Heaven's Hope (#5) is only a 3-year-old facing older horses for the first time in his career. While that's a huge disadvantage in March, this Illinois-bred has never been worse than second if you excuse his losses against stakes company. Looks to be a vastly improved horse, as he took his 3-year-old debut by 5 lengths following more than a two-month layoff and the place finisher in that race came back to win.

Crikey (#9) is an amazing consistent 4-year-old son of Wheaton, as he's hit the board in 7 of 9 career races. He'll be a big price, but he has the best tactical running style in this nine horse field that's loaded with early speed.

Alabama Clay (#6) has been working like a machine in March as he returns from an 11-week layoff on Friday. He loves this surface as he's already won 2 of his 3 races at Hawthorne. Reunited with jockey Chris Emigh, who is 2 for 2 aboard and has never lost on this 5-year-old.

Rucker (#7) comes from weak connections as trainer Donna Dupuy has only won 6 of her last 115 starts, however, this Illinois-bred has finished second in 4 of his last 6 races. Expect him to come closing for a piece of the purse, but not playing him on top, as he's 1 for 18 over this Hawthorne course.

The Play:
Exacta 5-6-9 with 5-6-7-9 ($9).
Trifecta 5-6-9 with 5-6-7-9 with ALL ($63).
Note: Ticket totals based on $1 wagers.