Hawthorne Racecourse (2/25/12)
Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700
Fast track at Hawthorne
After a mix of winter weather yesterday, things have returned a bit more towards normal today. We did have a cool morning but with sunny skies we will have much better racing conditions today. Our track crew did a fine job yesterday as they had to remove snow and work the track to prepare it for racing. While we raced on a wet surface yesterday, the base underneath remained consistent. Because of the falling temps overnight, we did have to keep a crew that worked the track through the night. The result, the majority of the water has been removed from the surface and we will have a fast track for live racing today.
On Friday, three riders had fine days at Hawthorne. Jockeys Jesse Lantz and Francisco Torres each had riding doubles, while Quincy Hamilton had a triple on the card. In the finale, Torres was able to get the nose of Tip of the Lake down on the wire to narrowly defeat Naturday, keeping Tim Thornton from having his own riding double.
The online Survivor contest kicked off with 1,520 entrants competing for the $2,500 top prize. 473 contestants were eliminated yesterday, leaving 1,047 for day #2. My pick for the contest, Dustincase, was able to survive, winning the third race, and my selection today is Yuckon Dance in the 8th. I am playing along, even though I can’t win. We’ll see how long I can survive. Today is a tough card though, with minimal scratches and could produce some nice prices.
For those coming to Hawthorne, radio legend Dick Biondi will be here as he will meet and greet guests in our Gold Cup Dining Room. There are a few tables still available and fans can also receive a $10 buffet coupon from Guest Services.
For those who received mystery vouchers in the mail, make sure to bring them in tomorrow to redeem them for a minimum $5 wager. Some will be worth much more!
Today’s Early Scratches
Main Track – Fast
Race 2
Scratch #9 – Sweet Charise
Scratch #13 – Freak Out
Race 3
Scratch #1 – Stark Ravin Mad
Race 7
Scratch #5 – Jammer’s Jewel
