Hoosier Park has a 14-race card to start the weekend. The headliners on the program are 2-year-old colts and gelding pacers competing in Indiana Sires Stakes action. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11

2-Many (5-1)-This 8-year-old is only 1-23 at HoP and 5 for the last 61 overall. Normally that's a reason to look away but this is a soft spot. Has been cashing checks versus much better and this could be the time to shine.
6-Crusher Q (6-1)-Came off the bench with a 54.0 back half in HoP debut. Fits with this bunch and could be driven more aggressively with a start under his belt and should offer a solid price.
8-My House (7/2)-Drops into a soft condition and would probably be the morning line chalk with a better post. Versus a suspect bunch, Shetler will likely leave and then it will be a question as to how the trip goes. Has the speed to be a player but will need a good steer with this post draw.

Race 12

5-Sonny Weaver N (5/2)-If the chart is correct this New Zealand bred paced a 52.1 back half with a 25.4 last panel. That was the 1st start at Hoosier and off that effort will use in case Wise Sky doesn't bring his "A" game.
7-He'zzz A Wise Sky (9/5)-This 4-year-old has had some year finishing in the money in 15 of 16 with 7 wins. Has a good record at HoP but has been more dominate at Hawthorne. Deserves respect and will use but also include #5 with the hopes of adding some juice to the Pick 4 payout.

Race 13

1-Uncmprmising Z Tam (5-1)-Was used very hard from the 9-hole to get the top, then faded down the lane and was claimed by the Redmond barn. Drops to a level for success and should be a factor but recent form has been dull.
2-Harambe Deo (7/2)-Gets a positive driver change in Widger and drops down a notch. Got on the engine when facing similar on 7-9 and made every call a winning one. The same pilot was between the pipes to take that picture.
5-Sea Of Life (2-1)-Tetrick steered for Cullipher on 7-3 versus the Open II kind, got on the point starting from the rail and never looked back. The same driver is back up for the 1st time since that win. Recent form has not been great but this could be a wake-up spot.

Race 14

1-Mindtrip (9/5)-This 8-year-old was scratched-Lame on 1-30, then qualified back on 4-24, raced two times and then was put away again. Requalified on 8-18 in a snappy 151.3 and should be a major player versus this crew if close to 100%. The price will be tiny, but this is not a strong group.
4-Gazing Star (6-1)-This is another who takes a big drop and has issues but comes off a decent try from post 10. Should be a solid price so will take a swing in case #1 isn't dialed on high and hope for a smooth journey.

My Ticket

Race 11) 2,6,8

Race 12) 5,7

Race 13) 1,2,5

Race 14) 1,4

Total Ticket Cost) $18 for $0.50

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