The headliner at Hoosier Park rolls in Race 12, the Monument Circle Final for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers with a $220,000 purse. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 11, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11

2-High Minded (12-1)-Toscano pupil has been consistently in the hunt all year hitting the board in 10 of the last 12 with 3 pictures. Raced well to come 2nd to #4 last week on a sloppy track. AMac gets the call, and he should keep this filly in striking range.
4-Hot Mess Express (8/5)-Winner in 12 of 17 at HoP and has taken top honors in 13 of 15 in 2021. Should be bet down and has a big chance to capture the top check with a decent trip. Looking for the 5th straight win and is a must use but will look to others for some value.
6-Oakwoodanabella (5-1)-Lightly raced Brown trainee is in sharp form and makes HoP debut. The last start as an odds-on chalk in the slop at the Big M was impressive. Meets tough foes and this is a test but is a perfect 3 for 3 on a fast track.
8-Scarlett Hanover (5/2)-Raced big to finish 2nd to Test Of Faith in the Breeders Crown Final from post 10. Has been 1st or 2nd in 10 of 14 starts in 2021. Also, hit the board twice at HoP this year and could make its 1st trip to the winner's circle with a strong Tim Tetrick steer.

Race 12

5-Virgo (6-1)-Has battled tough company all year and came 2nd to the chalk in the slop last week. Winner of 4 in 14 starts in 2021 should be in the hunt if #7 has an off night. None of the 10 winners that have topped this Dylan Davis trainee are in the field except for Bulldog.
7-Bull Dog Hanover (7/5)-Comes off 148.0 win on a sloppy track, which was a new lifetime mark. That was the 1st win in 4 starts and his Hoosier Park debut. Could win right back unless too far back at the top of the lane. De Long will be looking to be close to the top at the 3/4 pole.

Race 13

2-Jk's Champ (6-1)-Last start was an even try on a sloppy track but likes to win (6-18). Had missed time coming off a sick scratch, and went off at 31-1. Was used hard and raced well for missing a start and hasn't hit the board on a wet surface in 2 tries. Could be overlooked at the windows and can surprise from this post.
5-Big Gulp (2-1)-Took advantage of an efficient trip and some hot fractions to roll by down the lane. Should be in the mix but needs a lively pace to close in to.
10-DD's Big Joe (7/2)-Winner in 4 of the last 5 and would probably be an odds-on chalk with a decent post draw. Trace Tetrick will need to provide a good steer as the usual plan to is to get on the engine and not look back. The George barn is batting 40% over the last 30 days and this colt has won 7 of 24 starts in 2021.

Race 14

6-Evergreen Elite (4-1)-This is a camera-shy field that has a total of 13 wins and this 9-year-old has 4 to his credit. Wilfong can get a good early seat and be in position to roll by down the lane. Has finished in the money in 26 of 70 Hoosier starts.
9-Stonedust (3-1)-Cullipher 7-year-old makes the 2nd start off the bench and is in against a soft bunch. Widger steers again and did come the back half in 55.1 in last. Should be driven more aggressively and be forwardly placed.

My Ticket

Race 11) 2,4,6,8

Race 12) 5,7

Race 13) 2,5,10

Race 14) 6,9

Total Ticket Cost) $24 for $0.50

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