This weekend features the first stakes race of the year at Hawthorne: the Pat Whitworth Illinois Debutante!

The race drew a contentious field of eleven horses.  Though Illinois-bred stakes for juveniles tend to be rife with maidens taking their shot, just three of the entrants have yet to earn their diplomas.  The field also includes the most impressive Illinois-bred juvenile filly I have seen this year.

Head over to Picks and Ponderings, read my preview of the Pat Whitworth Illinois Debutante, and let me know in the comments what you think!