We are more than a week away from the Kentucky Derby as this year’s edition is lining up to be very intriguing. Heading into the 2015 edition, the talk was between Dortmund and American Pharoah leading into the race and neither disappointing. The 2016 Derby looks to be Nyquist against the field.
With the draw to take place next Wednesday, the updated Kentucky Derby Points Standings look this way:
Rank/Horse/Points
1 - Gun Runner (151 pts)
2 - Nyquist (130 pts)
3 - Exaggerator (126 pts)
4 - Outwork (120 pts)
5 - Brody’s Cause (114 pts)
6- Creator (110 pts)
7 – Lani (100 pts)
8 – Mor Spirit (84 pts)
9 – Mohaymen (80 pts)
10 – Danzing Candy (60 pts)
11 – Destin (51 pts)
12 – Suddenbreakingnews (50 pts)
13 – Oscar Nominated (50 pts)
14 – Shagaf (50 pts)
15 – Whitmore (44 pts)
16 – Tom’s Ready (44 pts)
17 – My Man Sam (40 pts)
18 – Majesto (40 pts)
19 – Trojan Nation (40 pts)
20 – Mo Tom (32 pts)
The starting gate will be full as the top 20 are followed by Fellowship, Adventist, Laoban, and Dazzling Gem. All four have hopes to run if the opportunity arises.
When the race is drawn next week, we will focus on the contenders and pretenders, as post position could become a major factor.
From One Meet to the Next
2016 has been an adventure thus far at Hawthorne and the adventure continues this weekend. In January, our racing surface was converted from a thoroughbred to harness surface in just 72 hours in freezing conditions. Barns were cleared, horses shipped in and out, and racing was conducted without a glitch. In February, the conversion back to a thoroughbred surface occurred once again. We prepare for our next switchover this weekend.
News
Our spring meet has been a success. Field size is up, handle is up, and we have gotten three weeks of racing on the turf. The thoroughbreds are finishing off their spring meet as horsemen are mapping their course to their summer racing destinations. At Hawthorne, the conversion happens once again. After live racing concludes on Saturday evening, crews will work day and night to convert back to a Standardbred surface. Many hours of hard work will be put in, but it’s all for the reason of putting on a great show that is live racing at Hawthorne.
Twilight Racing Saturday Night at Hawthorne
A reminder for racing fans, Saturday is our final day of thoroughbred racing for the spring meet at Hawthorne. The first race on our twilight card will begin at 5:40 PM as racing will take place under the lights. Hawthorne’s Brew Fest will be taking place on our apron as there will be craft beer, live music and the outdoor barbeque. Join us for all of the racing action as we crown our spring champions at Hawthorne.
Live Harness Action Begins May 6
Just 72 hours after our spring thoroughbred meet concludes, qualifiers for our summer harness meet will be taking place on Wednesday, May 4. Our harness meet opens Friday, May 6 with a 7:20 PM post as we will be racing on Friday and Saturday evening next week. Following next weekend, live racing will take place every Thursday-Sunday evening with a 7:20 PM first post.
Visit Hawthorne for Oaks and Derby Day
While live racing is taking place in the evening next weekend, there will be action taking place day and night as Hawthorne is the best destination in Illinois to wager on the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby cards. Hawthorne will be open early next Friday and Saturday for fans to place their wagers on the Oaks and Derby cards. Our entire facility will be open on Kentucky Derby day for fans to enjoy all of the action, with the Derby taking place in the afternoon and live racing at Hawthorne in the evening. For any questions, the make reservations, or details on racing at Hawthorne, visit Guest Services or our website at www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com.