Hawthorne Grandstand
The Windy City of the Chicago suburbs and Hawthorne Racetrack host the 2015 Illinois Derby Saturday in Stickney, Illinois. A contentious field has entered with a 3-4 solid contenders capable of winning.
The Skinny:
Kantune has some back-class and a running style that puts him in the mix in this racing turning for home. Ran well in Oaklawn Allowance race last outing and big win at Oaklawn came after bumping heads with some solid horses out West. Interesting and usable underneath in Exotics.
Verraco picked up a nice allowance win in lat March and has a string of workouts for this race. Steps up in class and pedigree say 9 furlongs will be pushing it to the max. Logical spot, but not sure he is in the “win” mix.
Cross The Line ships for Trainer and Owner Jerry Hollendorfer. Florent Geroux picks up the mount and faced the classy Dortmund in last race. Drops in class and has racing experience and a tactical running style. Fits on class, form and fitness. Just needs to work out the trip. Major Contender
A. Rod Again disappointed this winter and Gulfstream and Fairgrounds. Light work tab of late and doesn’t seem to have the stretch kick he did last year. Still has some upside, but not sure this is the ideal spot to get back on track.
Conquest Curlinate has a nice win at Oaklawn Park and is the ultimate grinder who should like the 9 furlongs in this race. Local connections and seems to be well spotted in this race. Should be making up ground late. One late run his best chance.
Whiskey Ticket picked up diplomat in only career race, but that was small field and he battled back at 15/1 odds. The ship and rise up in class are hurdles and most likely he will be under 4/1. This is the type of horse to toss in exactas and try to find some prices with other horses. Low price on class rise tough to endorse.
Lewis Vaporyzer is a tricky read. He lost by 18 lengths last year as a 2-year-old. Only race as 3-year-old showed speed and drew away. Race over the surface should suit and he figures to be the speed of the race. Seems live in this spot with sharp Chicago trainer Larry Rivelli stretching out out off the win. Upset Chance.
Phenomenal Phoenix has 3 strong races on fast surfaces mixed in with some muddy track performances that dirty up his form. Should get the distance and fits in the win picture with a fast track.
Private Prospect had solid form as a Juvenile but last 3 races have been disasters. Tough to endorse off recent trips.
Fair Odds:
Conquest Curlinate 7/1
Kantune 9/1
Phenomenal Phoenix 9/2
Cross The Line 5/2
The Choice:
Cross the Line has some powerful running lines and the drop in class and switch to Geroux should make all the difference.
2015 Season to Date Selections: