Hoosier Park has a loaded 15-race card set to start the weekend. The headliners are 2 and 3 three-year-olds competing in stakes action. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 which includes the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby, and the Caesars Trotting Classic begins in Race 12. The sequence has a $20,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 12

1-Fortify (10-1)-Has only 1 win in 12 starts this year but has been in the hunt except for the last start from post 8 in the Mohawk Gold Cup. Fits with this crew and has the gate speed to race near the top of the stack for Dunn and has 1 win in 3 HoP starts.
5-Shake That House (9/2)-Similar profile as #1, is overdue for a win should like the company and can close like a train. AMac should be able to have in striking range turning for the wire.
6-This Is The Plan (4-1)-Recent form has been dull although last was better than the line looks. Gingras could have the pedal down from the word "go" and if he can get a breather on the engine, it could be picture time.
10-Catch The Fire (7/2)-Has drawn outside in the last 3 starts but has raced well. The last win came here in the Dan Patch on 8-13, and Zeron will be back in the bike tonight.

Race 13

2-Lindy The Great (5/2)-Comes off an impressive, upset win in the Maple Leaf Trot and has won 4 of 10 at Hoosier. Team Miller doesn't avoid the most difficult foes and gets a bit of "class" relief tonight as Manchego and Atlanta are not competing.
7-Forbidden Trade (8-1)-Almost wired the field in the Maple Leaf Trot and then was a sick scratch in his next start. Qualifier on 9-21 at Mohawk was okay and thinking unless 100% he would have stayed home. Blais trainee is making his 1st HoP start and will be steered by usual pilot Bob McClure.

Race 14

1-Northern Cadilac (9/2)-Raced well at this class at the end of July and just missed in one of those races when starting from the rail. Dave Miller takes the lines and that shouldn't hurt. This is the home track for this 4-year-old and it's a wide-open race.
3-Crook Boyzz (5/2)-This is the morning line choice who hasn't raced since 6-13 and is 1-14 on the year. Qualifier on 9-18 was good, the George barn is batting 27% over the last 30 days and Trace Tetrick takes a seat. Will respect connections, makes 1st start for George but probably won't offer much value.
7-Tulhurstsantanna A (7/2)-East coast invader has been facing tougher but has not seen action since 9-4. Has hit the board in 9 of 17 here and the Virgil Morgan Jr. barn has posted 25% winners over the last 30 days. This 8-year-old has gate speed so Zeron could leave but can also race off cover. Should be a player if ready for a big try in a tough race.
10-Clever Character (3-1)-Winner of 10 races in 37 HoP starts fits at this level but will need some luck starting from the 2nd tier. The #1 may leave to protect the rail and if so, Page might be able to work a trip and be in range at the top of the lane.

Race 15

3-Sand Sniper (6-1)-Zeron takes a spin as Widger sticks with #5. Comes off an improved effort and this pilot could be aggressive and get a close-up seat. This might be a trip-out candidate at a solid price.
5-El Jako N (3-1)-Cullipher trainee was in too tough in the last 2 starts and this smells like a drop and pop situation. Widger should have this 9-year-old in play and looks like a player versus this crew.

My Ticket

Race 12) 1,5,6,10

Race 13) 2,7

Race 14) 1,3,7,10

Race 15) 3,5

Total Ticket Cost) $32 for $0.50

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