Thanksgiving is here, and it’s time to show our gratitude for the return of three races to Chicago’s fall racing schedule this Saturday!
Hawthorne’s flagship autumn race, the Grade 3 Hawthorne Gold Cup, returns after a one-year hiatus. A handicap at the classic distance of a mile and a quarter, the race drew a field of eight, with a mix of shippers and locals to compete for the $150,000 purse.
The day’s card also features the return of two Illinois-registered sprint races for older horses, that return after two-year hiatuses: the Powerless Handicap for fillies and mares, and the Lightning Jet Handicap for open company.
Despite a rainy Hawthorne meet, the weather looks mostly dry through the week, and dry for Saturday. There should be a fast track for the stakes races — and even a pair of turf miles earlier in the day on the undercard. This preview focuses on the three stakes races on the card — though NN’s full-card analysis will be published at Danonymous Racing later in the week, and will be cross-linked here.
Head over to Picks and Ponderings, read my preview of Saturday’s three stakes races at Hawthorne, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!