Hawthorne Racecourse has a competitive 13-race card set for this evening. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 10. The sequence has a $15,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 10
1-Pericles (8-1)-Warren steers tonight and this will be 2nd time Lasix for the Simmons entry. Paced the 2nd half in 57.2 last time and could be better here. This is a field without standouts, likes to race in up-close seat and that can happen.
6-Silly Willy (7/2)-Beat 7 from this crew last weekend and now adds Lasix. Did benefit from a sweet trip and should be considered for a repeat picture.
7-Do Fear Me (4-1)-Has had excuses, stuck with post 9 in the last 2 starts and comes off a rough trip. Appears to be getting better and makes the 3rd start for Ms Agosti, should be in the hunt.
10-Dandys BB Eight (3-1)-Closed well with a 56.1 back half but was a long way from the leaders early on. Has battled tougher and the post makes the price. It will be up to Leonard to figure out the best plan for success.
Race 11
2-Hello (7/2)-Should get a boost with the driver change to Leonard. One-move type could benefit with an inside post draw.
3-Ellis Gray (7-1)-Brink pupil might be ready to seal the deal with smooth trip. Bender took the long way around last week from post 7 and the fractions were soft. Looking for this race to set-up differently and has a chance at a price if the pilot does good work.
10-Fox Valley Hadley (5/2)-Husted sticks and this looks like a case of the best horse has the worst post. There isn't much gate speed in this field. Could be leaving for position and hope for the best, risky to leave off the ticket.
Race 12
3-Victress's Desire (5/2)-Caught a nice pocket ride and pulled away down the lane for the 1st win at Haw (3-1-1-1). This will be a test but fits well and deserves respect.
4-The Moma Dance (4-1)Team Leonard entry has shown good speed at HoP and now makes its Stickney debut. Draws well, does its best work racing near the top of the stack, and looks like a main player.
Race 13
1-Racing ForThe Mark (5-1)-This is a soft spot and thinking Putnam shipping in means this mare will come with a big try. Should enjoy the company and Bender will need to coax a more alert start and have in striking range turning for the wire.
2-Eliza Dushku N (5-1)-Should be a threat but often comes up short. Did pace to the wire to hold 2nd but can do better with a sharp steer. If gets on the engine, stealing a quarter could make the winning difference.
0.50 Pick 4
1,6,7,10/2,3,10/3,4/1,2
Total Bet=$24
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