Hawthorne Harness: Saturday 5/7 Analysis
Best Bet: MASTER OF DESIRE (3rd)
Spot Play: SHOTTHRUTHEHEART (5th)
Race 1
(2) HE GONE JACK pacer makes his 3-year-old debut off a really nice qualifier. (4) MADDYS BUDDY should offer a big price in a field full of question marks. (5) FOX VALLEY HIDALGO won eight of eleven last year on the fair circuit; threat.
Race 2
(1) DOUBLE STITCHED gets the best post against weaker. The 3-year-old colt is just now back in racing shape and is one of few with upside. (2) PHENOMENAL FILLY five-year-old mare makes her career debut and could benefit from a bigger track. (4) WHATDOESTHEFOXSAY just missed in the qualifier but might be best used underneath.
Race 3
(3) MASTER OF DESIRE takes a huge drop in competition. The veteran pacer might offer good value and is versatile. (5) JERRICO the pacer also faces weaker but has been camera shy the last few years; command a price. (9) DOC'S DEAL was sharp in the qualifier and will offer a big price.
Race 4
(9) LUCKY CRUASADER made the most money in the field last year by far. If the pacer gets a good setup he will be tough to hold off late. (1) PART TIME had to need his first start off a six month layoff. The pacer gets the best post and is very fast when ready. (5) VICTOR BAYAMA has yet to win in nine starts on the year but is more than capable against this bunch.
Race 5
(1) SHOTTHRUTHEHEART should be in line for a nice ground saving trip up close. (3) ALWAYS KENZER pacer makes his third start back off a layoff and has room to improve against weaker. (4) SIR ARTHUR D doesn't look the best on paper but gets sent out for capable connections.
Race 6
In a wide open and evenly matched race, (6) SMOKE RINGS is one of the best closers in the race and can benefit from a fast early pace. (7) MR COOLIE owns a win over the track on the year; threat. (5) OLD MAN RIVER shows some fast miles on the big track for a barn that wins consistently.
Race 7
(6) WILLIWIN could have more to offer coming off a nice victory against tougher. (3) PARKLANE INDY might have an excuse with the off track at Hoosier last month. The pacer gets sent out for a trainer that has them ready when they hit the track. (1) FEEL MY PAIN will be much closer turning for home against significantly weaker.
Race 8
(4) COLE HEAT pacer makes his third start back off a layoff and has lots of room to improve. (5) FREEDOMFORMYSOUL four-year-old is having a nice year and will be used aggressively. (2) DELIGHT FASHION has trouble with the starting gate at times. If the pacer is close late he's a threat.
Race 9
(1) COAL HANOVER pacer looks primed for a big effort against softer. (3) MONTERO BLUE CHIP could need a start after shipping in from out east but is one of the faster horses in the field. (2) SUNSET DREAMER could be the sleeper in the race coming off a poor performance. The well bred 5-year-old was coming around nicely when last seen at this track.
Race 10
(6) JADED TRUTH gets sent out for a low percentage pilot but has been pacing faster than most of the field. (8) ATOMIC COWBOY has flashed a good burst of speed when timed right; threat. (5) THA PIPE FITTA sophomore pacer looked like a decent 2-year-old at one point last year. He faces an inconsistent field and was good in the qualifier.
Race 11
In a field with few contenders, (3) ONCE A CHEATER rarely wins but might be ready to tackle this group; driver's choice. (1) ANOTHER BEAUTY was super in the qualifier and gets the best post. (10) HARLEY J will need a good setup but can hit the ticket a price with some racing luck.
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