Hawthorne Harness: Sunday 1/7 Analysis
Best Bet: SKYWAY JAYLO (10th)
Spot Play: AMMOPLANT (7th)
Race 1
(7) CYCLONE MAXIMUS four-year-old has made two straight breaks but might like the big track better. (2) MUSCLE IMAGE was super in the qualifier; threat. (4) LAKEVIEW BENGI is one of few horses in the field not coming into the race off a long layoff.
Race 2
(7) SWEETSHADYSHARK pacing mare has hit the board in four of five and shows good versatility. (6) FOX VALLEY BAILEY will look to make it three straight for capable connections. (3) SCARLET V mare should be ready for an improved effort second start back off the layoff.
Race 3
(4) BANKER VOLO classy stallion is tough to beat with an easy early lead. (2) MADEWELL HANOVER has been off for two months but is getting sent out for a capable barn. (3) SWAN HANDICAP is one of two in the group that's in racing shape.
Race 4
(5) MASERATI SEELSTER looks terrible on paper but finds an inconsistent field. (2) ELECTRIC ALBERT has burned cash as the favorite in two straight; use caution. (10) ROYAL REX six-year-old could need a start but should offer a big price and can hit the ticket with some racing luck.
Race 5
(5) WILDCAT BOBBY beat a better bunch last out showing a good closing move. (1) FRASS BLUEGRASS has just been racing evenly but should be in line for a great trip up close. (2) WANT ME was competitive against much tougher at the summer meet.
Race 6
In a very tough race to gauge, (2) RINE N WOSES will probably benefit from a ground-saving trip from the top driver before shaking loose late. (9) IDEAL WITCH well bred mare has room to improve second start back against a weak field. (10) COWGIRL TOO pacing mare is up against it in her first start back off a long layoff; use underneath.
Race 7
In another wide open race, (6) AMMOPLANT raced gamely in the qualifier and will offer a big price. (2) OH MY JOSH also put in a good qualifier last week. (3) SPECIAL SAUCE lightly raced colt probably needs a start like most of the field but has some upside.
Race 8
(3) LOTTA RICHESS is one of few horses in the field coming into the race in shape. (2) B R GOREGOUS BOY gets a big morning line and looks to be very competitive with this group. (5) FAST N VICTORIOUS takes a significant drop against weaker.
Race 9
(4) PARKED AND ROLLING was solid in the qualifier digging in gamely. (3) GORGEOUS FLOWERBOY has yet to win in thirty-five career efforts; command a price. (7) MELTDOWNSHYMNTOHM just missed last week from a tough spot against similar.
Race 10
(9) SKYWAY JAYLO has a history of disappointing but is very fast when right. (7) KEEP THE CASH mare comes into the race showing multiple moves in her last two efforts. If the 7-year-old can work out a trouble-free trip she can cash. (6) PICKY PICKY VALOR probably needs a start off a long layoff; use caution.
Race 11
(8) IDEALS OATH veteran mare is very inconsistent from week to week. A good effort puts her in the mix. (5) PENNYSFROMHEAVEN needed the start last out and will offer a monster price. (10) BLISSFUL PANSY five-year-old mare would be the horse to beat with a better post and a start under her belt.
[DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]