Etc. . . .

Hawthorne has lowered its pick six takeout and added a consolation payout for its upcoming meet, which begins Feb. 23. The pick six takeout will be reduced from 25 percent to 16 percent, and a consolation will be paid to tickets selecting five winners on days when the pick six is hit. . . . The Grade 3-winning filly Heavenly Ransom, a 4-year-old daughter of Red Ransom out of the Tabasco Cat mare Heavenly Cat, has been retired from racing and will be bred this year to Unbridled's Song, Taylor Made Farm announced. Owners Mr. and Mrs. Vicken Meguerditchian have sent Heavenly Ransom to the Nicholasville, Ky., nursery, which also stands Unbridled's Song.