Today is the biggest day of the Hawthorne spring meet, and the beginning of its stakes season: Illinois Derby day.  I’ve been looking forward to this day since the meet started.  We’ve got a fun card ahead, and a full one — ten races!  Four of them are stakes: the Illinois Derby (GIII), the Sixty Sails Handicap (GIII), the Third Chance Handicap, and the Robert S. Molaro Handicap.  As a fan, I’m particularly looking forward to the Third Chance, where the blazing-hot C’Mon Feet looks to stretch her win streak to six, while stepping back up to stakes company for the first time since last spring’s Pretty Jenny.

This week, I am returning as a guest handicapper on Danonymous Racing.  My picks and analysis for the entire card are online there.  If you’re looking for some horses to play, or just a little more insight while you’re handicapping the card, go ahead and take a look!

If you’re reading this, and want to say hi to me at the Illinois Derby, wave hello to the loud blue-haired person, or send me (@rogueclown) a hello on Twitter.  I’d love to meet you if you’re at the track today!