were paid off and I expect a fine pool for the wager today. In addition to the Place Pick 9, our Pick 6 is swelling as well. Today the Pick 6 covers races 5-10 and enters with a carryover of $23,462. I expect a pool between $10,000 - $15,000 today for a wager that has a reduced takeout this year from 25 percent down to 20 percent and a minimum wager amount of only $1.
Today is day 1 of our NTRA, National Handicapping Championship Super Qualifier here at Hawthorne as we will be sending 10 players to the NHC next spring in Las Vegas. This contest is a real money contest which is open to all Hawthorne patrons. The contest is unlike many others as we allow a real bankroll with all wagers available to be played. In addition to the $100,000 worth of prizes to be handed out for the contest, players get to keep the money they make off their wagers as well. Sign up through www.NTRA.com.
On the Friday card, bug boy Constantino Roman had a great day as he rode home 4 winners on the card. He nearly had his fifth win on the day in the 8th race as it appeared he was victorious aboard Officer Philly. Unfortunately, Judy’s Quest got her nose down on the wire to narrowly defeat Officer Philly, denying Roman win #5. In addition to the four wins for Roman, jockey Inosencio Diego also had a pair of victories, winning on the turf for Charlie Livesay and then taking the last for Ingrid Mason.
For those who can’t make it to the track today, go to HorseplayerNow.com as Joe Kristufek and myself will be covering the action from Hawthorne. The online chat opens at 1:15 pm and will cover the entire day’s racing action as we answer questions, provide insight and give selections. The chats will take place every Saturday and Sunday for the remainder of the meet.
Here’s today’s early scratches, keep an eye out to see if we receive any rain which could lead to some late changes:
Changes
Main Track – Fast
Turf – Good
Race 3
Scratch #7 – My Fever
Race 6
Scratch #6 – Holy Classic
Race 9
Scratch #12 – Citoyen Style
Scratch #13 - Gavilan
